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Messages - Merlin

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1
General Discussion / Re: Seeking Opinions
« on: June 30, 2023, 06:46:29 PM »
Quote from: TheRan on June 30, 2023, 07:29:20 AM
Perhaps I'm being dense, but seeing as the "charger" isn't hardwired why use it at all? Just build a 14-50R to 3x whatever the American mains plug is called and swap to that whenever you want to charge the bike. Or you could streamline it even further and go 14-50R to 3x IEC C14 to go straight into the bike and quick chargers.

Thanks for that idea! I agree that a cable would need to be built.

I have one of these though the voltage for the four 5-15R receptacles is 120 and not 240. https://www.amazon.com/MECMO-Distribution-Adapter-Household-Generator/dp/B0BQVR5CML?ref_=ast_sto_dp

2
General Discussion / Re: Seeking Opinions
« on: June 30, 2023, 05:58:56 AM »
Thank you for all the thoughts and opinions. Very helpful and much appreciated.

Quick question on charging: I have a Level 2 EV charger in my garage with a J1772 connector. This charger is plugged into a 240VAC 50A circuit via a 14-50R plug. The charger is rated up to 40 amps.
Would the following work for charging the DS: The J1772 connector from the EV charger would plug into a Tuscon EV PEV adapter. The 3 x 5-15R plugs would then connect to the following:

    Zero OBC

    Zero Quick Charge 1

    Zero Quick Charger 2

Would the above also work with just the OBC and one Zero Quick Charger?

Thanks again.
 

3
General Discussion / Re: Seeking Opinions
« on: June 29, 2023, 08:48:36 PM »
Thank you, Don. My use would be local and I normally don't ride when it's really hot.

Do you have the Charge Tank? Probably don't want the Change Tank in any case because I won't be using the DS for road trips. The Charge Tank doesn't seem to be available at the moment in any case.

I will definitely get at least one Quick Charger. All the 120V circuits in my house are 20A and I have multiple 120V circuits for the garage.

Also have a 240V 60A (breaker size) circuit with a 15-40 receptacle in my garage. Also have a Level 2 charger with a J1772 tap that plugs into that receptacle. Researching potential ways to charge the DS with this charger without having to buy the Charge Tank.

Thanks again.


[/quote]You could have a problem in the Texas heat with the Zero DS. If the battery gets too hot, it will not let you charge. Last year, I got stuck in Carson City, NV for hours because it was 104° F  and after a 50-mile ride in the heat.  But you should be okay if you only want it for local things. But that was what I thought when I bought my Zero DS, but now I take many road trips with it these days.


The DS will charge at a level one rate with 240 VAC unless you have off-market chargers for it. I use two Elcons, 2.5KW each and I charge my DS at around 6.4 KW on the road on J-plugs. At home, I use a Tesla Wall Connector and Tesla-Tap to charge it.


I would say the DS is a great reliable bike, but far from perfect in temp extremes.


-Don-  Reno, NV
[/quote]

4
General Discussion / Re: Seeking Opinions
« on: June 29, 2023, 09:23:01 AM »
Quote from: Specter on June 29, 2023, 02:51:04 AM
Merlin, I am an Energica fan myself, but one thing to consider, the E bikes are heavy, especially the ones with some balls behind them.  Batteries are not light and a motor that power dense is not a tin can either.  Into a back of a pickup w/o help might be a dangerous feat if you were to tip it halfway up a ramp.  Id stick with a trailer or another type of hitching system.

Another option to keep an open mind on is, history.  How many times is a bike being recalled over battery issues, this, that and other serious things like that.   Yes Yes I know ANYone can have problems, but some seem to be having a lot more problems than others are.

Id take a serious look thru this forum, and other places online and see what a bike / a manufacturers general past history is like.  If a bike is constantly in the shop or needing it's battery changed out because of a defect for the nth teenth time... do you want to deal with that really?   For me at least, reliability is a BIG issue.

Aaron

Aaron, thank you for your thoughts across multiple considerations. Much appreciated.

For me too, reliability is a HUGE issue.

I think everyone with a home should have some type of trailer. It's a much safer way to move items. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. A short, single axis trailer (e.g. motorcycle trailer, jet ski trailer, small cargo trailer) is hard to back up.


5
General Discussion / Re: Seeking Opinions
« on: June 29, 2023, 12:10:24 AM »
Quote from: MVetter on June 28, 2023, 10:54:09 PM
If you're considering the DS you might also consider the FX. AF1 is a solid dealer; I haven't heard people say bad things about them. You're probably in very good hands with them.

Thanks very much.

I am considering the FX. The seat height is quite a bit higher and my inseam is not long enough to flat foot

6
General Discussion / Re: Seeking Opinions
« on: June 29, 2023, 12:06:24 AM »
Quote from: ILRNICK on June 28, 2023, 09:16:12 PM
Hey Merlin,

I own a 2022 DS and I'm really happy with going the electric route. I mostly use my bike for commuting and it is an excellent commuter, great in the city and still some guts to keep up on the highway. As far as for dirt riding I can't lend much of an opinion but depending on how close the trails are to you I would consider the DSR as it will have more legs to get you to and from the trials while still giving you enough juice to get some mud on the tires.

Super helpful. Thank you.

I have some off road opportunities within a few miles of me. In addition, I was looking for a bike that could go into the back of my pickup or onto the hitch rack. The DS, FX and CB500X can all go onto the hitch rack.

7
General Discussion / Seeking Opinions
« on: June 28, 2023, 07:25:19 PM »
Seeking opinions.

Have owned many motorcycles since adolescence starting with dirt bikes. Over the years, have owned dirt bikes up to XR650 and street bikes up to CB1000s. I am old(er) now (mid 60s) and less adventuresome.  Want to get a bike for casual street and dirt road riding. Size wise, I am 71” tall x 150 lbs.

One of the of the bikes I am considering is a Zero DS. I have level 2 charging in my garage. The other bike I am considering is a Honda CB500X. Thoughts?

I would be interested in hearing from folks who have owned Zero bikes, especially a DS. Have you been happy with your Zeros compared to nonelectric bikes you owned.

Also from riders who might live in the Austin and San Antonio, TX area, any opinions on AF1 Racing and/or Mission City as dealers.

Thanks very much!

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