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[oobflyer]

I prefer to pay cash, of course, but didn't have quite enough for my new bike - so I had to borrow a little. I should have it paid off in a few months.
I still keep comprehensive insurance on all of my vehicles however - because my car was stolen (about 10 yrs ago) just after I reduced my coverage to liability only - it was a total loss.
Bikes are even easier to steal 

[NanoMech]

 >>>"I think the power tank brings up the center of gravity a bit, but generally I've found Zeros to be pretty low-centered."

My wife and I have the 2014 DS, hers in the 11.4kw  version, and mine with the powertank option. I do notice the higher vertical CG on my powertank bike. It is quite substantial, leading to minor oversteer as the forks fall off to either side. I'm happy with the 11.4kw bike and the oversteer was somewhat similar to my 2010 HD XR1200 sport bike, although it had a different neck rake. Even the tech offered comments on the bike leaning predilection. I have the sport windscreen and that may also contribute towards CG.

We bought them for occasional romps in the coastal mountains around Santa Cruz. I am considering another DS with the the powertrain SR modifications and the powertank ala Hollywood Electric. I crave the torque, mostly skewed towards 35-60 mph.

I'm curious as to why you may reject a particular preferred model because of the fender and tank color. It's really easy to have it painted a flat color for around $500, probably less. The painter can fairly easily remove the tank and rear fender.

We really enjoy our bikes and am sure you will, too!

[Straightedg4lif]

I'm curious as to why you may reject a particular preferred model because of the fender and tank color. It's really easy to have it painted a flat color for around $500, probably less. The painter can fairly easily remove the tank and rear fender.

We really enjoy our bikes and am sure you will, too!

The thing is I don't really know if I need the SR for the way that I ride, and the color just makes me point more in the direction of the S. I only ride on weekends and put a few miles on my bike each day, but the power is why I would be interested in the SR. But like I said I do not ride that much so not sure if I should put the money out for something that I would have to change to make it the way I like it.

Example I only rode a total of 735 miles last year from April-November, and think that the SR might be overkill for me.

[dkw12002]

If I were to buy a 2015 SR, it would likely be a demo. Those will have a few miles on them, but since they are used bikes, you should get a good break on the price. My two Zero Esses have both been demos. The demos might even be for sale before the end of the model year. These aren't like ICE bikes that you might worry about how they were broken in, so miles don't matter much. In fact, I contend buying a demo is safer than ordering a new one because if there were issues with the bike, the dealer knows about them and fixed them. Plus you get to ride the actual bike you are planning to buy.

[Straightedg4lif]

If I were to buy a 2015 SR, it would likely be a demo. Those will have a few miles on them, but since they are used bikes, you should get a good break on the price. My two Zero Esses have both been demos. The demos might even be for sale before the end of the model year. These aren't like ICE bikes that you might worry about how they were broken in, so miles don't matter much. In fact, I contend buying a demo is safer than ordering a new one because if there were issues with the bike, the dealer knows about them and fixed them. Plus you get to ride the actual bike you are planning to buy.

What kind of deal did you get on the demo bikes? That does sound like a good way to go if you could get a good enough deal. Plus the issue thing is another great point.

[Zorgalouf]

You get deals like that : for the S i am looking at : 11500€ for a 2014 S 11.4 with 1800km, with top case, windshield and comfort  saddle. It costs 15200€ brand new, with no accessories.
Well, that one is a good deal, because the others demo S I see are 11890€ with no accessories. Still it is 3340€ chepaer than a new one. It is 28% cheaper.

[KenMac]

And maybe your shop will even have one in stock.  I placed an order for my SR about 2 weeks ago.  Still waiting on an ETA for delivery.  Just something to think about if you wait too long.

Good point KenMac.  The 2015 SR is so good, it's highly likely that demand will exceed supply this spring, especially if there is already a waiting list now.  The first warm week and everyone wants a motorcycle at the same time.  If you know you want a Zero this year, there isn't any reason not to order it now and hopefully that means you will have it by March or at least by April.

The sooner you can put an EV grin on your face everyday, the better.

Just an FYI on this post...  I never received an ETA but I was notified today that the dealership now has my SR on the floor.  Two weeks from order to arrival.

[Straightedg4lif]

You get deals like that : for the S i am looking at : 11500€ for a 2014 S 11.4 with 1800km, with top case, windshield and comfort  saddle. It costs 15200€ brand new, with no accessories.
Well, that one is a good deal, because the others demo S I see are 11890€ with no accessories. Still it is 3340€ chepaer than a new one. It is 28% cheaper.

Do you also get a warranty when you purchase a demo bike? If so, is it as good as if you purchased new or is it different?

Also do you have to set up a time to demo a bike, or can you just show up and say that you would like to try one out? I see on their website it says set up a demo ride that is why I am asking.

[dkw12002]

Yes, you get the same new bike warranty. It may be a little more than 2 years or a little less than 2 years depending on when you buy the bike. Since it's a demo, Zero issues more than 2 years of warranty when it is delivered to the dealer. I picked up my 2013 Zero S  May 31, 2013. It had 255 miles on it. The two year warranty ends May 13, 2015, so I got about 2 weeks less of warranty. Had I bought the bike before the 13th of May, I would have gotten more than 2 years. Not sure it would have been for sale much earlier though.

I would just call the dealer and ask when you can test ride the bike. Usually that is any time, but in the case of my dealer which has 2 dealerships, it might not do to just show up because the demo might be at the other dealership. You don't have to go through Zero to do the demos. Dealers handle demo rides differently. Most go out with you on another bike and lead you around. Mine doesn't do that with me. In fact, they sometimes say to keep it a day and see how I like it. That's probably not the norm, but I have bought a bunch of bikes from this dealer (AF1 racing).

[Straightedg4lif]

dkw12002,

Thanks, I well definitely set up a time to demo it so I don't go all the way there and get disappointed if they aren't available to let me test ride it.
Good to know that you get the same warranty, I am not sure if I will be buying a demo, or even if one is available to buy but I wanted to have the facts up front about it. If they do have one and I can save a chunk of change I would definitely be interested in one!

[Straightedg4lif]

Just requested a quote for both of the Zero S bikes... waiting to hear back from my dealership. Still trying to sell my bike but wanted to know what I would be looking at purchase price wise. I know from a lot of people on here that I should not expect to get that much of a deal since they don't really budge on price. I will let all know what they come back with once I hear from them!

[dkw12002]

Almost guaranteed if you actually go to the dealer ready to make a deal, they will give you a better deal than they would by email.

The last bike I bought was a CB300F from a large dealer. I knew what was a fair price which was less than they wanted of course. After the salesman went back and forth a couple of times to the sales manager, he came over to tell me to try and close the deal. He gave me his final best deal, but it was still over my price $150. I thanked him and headed for the door. Reaching for the door, some guy I hadn't even seen before called my name and stopped me. He said they would take my offer, which they did. This guy appeared out of nowhere. When I saw him I asked where he came from and some of the other sales people snickered, because apparently this is how they do business. The smaller dealers don't work this way, but the big ones do. They are experts at maximizing profits since they have a lot of fingers in the pie. But in the end, they want to sell bikes for a profit...any profit and if you are there with money, they will probably sell it to you. You must be prepared to walk away though without buying a bike and you should know what a fair price is. I sure wouldn't begin with their asking price, then add taxes, title, shipping, etc. on top of it to get the fair price. Also, if you are planning on buying other things like gear, I would include that in the negotiations. Otherwise, the first thing they will do AFTER you agree on a price is try to sell you more stuff. Again, this is the way large dealerships work. It's the same process as buying a new car and if you aren't careful, you can pay $1000+ too much. It always helps to go to a second dealer when trying to buy a car or bike too. You can go back and forth between 2 dealers a long time until one say, "we can't beat that price." Then you know you are getting close to a fair price.

If you follow other motorcycle forums, you will see what I mean. I bought a Honda Grom a year or so ago. Pre-ordered it with a negotiated price of $3600 which was a fair price. Thing is, the bike was very popular and in short supply. I got mine for $3600 and it turned out to be the only bike that dealer got in, but people were pay $4600 for the same bike from other dealers. A couple of people got their bikes cheaper than $3600 too.

While we don't want to screw our dealers, you don't really have to worry about that. They won't make a deal with you if they aren't making money.

 

[Straightedg4lif]

Almost guaranteed if you actually go to the dealer ready to make a deal, they will give you a better deal than they would by email.

The last bike I bought was a CB300F from a large dealer. I knew what was a fair price which was less than they wanted of course. After the salesman went back and forth a couple of times to the sales manager, he came over to tell me to try and close the deal. He gave me his final best deal, but it was still over my price $150. I thanked him and headed for the door. Reaching for the door, some guy I hadn't even seen before called my name and stopped me. He said they would take my offer, which they did. This guy appeared out of nowhere. When I saw him I asked where he came from and some of the other sales people snickered, because apparently this is how they do business. The smaller dealers don't work this way, but the big ones do. They are experts at maximizing profits since they have a lot of fingers in the pie. But in the end, they want to sell bikes for a profit...any profit and if you are there with money, they will probably sell it to you. You must be prepared to walk away though without buying a bike and you should know what a fair price is. I sure wouldn't begin with their asking price, then add taxes, title, shipping, etc. on top of it to get the fair price. Also, if you are planning on buying other things like gear, I would include that in the negotiations. Otherwise, the first thing they will do AFTER you agree on a price is try to sell you more stuff. Again, this is the way large dealerships work. It's the same process as buying a new car and if you aren't careful, you can pay $1000+ too much. It always helps to go to a second dealer when trying to buy a car or bike too. You can go back and forth between 2 dealers a long time until one say, "we can't beat that price." Then you know you are getting close to a fair price.

If you follow other motorcycle forums, you will see what I mean. I bought a Honda Grom a year or so ago. Pre-ordered it with a negotiated price of $3600 which was a fair price. Thing is, the bike was very popular and in short supply. I got mine for $3600 and it turned out to be the only bike that dealer got in, but people were pay $4600 for the same bike from other dealers. A couple of people got their bikes cheaper than $3600 too.

While we don't want to screw our dealers, you don't really have to worry about that. They won't make a deal with you if they aren't making money.

Thanks for your reply. I am going to a small dealership since it is the only one that services my area. It is in Cherry Hill, NJ and services Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. I figure I would get a better deal in person, but wanted to see what they come back with. If there is any type of savings or if they quote me MSRP price. I really would love to purchase one of these bikes by Spring, so trying to work out all the details.

Would anyone that has one of these bikes consider it your forever bike? That is what I am looking for, as already stated in an earlier post of mine, I am currently on my 3rd bike in 2 years because I can't seem to find what I want. When I found a bike that I liked it was not fast enough but the height and weight were perfect. Now my current bike is plenty fast but a little tall for me and 507lbs which is quite a lot for me since I am only a 5'3 female. I think that the Zero will be perfect for me, even though I may have to lower it a smidge. The weight seems like it would be perfect for me, not too heavy yet not too light where you get blown all over the road. What do you guys think?

[dkw12002]

The technology changes so quickly that I doubt the bike would still be your favorite after a few years. If you owned a 2011 Zero S for example, while you could still ride it and be happy with it, each year since then the Zero S has improved greatly...more top speed, more range, much better motor. And now there's an SR. For all we know, next year's Zero SR could be the bike of the year with crazy fast acceleration, just the right seat ht. for you, etc. and you would just have to own one. That's what happened to almost all of us who bought earlier Zero bikes. That's a good thing though, even if it is expensive.

BTW, the extra weight and seat ht. are the two things I do not like about the SR and why I don't now own one. I do own a CB300F with a seat ht. of 30.7 inches and 348 lbs. wet,  and the Yamaha R3 which comes out next month and it will have the same seat ht. and a wet weight of 368 lbs. There is a factory seat option for the CB300F which is lower that might mean you wouldn't have to lower the bike at all. These aren't electric bikes, but they get great mileage, make great commuters, look cool and are much cheaper than an SR, and you have dealer support lots of places for Honda and Yamaha. Something else to think about. You won't get anything close to the acceleration of the SR with these two bikes, but the R3 will have a higher top end. I suspect it is acceleration rather than top speed you want though, and there is not practical replacement for all that torque of the SR, unless you went with a supersport and had it lowered a lot.

[Straightedg4lif]

The technology changes so quickly that I doubt the bike would still be your favorite after a few years. If you owned a 2011 Zero S for example, while you could still ride it and be happy with it, each year since then the Zero S has improved greatly...more top speed, more range, much better motor. And now there's an SR. For all we know, next year's Zero SR could be the bike of the year with crazy fast acceleration, just the right seat ht. for you, etc. and you would just have to own one. That's what happened to almost all of us who bought earlier Zero bikes. That's a good thing though, even if it is expensive.

BTW, the extra weight and seat ht. are the two things I do not like about the SR and why I don't now own one. I do own a CB300F with a seat ht. of 30.7 inches and 348 lbs. wet,  and the Yamaha R3 which comes out next month and it will have the same seat ht. and a wet weight of 368 lbs. There is a factory seat option for the CB300F which is lower that might mean you wouldn't have to lower the bike at all. These aren't electric bikes, but they get great mileage, make great commuters, look cool and are much cheaper than an SR, and you have dealer support lots of places for Honda and Yamaha. Something else to think about. You won't get anything close to the acceleration of the SR with these two bikes, but the R3 will have a higher top end. I suspect it is acceleration rather than top speed you want though, and there is not practical replacement for all that torque of the SR, unless you went with a supersport and had it lowered a lot.

When I say forever bike I guess I really did not mean it literally. I am hoping to find a bike that I would love for at least 10 years or so. I know that they will continue to improve these bikes, but I don't think that I can keep waiting to get one. I wanted to wait for ABS and now they have that so I think I am ready to pull the trigger. The range is not that big of a deal to me since I only go around town and just go for the enjoyment of riding not to commute anywhere. My dealership only has the SR currently and not the S which is what I was thinking of getting. I might be persuaded to get the SR if they gave me somewhat of a deal.... since as I said many times before not a big fan of the red. I know it can be changed but that costs more money and the SR is pricey. The SR is currently 100lbs lighter than my current bike so I don't think the weight will be a big deal to me. What seat height do you currently have on your bike? I would definitely get mine lowered as much as possible to make me feel safe.