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[ChainGun]

Hi all.
I'm a 43 biker with more than 25 years of riding under my belt. I mostly commute about 40 miles per day and never tour or travel with my bike (I don't like traveling anyway). After 25 years of ICE bikes, I have to decide between a brand new, zero kilometers Zero ZF9.4 S (2015) and an SR 2014 with some 23K kilometers. Some considerations I have:

-The S probably has superior components such as Pirelly tires (any other superior components?)
-The SR has somewhat better range (11.4 vs 9.4 on the S)
-The SR is obviously the scarier beast between the two...

Any other major differences I'm missing? Any advice you might have is welcome!

[NoiseBoy]

The S also has ABS and Showa suspension versus fast-ace on the 2014 SR.

Are you sure you couldn't stretch to a new SR? The 2016 models were just unveiled so there may be some end of line discounts.

Is the 2014 bike a bargain? I just got one myself last week and love it. I certainly wouldn't go back to the lower power of the S now.

[ChainGun]

Is the 2014 bike a bargain? I just got one myself last week and love it. I certainly wouldn't go back to the lower power of the S now.

Yes the 2014 is a bargain, it's 30% of what I would pay for a new SR and is supposedly at good condition (I haven't seen it but I intend to test it before I buy it).

[Richard230]

Or you could buy a 2016 Zero.  They are currently being assembled at the factory and will start shipping to dealers by the end of the month. Dealers with customer deposits will get theirs first.

[ChainGun]

Or you could buy a 2016 Zero.

I wish I could, but a new SR will be like 30% over my budget sorry, it's either a new 2015 S or a used 2014 SR.

[NoiseBoy]

Or you could buy a 2016 Zero.

I wish I could, but a new SR will be like 30% over my budget sorry, it's either a new 2015 S or a used 2014 SR.

In that case I'd say the SR unless you can't live without ABS.

[NEW2elec]

For my 2 cents I wouldn't get the smaller battery as the resale will be Very tough really I don't know why they even make them.  If you ride it hard even say 30% of the time you will want that extra juice.  The only thing with the SR's is they can over heat at high temps and hard riding but I think they are much more fun.  Also the warranty is very important i don't know if both bikes are new or not but full 2 year warranty gives you piece of mind while your in the honeymoon phase.  I'm about your age but all 2000 road miles of my motorcycle life have been on my 2013 DS (bought used with 8000 miles) and i really love the ride.  Welcome aboard.

[siccycle]

Showa and non-Showa suspension is the biggest consideration IMO. Test ride as much as possible. The short test I had on a 2015 (Showa) S seemed much more solid. But the suspension is adjustable on both so consider that as you test. The performance of the S is more than adequate IMO.

[Cortezdtv]

Showa is a much better shock and considering your using that the most I would get the 15 or 16 if it works


Eventually because the platform is staying the same I would think you could upgrade controllers down the line and a dealer like Harlen to reprogram it.... I'm sure you would have to pay a pretty penny for the controller but hey, it's a big upgrade down the road if you wanted it....


If you went the opposite way suspension front and rear plus wheels prolly more money they the controller upgrade

But I'm unsure if you can get the 15 rear showa to fit on the 14 rear bike,   I know for the front you would have to replace the entire triple clamp and mounting brackets like terry did.

I've done something similar with a 13 fx and 14 S forks and machined a matching bolt....

[NoiseBoy]

You are talking as if the '14 bikes are on leaf springs. The fast-ace needs some adjusting to suit the rider, as does any suspension, but I doubt many people would ever push it's limits on the road. It feels compliant and the poor sticking of the earlier 2012 forks has gone.

Sure the performance of the S is adequate but who wants adequate when you can have awesome?

[trekguy]

My 2014 SR has 7700 miles, and the Fast Ace suspension is not that great. I tried unsuccessfully to make  adjustments to front and back, and it still rides way too harsh and jerky over uneven pavement (and there is lots of it here in NE Ohio). The seat needs more padding as well. The 2015/16 was supposed to address this problem, but I have yet been able to test ride one.
My advice...get the SR...but ride it on a rough road first to see if it is compliant enough for your back!

[dkw12002]

There are definitely some 2015 SRs out there...one is a demo at AF1 racing and the other is on the showroom at Alamo Cycle Plex in San Antonio. Regarding the smaller battery. I would want the smaller battery myself. The bike is lighter and FASTER and costs less. As someone pointed out, you can't make the battery big enough to work as a touring bike, so why try. Just use it locally and charge at home and be happy. I look at the small increase in range as more of a gimmick. Sure range is an issue, but that has more to do with charging speed PLUS infrastructure than battery size. If I had a gas bike that went 60 miles on a tank of gas, that wouldn't be an issue for me...hey wait, there are gas bikes, that only go 60 miles on a tank. Gas stations are everywhere.

[grmarks]

I would say that the suspension difference between a 2014 and 2015 is not much of an issue for commuting. I have a 2015 SR but I test rode a 2014 S. The SR was set up just as harsh as the 2014 S. Once adjusted the ride is more plush, but really it is a small thing. Me, I would go with the 2014 SR because you can have some fun with the extra power, but its easily controlled so you can just put around slowly if you want. Just turn the throttle 1/2 way not full!.
Secondly, the extra range can come in handy on the odd occasion, and also the bigger battery will last longer because you are not taking the State Of Charge as low as on a smaller battery.   
If you are scared of the power you can set it via the phone app to be whatever you want.
Also on a hot day with a pillion passenger, the SR is less likely to overheat and cut power (if you are on a freeway at 60 mph or whatever). In other words you can ride it the same way every day whatever the conditions (based on the fact that you think the SR is scary).

[vchampain]

The used market for electric bike is not favorable to sellers, which means that buying (at the usual used market price) a used Zero is probably a very good bargain. Especially since the bike should age much less than an ICE.

My only concern would be regarding warranty - some users had issues with bikes under warranty, with not so reactive service  (responsability shared between Zero and dealers, but the way Zero contracts with dealers and make them pay for issues they do not feel responsible seems a root cause). When similar issues happen (not users or dealers responsability), will you face comprehensive dealers / Zero, or will you wait for ever and pay for every support, even in case related to design issues ?

Any feedback here for "over warranty period" users ? This is where I think Zero should be overactive, and encourage its dealers doing so. Because a healthy used market will be key to accelerate new sales....

[evdjerome]

Hello ChainGun. Based on your riding habits I would suggest the 2015 S ZF9. Reasons being:

• It has sufficient range for your riding habits. (although see 1st caveat below)
• Sounds like you don't desire the SRs aggressive acceleration.
• Warranty would be longer.
• Easier to get parts from Zero for newer models.
• You could always add a Power Tank later if you decide you want more range.

Some caveats:

• If your 40 miles of riding is at 65mph or greater sustained, then I'd go with the 2014. With the ZF9 you'd be pushing your range envelope on a 40 mile ride at sustained 65mph speed.
• Like me, you might find yourself addicted to the electric motorcycle riding experience. And get greedy for more range. And wish you had purchased the 2014. I had 2 ICE bikes before my Zero and only used them to get from point A to point B, never for pleasure riding. I ride my Zero every chance I get.

Good luck in your decision!

-Jerome