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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: kcoplan on February 01, 2013, 09:52:06 PM

Title: Just growling in the rain (2012 S ZF6)
Post by: kcoplan on February 01, 2013, 09:52:06 PM
Tuesday night I rode home in an unexpected steady light rain.  The bike had been outside, covered, all day, temperature in the 30s.

Right from the start I noticed an unusual motor growl -- similar to the usual electric motor noise but much louder and with more vibration -- most prominent when accelerating between around 10 and 30 mph.  I think I have noticed this before in the rain.  Cant say I noticed any change in performance, but I am not likely to be riding or accelerating as fast in the rain, so I probably would not have noticed a decline in performance.

This morning, rode in to work, dry weather, temp in the 20s, no growl, smooth as ever.

Anyone else have their bike growl at the rain?  Seems like it must be more humidity related than moisture in the motor, since it started as soon as I took the cover off and started to ride, before much in the way of raindrops or spray could have infiltrated anywhere.

--Karl
Title: Re: Just growling in the rain (2012 S ZF6)
Post by: BSDThw on February 01, 2013, 11:33:22 PM
We have had some discussions about this, but not really an answer what it is.

"Riding in Heavy Rain"
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2487.msg10427#msg10427 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2487.msg10427#msg10427)
Title: Re: Just growling in the rain (2012 S ZF6)
Post by: benswing on February 01, 2013, 11:35:20 PM

Right from the start I noticed an unusual motor growl -- similar to the usual electric motor noise but much louder and with more vibration -- most prominent when accelerating between around 10 and 30 mph.  I think I have noticed this before in the rain.  Cant say I noticed any change in performance, but I am not likely to be riding or accelerating as fast in the rain, so I probably would not have noticed a decline in performance.

This morning, rode in to work, dry weather, temp in the 20s, no growl, smooth as ever.

I have noticed the same thing.  Haven't noticed any particular difference in performance, but she seems unhappy in the rain and sometimes in dense fog.  (Like when it condenses on your facemask while riding.)
Title: Re: Just growling in the rain (2012 S ZF6)
Post by: Richard230 on February 02, 2013, 05:15:09 AM
Could it have something to do with the belt drive getting wet? 
Title: Re: Just growling in the rain (2012 S ZF6)
Post by: protomech on February 02, 2013, 05:42:34 AM
My ZF9 definitely makes more noise in the rain, especially at low speeds. It sounds like the drive belt.