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[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

As someone who's experienced rain-onset-induced fishtailing a few times on my DS, I'm glad you're okay and definitely sympathize.

I've found that ECO mode is very helpful when you're unsure of pavement conditions, and a recovery is usually possible (thankfully 100% for me so far) by keeping weight on the pegs/feet and easing up on the throttle very gradually to reduce the swinging.

With experience, it's usually a second nature to feel out the limits of torque and traction and keep the bike within its parameters. But yes, it took me a few times encountering that scenario and have my heart leap through my chest to learn it properly. It's one reason I don't feel any need for SR-level torque.

[MostlyBonkers]

+1 for traction control! Thanks Brian.

[Justin Andrews]

It can happen even on the smaller bikes as well, I remember spinning up the rear wheel of an ER-5 when launching from the lights in the wet.

Did'nt know you could fly though, that's pretty cool.

[mikeisted]

It sounds as if the day was a great success, except for MostlyBonkers.  Sympathies, my friend, your foot looks a little like mine did after an altercation with a Fiat Uno on a crossroads in Bologna many years ago. Much the same result.

I'm really gutted I couldn't make it, not least to meet some of you guys.  But it's been great to hear your impressions of the bikes.  Love my 2012, but can see need to start saving for later model...

[Justin Andrews]

It was a really positive day. A chance to meet Zero Europe (who are really nice) test the new bikes, and get some idea of what future developments hold.

[Kocho]

... "meet Zero Europe (who are really nice) ...  and get some idea of what future developments hold"

So, what are these developments, if any?

[Justin Andrews]

Zero Europe bikes might be getting more powerful chargers ( 3kw as an optional replacement to the 1.3kw charger) due to our domestic power being 230-240v, Zero Europe is in discussions with suppliers it seems.

Zero in general is looking towards DC charging as being the future of charging and possibly dropping the onboard charger all together.
Bear in mind these are not comments on next years model, rather they indicate a direction that Zero is looking into.

I'd also strongly recommend watching last nights Zero Webcast, as (aside from the Euro charger) Abe was pretty much saying that they forsee the onboard AC charger as being dead weight they'd like to remove from the bike, and I have to utterly agree with that, especially if it means Zeros get rapid charging as standard.

[Erasmo]

Loosing the onboard charger all together miht be a step to far, its always nice to know that you can charge at any outlet. A modern charger doesn't have to be bigger than a pack of cigs.

[Kocho]

Zero Europe bikes might be getting more powerful chargers ...

Thanks!

[mikeisted]

I understand the bikes are still at Motorden,  London.  I'm in London this weekend and am hoping to get a ride.  Anything to look out for? (Apart from lack of traction control!)

[MostlyBonkers]

It's worth asking about their scheme to get 2012 owners onto current model bikes. It seems they are keen so there should be a good deal available.

[mikeisted]

Got to ride the ZF12.5 SR yesterday.  Have to admit it's a huge step forward from my 2012 ZF9! I think it's early days for the guys at Motorden also. They are going to email me pricing and I'll ask about 2012 model trade-in then.

[Jim Wade]

Hi, I also attended the demo day and rode an S which I was really impressed with and had as much power as my Honda Deauville.  Would be interested to know what the prices from Motoden are.

Also, where do people who have a zero in the UK get their bikes serviced as that's my main concern as I am not great with bike maintenance so like to get the dealer to do it for me/

[nevetsyad]

Jim Wade, are you concerned about routine oil changes, valve timing adjustments, transmission issues, etc? Because all you need is new break pads every now and then (a 10 minutes job you can do with a simple tool set) and tighten the belt every year or two.

[Jim Wade]

When you say tighten the belt every year how many miles do you do a year as I have seen the bike needs a once over every 4000 miles and I ride about 16000 a year commuting?