So as I sit here patiently waiting on my first electric motorcycle, the SR/F, my mind wanders on random thoughts. The latest is on charging the SR/F. This is my opinion only. Keep in mind, this is my first experience with electric bikes so much of what I relate to is in my previous ICE bikes and overall life experiences. Feel free to correct me where I am wrong.
1. Level 1: This year they doubled the rate of level one charging. It went from approx 8 hours to 4. I am really glad they improved this. No matter where we live, L1 charging is the most prevelent, everyone has an outdoor outlet. It will be nice when I go to visit someone, I can plug in and charge up. With the increased charging rate, even a few hour visit can really boost the bike’s charge.
2. Level 2: This is now standard on the SR/F, where you used to have to buy the charge tank. So it takes about 2 hours which is not great but not really bad. If you are trying to use the bike for a long trip, yes 2 hour breaks are tough. It you pull into a charging station in a mall parking lot, grab lunch and do some shopping, 2 hours is nothing. Level 2 chargers are everywhere these days, at least in the Northeast US. They are cheap to purchase for home use. I have one of these at my house and am glad that I can get home from a ride, hook up, grab a bite to eat and go back out riding. I am very glad this is standard on the SR/F and can’t comprehend Harley’s decision to have Level 2 charging on Livewire charge at the rate of L1.
3. Level 3: Now here is where all the controversy comes in. So I know it would be nice to bring the 2 hours down to under an hour. This would be a must to level the playing feild with ICE bikes for longer trips. I know in parts of the country these are more prevelant but in the Northeast right now, they are few and far between. You will also not have this charging at your home being the expense of the charger. At first I was hoping for the SR/F to have the option of L3. I figured it would future proof the bike. No matter what, as electric vehicles become more prevelent, fast charging will become more widespread.
Now here comes the kicker. Lately I have been thinking I am glad it doesn’t have L3. Now here me out. I have always been one to upgrade, mess with and repair my toys are my own. Unless it is a major job, as long as I can find instructions, I plan on doing some of the repairs on the SR/F myself. Here’s the thing. From my days doing construction I had learned that doing electrical work will get you shocked once in a while. Do enough of it and it is unavoidable. I also learned that 120 volts will wake you up and make you know you are alive but rarely much more. Now working on 220 volt and higher may actually be very dangerous. My understanding is that in order to have L3 charging, you are talking about 220 volts and over. I am not sure if I would be comfortable tinkering on a 300 volt bike. Especially in the garage where no one would here me scream and hit the floor. It would probably take a day or so for my family to realize I never came in from the garage. So if I am correct in my facts, I am kind of glad Zero stayed with the lower voltage and L2 charging. Maybe in a few years when I am older and don’t want to do repairs myself, and L3 charging is everywhere, I may regret it. But right now I am happy with Zero’s decision.
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Topic: SR/F and charging thoughts (Read 2010 times)