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[96822]

I know the 2015 motorcycles have just started shipping not long ago but I'm excited to see what Zero has in store for us in the near future. I'm a freshman in college and I've been following Zero Motorcycles since I was a freshman in high school and by 2016 I will have finally saved up enough to buy a Zero SR. What do you guys expect and hope to see in next year's line up?

[DesignerDan]

1) fairing
2) variable regen
3) reverse switch
4) cheaper off-board charging rig

[Electric Terry]

1) fairing
2) variable regen
3) reverse switch
4) cheaper off-board charging rig

I am a big fan of all of those Dan!  Please see the other post about an aftermarket Zero specific fairing that is being considered to be designed by Craig Vetter himself.  I want your input.  A fairing that doubles range would make the need for charging a lot less obviously.  Although both would be ideal!

direct link to the thread on facebook is here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/zmcowners/783240805078463/

In my opinion this is a huge potential.  Doubling highway range would be the same as adding $10k worth of batteries or more (15.3 kWh to 30.6 kWh) which in all feasibility from cost, weight and space limitations would be impossible. 

Terry

[Francois]

the suspension and the brake has been improve a lot in 2015, but the brake are still not enought if you compared for exemple to a 690 duke ktm, a simple disk is enough but a 4 pistons radial will be good for 2016.
after a batterie with lithium air or other news thechnologie battereie will be fantastique lighter and more range ;-)
188 kg is to much for me, the s 2013 was 175 kg, the dream for me would be 150 kg for 25 kwh batterie and the same power than the sr is enought 50kw 150nm torque

[Justin Andrews]

1) Better on-board charging.
2) Better on-board charging.

I know technically that's only one point, but it was such an important point I thought I'd mention it twice.
(with a Tip-of-the-Lithium-battery to Robert Llewellyn...)

[Justin Andrews]

But to be more serious.

The S range of Zero bikes is in a pretty good place right now, range is acceptable, the bike is reliable enough (granted its not Honda reliable, but its better than many) and its a stable platform.

I'd like to see Zero start to work on the price point of the bike as well as features. Pipe dream I know given the current $/Wh, but I'd like to see Zero work to bring the bike down into the sub $10k range. Obviously this would require a drop in the price of lithium batteries, so I don't expect it for 2016.

[Ndm]

Stock j1772 charge port with 5-6kw of charging would negate the need for more battery, with the option of using the stock cable for overnight/visiting, so no need to carry an evse, I also like the idea of 15k for the price in the 15kw battery range, I got a quote for a 2015 ds with powertank of $24,500 cdn, needless to say I'm not a zero owner yet!

[benswing]

On board fast charging.  My personal preference is 10kW for RV parks or at least 7.2kW for J1772 plugs.  However, 4-5kW is more likely.

[kensiko]

1) J1772
2) Price

[Justin Andrews]

Better charging in the cold too!!!

I'm about to undertake a "challenging" ride home soon due to the chargers failing to come on at near zero temps (2C-3C)...
(13% battery left, 22 miles to ride, I won't be doing that any any sort of high speed...)

[Burton]

Chargers will not come on when the pack is below 32 degrees F Justin.

Example. This morning it was 20 degrees F and I drove into work @ 60mph for 30 minutes. Plugged the bike in and it didn't start charging. By the time I packed up all my gear on the bike and unloaded my work stuff the bike started to charge. The whole time it was plugged in I could hear the relay on the chargers clicking as they were trying to "turn on" but the BMS was denying them the ability to do their job so they didn't initiate a charge.

So the chargers shouldn't be failing ... it is working as intended. Unless there is some information not mentioned.

[CrashCash]

Yes, I'd like to toss in another vote for some sort of fast charging, whether it's onboard or fits in my saddlebags, I don't care. It should be optional however, to keep the price of the base model acceptable. (I was about to say "low" but um...)

I see a standard sportbike fairing as useless. Unless it's a comprehensive Electric-Terrry/Vetter-style unit, I prefer my naked bike.

[Justin Andrews]

Chargers will not come on when the pack is below 32 degrees F Justin.

Example. This morning it was 20 degrees F and I drove into work @ 60mph for 30 minutes. Plugged the bike in and it didn't start charging. By the time I packed up all my gear on the bike and unloaded my work stuff the bike started to charge. The whole time it was plugged in I could hear the relay on the chargers clicking as they were trying to "turn on" but the BMS was denying them the ability to do their job so they didn't initiate a charge.

So the chargers shouldn't be failing ... it is working as intended. Unless there is some information not mentioned.

Well temps are above 32F here, the pack temp is around 40F. I'm concerned that both charging locations are in what are effectively wind tunnels, which is depressing the chargers switching on.

[Richard230]

I just want more range.  I don't care about fast charging as I don't like to stop when I am riding long enough to recharge anything.  Plus, there is usually no electricity available where I like to ride.   

[kingcharles]

Better charging in the cold too!!!

I'm about to undertake a "challenging" ride home soon due to the chargers failing to come on at near zero temps (2C-3C)...
(13% battery left, 22 miles to ride, I won't be doing that any any sort of high speed...)

So you mean battery heaters!

Brammo uses them and they are a great benefit for me as my bike is always outside.