ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: roma258 on July 22, 2025, 12:59:35 AM
-
Hi, I've been mindlessly browsing facebook classifieds locally (Mid-Atlantic US) and can't help buy notice that some nice Zero DS and FX/FXS examples are popping up for not a lot of dough. I am not new to the emoto space, had a Brammo Empulse R for a couple years that I loved but sold as the company was going under. Now I am thinking of jumping back in the pool at these prices. One of the reasons is that I had wrist surgery recently and my ICE bike (Tiger 800) being big and top heavy is tough on the wrist. I am thinking lighter and smoother is the ticket to ease the load. I see that the DS 7.2 is only 319 pounds kurb weight? That sounds amazing honestly I and I am guessing it's comfier than the FX, though FX appeals for occasional dirt nonsense. In any case open to suggestions/criticisms/gentle mockery. Pick of the Brammo on the Dragon for getting this far.
(https://i.imgur.com/pjFW06sh.jpg)
-
The FX is only 30 pounds lighter (26 pounds for the FXS), but for that extra weight you get double the charging speed and a lot of storage space. I've not ridden an FX/FXS but my DS has been plenty comfortable on longer trips. It's also quite capable off road with a tyre change (the stock Pirellis are crap) although even at a modest 5'10" I needed to raise the bars by probably a good 2" to be able to stand reasonably comfortably, I could also do with lowering the pegs by maybe an inch as well.
-
The FX is only 30 pounds lighter (26 pounds for the FXS), but for that extra weight you get double the charging speed and a lot of storage space. I've not ridden an FX/FXS but my DS has been plenty comfortable on longer trips. It's also quite capable off road with a tyre change (the stock Pirellis are crap) although even at a modest 5'10" I needed to raise the bars by probably a good 2" to be able to stand reasonably comfortably, I could also do with lowering the pegs by maybe an inch as well.
I am curious about your longer trips. What kind of distances are you covering and how do you manage the recharge situation? I'll admit being surprised at the DS's low weight, it's definitely compelling!
-
One thing I forgot to mention, as mentioned I haven't experienced it myself but I've heard the FX series bikes have a pretty decent steering lock. The DS isn't so great so doing tight U turns can be a bit of a challenge. I haven't found it to be an issue riding about town though, navigating traffic while filtering.
By long trips I'm not talking anything great, hours in the saddle, because it just can't be done. But I've done plenty of trips around half an hour which have been perfectly comfortable and even some slower speed ones closer to an hour. I don't really keep close track of my range and it can vary quite a bit based on speed. If I'm going to my sisters about 15 miles away then I'm probably averaging around 75 mph and get there with something like 30% battery left, then I'll just charge up by running my cable out of the front window of her house. But then there's a place I was going to often recently that's 16 miles away and I couldn't charge there but I was getting home with around 20-25% battery, not sure of my average speed with that one but I guess over time I've just learnt to adjust my pace to the situation. It could be anywhere from close 80 miles during the Summer just plodding around town at 30 mph and below to maybe 25 miles if you're going flat out (you won't be able to sit at 86 mph the whole time). Personally I have a limit of around 20 miles away if I'm not going to be able to charge, usually take the slower more scenic route and aim to arrive with around 50% left. If I'm under then I'll go slower on the way back or be prepared to stop somewhere early to charge (hasn't been needed yet). If I'm able to charge and have the time then I'd do about 40 miles and take it steady there, then how much I have left will determine how spirited I am on the way home.
-
let' be honest here.
if you are in your 40's plus, an hour or more in the saddle. yah my hands are sore, arms are sore, fingers stiff, back sore, leg cramping, it's time for a bit of a stretch. stopping every 45 minutes or hour ish to recharge for 15 - 20 minutes is no big deal in the big scheme.
if you are on a ride with friends, and you got ehh more than say 10 bikes in your pack, this is probably happening anyways as ooh BB #4 needs to tinkle, and my mt dew ran out, lets pull over here for 5 minutes, ... which inevitably always turns into 25 minutes ;D
i think people tend to worry too much about charging time and all that, when if you look at the ice situation realistically, it's about the same amount of time by the time everyone is done fiddling and piddling around. how many rides actually stuck to the original 'schedule'? naah you go out to have fun and enjoy, if it takes an extra 5 or 10, that's more time for chat with friends.
just my opinion.
Aaron
-
Kind of irrelevant to the discussion at hand, you're not charging any Zero by a significant amount in 20 minutes never mind these specific models. He's not going to just be stopping off at a public station and grabbing a coffee before continuing on his way like you would with an Energica. If you're charging in public then you better have planned something to do for the next couple of hours, maybe go to the cinema or something. Public charging should be considered a last resort if you've either overestimated the bikes capability or you have no other option for a longer trip.
-
so what other options for charging then. if not public, where, make friends every 20 miles, and hope they are home?
most car dealers have l2 charging, they have 115vac and the nema 14-50 if you have the right plug. They may not advertise it but most have the chargers available or a plug to jack into. you may have to listen to a sales pitch while your bike is charging.
honestly, what is your other option for a longer trip?
how long does a 20 to 80 take for an average bike that's not supercharged or turbo tanked or whatever it is called?
aaron
-
Heh, loving the banter about touring. Realistically speaking, I realize this wouldn't be a touring bike, my experience with the Brammo kind of solidified that, and the range on the DS is not THAT much longer. The Energica is intriguing but I am not ready to shell out that kind of dough. Honestly, I am just trying to find something that works with my injury and lets me have fun on two wheels and the occasional commute. I'm open to the idea of experimenting some longer rides, maybe to some gravel or whatever, but that's not the main idea. There's a DS with a 14.4 battery and a top box/J1772 outlet that's kind of tempting me right now.
-
what part of the world are you in.
i know in new england there is a lightly used experia for about 14k and in california i think one for like 16 and you could probably talk them down a bit if you tried. if you are in the states throw in ehh 1300 for shipping tops and it might be yours.
everyone still expects energica to be gone so are trying to get rid of them so there are deals to be had. energica is in the midst of a reorganization / bankruptcy so will be 404 for a bit but are still alive and will be back soon. i think you have a chance at a deal that would be close to the same price youd pay for that and yah im biased but it's a much better bike and has l3 charging so you don't have to worry about making friends and getting stuck with an asshole like me 8) ;D
Aaron
-
…..
honestly, what is your other option for a longer trip?
………
ICE
-
so what other options for charging then. if not public, where, make friends every 20 miles, and hope they are home?
honestly, what is your other option for a longer trip?
It is simply not the bike for long trips. You can charge away from home, go further than the 100% range would allow, but you need to have something planned to do at the other end or otherwise you're going to be sitting around for hours. If you would actually read my previous post then I've already mentioned some scenarios, I'm not going to repeat myself. And as a last resort I can charge from any AC source, which includes public charging stations, using an adapter that I keep in the storage compartment.
As for telling him to get an Experia, that's almost double the weight and probably double the cost. I'm guessing you probably didn't even read Roma's original post past the first sentence.
-
wow you must be a mind reader, probably something in the water huh?
not telling him anything, making suggestions, it's a great bike, and he was more looking at price point, and they are a steal now if you can find them. just offering friendly suggestions to HIM, if you don't like them then don't read them.
as for charging there are options besides the public stations IF someone wants to do something. why do you insist he is not allowed because in YOUR opinion it's not worth it? See, that can go both ways. Lert him decide what he would be willing to do, not you or I.
would you pass up a great deal on a bike, because it was not your original plan? I wouldn't.
aaron
-
In any case open to suggestions/criticisms/gentle mockery.
How about cycletrader.com? One can sort by brand and distance. The whole used bike market seems be quite affordable. The dealers seem to add much less fees on used units. While heavier I see a livewire one not too far away for 11k maybe 5k miles. The ktm freeride I have is real light, not supposed to be for the highway but does at least have the brake light work and the high beam and blue indicator. Put a 14 tooth front sprocket on it and probably will go 65mph. At least one listing actually has one or more the other one just invites you to come by and see what else you might want. For the price a spare battery and wheels almost seems reasonable. Is your wrist expected to get back to normal?
-
not telling him anything, making suggestions, it's a great bike, and he was more looking at price point, and they are a steal now if you can find them. just offering friendly suggestions to HIM, if you don't like them then don't read them.
It's a dumb suggestion. He's after a lightweight lower cost bike because he has an injury and his current heavy bike causes him pain.
as for charging there are options besides the public stations IF someone wants to do something. why do you insist he is not allowed because in YOUR opinion it's not worth it? See, that can go both ways. Lert him decide what he would be willing to do, not you or I.
I never said he's not allowed. I was just saying that if he does want to charge away from home then he would need to set aside those couple hours or more to do so. As someone that actually owns the bike he is considering getting I'm offering useful advice, you're suggesting he does something completely different and gets something that doesn't fit his needs.
would you pass up a great deal on a bike, because it was not your original plan? I wouldn't.
If it didn't fit my needs, yes I would. Are you trying to sell him your own Experia? Because if not I don't know why you're so adamant on it, or why you even suggested it in the first place. You have made no useful contribution to this thread at all. You do realise you're not obligated to make a post in every one, right?
-
………
You have made no useful contribution to this thread at all. You do realise you're not obligated to make a post in every one, right?
Everyone has the right to remain silent, but some lack the ability :(
-
Ok some additional context since folks are asking (didn't expect things to get so heated :-\):
I am in the US, Mid-Atlantic area. There's a bunch of late 2010s early 2020s Zero DS and FX models in the $5k range which seems really reasonable for what you're getting. The Enegica Experia certainly has my interest, but the closest I've seen is around $15k and it's just a much bigger bike which I am trying to avoid right now. Some day though!
As far as my wrist issues, it's something that's been ongoing for a couple years now. Had my surgery last November, so it's been 8 months and I'm able to get back on the bike....interestingly, I spent a day on the SWM Superdual (400 pound dual-sport for those unfamiliar) and my wrist was more or less fine, while a day on the Tiger has me in pain over a week later. I just think the weight and the top-heavy nature of the bike don't agree with where I am right now. No idea how things will end up, but I'm assuming it's never fully going away.
Anyhoo. I think I am leaning DS, especially since the 14.4 version is still just around 400 pounds and will give me some flexibility in terms of things I can use it for. Thanks for the spirited input!!
-
man i am sorry to hear about your wrists, i have those issues too, and neck and shoulder, arm, leg.
yes wrestling a heavier bike can cause your wrist to flare up on you.
I have a lot of hardware in my body, arm, neck, back, foot, so know exactly what you are in here unfortunately.
one thing that may help is learning how to ride differently and bike setup. one thing i have learned over time, and yes i know you are not on an energica but it may help anyways, the bikes being a lot of plastic, can kind of be a bit slippery. Because of that we tend to use our arms and hands more to control it, instead of our bodies, especially the legs if you are a short shit like me because you can't get a really good grip on the bike to actually control it properly. At the end of the day your wrists are just aching because you've been strong arming a bike all day, a heavier one too. Even at 400 lbs, that's still some weight to contend with.
Tank grips, so you get traction on the sides of your bike were a life saver for me. Now i am able to use my feet much more and my legs much more to steer the bike instead of my arms to 'push it' where i needed it to be. This also took me having to make a conscious effort to learn how to ride better / differently / properly too. Old / Bad habits can be hard to break. Given your situation you might be using your arms more than you need to be. Go play around if you can, and again, a track day, no you don't have to race, but get on the track, get one of the coaches to help you with body position and control it'll do you a world of good and it's a lot of fun too. It's actually a safety class and your insurance may even give you a discount for taking it!
for the wrists, umm yah, it's going to be a life long thing now. i destroyed my foot last year and have issues with that too. you learn to work with it. My wrists, this latest set of injuries is new, since march, but the original ones, yah you deal with it.
one thing you might have going on is a trigger finger, and while it may not be full on where you can absolutely see it sticking / snapping and hear it popping, like mine was at one point, that right there, that one tendon hanging and rubbing, can inflame your whole damned hand and just cause everything to be grief. They can give you cortisone shots that might help relieve some of that in the wrist, if you had surgery, you were probably limited use for a while, and everything stiffens up, im in that problem right now, in therapy trying to work some movement back in my hand. They can also do an out patient, as a last resort where they can go in and snip that sheath, and it frees things up and a lot of the swelling goes away over time, as does the inflammation and all it causes.
8 months is about right, and honestly, ive seen it take a year or more before you were really back to normal, or what passes for your new normal .vs. what they say is good enough to go back to work. i hate to say this, and hate hearing it myself, but yes, give it time.
I don't know what you will end up with bike wise, or health wise but hopefully some of this might help you get into a better place, and no matter what you end up, stick to it, don't let the injuries get you down. there is a lot we can do to keep riding even when we are not at 100 percent ourselves.
As for attitudes, just ignore em, it's not worth getting all upset over the internet, some things just are not worth putting any real effort into when dealing with grumps. people get grumpy with each other but no real malice i hope. people have different views and ideas, thats what makes the world go round. it'd be boring if we all did the same thing, had to think the same thing, ride the same thing etc. :) Agree to disagree and think differently. Sometimes the world is bigger than 20 second chunks and ya just take it all in stride ;)
as a final question if you want to answer, do they have you on any meds for the wrist, gabapentin, baclofen or anything like that? I use baclofen at times, a mild muscle relaxer, and like it because it can help with the muscle aches and take that edge off, but won't stone you or put you out like a flexeril or xanaflex would do to you. It's safe enough to use while riding i guess you could say. it could help you not be so sore at the end of the day or next day.
if you ever come down to north florida, let me know we can get together for lunch or maybe a track day or something.
i got a neice / and sister up in chicago area i may be heading that way in a few months too, who knows maybe a side trip, lets take a track day somewhere! i'll bring the icy hot !!
Aaron
-
Anyhoo. I think I am leaning DS, especially since the 14.4 version is still just around 400 pounds and will give me some flexibility in terms of things I can use it for. Thanks for the spirited input!!
I will say if you have the chance to give both a 14.4 and a 7.2 a go then do so, the weight can be a bit deceptive. Even though my KTM weighs nearly 50 pounds more than my DS if I didn't know I would swear it's the other way round. It's not just that the KTM has sharper turning when riding it but even just pushing them around.