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[francesco]

So, I finally have to worry about actual purchasing options!

For approximately the same final out-the-door cost (15-16k):
- 2014 S 11.4 demo bike immediately available
- 2015 S 9.4 factory order, delivery sometime between January and March.

What would you recommend?

I'm leaning towards the 2014 one, mainly because I don't want to wait.
On the other hand, I suspect the price is a bit steep, all things considered.
Btw, is it normal that after taxes and fees the MSRP of $13,345.00 for the 2015 levitates to almost 16k (California, SF Bay area)?

[CrashCash]

My $17,345 SR jumped to $19,706 after all the fees & taxes. That includes $1,200 in sales tax, $230 in tag/title/reg, $800 in freight, and $200 in "dealer handling"

IMHO the freight & dealer handling are bullshit, but they've got a monopoly on Zeros here, so I guess I can just kneel down and suck it.

PS: This is central Florida.

PPS: Obviously I'm waiting (a month so far) and I'm hatin' it. I'm the kid that ate the marshmallow the moment they put it in front of me.

[drivin98]

I would definitely take the 2015. It may be down on total battery capacity, but that also means it's lighter and should handle better. Put the new suspension and other improvements on top of that and it's really no contest. I wouldn't choose the 2014 unless there was enough difference to buy new suspension and tires. Even then...ABS!!!

[francesco]

Thanks for your input, guys! Indeed I have the same problem as CrashCash with marshmallows. But the 2015 is probably the wiser choice.

[Richard230]

Plus, if you find that you need more battery capacity with the 2015 bike in the future, you can always install a "power tank". 

In addition to the above comments, don't forget that the 2015 model will be worth several thousand dollars more than the 2014 model as a trade-in or to resell.  The improvements made for 2015 are likely to give it more value after being "pre-owned" and a newer model year is always worth noticeably more than a previous model year in the various used bike value references that dealers consult.

[lolachampcar]

or a 2013 11.4DS for $8K
Shameless plug....  Sorry, had to do it.

[Cortezdtv]

To me I'd go with the 15 mainly because I want that exact "small" bike

Mmmmhmmmm size six with 4 batteries.   Oooo the potential

Sorry I just want to build another race bike I can't help myself

[dkw12002]

Two things I would consider is the fact the demo operates well or should operate well. If you test ride it and it feels and looks good and everything works, that's a plus. A couple of people have got new bikes and found some issues fairly quickly. So you might avoid that. 2ndly is battery size. If you don't need more battery, I wouldn't get it. Bigger batteries add weight and affect acceleration. This is why I love my 2013 Zero S, 8.5. 355 lbs. and it accelerates a little faster than S models with larger batteries....a full second faster for the 0-60 mph speed if you compare it to the 2014 S with the big battery and a power pack. Taking off like a bat out of hell and getting ahead of all the traffic is a big part of the fun.

[mikeisted]

Good advice. I'm one of those people who bought an ex demo and am beginning to regret it.  Battery failed after only 3500 miles.  Make sure the warranty is clear.

[Yon]

What do you mean, "the battery failed"? If the battery has an issue, you have a warranty. That simple. $800 for freight is egregious.

[mikeisted]

Cell 17 has failed.  Zero insists it is out of warranty after two years, even if the bike was in a dealership for 23 months of that.  They are also saying the whole battery has to be replaced and shipped to the UK.  I know of at least one other 2012 model in the UK that has done the same.  That's quite a record out of a total of about 12 bikes.