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[grmarks]

So I am wondering, can a drive belt be changed without removing the swing arm?
The specs say it has large swing arm bearings, There is no close-up pic of the drive side of the motor. It could be possible to have the drive shaft go through the swing arm bearing putting the pully on the outside of the swing arm. 
Does anyone know?

I have just discovered that you can rotate the pic on the first page of the site, I can see the drive pully, and it looks like it is on the outside of the swing arm but it is not a clear pic.

[KrazyEd]

Unless they have made a change from previous models, there is no way for a one piece belt to be changed without removing the swing arm
I believe that it would have to be a single sided swing arm like some of the sport bikes have. If the shaft of the motor is forward of the swing arm
then the belt has to go over it.

[Moto7575]

I have seen someone here storing a spare belt that could be put in place without opening the arm when you need it. But you need to preposition the belt around the arm, and store it there/

[wavelet]

Basically the SR/F is simply an upgraded SR. Some nice upgraded components, and the price is in line with them & reasonable, but I'm not sure there's justification to call it a new platform so far.

The new bikes do have a 1000lbs GVWR compared to ~780 for the SR, but the curb weight is also much higher (I don't immediately see why -- it's 71lbs).
500lbs payload should be enough for  a 1-up tourer/sport-tourer with fairing & full luggage set but not for 2-up (a BEV tourer/sports-tourer will need extra batteries, for a total of >24kWh IMO), but I didn't see any mention of that in Zero's PR.

The most disappointing for me is the lack of any battery system update (higher voltage and active cooling). Even my 2-stroke 150cc Vespa had forced-air cooling (-:

Since I'm sure Zero can't afford to do from-scratch model development every year, I'm afraid this means no actual sporty models or touring/sport-touring models in the next few years.

The consequence of  no CCS support is also bad, IMO -- it's necessary for long-distance trips; while the US CCS charger network isn't as common in the US as it is in Europe yet, this is changing quickly. 6kW AC is of course fine for home charging for daily commutes, but even the 12kW AC of the Premium model isn't anywhere near enough to regain miles used up in 75mph motorway travel at a reasonable rate. An hour's charging will give you 70mi according to Zero's own numbers on the SR/F.

As I've written a few times in the past, a nice day ride for me means:
1)  100mi of motorway @ 70-75mph simply to reach the backroads,
2)  150-200mi of backroads in locations with no charging
3) Another 100mi of motorway to get back home.

3 charging sessions on that day ride (two 30min top-up sessions + a 60min one at lunch) is about the limit, in terms of time that can be spent charging.
That requires supporting an Energica-level 20kW at two of the stops.

If all someone wants to do is commute, an e-motorcycle is overkill.
I really don't get what H-D was blathering about in "reaching the young demographic who want urban transport" in the same PR that explained the Livewire.

For urban transport, if you're willing to consider non-enclosed and two-wheeled transport, a $1500 e-bicycle is all that needed. The real savings aren't just the purchase price, but the negligible upkeep. If there are no bike paths, or for longer suburban distances, electric scooters (Vespa type, not the tiny-wheeled stand-up abominations) are fine, and don't require the expensive frame & suspension or performance-oriented drivetrain of a motorcycle.

IOW, I think the market for e-motorcycles suitable for commuting only -- which is all Zeros are capable of at this point, the FX or expensive DIY user customization aside -- is very small, and I'm starting to think Zero doesn't get it.

[grmarks]

Unless they have made a change from previous models, there is no way for a one piece belt to be changed without removing the swing arm
I believe that it would have to be a single sided swing arm like some of the sport bikes have. If the shaft of the motor is forward of the swing arm
then the belt has to go over it.

But hey have changed everything to do with the frame. The swing arm has bearings at least 8cm on the inner diameter, and the front drive pulley seems to be on the outside of the swing arm, not the inside like previous models. It looks like the swing arm is mounted to the motor, not the frame. The motor is a stressed member, so where is the stress coming from? I reckon it's from the swing arm through the motor then into the frame.   

The flange on the end of the motor I reckon the swing arm bearing goes around and the drive shaft comes out the center.
Notice how big the hole is in the swing arm pivot point.

[grmarks]

Basically the SR/F is simply an upgraded SR. Some nice upgraded components, and the price is in line with them & reasonable, but I'm not sure there's justification to call it a new platform so far.

The new bikes do have a 1000lbs GVWR compared to ~780 for the SR, but the curb weight is also much higher (I don't immediately see why -- it's 71lbs).
500lbs payload should be enough for  a 1-up tourer/sport-tourer with fairing & full luggage set but not for 2-up (a BEV tourer/sports-tourer will need extra batteries, for a total of >24kWh IMO), but I didn't see any mention of that in Zero's PR.

The most disappointing for me is the lack of any battery system update (higher voltage and active cooling). Even my 2-stroke 150cc Vespa had forced-air cooling (-:

Since I'm sure Zero can't afford to do from-scratch model development every year, I'm afraid this means no actual sporty models or touring/sport-touring models in the next few years.

The consequence of  no CCS support is also bad, IMO -- it's necessary for long-distance trips; while the US CCS charger network isn't as common in the US as it is in Europe yet, this is changing quickly. 6kW AC is of course fine for home charging for daily commutes, but even the 12kW AC of the Premium model isn't anywhere near enough to regain miles used up in 75mph motorway travel at a reasonable rate. An hour's charging will give you 70mi according to Zero's own numbers on the SR/F.

As I've written a few times in the past, a nice day ride for me means:
1)  100mi of motorway @ 70-75mph simply to reach the backroads,
2)  150-200mi of backroads in locations with no charging
3) Another 100mi of motorway to get back home.

3 charging sessions on that day ride (two 30min top-up sessions + a 60min one at lunch) is about the limit, in terms of time that can be spent charging.
That requires supporting an Energica-level 20kW at two of the stops.

If all someone wants to do is commute, an e-motorcycle is overkill.
I really don't get what H-D was blathering about in "reaching the young demographic who want urban transport" in the same PR that explained the Livewire.

For urban transport, if you're willing to consider non-enclosed and two-wheeled transport, a $1500 e-bicycle is all that needed. The real savings aren't just the purchase price, but the negligible upkeep. If there are no bike paths, or for longer suburban distances, electric scooters (Vespa type, not the tiny-wheeled stand-up abominations) are fine, and don't require the expensive frame & suspension or performance-oriented drivetrain of a motorcycle.

IOW, I think the market for e-motorcycles suitable for commuting only -- which is all Zeros are capable of at this point, the FX or expensive DIY user customization aside -- is very small, and I'm starting to think Zero doesn't get it.

Zero has outlasted all the other companies, they are the ones that get it the most. I use my SR for commuting and all round trips under 160 km in the suburbs.
I owned a scooter and I sold it to get the Zero because I never rode the scooter father than what a Zero can travel, Infact I have taken the Zero on loger trips than I did on the scooter.

[grmarks]

I have seen someone here storing a spare belt that could be put in place without opening the arm when you need it. But you need to preposition the belt around the arm, and store it there/

The SR/F is so different from previous models you can't draw comparisons.

[DPsSRnSD]

So I am wondering, can a drive belt be changed without removing the swing arm?

Those discussing this on Facebook are hopeful that the belt can be replaced without removing the swingarm. Detailed pics of the area show a path to get the belt out.

[Richard230]

Regarding the SR/F's extra weight: I bet that new motor is no lightweight.    And the chassis also looks more robust than the previous version and is likely heavier, too.  So I am not surprised with the reported 500 pound weight - although adding my favorite accessory, a Power Tank, is certainly not going to help that number.  That is still considerably lighter than an Energica, with at least similar performance.  It will be interesting to see how the SR/F compares to the Energica SS9 in a direct comparison road test.   

[DPsSRnSD]

Basically the SR/F is simply an upgraded SR. Some nice upgraded components, and the price is in line with them & reasonable, but I'm not sure there's justification to call it a new platform so far.

IDK, there is so much different about the SR/F that it qualifies as a generational change.

[Richard230]

Basically the SR/F is simply an upgraded SR. Some nice upgraded components, and the price is in line with them & reasonable, but I'm not sure there's justification to call it a new platform so far.

IDK, there is so much different about the SR/F that it qualifies as a generational change.

Having owned three Zeros: a 2012, a 2014 and a 2018, I agree.   

[GaryArt1]

Basically the SR/F is simply an upgraded SR. Some nice upgraded components, and the price is in line with them & reasonable, but I'm not sure there's justification to call it a new platform so far.

The most disappointing for me is the lack of any battery system update (higher voltage and active cooling). Even my 2-stroke 150cc Vespa had forced-air cooling (-:


The consequence of  no CCS support is also bad, IMO -- it's necessary for long-distance trips; while the US CCS charger network isn't as common in the US as it is in Europe yet, this is changing quickly. 6kW AC is of course fine for home charging for daily commutes, but even the 12kW AC of the Premium model isn't anywhere near enough to regain miles used up in 75mph motorway travel at a reasonable rate. An hour's charging will give you 70mi according to Zero's own numbers on the SR/F.

As I've written a few times in the past, a nice day ride for me means:

If all someone wants to do is commute, an e-motorcycle is overkill.
I really don't get what H-D was blathering about in "reaching the young demographic who want urban transport" in the same PR that explained the Livewire.

For urban transport, if you're willing to consider non-enclosed and two-wheeled transport, a $1500 e-bicycle is all that needed. The real savings aren't just the purchase price, but the negligible upkeep. If there are no bike paths, or for longer suburban distances, electric scooters (Vespa type, not the tiny-wheeled stand-up abominations) are fine, and don't require the expensive frame & suspension or performance-oriented drivetrain of a motorcycle.

IOW, I think the market for e-motorcycles suitable for commuting only -- which is all Zeros are capable of at this point, the FX or expensive DIY user customization aside -- is very small, and I'm starting to think Zero doesn't get it.

I hope you don’t mind but I edited some out of the quote being it was very long.  Well I have to disagree with a lot of what you have here.  First I think with a new frame, new motor, new swing arm, charger and electronics this is more than an upgraded SR.  I mean one article quoted they kept the pegs and the turn signals the same.  I think Zero shorted itself by not calling it a whole different designation.  Yes it is a similar style to th SR but that is where the similarities end.  It is like saying the SR and DSR should be called the same being one just has a higher suspension and some added assessories.

Secondly personally in the US Level 2 charging is MUCH more supported than Level 3.  When I look at a map of each I can easily see it is probably a 50:1 ratio at least in the Northest.  I know Europe is different but that is why European e-motorcycles have it standard.  I think Zero needs to base decisions on their main consumer base which I believe is in the US.  I know there are some places in the US that L3 is more available but that is the exception.  Now in the future, yes L3 may be the standard but who knows.  And hopefully if it does, there will be a L3 charge tank we can upgrade to.

Lastly in the big cities, people are using electric motorcycles to commute.  Maybe a e-bike or scooter is good for the urban dweller who needs something easier than walking but is useless for the mass of people living in the suburbs or outskirts and commuting in each day.  With HOV lanes allowing motorcycles and electric cars, I am seeing a big increase in these type of vehicles  on the road. And the young people who are buying motorcycles these days are buying “naked” style motorcycles or sport bikes for commuting.  The people who are into the cruisers and tourers are getting harder to find.

I also would love a bigger battery but I am guessing Zero has maximized what they can fit in a “normal” style bike with current batttery tech.  Unless the frames got wider, higher, longer or totally redesigned to look nothing like it does now, they probably couldn’t fit much more.  I know there will be the battery tank come fall for those who need a little more .

[Fran K]

Basically the SR/F is simply an upgraded SR. Some nice upgraded components, and the price is in line with them & reasonable, but I'm not sure there's justification to call it a new platform so far.

The engine and battery or battery enclosure are stressed members.  At least I read that this alone should count as a new platform.  I do not understand the part about control of regen with throttle turned past neutral needing a new platform but that may apply as well.

They still have the same basic business plan or basic design that being putting the motor at the swingarm pivot and relatively low voltage.  Then offering extras be it chargers or additional power storage which most likely make the front end heavier.  If they moved the motor and had a reduction gearing and more normal sized sprockets that would be more significantly a new platform.

As for a commuter bike I think most metropolitan areas have interstates that go through them and beltways for thru traffic.  Isn't this the place at least some of the talk of lane splitting pertains to?

[NEW2elec]

I give the new bike two thumbs up with a few cautious reservations.
With only really the battery and a few other components being the same I'd say new platform.
Love the new motor and torque and speed upgrade.  Love the new dash.  Love the wider tires.  I want to see the inside of the tank and how it opens as I hope they got a lot more use out of the space.

As for reservations:
The 12 volt battery.  Time will tell with that one.  How will it charge?  How long will it last?  I assume it will give the owner notice when it's getting low and needs to be changed.  Long term winter storage with an old trickle charger?

The always on internet connection.  Who is going to pay for it?  Who are they going to share your riding stats aka speed, location with?

You'll need that j1772 plug to charge from a house outlet which may take up most of the new tank's space.  Some have said a single inlet but I wonder if the new charge tank option, giving you 12kw, will have a second inlet with it.

Overall it looks like a great new bike and was happily surprised it came in at a reasonable price point for the tech.

[BamBam]

Overall it looks like a great new bike and was happily surprised it came in at a reasonable price point for the tech.

+1........kudos to Zero on the launch of their new SR/F.  I think history will show that this marks a pivotal point in the evolution of electric motorcycles.