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Spoke to a reliable source today  and found out the suspension components would be sourced from a  different supplier in the future.  I can't recall exactly.......... it was either Showa or Kayaba.   He never mentioned  when this would be implemented .   I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I had the 2009 X extreme with the PERM Motor and White Bros Forks.   My opinion is based on a dirtbike background so take it for what's it worth.  

Power:  The power was never a problem for riding single track.  The bike had an issue getting traction on rocky hills,  it would bounce and spin alot.  I assumed this was due to the lack of weight 150lbs.

Suspension:  I tryed numerous times to dial in the fork and shock settings but could never find a better setting.  The mountain bike components used air to adjust bottoming resistance which I didn't care for.

Brakes:  I felt the brakes were too weak and not up to the task.  Pads wore out quickly.

Handling:  Light weight and the linear power delivery of the electric motor made for a fun time riding tight trails.

Battery Life: Max 2 hours of ride time with minimal  full throttle..... mostly up /down trail riding on the side of the mountain.  Usually around 1.5 hrs with some spirited riding.  Ran the battery down a few times and pushed home to recharge.  Battery later had a dead cell which was repaired under warranty.

Noted:  The lack of engine braking made for a quick decent downhill and put stress on F/R brakes to control speed.  Also when freewheeling, power  wouldn't engage until motor rpm gets below throttle position.......ex. going downhill freewheeling and using  full throttle to accelerate faster.......motor controller will disable power  
This proved nerve racking when approaching a downhill tabletop jump and attempted to launch  off jump face with power on.   Power  would hit suddenly almost causing a loop out and crash   .
I did have fun riding this  bike in different environments and the newer models addressed many of my complaints here.

Thx  Pennjon

I've been looking at the new 2011 models and noticed bigger brakes, beefer forks, stronger wheels,  rear brake pedals etc..........which added more weight to these machines.  I hate to think battery life will be taking a hit with the latest improvements.   
It seems Neal's vision for Zero was more bicycle like with lighter components to save energy  and improve handling.   The New Zero without Neal is headed toward  more motorcycle like components  which adds pounds
to the machine.   I guess the Quantya is around 200 lbs for their off-road bike ,  looks like Zero is headed  in the same direction.  I'm sure this is a great marketing ploy to attract more potential consumers,  showing the bike is main stream. 


Jon
2009 Zero X owner

Well,  I see how the individual batteries are series together.   It seems they could be easily designed to come apart for servicing and replacement.
How dangerous are they to work with and why no factory certified expert to rebuild your pack?
Is the market too small and specialized?    I know about the liability stuff.......but , hey auto parts stores will sell you brakes for car.
They aren't responsible if you put them on wrong and can't stop then crash into something, Right. 
Drug Companies sell drugs that kill/hurt people ...... Why can't E-moli sell to the people?   ........AHH a Canadian Company with a conscience

The US Capitalist $$$$$$ wants to know

 I 'll try to make time this weekend for some picture taking and get back to you.

Do you have any information on who makes it for Zero or links on how to recharge it? 

I'm not a big fan of the chain adjustment setup either........   This is compounded by that cheap  stock chain which  requires adjustment  
after every other  ride it seems.    
A higher quality chain should cut down on adjustment intervals.  I do worry about  a beefer chain .....thicker sideplates could cause a clearence issue on the frame/swingarm.  Did you notice anything with the RK?

I called and asked for a shop manual aswell.....my contact Jeff Jolin told me they are still working on putting one together.
Most hard parts on the Zero seem to be 3rd party stuff.  Like the motor, motor controller, throttle assem., Suspension parts.
Further investigation revealed most of these parts were available outside of Zero and have been used before  on other applications.  
I started feeling less of the R&D Guy for product development.     Frame and Battery are Zero designed /Spec
I really hate dealing with stripped bolts  , some factories have a tendency for overtorquing stuff.  I guess Zero is no better!