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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: MostlyBonkers on July 03, 2015, 11:54:25 PM
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Hi All,
Has anyone else got an invite to this? I'm hoping to make it, unless my kids put up a massive fight about being dragged along...
If I can take the SR for a spin the trip will have been worth it. If I also get to meet some fellow enthusiasts it'll be even better!
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Somewhere else on the site there was some talking about the re-entry of the UK market. I believe a few people wanted to go.
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I'll be there, look for a long haired bearded chap in his forties... ;)
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Thanks Erasmo, I'll look again for another topic on this.
It looks like the planets are aligning and I will actually be able to make it! I'm aiming to get there about 10 'ish when it starts but won't be able to stay for much more than a couple of hours. I hope that's enough.
I'm riding in on my red NC750. If you don't see me arriving Justin, I'm also a guy in my forties but with short hair and some of it's missing! The real giveaway is the heat damage to the right lower leg of my bike trousers. Or it might be the left leg... One of the downsides of dropping an ICE bike! I'm looking forward to meeting you all being well. [emoji4]
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I'm aiming to get there, depending on the vagueries of the trains, for 11 to 12 ish.
I'll also be wearing my Good Omens "Neal Gaimen as Azriaphile" TShirt ;)
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Have fun testing everybody!
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Thanks Erasmo.
How are you getting on with the trains Justin? It has stopped raining at least and with a bit of luck it'll dry up this afternoon.
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I learnt a couple of things on the SR today that I wasn't expecting to. I'm currently sitting in Accident and Emergency...
Unfortunately the good old British weather meant that we had very wet conditions for the first group ride. Needless to say, the rear wheel lost traction on a slight incline as I applied a bit of throttle. It was a bit of a surprise as I had tested the acceleration a little just a few hundred yards earlier. Perhaps there had been a diesel spillage on the next section of road as it didn't seem to take much to lose grip. Once that happened I lost control very quickly and I was on my side in an instant!
Lessons learnt?
I ride in all weather conditions and cover 12,000 miles a year. Despite that, one should never underestimate just how slippery the roads can be after a dry spell and lots of rain. Especially when on an unfamiliar bike that has so much instant torque. Even partial throttle openings are enough to cause upset. I test rode the 2014 S before Christmas and accidentally ventured onto icy roads. I handled that ok, but today was a harsh reminder.
Another lesson was that you can drop a zero in a fairly spectacular fashion and get away with very little damage. Broken mirror, footpeg and indicator lens. The usual kind of damage to the handlebar end and that's it. I couldn't see a scratch on any of the paintwork!
Another lesson is that the lack of a clutch lever means you don't have the ability to cut the drive instantly when your right hand has lost control and is probably applying more throttle. Other bikes and scooters also don't have a clutch but they don't also have such instant access to bags of torque. Something to treat with respect. Possibly worth practicing with if your an owner.
Even in the short time I rode the SR, I could feel the improvements over the 2014S. The handling and brakes are so much better! Whilst 2013 & 14 Zero owners shouldn't get too upset, anyone on a 2012 model should seriously consider the upgrade.
Today we heard confirmation that the £1,500 government subsidy is happening. All being well Streetbike in Birmingham will be able to do new registrations soon. I'm pretty sure the list price has dropped since 2013 too!. Look out for official UK pricing soon and in the meantime the Euro conversion looks better than expected.
My thanks go out to Erik, Andreas and everyone else who helped make this event happen. I'm sorry I dropped your bike and I hope my good words about Zeros on this forum and by word of mouth go some way to making up for that.
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Sorry to hear about your fall! Zero should really put traction control standard - pretty much any bike that's worth anything at this price range these days has it. Traction control would have prevented (most likely) exactly this type of fall. It takes very little misguided throttle to cause a slip, as you say... I wonder if with the ABS sensors already in place in the 2015 models, Zero can release a software update that adds at least a rudimentary traction control (i.e., one that only reads the wheel speed plus whatever else the bike knows about the motor power, speed, and throttle position vs. a more sophisticated versions that also use additional sensors for lean, acceleration, etc.)?
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Oooh, not fun. It's a torquey little beast, isn't it? I very seldom ride in the wet - not that it ever rains in California anymore. The last time I rode after a rain I spun up the rear tire and went into a nice fishtail. I THOUGHT that I was accelerating sofly and that the road was fairly dry so I was really surprised. Lesson learned - Eco mode in the wet. Are you in the emergency room because you're hurt or is it just precautionary?
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Lots of bruising and swelling with my ankle. Wrist hurts a lot, shoulder not so good. Mostly precautionary though. I'll live.
Traction control would be great on these bikes. Hopefully not too difficult to implement, but let's face it, everything is difficult to implement on production bikes. I believe that ABS is a thousand pound option on the Honda Fireblade. It's a very good Implementation though, I've heard.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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Yeah MostlyBonkers binned his bike... ;)
Picked up some pretty big bruises on his shoulder and hand for his trouble, and Erik joking that he has to buy the bike now. ;)
Good day otherwise, I rode the SR, and spent half the ride thing, yes the SR handles like a dream, but its not "that" much more powerful than my S...
Then I realised that I'd left it in ECO. :-[
Flipped it into sport and "Gently Caress Me" it an half shift. I was'nt ready for it, sat bolt upright, and the thing tried to rip my arms out of my sockets.
Lesson learnt, I treated like a superbike and opened it up in a tuck and, well, it was amazing.
Much better handling than the 2013's, better diving under braking, and both sets of brakes were more than up to the task. I walked away thinking it kinda wanted twin disks on the front, to handle quick braking after a sharp bit of acceleration.
I *will* be getting an SR.
But the really good news is that Zero are back in the UK, dealers are being signed up.
*Warning This part of Post may contain Rumors which may or may not come to pass*
Rumors are also that Zero Europe are working with a company to produce a 3kw onboard charger option (replacing the 1.3kw charger under the monolith) for the European bikes.
Other Rumors are that a DC charging option is being investigated as well, but that wont be ready for a while, and *might* not be Chademo...
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Coming up to 3 hrs in A & E now. In France you get seen in ten minutes by a doctor apparently... I certainly buggered up a unique opportunity to test the Zero range today!
It was great to see your enthusiasm Justin and good luck with the missus! I'm glad I've provided a little entertainment if nothing else! [emoji12]
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The chat has been had, and I'm happy to say she is happy with me getting an SR*, as long as its next year, and I sort out the bathroom redecoration first... ;)
So time to start putting a healthy deposit together.
(*She is less happy with the power of the SR... ;) )
Hopefully you've got nothing more than a bruised shoulder and pride. ;)
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Coming up to 3 hrs in A & E now. In France you get seen in ten minutes by a doctor apparently... I certainly buggered up a unique opportunity to test the Zero range today!
It was great to see your enthusiasm Justin and good luck with the missus! I'm glad I've provided a little entertainment if nothing else! [emoji12]
On the other hand you are probably the first one to crash a 2015 SR in the UK so at least you can put that under your name.
*Warning This part of Post may contain Rumors which may or may not come to pass*
Rumors are also that Zero Europe are working with a company to produce a 3kw onboard charger option (replacing the 1.3kw charger under the monolith) for the European bikes.
Other Rumors are that a DC charging option is being investigated as well, but that wont be ready for a while, and *might* not be Chademo...
Too late, the Hype Train has already left the station!
May I inquire where you got that rumour?
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I picked it up while nattering to the Zero chaps there with a group of riders.
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Sorry to hear about the spill. That gravity thing can really be a downer.
Rumors are also that Zero Europe are working with a company to produce a 3kw onboard charger option (replacing the 1.3kw charger under the monolith) for the European bikes.
Now this is something I'm keen to follow. I know that this may come as a surprise to some of you USA guys/girls, you may want to sit down for this one. There are actually, believe it or not, areas of the world outside of the USA. Mind blowing, I know. It would be great to have some onboard charging (hopefully retrofittable) that is a little better matched to the electrical standards used by the majority of the world (assuming this could be attached to a standard 230V/15A circuit).
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Glad you weren't hurt too bad - hopefully the x-rays didn't show any broken bones (did they finally get around to seeing you?)
The torque is amazing, isn't it. I have over 4,000 miles on my 2015 SR and I get a kick out of the instant acceleration every time. I've only ridden a couple of times in the rain (still drought conditions here in California), but I took it real easy (learned my lesson on a previous occasion ;))
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I know that this may come as a surprise to some of you USA guys/girls, you may want to sit down for this one. There are actually, believe it or not, areas of the world outside of the USA.
That's a bit harsh dude.
I think we all know and understand that as bike/car companies expand, their range starts to alter to better reflect and suit the local market. Its encouraging that the first very early signs of this happening with Zero can be seen. However it won't really mean much or go that far until Alkmaar start assembling / manufacturing bikes... ;)
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It's a bit more pleasant to design chargers with relatively low-amperage draws per phase on europe's more-common-than-in-the-USA 3-phase power.
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I have no idea how difficult it is to design a fast charging system. I think there was talk yesterday about how you have to open up the battery management system so it can communicate with the DC chargers. I understand voltage was the problem with the Chademo system.
You really need to get into that 20-30 minute window for a 90% charge or so.
I'm hoping to do some research on Hydrogen soon after recently discovering that Toyota and some other manufacturers have invested heavily in it. This charging business is critical and if you can fill up with hydrogen in a couple of minutes like you can with petrol, we might find that's the way the market goes... It's Betamax versus VHS all over again!
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Oh, and in other news I've broken my wrist. [emoji17]
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Oh, and in other news I've broken my wrist. [emoji17]
So sorry to hear that, what a bummer. :-\ This is the main reason that I won't ride in the rain... scared to take a spill and injure myself and/or my bike.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
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Thanks Straighted. I can assure you that I'm getting a lot more sympathy from this forum than I'm getting at home!
Please don't let this act as another reason not to ride in the rain. My advanced riding instructor told me how he did a trip up to Scotland once and it rained for four days straight. By the end they were all riding as quickly in the wet as they do in the dry. The advanced guys do tend to keep it steady and observe speed limits though. What happened yesterday was like falling off a ladder. The application of common sense is usually enough to keep you safe. I should have treated the SR like the beast it is, rather than like the S model on steroids!
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(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/06/773c5c55e2569414e61b8dea8db437bb.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/06/7ff90c066b7280e835f374790d076069.jpg)
My HR department have just told me to take three days off sick and work from home on Thursday and Friday. My wife is being an angel, despite being a bit miffed. My task now is to look up adaptive vehicle hire. I'm supposed to be driving up to Northumberland in a couple of weeks for our annual holiday!
I was starting to think that my alias was more of a statement about the way of the world, but perhaps it is just me!
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Oh, and in other news I've broken my wrist. [emoji17]
What you have to remember everyone, is I watched Bonkers jump on his 750 with a broken wrist and ride off. He may have difficulty keeping the bike shiny side down, but you can't fault his grit.
Heal up quickly ya numpty. ;)
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On the plus side, it is the left one and you don't need to engage the clutch on a Zero ;)
I think we all know and understand that as bike/car companies expand, their range starts to alter to better reflect and suit the local market. Its encouraging that the first very early signs of this happening with Zero can be seen. However it won't really mean much or go that far until Alkmaar start assembling / manufacturing bikes... ;)
Unless they build a new factory that isn't gonna happen. On the other hand, aren't there a lot of empty car factories in the UK?
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Not as many as you might think...
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Very sorry about the wrist and foot but hey, you've got a DCT motorcycle - left hand and left foot optional!
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There's no way I could have got home having to use a clutch lever. I didn't even use the indicators, just stuck my hand out in rather a limp fashion!
I'll take the dubious honour of being the first to spill an SR in the UK. It'll sit on the mantle with my days learning to fly at Biggin Hill. Whilst doing a few solo touch and go circuits, my instructor said I only just cleared the boundary fence on one of them. Then there was the time I took my ex-wife out for a flight down to Eastbourne and back. It was her first time in a light aircraft and the radio started cutting out on the way. She spent most of the flight holding and wiggling the plug so I could talk to air traffic control until it finally gave up. I had to approach and land at a busy international airport by just looking out for other aircraft. I could hear the tower at least and shortly after touch down they told me to 'expedite'. That just means get off the runway fast...
So just because a bike isn't screaming it's tits off at 10,000 rpm doesn't mean it isn't capable of bucking you off in an instant when conditions aren't good... The SR surely has enough torque to satisfy any acceleration junkie but just imagine the future possibilities! Imagine a cruiser style bike with a really fat back tyre and a motor running at double the voltage and amps! Drag racing anyone?
I hope that by reading this topic, fellow enthusiasts and owners will avoid making the same mistake. I have an awful feeling it may take a while to live this one down...
Yours truly,
Your loyal numptiness!
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As someone who's experienced rain-onset-induced fishtailing a few times on my DS, I'm glad you're okay and definitely sympathize.
I've found that ECO mode is very helpful when you're unsure of pavement conditions, and a recovery is usually possible (thankfully 100% for me so far) by keeping weight on the pegs/feet and easing up on the throttle very gradually to reduce the swinging.
With experience, it's usually a second nature to feel out the limits of torque and traction and keep the bike within its parameters. But yes, it took me a few times encountering that scenario and have my heart leap through my chest to learn it properly. It's one reason I don't feel any need for SR-level torque.
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+1 for traction control! Thanks Brian.
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It can happen even on the smaller bikes as well, I remember spinning up the rear wheel of an ER-5 when launching from the lights in the wet.
Did'nt know you could fly though, that's pretty cool.
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It sounds as if the day was a great success, except for MostlyBonkers. Sympathies, my friend, your foot looks a little like mine did after an altercation with a Fiat Uno on a crossroads in Bologna many years ago. Much the same result.
I'm really gutted I couldn't make it, not least to meet some of you guys. But it's been great to hear your impressions of the bikes. Love my 2012, but can see need to start saving for later model...
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It was a really positive day. A chance to meet Zero Europe (who are really nice) test the new bikes, and get some idea of what future developments hold.
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... "meet Zero Europe (who are really nice) ... and get some idea of what future developments hold"
So, what are these developments, if any?
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Zero Europe bikes might be getting more powerful chargers ( 3kw as an optional replacement to the 1.3kw charger) due to our domestic power being 230-240v, Zero Europe is in discussions with suppliers it seems.
Zero in general is looking towards DC charging as being the future of charging and possibly dropping the onboard charger all together.
Bear in mind these are not comments on next years model, rather they indicate a direction that Zero is looking into.
I'd also strongly recommend watching last nights Zero Webcast, as (aside from the Euro charger) Abe was pretty much saying that they forsee the onboard AC charger as being dead weight they'd like to remove from the bike, and I have to utterly agree with that, especially if it means Zeros get rapid charging as standard.
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Loosing the onboard charger all together miht be a step to far, its always nice to know that you can charge at any outlet. A modern charger doesn't have to be bigger than a pack of cigs.
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Zero Europe bikes might be getting more powerful chargers ...
Thanks!
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I understand the bikes are still at Motorden, London. I'm in London this weekend and am hoping to get a ride. Anything to look out for? (Apart from lack of traction control!)
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It's worth asking about their scheme to get 2012 owners onto current model bikes. It seems they are keen so there should be a good deal available.
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Got to ride the ZF12.5 SR yesterday. Have to admit it's a huge step forward from my 2012 ZF9! I think it's early days for the guys at Motorden also. They are going to email me pricing and I'll ask about 2012 model trade-in then.
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Hi, I also attended the demo day and rode an S which I was really impressed with and had as much power as my Honda Deauville. Would be interested to know what the prices from Motoden are.
Also, where do people who have a zero in the UK get their bikes serviced as that's my main concern as I am not great with bike maintenance so like to get the dealer to do it for me/
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Jim Wade, are you concerned about routine oil changes, valve timing adjustments, transmission issues, etc? Because all you need is new break pads every now and then (a 10 minutes job you can do with a simple tool set) and tighten the belt every year or two.
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When you say tighten the belt every year how many miles do you do a year as I have seen the bike needs a once over every 4000 miles and I ride about 16000 a year commuting?
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Are Motoden the new UK dealers then?
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Also, where do people who have a zero in the UK get their bikes serviced as that's my main concern as I am not great with bike maintenance so like to get the dealer to do it for me/
Streetbike, Halesowen for me.
Are Motoden the new UK dealers then?
Possibly, I'd be shocked, shocked, if Streetbike don't become a full dealer again as well.
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Streetbike get my vote. Actually for any dealership I have used, not just Zero.
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When you say tighten the belt every year how many miles do you do a year as I have seen the bike needs a once over every 4000 miles and I ride about 16000 a year commuting?
The owner's manual (http://media.zeromotorcycles.com/resources/owners-manuals/2014/2014-Zero-Owners-Manual-S-SR-DS.pdf) says it needs replacement every 40.000 kilometres. Don't worry about the belt tightening, it isn't more than loosening a nut, adjusting the tension with another nut and tightening the first nut again, i's a job that's done in 5 minutes.
I also had a Deauville and the running cost of it were relatively low but getting to the engine block is a pain in the ass, Zero maintenance is a breeze compared to it.
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Got to ride the ZF12.5 SR yesterday. Have to admit it's a huge step forward from my 2012 ZF9! I think it's early days for the guys at Motorden also. They are going to email me pricing and I'll ask about 2012 model trade-in then.
I asked Zero Europe on Friday about incentives or trade in for 2012 owners and they said there is nothing. So I'm not sure where that idea came from?
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Got to ride the ZF12.5 SR yesterday. Have to admit it's a huge step forward from my 2012 ZF9! I think it's early days for the guys at Motorden also. They are going to email me pricing and I'll ask about 2012 model trade-in then.
I asked Zero Europe on Friday about incentives or trade in for 2012 owners and they said there is nothing. So I'm not sure where that idea came from?
Maybe the dealer just offered it by it's own. If not for selling again I think it would be a perfect loan-bike.
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It came from chatting with the guys last Sunday. Erik mentioned it and I think he's the head of sales for Europe... I hope I wasn't mistaken!
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MostlyBonkers, was something mentioned to you perhaps?
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I would have thought that a trade in is something you sort out with your dealer, not Zero.
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Except that dealers don't want the old bikes because they can't sell them, unless they were priced obscenely low in which case the trade in would be so low you would be better off using the battery to charge your phone and melting the rest down for scrap.
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I guess I got lucky when I got a pretty good price for my ZF9.
I've also had a couple of non-dealer offers (which I've so far turned down) for my 2013 which came close to matching what I paid for it.
Demand is building in the UK for the Zeros at the moment, which means good deals (for sellers) are out there.