ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JaimeC on April 06, 2016, 12:23:15 AM
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Howdy folks! Just ordered a 2016 Zero S 13kWh last week and expecting it any day now. Used the NYS tax rebate from our new home solar panel installation to make the down payment. Thought I'd seek out other enthusiasts to read about their experiences.
My plan is to use it for a daily commute (34 miles round trip on the infamous Long Island Expressway) and short around town errands on weekends. This will save the wear and tear on my ICE motorcycles for longer trips and multi-day getaways. Only accessories I ordered with it are the rack and top case, and the power socket for the little outlet on the dash.
As you might tell from my previous paragraph regarding my commute, I live in New York on the fair Isle of Long. Started riding motorcycles in 1982 and recently joined the BMW Motorcycle Owner's "400,000 Mile Club." I've also owned Yamahas and Buells in my past life.
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Hi JaimeC. I usually fly out to visit friends on the far east side of Long Island once a year.. very pretty country. Though I don't envy your traffic.
Sounds like you and Richard230 can swap some war stories about BMW bikes.
Did you have a chance to test ride the bike beforehand? How do you feel it compares to other bikes you've ridden?
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Welcome! You're going to love your new bike. Might want a windscreen but that's for you to decide.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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Hi JaimeC et al. My first day/post too.
I'm planning to order an SR tomorrow. That extra $1000 promo Zero just started clinched it for me. Figured I'd introduce myself here instead of continuing to lurk.
Thanks to all for your info and contributions. Helped immensely in my buying analysis over the past couple months while looking at the Zero SR and the DSR.
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I test rode an SR last year. Unfortunately, I discovered the price to insure an SR over an S was almost twice the price. That, plus the premium over the price of the standard S made me decide to stick with the S.
Currently I commute with a BMW C650GT (a Maxi Scooter) but since we just had solar panels installed last year and our electric rate is locked in for the next two decades, I decided to go electric. The S 13kWh has a highway range (at a steady 70 mph) of 81 miles. That's more than enough for my 34 mile round trip commute plus a lunch time ride. I figure it'll save the wear and tear on the two ICE bikes (the aforementioned scooter and my K1200LT with nearly 200,000 miles on the odometer).
The range at 70mph is important; I don't care WHAT the posted speed limit is, if you're not doing at least 70mph you're going to get run off the road. Even at 70 I routinely get passed on my morning commute (and the speed limit on the LIE is 55 mph).
The scooter (like a lot of the newer BMWs) hasn't been the most reliable bike I've ever owned but the K1200LT is. I can use the S for short hops (where the ICE bikes won't get properly warmed up), the scooter for longer runs in traffic and the K1200LT for everything else. That's the plan, anyway.
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I test rode an SR last year. Unfortunately, I discovered the price to insure an SR over an S was almost three times the price. That, plus the premium over the price of the standard S made me decide to stick with the S.
I've got a 2013S (50+ year old licensed 30+ years) full coverage $298 and my son has a 2015SR (25 year year 2nd year rider) full coverage $320 and both with Allstate.
liability 250k/500k
unisured 250k/500k
property 100k
$500 deductible.
Not to dispute your insurance options or choices but to share with other readers to some results may vary by carriers and locations (possibly even agents).
My S is very nice on the mixed 50 mile (round trip) commute even for the posted 70mph sections (but not the whole route as an 11.4) - when called upon to that quick pass the roll up is ever so much fun.
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Riding since 1982, former Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach who continues to take safety updates for the insurance discounts. Also, multiple bikes. Married homeowner living on Long Island, NY.
S model, full coverage $250. SR model, $628. That plus the price difference between the SR and the S was all it took.
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S model, full coverage $250. SR model, $628. That plus the price difference between the SR and the S was all it took.
Our purchase price of the 2015SR (dealer demo with 1500 miles) was less than my original 2013S so we didn't have a dilemma there. That insurance gap, is certainly a valid reason to pause.
Perhaps the carriers are figuring out not to list electrics as "under 99cc", so now I'm pensive about next renewal.
Welcome to the "S" crowd.
I'd welcome leads on finding safety courses, I'm getting to that experience level that is statistically dangerous again due to complacency.
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Riding since 1982, former Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach who continues to take safety updates for the insurance discounts. Also, multiple bikes. Married homeowner living on Long Island, NY.
S model, full coverage $250. SR model, $628. That plus the price difference between the SR and the S was all it took.
I know insurance changes on location, but if you shop around a bit, you could get that lower. I pay $50 a year for a street legal CR500, and paid $400 a year for a literbike, so that 628 for a SR seems a bit absurd.
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I am paying more for my 2014 S liability-only insurance premium than I pay for my 2016 BMW R1200RS with the same coverage from the same company. There is something odd going on here. ??? The only thing I can think of is that insurance companies somehow believe that EV batteries will cause an explosion or set things on fire if there is an accident. :o It wouldn't be the first time that they get their facts from the TV press.... ::)
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There is something odd going on here. ???
Maybe it is the fact these are "rare" bikes ... my primary insurance company wouldn't even cover me citing this as being the reason "they are too rare." Zero makes < 2k of these bikes a year correct? How many of your specific bike?
In 2014 Q1 the best selling bike at nearly 750 units was the ninja 300 ... Zero is a small niche company whether we want to believe it or not.
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Progressive lists the SR as a "High Performance Model." I pointed out how ludicrous it was for them to classify a 60hp motorcycle as "High Performance" as that is the power output of my SCOOTER. Maybe after these things have been on the road for a few more years they'll adjust their classifications.
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Got a quote for adding a '16 Zero SR to my Geico policy that already has a Triumph Speedmaster ($224 per year). She had to place me on hold, go to the supervisor and back-end database as Zero wasn't on her cheat sheet. Came back and said the Zero with full coverage, $50 deductibles for all, was an annual total of $288. I have a clean record, no claims, 24 years licensed. Taken CMSP and MSF courses.
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FYI: I compared 0-60 times for the S model against my C650GT, and it would appear the S does accelerate more quickly. Since the C650GT accelerates quickly enough to comfortably merge onto our highways with their notoriously short acceleration lanes I don't foresee any issues with the performance of the S model. The SR would've been nice, but I can live with the S.
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I that how vehicle insurance rates are set now? By how fast the vehicle accelerates? I guess that makes it easy on the underwriting department. ::)
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I'm guessing that, lacking any real data, the insurance companies base their rates on manufacturers claims. Since Zero bills the SR as their high performance model well... that's what the insurance companies are calling it too. :-\
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Getting impatient. I was told it would take two weeks and tomorrow marks two weeks since the bike was ordered. I'd heard motorcycle deliveries will likely be delayed in general because of the Volkswagen emissions fiasco... but an electric bike shouldn't be affected by that?? With luck I'll have a VIN next week and can get the insurance squared away. I already got my deposit in the form of my tax refunds from the Fed and State so bring it!!
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I wouldn't worry too much, Jaime. If it has tires or wires, it's going to take longer than you expect.
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Latest update is that the bike is enroute from California!
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Latest update is that the bike is enroute from California!
*jealous* Coming up to a week since my own order. On the plus side, it's currently pouring in Seattle so I don't mind waiting until it's sunny again. Which happens occasionally.
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So I ordered an SR almost-exactly 1 week ago from the dealership, at 11:31AM on the 6th (according to the purchase agreement time-stamp) and was told yesterday that the bike is shipping today. I live in SoCal; I wonder if Zero creates/ships based on geolocation or model type or any other variables or if it is simply first come first served? Anybody know?
Also, anybody want to share what I can expect upon pickup from the dealer? I didn't select any accessories or the power tank or anything else. Should I expect just a user-manual, charge-cord, and keys or is there some other goodies and/or items I should be on the lookout for? Appreciate any insight-
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This is what was included with my bike:
- user manual on a Zero-branded thumb drive
- two keys
- IEC C13 120V charging cable
- zipped tank storage bag
- mirror adjustment tool (probably not needed for post-2014 bikes)
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This is what was included with my bike:
- user manual on a Zero-branded thumb drive
- two keys
- IEC C13 120V charging cable
- zipped tank storage bag
- mirror adjustment tool (probably not needed for post-2014 bikes)
sounds simple enough. thumb drive in lieu of 3x5" card w web url sounds cool. thanks for info!
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So I ordered an SR almost-exactly 1 week ago from the dealership, at 11:31AM on the 6th (according to the purchase agreement time-stamp) and was told yesterday that the bike is shipping today. I live in SoCal; I wonder if Zero creates/ships based on geolocation or model type or any other variables or if it is simply first come first served? Anybody know?
Also, anybody want to share what I can expect upon pickup from the dealer? I didn't select any accessories or the power tank or anything else. Should I expect just a user-manual, charge-cord, and keys or is there some other goodies and/or items I should be on the lookout for? Appreciate any insight-
You ordered one day before me. I'll call my dealer (Seattle) tomorrow to see if there is any word on my SR..
Reading some of the other posts here and on Facebook, I think I'll be riding home in ECO mode just until I get used to it!
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So I ordered an SR almost-exactly 1 week ago from the dealership, at 11:31AM on the 6th (according to the purchase agreement time-stamp) and was told yesterday that the bike is shipping today. I live in SoCal; I wonder if Zero creates/ships based on geolocation or model type or any other variables or if it is simply first come first served? Anybody know?
Also, anybody want to share what I can expect upon pickup from the dealer? I didn't select any accessories or the power tank or anything else. Should I expect just a user-manual, charge-cord, and keys or is there some other goodies and/or items I should be on the lookout for? Appreciate any insight-
I got two keys, a thumb drive and a charge cord. The zippered storage compartment was in place (it Velcro's in, along with a single loop that locks it down with the key). That and a hand shake and help loading it in my trailer!
That was with my DSR about a month ago.
Since then I added a top rack and purchased my own GIVI 37 liter top-box.
My bike took about three weeks from order to dealer, but I am sure the volume is higher with the incentive and warm weather coming on...
Steve
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*jealous* Coming up to a week since my own order. On the plus side, it's currently pouring in Seattle so I don't mind waiting until it's sunny again. Which happens occasionally.
My dealer tells me they are expecting my SR to arrive with them today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to pick it up. *excited*
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That's great! Welcome to the club. Instead of eco-mode you may want to turn the power down to 75% using the app which will allow you to ride it like Zero S. Although eco-mode isn't a bad idea either…
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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That's great! Welcome to the club. Instead of eco-mode you may want to turn the power down to 75% using the app which will allow you to ride it like Zero S. Although eco-mode isn't a bad idea either…
I'm picking it up tomorrow! I'll go easy on the throttle. Always nervous with new tires too..
Gonna be FUN!
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Tomorrow marks three weeks and still no bike. :(
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Tomorrow marks three weeks and still no bike. :(
What model is it? Are some more popular than others?
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Just got back from the dealer. The bike is in, and they gave me the VIN. Unfortunately, my insurance company's office wasn't open so I can't get the insurance card till Monday at the earliest. Plus, although the bike came in, the accessories I ordered with it (luggage rack, top case, accessory socket) have not all come in yet.
Oh well, at least we're getting CLOSE!
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so I can't get the insurance card till Monday at the earliest.
You needed a card to ride? I guess the advantage of going with a larger Insurance broken (Progressive in my case) is that you can log in and print your own card there and then. I printed mine the moment I got home.
I hope your dealer is open Monday. Bike dealers that open on Mondays seem rare.
I was going to buy a screen, but I guess a few years riding a Thruxton has gotten be used to the wind, so I'll hold off for now. Luggage might be more useful: hopefully that Visa card that Zero have promised us will cover that..
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Progressive is my insurance provider, but I got my policy though a local agency. My dealer is open on Monday but the service area is not; just sales and parts. Doesn't matter though... as I pointed out, the accessories I wanted didn't come in at the same time as the bike.
Since I work during the week the earliest I could pick up the bike would be Saturday anyway.
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Looks like the dealer is still waiting on the top box (they have the rack). I told them that's not a show-stopper, just mount the rack and I'll come by and get the top box when it finally comes in. Looks like I'll be picking up my new baby on Saturday.
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Just my luck... it's RAINING!! >:(
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Finally have my S! Just have to wait now for the back-ordered top case, but I can wear a backpack till then.
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Ta da!!!
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/13096086_10207639878168327_5805719636332817161_n.jpg?oh=d1b608a52d47dcbaaeb0b83fcbfbe2c3&oe=57754CC4)
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Congratulations! And the Woodstock decal is a nice touch.
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I already had a "Snoopy" in the garage, so it was only natural.
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/13062248_10207639882728441_1250327317503077974_n.jpg?oh=cbfc04b91824b3205e3e5925d0fcaebe&oe=57A868A9)
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Ta da!!!
Worth the wait!