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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Apriliarsv on July 08, 2018, 01:34:03 PM
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Looking at my current motorcycle I had my "That's It" moment. This motorcycle is probably my last PetrolBike. I will keep it for long distance rides. My next motorcycle , will be an electric motorcycle. It will cover all my daily riding. Next time I am near a Zero dealer I will stop in and see about a test ride.
I looked at the Rake, Trail and Wheelbase numbers.
24 Degrees Rake, 3.2 inches Trail and 55.5 WB. The Rake is a degree less that what I am used to. The Trail is .8 inches less than what I am used to. To me those numbers will add up to a twitchy bike. In all the reviews I have not seen anyone talk about how stable the bike is. If you are going 60 and wiggle the bars a little does the bike shrug it off or does it shake and not like it?
If I find a used Zero is there a year or series to stay away from?
I have seen used 2014 - 2015's for sale.
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I cannot speak for the S/SR models (you're citing S/SR rake and trail), but the DS and DSR models are quite stable (which have different rake and trail). I've ridden on the SR and do not trust it, but I think that's because of how I prefer to ride.
Note that 2015+ models have better brakes and suspension than prior years, and should be preferred if you are an experienced rider looking for more than a basic commuter.
I use a throttle lock while touring on my DSR, and have on occasion let my hands go of the handlebars to check the bike's stability at speed. As long as you don't change the center of gravity with a weird tail load, the bike is stable and does not have a vulnerability to tank slapper. It can wobble a bit with the right bump, but is easily manageable.
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I also have found the Zero to be extremely stable. I have a DSR also. All the way up to the max speed allowed by Zero. In all conditions and all road types no problem. I find it is as stable as my CBR 600 and more stable than my R1150GS ADV. its surprising considering the size of the bike. It doesn’t get blown around much on the highway especially passing trucks. The only thing I wish was the steering locks allowed the bars to turn a little more. Especially on the DSR for tight situations.
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Thanks I should have been more specific. I was looking at a S/SR.
The R,T&Wb numbers on the DSR are much better.
Looks like i would be better off going the DSR route.
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I have a Zero S with Power Tank. I have found it to be very stable when both cornering and in stiff cross winds. However, the location of the heavy Power Tank in the typical IC gas tank position likely contributes to this stability.
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I have a 2014 SR, and I wouldn't say it's "twitchy" at all, but it's definitely a quick-handling bike. It's not a cruiser that seems to have autopilot. I like it. The extreme responsiveness of the drivetrain combined with the quick handling makes for a bike that feels extremely tuned-in to what the rider wants from it. It's no hog, for sure, but it's no racebike either.
Keep in mind that I'm a heavy guy (300+ pounds). That raises the CG of the bike, making it handle quicker for me than for most riders.
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I'd call my 2016 SR extremely responsive to my inputs, and not twitchy to external inputs.
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One man's "twitchy" is another man's "flickable"
If you feel you can tell a 1 degree rake change I'd say your pretty dialed in.
The great thing is just set up a test ride and see for yourself.
i agree with Doug once you get used to the bike it really does what you ask it to do very easily.