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[Ireek]

Well, I've sold off a few bikes in an effort to angle a new Zero FX, I'm now down to just one bike (KTM Duke 690) which is the first time in as long as I can remember.  My question is, should I wait for the 2018 in hopes of updates/changes, or go for the 2017 and take advantage of Zero's little discount they have going??  I know it's about a 3 week wait if I order a new FX, which is an eternity when I have money burning a hole in my pocket...  Only other candidates I'm considering is the Husky 701 Enduro and the Honda Africa Twin DCT. 

[mrwilsn]

There will always be a newer better version just around the corner. My advice is to go for a test ride. If you love it then buy it and start enjoying electric Motorcycle transportation now.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Ireek]

I appreciate it, I'm leaning that direction, what started it all was the test ride on the FXS and DSR, I tried the electric "kool-aid" and I'm sold on it.  I just hate to get a bike around the 2nd week of august to only have an updated version show up shortly thereafter, wish I had a crystal ball...

[MostlyBonkers]

I think the earliest you'll get your hands on a 2018 model is near Christmas.

[Ireek]

I think the earliest you'll get your hands on a 2018 model is near Christmas.

This helps, not being familiar with Zero, I wasn't sure when new models typically roll out, I know there is guarantee but this gives me an idea of Zero's past practice.  Many thanks...

[mrwilsn]

Zero will announce 2018 bikes in late October or November.

In 2017 it was November at EICMA. I ordered an SR just before Thanksgiving and got the bike 5 December.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[mrwilsn]

One other note on Zero practices....the 2017 demo bikes will go on sale in September or October and can be had for a good discount.

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[Electric Terry]

I would definitely not wait for a 2018 as you would have to wait for 6 months at least to ride a Zero.  That's a lot of time, especially 6 months of riding season.  It's different if it's waiting Jan-March.  But when you get a new Zero it's dead winter anyway.  I'd totally get one now.  Also new bikes won't have any incentives or discounts until about this time next year. 

Take advantage of the discount that started about a week ago that will save some serious money.  My guess is by the time the 2018 bikes come out you'll have 5000 miles or more on your FXS and be loving every minute of it.  I'll even bet your Duke 690 starts collecting dust!  Ask me how I know, lol.

Good luck on your new ride, you're gonna love it!

[Ireek]

All good info, thanks so much!!  I'm off work Thursday and plan on going to the local Zero dealer along with a few other bike shops, will try to make my decision by then.  It's not looking good for me waiting on the 18 model, I actually had planned on buying the FX when I bought my Duke but outside influences screwed that up and I've regretted it ever since, the Duke is a great bike but I've had tons of bikes like that, I'm ready for the electric experience... 

[Doug S]

As MrWilson said, the downside of waiting for the new model year is, well, the waiting. Let me capsulize my story.

I put a down payment in October 2013 on one of the first SRs, which had just been announced. I waited until January to get my bike. My bike has cheapo JJuan braking components, even worse suspension components (I've blocked the name out, sorry.....and I've replaced my shock with a quality unit), the non-IPM motor which overheats pretty easily, lower battery capacity than the new bikes, and lacks a bunch of smaller improvements like wheel bearings, which failed on my bike.

But I've been riding since January 2014. That's 3-1/2 years of riding a very special machine, even if it doesn't quite measure up to the newest ones. 32,000 miles. Would I give up one of those 42 months? 1,000 of those miles? Nope.

Get one between your legs. Yeah, you'll be jealous of the new guys with their shiny new machines. But they'll envy you your old, dirty, hard-used machine too. And you can't buy that. None of us are getting any younger, so I'd advise investing in your own time.

[Electric Terry]

None of us are getting any younger, so I'd advise investing in your own time.

Great advice Doug, no better time to start riding electric for the first time than now! I've ridden over 100k miles on Zero's and wouldn't trade a single one for riding a gas bike.  I see guys shaking out their wrists and feet at stoplights on gas bikes and think back to the unnecessary vibration and shaking and don't miss dealing with that one bit!

[Doctorbass]

that's teh exact same case i lived 3 weeks ago.

I  had a choice to spend  full price on a 2017 or to wait for a 2018 and not have any Zero to ride until next year as october and november here are  too cold and winter is coming...

I have an idea of what is coming for the 2018 but even if that reflect the continuous Zero improvement, i prefer to not loose a year and to ride now. The 2017 are already awsome and i really like the new sound that make the new motor and lower tooth number belt.

The sound is more "agressive" when accerating with the lower pitch and the torque peak is not at 3500rpm ( about 90kmh) witch is perfect on the highway trafic.

Plus if you buy now you get a 1200usd rebate.

Doc

[Hansi]

If you were looking to buy a DS or S I'd wait, as rumor seems to be that Zero will somehow improve aftermarket faster charging support, which is a big deal to me. Regarding the FX I'm not sure

[Richard230]

I am going to wait to get a 2018 model since my 2014 Zero is working so well.   

[Electric Terry]

I am going to wait to get a 2018 model since my 2014 Zero is working so well.   

Richard that is a great move! No need for you to get a 2017 as you already ride electric on a Zero everyday (and have been since your 2012 Zero) and it works perfect for you! I know you ride in Eco mode almost all the time so the power improvements and belt strength this year aren't very important to you.  A true testament to the 2014 and up Zero on its capabilities and reliability for logging so many trouble free miles for 3+ years!  I know you are a lifetime rider and log some serious miles!

But since Ireek doesn't have one yet, each day he is spending money on gas and maintenance he will never get back.  While in your case Richard, waiting 6-9 months makes sense (although for someone who wants more power and range, better suspension, ABS brakes, tires, wheels, bearings, belt strength, motor thermal capabilities etc it probably doesn't make sense to wait to upgrade from a 2014 to 2017 now with the rebate. 2014 owners take note!)

But especially in Ireek's case, not having a Zero to ride everyday already, it makes no logical sense to wait.  Although the 2013 bike was better than my 2012, there's no way I would go back and wait a year! Not a chance! The experiences I had on my Zero in 2012 vs my Ninja and R1 in 2011 are just priceless to me!  Once you get a Zero your gas bikes will sit collecting dust, take it from someone who knows.

I do personaly look forward to the 2018 models, But I've heard a rumor (rumors never pan out so just saying) they will look pretty much the same with almost no changes, perhaps with very small range improvements (but perhaps not, nothing certain yet - last was 12.5 kWh in 2015 to 13.0 kWh in 2016/17, the motor power just got increased this year to 775 amps from 660 since 2014, so probably not again for a while) but nothing significant to warrant waiting a whole year riding on gas by any means.  Take advantage of the Zero rebate now! It just came available a week ago! Now is the time to get a Zero if you've been lurking on the forum! No regrets, only miles of electric smiles you would never go back and wait a single day for! The only regret I ever hear is the rider wishes they got a Zero sooner.  Think about that if you don't have one yet.

I moved to California almost 5 years ago with just my Zero. (I rode my Zero across country).  I have 2 Zeros and no car.  My Zero does everything for me.  Including taking my dog everywhere.  Just saying....