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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: stanelie on August 26, 2022, 08:36:59 PM

Title: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: stanelie on August 26, 2022, 08:36:59 PM

Hello.

I've noticed I am unable to go any faster then 100 km/h on my Zero DS, the speed appears to be limited somehow.

I see in the Main Bike Board that I can mess with the rear wheel size. If I adjust the wheel size to be smaller, the MBB will probably think I am going slower then I really am. Is this the correct way to adjust the top speed limit on this bike?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: stanelie on October 03, 2022, 12:27:28 AM

Hi.
So, I lifted the rear wheel and twisted the throttle, the speedometer maxed out at 120 km/h. So, there doesn't seem to be a software limit on the speed. I am still only getting a max speed of about 98 km/h. Any ideas where the limit could be? Battery voltage sag? Motor too old?
Thanks!

Title: Re: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: Richard230 on October 03, 2022, 03:39:35 AM

Quote from: stanelie on October 03, 2022, 12:27:28 AM

Hi.
So, I lifted the rear wheel and twisted the throttle, the speedometer maxed out at 120 km/h. So, there doesn't seem to be a software limit on the speed. I am still only getting a max speed of about 98 km/h. Any ideas where the limit could be? Battery voltage sag? Motor too old?
Thanks!

My recollection is that when the 2011 Zero DS was tested by magazine reviewers back in the day they obtained a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/hr). So after 10 years, the battery might be a little tired and is not putting out quite as much voltage as when it was new. But sill that sounds like a pretty decent top speed for a bike that old.

Title: Re: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: stanelie on October 03, 2022, 03:44:29 AM

Hi richard230.
I have swapped out the old defective battery for a newer Nissan Leaf pack, following a recipe that's floating around on the forums. As far as I can tell, it's the exact same chemistry, voltage, number of cells in series, and just a bit less total AH.  Any other ideas?
Thanks!

Title: Re: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: Richard230 on October 03, 2022, 06:32:51 AM

Quote from: stanelie on October 03, 2022, 03:44:29 AM

Hi richard230.
I have swapped out the old defective battery for a newer Nissan Leaf pack, following a recipe that's floating around on the forums. As far as I can tell, it's the exact same chemistry, voltage, number of cells in series, and just a bit less total AH.  Any other ideas?
Thanks!

That is all I have. While I saw the 2010 and 2011 bikes at the Zero dealer in Daly City, CA, I never rode one. All I did is read a couple of period tests at the time they were introduced.

Title: Re: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: Richard230 on October 03, 2022, 06:33:28 AM

And here is a photo of the instrument display.

Title: Re: Zero DS 2011 speed limit?
Post by: Alan. Yes THAT Alan on October 03, 2022, 11:25:31 PM

When you lift the rear wheel off the ground, you're getting the theoretical top speed. But the motorcycle will never actually ride that fast because on the road it has to move its weight plus the weight of the driver. Also, there is wind resistance it has to overcome. All of these things slow it down.