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[Richard230]

I gather that the IPM motors require special computer programming to operate (relative to the previous designs) and that is why they are not retrofitable to previous models. Making different and more expensive option motors could be a marketing thing like most European motorcycle manufacturers do with their bikes. (BMW comes to mind.  When I updated the software on my BMW RS it cost $350 for the just the program download.) Or it (most likely) is that the smaller motors are less expensive to manufacture and Zero is just trying to cut the cost to the consumer as much as possible when they purchase models that really don't require a bigger motor. As an example:L the way I ride a bigger, more powerful and heat-proof motor would be useless to me - which is not to say that I still wouldn't like to ride a bike with one.   

[Richard230]

Here is another article about the new 2016 Zero models:

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-motorcycles-introduces-fully-electric-supermoto-2016-fxs

[benswing]

More news coverage of the 2016 Zero Motorcycles lineup:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100479_2016-zero-electric-motorcycles-2-new-bikes-faster-charging-new-motor-design

[RedWizardChris]

If Zero is selling powertrain components separately for EV builders, I'd be very interested to see the pricing on those.

[NEW2elec]

I had hoped for more but a few pretty cool new things.  If the overheating issue is truly gone the SR and the FX and FXS should be some really fun bikes now.  Would love to know how that FXS does in the supermoto tracks.  Was hoping for 3kw charging standard but at least its an option.  I hope they get the SR up into the sport bike range of 150mph but small strong steps are better than falling on your face.  I'll ride a few when they hit the dealers and make up my mind then.

[kensiko]

Small improvements but it's OK. Battery tech improvements is really exciting ! Like it was a few decades ago with computers ! Prices in Canada, OUCH!!!

[odedmaz]

I wonder if the new 3.3 battery can be installed in older 2014 & 2015 FX, or is it exclusive for the 2016 FX model?

[wavelet]

I just don't get the stubborn lack of fairings...

It just seems like such a no brainer - increase range (especially highway which is needed most) and improved weather protection with minimal design and manufacturing costs and only a minute increase in weight.

I'm not sure it's  minimal design work... Since one of the major goals if not the major goals would be to seriously increase range, this would require a huge amount of computer simulation, and I'm pretty sure, a lot of iterative work in an actual wind tunnel.
On most ICE bikes, the purpose of fairings is more oriented towards wind protection & aesthetics, so I suspect the actual engineering/design is a lot less work.

[Domenick_Y]

Here is my write up on the 2016 model range and improvements. I think I got most of the details in there, plus a ton of videos.
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/10/15/zero-motorcycles-expands-lineup-2016-video/

In case you want to see the videos without the soundtrack, they are on Zero's YouTube page.
https://www.youtube.com/user/zeromotorcycles/

[benswing]

I wonder if the new 3.3 battery can be installed in older 2014 & 2015 FX, or is it exclusive for the 2016 FX model?

Yes, the 3.3kWh battery can be used with 2014+ bikes.  The 2013 FX has different connectors.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100479_2016-zero-electric-motorcycles-2-new-bikes-faster-charging-new-motor-design/page-2

[Richard230]

And for lovers of LED lights, the new Zeros will have an LED tail light bulb. No LED headlight though.  Those things are really expensive (relative to an off-the-shelf halogen bulb).   

[evdjerome]

Does anyone know if you can disable the ABS on the DS?

[protomech]

And for lovers of LED lights, the new Zeros will have an LED tail light bulb. No LED headlight though.  Those things are really expensive (relative to an off-the-shelf halogen bulb).   

I thought Zeros have had LED tail lights since 2013.

[mrwilsn]

I can't figure out how Zero was able to change the gearing on the Zero SR from 2015 to 2016 and yet the 0-60 time and top speed didn't change.  The new IPM motor puts out the same torque, weight stayed the same at 414lbs, and same motor controller.

The reduction in the number of teeth on the rear sprocket from 132T to 130T should result in higher speed but lower torque at the wheel.

Zero could limit the motor to a lower rpm in 2016 to keep the top speed the same.

So why didn't the 0-60 time for 2016 change? Shouldn't the 0-60 time for the 2016 Zero SR be slower? What am I missing?  Is it just programming in the motor controller?

[mrwilsn]

Apparently there will be only one color offered for each Zero model.  Black will be featured in at least one of their models, plus the FX, P and MMX versions.

I don't understand Zero's color options.  Now you can only get Zero S in yellow?  And DS in orange?

So black and red are only reserved for those that can afford to pay the SR/DSR premium?