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[ctrlburn]

Count me as thrilled. 
Level 2 Charging that is very likely to work.
DSR I did not expect that.

As a first time buyer I was happy with Level 1 charging.
It was a good "enabler" for the EV experience.

Even testing the 2015 SR I had no pangs of regret about entering the market with a 2013 S.
I was torn between S and DS and now with "DSR" there is something new I really, really crave.

I bought an $275 annual parking pass at a ramp near my work that had two FREE chargers.
Midsummer the once free charging stations now charge by time and not power, using Level 1 was not as fun anymore.
I've grown envious of Level 2 charging.

Heading into the market for a 2nd bike... I had considered 2013 and newer in near equal stead.
Now I don't.  2016 DSR... wow.

Thrilled.

[gborgan]

When I bought my 2015 SR last month I knew there could be a risk of it becoming obsolete soon. However, I researched them enough to know what I was getting and that I would be satisfied. Have 1,000 miles now with no heating issues. Home charging has worked well though I have some questions I might use to start a new thread. Can't see spending another $2,000+ for either the J1772 or Power Tank.  Zero Electrics "are what they are" and I wouldn't tour on one even if it could run 400 miles on a charge.  That's what my '86 Cavalcade, which I have owned for 27 years, is for.  Anyone considering a Zero may as well see your dealer and try for a 2015 year-end discount. The 2016 upgrades are a natural evolution but not worthy of passing up a deal on a 2015 if your dealer will give you one.


George in San Diego

[Doug S]

Hey George, good to see another SR rider in San Diego! You're the third that I'm aware of.

If you're in east county, you could come and join us on our weekly ride: http://www.meetup.com/sandiegosportbikemeetupgroup/events/225381085/?gj=wc1d.2_e&rv=wc1d.2_e&_af=event&_af_eid=225381085

I only do the first leg of the ride due to range constraints but it's a good group of people and a nice mellow ride to start the weekend.

[gborgan]

Yes Doug, I noticed your mention of San Diego which led me to do the same. I am in Spring Valley.  This Saturday won't work but I will try for the 24th.  I assume you bought at Rocket's? I watched the streets for a year and never saw a Zero but went for it anyway. I'm on mine every day so it's getting "air time."


George in San Diego

[Richard230]

When I bought my 2015 SR last month I knew there could be a risk of it becoming obsolete soon. However, I researched them enough to know what I was getting and that I would be satisfied. Have 1,000 miles now with no heating issues. Home charging has worked well though I have some questions I might use to start a new thread. Can't see spending another $2,000+ for either the J1772 or Power Tank.  Zero Electrics "are what they are" and I wouldn't tour on one even if it could run 400 miles on a charge.  That's what my '86 Cavalcade, which I have owned for 27 years, is for.  Anyone considering a Zero may as well see your dealer and try for a 2015 year-end discount. The 2016 upgrades are a natural evolution but not worthy of passing up a deal on a 2015 if your dealer will give you one.


George in San Diego

The fact that Zero is currently manufacturing the 2016 bikes leads me to think that the 2015 models are starting to become scarce at dealerships.

[xmjsilverx]

I am excited with the new options from zero and I think they are taking the correct steps forward.  I would have liked to see a larger battery improvement.  While the charge tank with the j1772 connector is nice it would have been even nicer to see this as an integrated charger and keeping the storage the bike already had.  Also it is nice that they redesigned the motor to make it more efficient and less likely to overheat but I would have liked to see at least a small bump in power and/or torque.  I had thought about upgrading this year but will hold off because while the improvements are nice they are not enough for me.

[gborgan]

Richard: I don't know about the rest of the world but when I read of the great production run for 15 and never see any bikes anywhere, I have to wonder where they are.  If you look at the Honda website you'll see special offers on unsold bikes going back to 2012.  Wouldn't that mean there  is unsold stock from prior years?  My dealer never did stock any other than demonstrators (DS and SR) and I bought the SR demo. I'm sure I could have ordered a fresh one.

Xmj...   More power? Really?  Have you ever ridden one of these little bullets?  I need to hang on pretty tight as it is. Hehe


George in San Diego

[vkruger]

I have a 2012 S and 2013 DS. The DSR is what I've been waiting for so I will buy one as soon as they come out. Also I'm in San Diego and commute every day on one of my Zeros. The only problem is which old one to get rid of. The 2012 S with 2015 SR tires and under 300 lbs is a nimble sticky beast but the 2013 DS with Pilot 4 road trails is a smooth commuter.

[benswing]

Richard: I don't know about the rest of the world but when I read of the great production run for 15 and never see any bikes anywhere, I have to wonder where they are.  If you look at the Honda website you'll see special offers on unsold bikes going back to 2012.  Wouldn't that mean there  is unsold stock from prior years? 
George in San Diego

From what I understand, Zero has focused their sales on fleet customers.  Some of which are not in the US.  That is how they get the numbers they need. 

Since they make a limited number of bikes, once the model year is over they are all gone.  You can find a few on Cycletrader.com.

[RickSteeb]

Thanks for posting that link Rick, I found it very interesting indeed!

I found it very interesting as well...  as a big Rutan fan! 

 
[Voyager takeoff]

[gborgan]

Then I made a good decision buying when I did.


George in San Diego

[firepower]

Just noticed only the ZF13 models and FXS get the new interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor.
that may explain the $1000 price rise the smaller ZF9.8 is using old motor stock.

I hope Zero do a Video about the  interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor.
would like to see more info and how it differs from the permanent magnet (PM) motor.

[Doug S]

Just noticed only the ZF13 models and FXS get the new interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor.

Hmm. That makes me wonder if "IPM" is just jargon for the higher-temperature construction techniques they created for the SR. Maybe it's the same technology, now filtering down.

[Richard230]

Just noticed only the ZF13 models and FXS get the new interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor.

Hmm. That makes me wonder if "IPM" is just jargon for the higher-temperature construction techniques they created for the SR. Maybe it's the same technology, now filtering down.

Zero apparently has three IPM motors: the 75-5 IPM, the 75-7 IPM and the 75-7R IPM.  The other motors are called the 75-5 and 75-7.  So apparently some of their bikes come with the older design motor, some with the IPM motor and the SR models appear to use an IPM "R" motor with the heat-resistant magnets. My understanding is that the IPM motor design is different than the older Z-Force motors and requires different controller programming to operate.

[vkruger]

I assume the old motors are SPM (because of reference on glue) and new motor is IPM. IPM have power and efficiency advantages and can explain why changing the gearing did not slow the 0-60 times. If you want the full boring details:
http://www.academia.edu/3043966/Comparison_of_Induction_and_PM_Synchronous_motor_drives_for_EV_application_including_design_examples

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