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2019 FXS 7.2  NEW

11 (91.7%)

2017 FX 5.6.   PREOWNED

1 (8.3%)

Total Members Voted: 12

[McBoatface]

After doing my due diligence of research, both here and elsewhere. I've decided to take the plunge and buy a Zero bike. I'm stuck between 2 options however:

A shiny new 2019 FXS7.2 from the dealer, costing around $11500 after taxes+licensing

Or a preowned 2017 FX5.6with 700 miles for $8200 .

Both available at the same dealer.
My commute is generally 35 miles round trip, but I do visit family frequently which are about 35 miles away. (I also have a truck as other, less fun, means)
I will be riding mostly street and likely in rain, so I would prefer the wider tires of FXS. Obviously the new bike includes all warranties, and the used still has its battery warranty for a 2 years.
I wondering if any of you all could help me weigh in on this decision.

Components-wise they seem to be essentially the same bike. The warranty, street tires, and range of the new one would be great. But is it worth the extra 3k?

[flattetyre]

FXS is a lot better on the street. FX is better offroad and comes with a horrible front brake and softer, longer travel suspension. In reality either tire will be way, way above your limits (especially if you think "wider" tires have jack to do with anything especially getting thru rain).

They are totally different bikes. Figure out what kind of riding you want to do and the answer should be extremely obvious.

[domingo3]

You make no mention of off-road, so I think FXS is the obvious choice.  If you really want to save money buying used, you can probably find a used FXS.  Regardless of FX vs FXS, I probably wouldn't pay $8200 for a 2017.  It sucks that there's that much depreciation, but there is.  Remember also that the 2017s had a ~$1k tax credit. Not that you can get the credit on one today, so whether that's a factor in anything depends on how you look at it.

[Moto7575]

FXS is more versatile - you can go off road but still go on the street. Find a used one if cost is too high for you. And since more FXS are sold reselling it will be easier if you need to do so one day !

[Fran K]

The new one.  Either way make sure they were not or are not considered to start out as demo.  Resale on the newer one will be more.  Might not be too long before one could order a 2020.  One can be pretty confident the previous owner got a lot less than $8200 at trade in.

[vinceherman]

My commute is generally 35 miles round trip,

Hi Boaty!
You do not mention what kind of streets will be involved with this commute.  City?  City and 55mph highway?  70mph highway?

It it is high speed highway, you will be close to the maximum of 39 miles of the new 7.2.  I do not know the specs for the 2017 5.6 but I expect they would be less.
Can you charge at work?

[BamBam]

For commuting I would definitely go with the FXS.  I'd look for a used 2017 or later FXS.  There were enough improvements to the 2016 model that I wouldn't look for anything older than a 2017.

[Jarrett]

I'd buy all the battery you can. 

I can run my 2019 FX completely out of juice in 35 miles if I try hard and that's with next to no highway time..  The longest it has ever run for me is 60 miles and it was deep in 0% territory then.

The FXS sounds like the better tire config for you, but that brand new, non-faded 7.2 battery is going to give you the most range.

[Jarrett]

Just read your other thread, get the new one, you need the longer warranty if you are shooting for 5 years.

Make sure you have a dealer nearby as well.

[pacificcricket]

I'd take the used FX, and then consider additional battery or faster charger if needed. Street tires will be just a couple of hundred extra, and would give a few percent of range improvement.


Some people talk about resale value... once any new vehicle is taken from the dealership, it has lost value. A two year old bike with a few hundred miles will be worth like a... two year old bike with a few hundred miles

[NoMoreIdeas]

Something to keep in mind - in 2018 zero replaced the front 20t sprocket with a 18t, and spun the motor higher to get the same top speed. This resulted in a 10% increase in torque & power, and you can really feel it.. something not easily upgraded.

I think you mean a 2017 6.5? they never made a 5.6.

[NEW2elec]

If you can, try to test ride both.  One quick correction though the 17 FX will have a 6.5kWh battery not a 5.6kWh one.  I don't know if it was a type o on your end or you were misquoted but there is only  .7 kWh difference which is about 7 miles miles at 45mph just to be clear.

I bought both of my Zeros used and it saved me a lot of money.  If you can stock away the money you'd save and use it for any repairs that may come up it works out in the long run.

Also like I told Jarrett a while back Zero starts the two year full warranty clock when they ship the bike to the dealer not when you buy it.
So you may have lost 4-6 months from the one sitting at the dealer.
I don't like this policy but it is what it is.

You can call up Zero and give them the VIN from the 17 or any other used bike and they will tell you when the warranty runs out.

I don't know where your at east or west coast or maybe middle.  I got both my bikes shipped to me sight unseen for a pretty good price with UShip.  Lots more options when you look at it like that. (try to have some full warranty left just in case)

At the end of the day it's your call and don't beat yourself up about it either way since there is no perfect always right way to do anything. 
Good luck and post a picture when you get one.

[ashnazg]

Only thing I'll add is that I used a new '15 FX just fine on roads only, getting 50+ miles of range, though I was always just short commuting or weekend joyriding.

Given your price choices, I'd only lean toward the used FX at $7k or less, as the savings at $8k aren't quite enough for me.

[flattetyre]

Something to keep in mind - in 2018 zero replaced the front 20t sprocket with a 18t, and spun the motor higher to get the same top speed. This resulted in a 10% increase in torque & power, and you can really feel it.. something not easily upgraded.

Yes it has more torque at the wheels due to the gearing change, no it does not have more torque or more power at the output shaft. "But it spins faster!" Yes, in the at best constant or more likely diminishing power range where torque is already dropping off faster than it can increase power with raised RPM.

So yeah the newer Zeros wheelie a little easier, but have the exactly same power / torque from the motor. If you upgrade to a chain drive this is a moot point anyway.

[MVetter]

I consider the FXS one of the most entertaining motorcycles made in the last 50 years.