Hi all,
I'm new on this forum, I'm considering getting a 2016 Zero motorcycle.
I'd very much welcome any opinion to help me in the decisions.
I have to take the following parameters into consideration:
- I'm 1.83m/6ft tall and used to dual sports (currently F650GS twin)
- I'd be riding about 15000km/year (9000miles) including rain.
- Commuting distance ~80km/50miles round trip (hopefully soon a new job closer)
- The bike would sleeping/charging under an open lean-to shed
- I tend to "lack discipline" when it comes to speed
- Night-time temperatures where I live are typically -5°C/23°F during winteri
- I'm still not completely sure wether or not I'll e q le to charge at work.
The decisions I still need to make are:
- DS Vs S?
- 9.8kWh Vs 13kWh battery?
- Selling the BMW Vs keeping it for freezing / heavy rain riding? ( I trust a Bavarian bike designer better than a Californian one in those conditions)
Any input appreciated!
Corentin
- DS Vs S?The DS is probably similar to your F650GS - good for fire trails, but too heavy for serious offroading.
cycle-ergo.com doesn't have more recent DS models, but knee bend for a S is a little more than your F650, knee bend for a DS is a little less. Best way to find out will be to go for a ride on both, if ergonomics is the clinching factor.
The S will introduce more knee bend, but it's also (supposedly) a little quicker and has less aero drag, ergo more range.
- 9.8kWh Vs 13kWh battery?What speed do you tend to ride to work at? Do you have the capability to charge both at work and at home?
If you can, try to map your route out using a GPS / speed tracking application like runkepeer, mapmyrun, strava, or similar. This will give a more accurate gauge of how much time you spend at what speed, and can better allow you to estimate your range.
The smaller battery 2016 S ZF9.8 has virtually the same 55 mph range as MostlyBonker's 2014 DS, and the 2016 DS has a little less. The smaller battery bike is 14kg/32lbs lighter, which does slightly improve acceleration. Assuming the route isn't purely highway travel at > 100 km/h, the smaller battery S should be able to handle your commute in all but the coldest days.
If the less expensive bike allows you to keep both bikes but still provide enough range for commuting and short fun rides, then maybe it makes sense to buy a less expensive Zero and keep the BMW for long and winter rides.
Obviously the ideal situation would be a SR or a DS-R AND keep your existing bike, but you have to decide how far your budget extends
