Im sitting the fence with this one.
On the one hand Zero have a highish volume well developed package, so evolution not revolution makes financial sense.
On the other hand, Victory will no doubt repackage and re-release Brammo, but i reckon that could be 12 months or more, Lightning and Energica are sort of available but a completely different market segment at $30K plus.
Where's the money here? Its in "reasonbly high performance" bikes that are cost scompetitive with ICE bikes, right? However gets that right gets the biggest volume, the lowest costs and best buying power from suppliers. We would all love a hyperbike, but make compromises because few have the money.
I agree that a concept bike makes huge sense for Zero, a test platform for "Gen3". Show off their credentials raise some more money and keep the competition at bay. Shoehorning one into a Ducati or other leading brand is a short cut to that, so why not?
What i do agree with in thats tory is that reducing prices mid season is a strong sign that something good is coming. Its seasonally good in the Southern hemisphere , clears '15 model stocks and punches Brammo in the head while they are down. Then, In late 15 they announce a substantial revamp of the standard range. A hypermotard kit gets added to convert the DS, the SR gets a sportbike fairing and the upgrades they started this year evolve again. For fun, they release a Gen3 concept as a taste and test bed for Gen3 in 17 - when Tesla's factory comes on line and or his competitors provide similar alternatives.
All speculation but one way or the other we win and IF Zero gets this right, they could well win too.