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[domingo3]

It boggles my mind that guys on an electric motorcycle forum are saying they prefer a key over a keyless system.  Having used a keyless system for a year now, I wish all of my bikes had one.  It is just so much more convenient for me, especially in the winter time with bulky gloves and bulky clothing.  I probably haven't even seen my FOB in a couple of months now.  I put on my gear and ride off.  I hope the SR/F has a keyless system of some kind.  I wish my new Honda Monkey did. 

I also think the security risks are way overblown.  I doubt the difference in security is more than negligible and I have insurance which doesn't seem to cost more with the FOB.

As for the guys saying "Come on guys, this is a motorcycle.....we don't need that."   I think that kind of thing has been said at just about every single innovation made to motorcycles starting from when the first piston was fitted to a bicycle.  We don't "need" a lot of things but many are sure nice to have.  Not that long ago it seemed that most people on motorcycles wanted nothing to do with ABS (..."my hand is all the ABS I need...blah blah blah").  Personally, I'm thrilled that some of the best bikes out there now come with cornering ABS and traction control (and that I can turn them off when I want).

I'm sure my concerns are uncommon, but here's my issue.  I do various activities, including water sports.  I can lock my gear and the ignition key in the top box and lock the box with a combination lock.  Sure, someone could break open the box and have the key, but I can be somewhat secure in leaving the bike parked in a public area.  Locking the fob in the luggage does nothing, since it's basically the same as leaving a key in the ignition.  Also, depending on the type of fob we're talking about, batteries can die or water can damage it.  A metal key is dead simple and more rugged.

[Richard230]

4 more days.. the wait is killing me 

3 days and there is no news of any kind, no excitement, no unveiling events announced, no press releases since October, nothing posted on dealer websites, no excitement on Google or Facebonk. I was anxious to go out and watch it happen on Monday. Will dealers have anything to show? Very disappointed already. Are they about to miss the schedule, or merely preannounce to some press people? Fizzle.

I am really surprised that there has not been any more "teasers" from Zero or leaks from the press.     If the bikes are not already in the distribution pipeline (which I am pretty sure is not happening) then everyone that wants one will be doing the usual Zero-thing, placing a $1000 deposit with a Zero franchised dealer and sitting back and waiting for delivery. 

[GaryArt1]

I'm sure my concerns are uncommon, but here's my issue.  I do various activities, including water sports.  I can lock my gear and the ignition key in the top box and lock the box with a combination lock.  Sure, someone could break open the box and have the key, but I can be somewhat secure in leaving the bike parked in a public area.  Locking the fob in the luggage does nothing, since it's basically the same as leaving a key in the ignition.  Also, depending on the type of fob we're talking about, batteries can die or water can damage it.  A metal key is dead simple and more rugged.

Just to let you know, there are cheap bags and boxes that block the RFID signal for key fobs.  You put the fob into that and place it in your luggage, you are good to go.  Or you can be cheap like me and wrap the extra fob in aluminum foil and place in car trunk and you won't have a problem.  Batteries can die, yes but there is usually warnings. As for water damage, I usually have a zip lock bag to place cash and things that could be water damage.  I know a metal key is 100% more simple but from my past as a locksmith, not really as secure as most think.  I just like the convenience of leave the fob buried in your pocket and never having to dig for a key especially with gloves on.

[JaimeC]

There really are times when I feel simpler is better.  If you lose a metal key, often a locksmith can get you going again.  If you lose an electronic key fob on the road, what do you do?  I was fortunate when that happened to me that I was able to find information on the internet on how to disable the security system on my old bike... but if, instead of having a metal key and a security fob, if it was a keyless system?  THEN what would I have done?

Same thing with "Throttle by Wire."  Sure, throttle cables break... but that is often a relatively simple roadside repair, assuming you carry a spare cable on long trips.  If your TbW system fails, what do you do??

I have enough familiarity with electronics to know they are FAR from failsafe.  It's nice to have SOME systems that don't require an advanced degree in electronic engineering to be able to fix and get back on the road.

[GaryArt1]

There really are times when I feel simpler is better.  If you lose a metal key, often a locksmith can get you going again.  If you lose an electronic key fob on the road, what do you do?  I was fortunate when that happened to me that I was able to find information on the internet on how to disable the security system on my old bike... but if, instead of having a metal key and a security fob, if it was a keyless system?  THEN what would I have done?

Same thing with "Throttle by Wire."  Sure, throttle cables break... but that is often a relatively simple roadside repair, assuming you carry a spare cable on long trips.  If your TbW system fails, what do you do??

I have enough familiarity with electronics to know they are FAR from failsafe.  It's nice to have SOME systems that don't require an advanced degree in electronic engineering to be able to fix and get back on the road.

Jaime, I can see what you saying.  On bikes as old as ours, there is a lot done simpler, making for easier repairs.  I like when I see guys complaining about the ABS systems on their bikes.  I don't have to worry about that being I do not even have it.  But I guess time marches on and modern technology though making it more convenient, makes it more complicated.  I may be dating myself but I remember when I was a teenager and made extra money fixing cars.  When I would troubleshoot, I would start a car up and listen and look.  Sometimes even climb under the hood to fix something (yeah they had extra room under the hood).  Now they plug it into a computer and it tells them what to change.  Kind of take it out of the hands of the weekend mechanic.  But the older I get, they less I do myself and more I pay others to do.  So with a lot I will forgo the ease of repair for the daily convenience modern tech offers.  I just know I will pay for it in the long run.

[ultratoad]

4 more days.. the wait is killing me 

3 days and there is no news of any kind, no excitement, no unveiling events announced, no press releases since October, nothing posted on dealer websites, no excitement on Google or Facebonk. I was anxious to go out and watch it happen on Monday. Will dealers have anything to show? Very disappointed already. Are they about to miss the schedule, or merely preannounce to some press people? Fizzle.

I am really surprised that there has not been any more "teasers" from Zero or leaks from the press.     If the bikes are not already in the distribution pipeline (which I am pretty sure is not happening) then everyone that wants one will be doing the usual Zero-thing, placing a $1000 deposit with a Zero franchised dealer and sitting back and waiting for delivery.

Yeah....  I was really expecting a couple more hooks as well....  The good news, Christmas is almost here !!!!

[GaryArt1]

I would have bet money (and lost) they would have had one more teaser this week to lead up to Monday.  I thought especially after Lightening dropped the news the Strike will be liquid cooled, Zero would hit us with a brand new hint to keep up the excitement.  I am surprised it has been so quiet.

[DPsSRnSD]

I do various activities, including water sports.  I can lock my gear and the ignition key in the top box and lock the box with a combination lock. 

On those days I'd leave the fob at home and only use the key or put the fob in a shielded bag and water proof bag.

[NEW2elec]

Well being the internet detective that I am I saw on FB a picture of Zero's booth at the Swissmoto 2019 show and a platform for the SRF.
I'm not saying for sure they will bring it out by Sunday only that I wouldn't be surprised.      

[vinceherman]

I well take cruise control over a fab any day.

+1,000,000,000,000

[GaryArt1]

I well take cruise control over a fab any day.

+1,000,000,000,000

Being from NYC, I almost never used cruise control on my bike so I am the totally opposite.  Goes to show you different folks, different needs.

[JaimeC]

I appreciate the cruise control on my K1200LT, where I'll do 200 -- 250 miles at a stretch on the highway between fill-ups.  For the kind of riding I do with my Zero?  Complete waste of money.  If I can do the same speed for more than five consecutive minutes around here, that is a LOT.

[Doug S]

On those days I'd leave the fob at home and only use the key or put the fob in a shielded bag and water proof bag.

So....putting the fob in a shielded bag, followed by a waterproof bag, then locking it into the trunk, followed by the reverse when you get back to the bike, isn't a problem. But getting a key out of your pocket before you put your gloves on is too inconvenient?

For me, it's a reach (at best) to say that "convenience" is worth the extra weight, complexity, expense and carrying another bulky item around in my pocket.

[DPsSRnSD]

On those days I'd leave the fob at home and only use the key or put the fob in a shielded bag and water proof bag.

So....putting the fob in a shielded bag, followed by a waterproof bag, then locking it into the trunk, followed by the reverse when you get back to the bike, isn't a problem. But getting a key out of your pocket before you put your gloves on is too inconvenient?

For me, it's a reach (at best) to say that "convenience" is worth the extra weight, complexity, expense and carrying another bulky item around in my pocket.

If you don't want to use the fob, then leave it at home in your sock drawer.

[DonTom]

I well take cruise control over a fab any day.

I would take a simple throttle hold over a cruise control on any motorcycle on any day.

But in cars, espcally EV's, I like both the cruise control as well as the FOB.

-Don-  Reno, NV