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[Gandalf]

Hey everyone. I'm just looking for some feedback and personal experiences with the 2016 Zero DS. I know there's the 10th anniversary DSR model but I'm just curious to hear from 2016 DS owners, stock model or with the ZF13 or ZF13 plus power tank. Although I don't care too much about the power tank because I'm already 99% sure when I buy, I'll only be upgrading to ZF13 without the PT, but with the quick charge accessory to reduce charging time slightly. I'd rather have the storage area I've seen in YT videos instead of the PTank there.

Most reviews out there I see are always for the top tier models (SR or DSR) and occasionally the FX. I seem to find the least info/reviews on the 2016 S, DS, and DS with ZF13 or ZF13 + PT.

I also can't explain this fact, directly from Zero's website...Why does the 2016 DSR ZF13 have a 3.9s 0-60mph acceleration but weighs 6 pounds MORE than the 2016 DS ZF13, which is listed at 5.7s 0-60mph?? Their range and capacity are the same so you'd expect the 6 pounds lighter DS ZF13 to have slightly faster acceleration....?? Odd.

Some general questions too:

Why did you pick the DS instead of the DSR, S, SR, or FX?

How many miles have you put on your 2016 DS so far?

What is your favorite thing about your 2016 DS and your least favorite thing?

Have you experienced any problems so far? If so, what?

Besides the obvious added range/electric capacity, what upgrades would you like to see on future Zero DS models?

What is the top speed you've hit on your 2016 DS?

What is the longest trip you've made on 1 charge with your 2016 DS (specify if yours is stock, ZF 13, or ZF13 plus power tank)?

How would you rank the following from 1-10 (1 being the worst to 10 being the best)?
Handling:
0-60mph acceleration:
Performance in the rain:
Horn sound/loudness:
Brakes:
Tires:
Belt:
Comfort/Seating:
Headlights/Brake Lights:
Rear view mirrors:
Durability:

Thank you to any and all responses! 

[morimaxx]

I also can't explain this fact, directly from Zero's website...Why does the 2016 DSR ZF13 have a 3.9s 0-60mph acceleration but weighs 6 pounds MORE than the 2016 DS ZF13, which is listed at 5.7s 0-60mph?? Their range and capacity are the same so you'd expect the 6 pounds lighter DS ZF13 to have slightly faster acceleration....?? Odd

S and DS have a Sevcon Size 4 Controller with a max. load of 400 Amps, while SR and DSR have a Sevcon Size 6 with max. load of 600 Amps, wich leads to 50% more torque of SR or DSR against S or DS.

[Gandalf]

I also can't explain this fact, directly from Zero's website...Why does the 2016 DSR ZF13 have a 3.9s 0-60mph acceleration but weighs 6 pounds MORE than the 2016 DS ZF13, which is listed at 5.7s 0-60mph?? Their range and capacity are the same so you'd expect the 6 pounds lighter DS ZF13 to have slightly faster acceleration....?? Odd

S and DS have a Sevcon Size 4 Controller with a max. load of 400 Amps, while SR and DSR have a Sevcon Size 6 with max. load of 600 Amps, wich leads to 50% more torque of SR or DSR against S or DS.

Ahh ok, I must've missed that in the specs because everything else between the DSR and DS ZF13 look identical. I really appreciate the information. Thank you!

[Kocho]

Also, the SR, DSR, and the FXS have the new, more heat resistant IPM motor. The S, DS, and FX have the old motor.

[Gandalf]

Also, the SR, DSR, and the FXS have the new, more heat resistant IPM motor. The S, DS, and FX have the old motor.

Very helpful information to know, thank you!

I wonder if they will update the motor, horn loudness, and other minor things for the 2017 models. Every year they seem to get a lot better lately. I always wonder what new Zero owners think once a year has gone by since their purchase and they see the improved specs on their bike which they don't have. Zero should extend their 2 year warranty to be maybe 4 or 5 years so you could update your electric/battery system to account for improvements over the years.

I'm still waiting for an actual 2016 Zero DS/DS ZF13 owner to post here with answers to all the questions in the original post. Fingers crossed!

[mrwilsn]

S and DS ZF13 have the IPM motor but they don't have the high temp magnets like SR and DSR.  The three brick bikes (S/DS ZF9.8 ) do not have IPM motor (they have SPM motor)....FX also has SPM.

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

[Kocho]

Right, thanks for the notice.

S and DS ZF13 have the IPM motor but they don't have the high temp magnets like SR and DSR.  The three brick bikes (S/DS ZF9.8 ) do not have IPM motor (they have SPM motor)....FX also has SPM.

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

[grmarks]

If you can afford it, buy the DSR as the extra power is great/exciting. If you are less experienced at the start then you can set the power level (in custom mode) to a level you are comfortable with and as you get experienced you can up the power.
I have an SR and I rarely use full power in day to day riding, but it is there if I need/want it.
I have my power level set to max and just control my right hand. I absolutely love my SR (2015) and SO glad I got it over the S.
As to your question about the bike getting better each year. I have enjoyed my SR for over a year now. If you wait for the "better" model, you will never buy one and never have the joy of riding one. You always have the option of selling your old one to buy a new one as they get better.
I think the difference between the S and SR is similar to the difference between the DS and DSR.   

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

I owned a 2013 DS for three years and 18k miles, and didn't envy the SR because I didn't like how sportbikes handle that much power. I test rode a 2015 DS and was very impressed with it but resisted upgrading. The DSR was irresistible - where the SR felt cramped and dangerous, the DSR had controllable geometry and good ergonomics. That said, the 2016 DS has the IPM, the ABS, and the Showa suspension. It's a great bike.

I suppose if I didn't feel like loading up the DS with a lot of mass for touring, I'd have resisted the DSR. If you're new to Zeros, the DS will satisfy you as a commuter for a very long time.

[Patrick Truchon]

I also own a 2013 DS (for almost two years and 18,000 km).  When I bought it, my choice was between the acceleration of a 2014 SR or the geometry (and lower price) of a 2013 DS.  I went with a geometry that is more comfortable for me.

For the first few months, I felt completely satisfied with the DS, but I soon started wishing for more torque.  Since the DSR came out last year, I've been fighting the urge to buy one.  If you can afford it; go for the DSR.  The DS is fun, but you'll get used to it very quickly and wish for more.

[MrDude_1]

I also own a 2013 DS (for almost two years and 18,000 km).  When I bought it, my choice was between the acceleration of a 2014 SR or the geometry (and lower price) of a 2013 DS.  I went with a geometry that is more comfortable for me.

For the first few months, I felt completely satisfied with the DS, but I soon started wishing for more torque.  Since the DSR came out last year, I've been fighting the urge to buy one.  If you can afford it; go for the DSR.  The DS is fun, but you'll get used to it very quickly and wish for more.

The actual geometry of a bike is its head angle, rake/trail, swingarm angle, etc...
The location of the bars, pegs and seat can be moved around to accommodate the owner.

[DPsSRnSD]

If you can afford it; go for the DSR.  The DS is fun, but you'll get used to it very quickly and wish for more.

I experienced something similar with my SR. During my test drive, I stayed in Eco mode, forgetting to switch to Sport. No matter, the bike was fast enough. After a few days of ownership, I tried Sport mode and broke traction. I programmed Custom mode to 75% torque and stayed there for a while for my commute. I'm now at 88% and will probably be in full Sport mode before the end of the month. I still use Eco mode when it rains. But that makes the bike feel so gutless I wonder how I was ever impressed with Eco. The torque of the DS would be equivalent to my Custom setting of 68%.

[Kocho]

Amen! I had similar experience.

If you can afford it; go for the DSR.  The DS is fun, but you'll get used to it very quickly and wish for more.

I experienced something similar with my SR. During my test drive, I stayed in Eco mode, forgetting to switch to Sport. No matter, the bike was fast enough. After a few days of ownership, I tried Sport mode and broke traction. I programmed Custom mode to 75% torque and stayed there for a while for my commute. I'm now at 88% and will probably be in full Sport mode before the end of the month. I still use Eco mode when it rains. But that makes the bike feel so gutless I wonder how I was ever impressed with Eco. The torque of the DS would be equivalent to my Custom setting of 68%.

[Gandalf]

I appreciate all the responses, even if most of you are trying to steer me towards the more top tier models! 

The thing is, I'm probably not going to buy a Zero until 2017 or 2018. Isn't the DSR just a limited 2016 bike? Hence why I'm only inquiring about the DS because I figure it will still be around a year or two from now. Don't get me wrong, I really like the DSR and I would buy it tomorrow if I could afford it. I'm just planning for a future purchase.

The DS suits me best because I live in an area where there's a good amount of stone roads, dirt roads, and highway. I like the fact that the DS models sit up higher and seem more stable than the SR. I don't want to be leaning forward all the time like a sport bike.

I can do without the extra torque and speed that the SR offers. I have a V8 4x4 truck and almost never go above 70mph so if the DS can do 0-60mph in 5 seconds AND maintain around 70mph for at least 50 miles (I rarely travel further than this), I'm happy! Most of my rides with it would be joy riding around or commuting less than 20 miles total each day.

I guess there's either no 2016 DS owners or none of them want to answer my questions in the original post... 

[DPsSRnSD]

Isn't the DSR just a limited 2016 bike? Hence why I'm only inquiring about the DS because I figure it will still be around a year or two from now. Don't get me wrong, I really like the DSR and I would buy it tomorrow if I could afford it. I'm just planning for a future purchase.

There is a limited edition anniversary model DSR that was introduced a few weeks ago and then there is the standard DSR model that's been out for the entire model year. I expect the standard DSR to continue in the line-up.