Zero as a second bike / commuter bike

[Semper-guzzi]

I test road a Zero for the first time the other day, a DSR. Thay thing is saaaweet. So much so that I am 99% sure it will be my second bike. It's the perfect short commute bike. Anything less than 40 or so miles 1 way. I'm moving across country in a few weeks and my commute will go from about 40 miles 1 way to less than 5 miles round trip. This would be the perfect bike for that too. I believe nothing kills an engine more than very short cycles of on and off. I think a 2 or 3 mile commute on a guzzi wouldn't be good for the engine, this is where the zero would shine. Holy crap it was fun to ride too. I couldn't stop laughing in my helmet and I could actually hear my laughs. Loved it. The torque was so much more than what I expected and it was like a rocket taking off. Felt amazing. All it needs is a top box and it would be prefect. Anyone else ride the zero and have opinions? I did a search on the topic but couldn't post in it. So feel free to merge this if need be Mods.

[Adan]

I've test ridden zeros but most of my ebike experience was on the Brammo Empulse I had for 3 years.  Sold it recently because I now take the ferry into work most days, so very little motorcycle commuter duty to fill, but for 3 years it was a sheer joy to commute on it. 

I'm a big proponent of the gas bike/ebike pairing for folks who commute on two wheels.  Putting aside all the other advantages, psychologically its so nice to glide to and from work, saving your motorcycle ya ya's for the weekend.   

Zero's have gotten better every year.  Reliability seems good but they are not failproof, so I would want to have a service shop nearby. 

[Triple Jim]

If I had a daily commute, I'd be looking into getting an electric motorcycle.  I bet most employers would do the politically-environmentally correct thing and allow me to charge it during working hours, too.  That should extend the possible commuting distance to a lot more than 40 miles.

[Lannis]

I have the right mental mindset for an electric bike; I think electric's a good idea, I'm a huge proponent of good fuel mileage or low per-mile cost ....

... BUT when I was working, the range would never have done for me.   With a 35-mile one-way commute, there wasn't enough margin for an extra cross-town meeting, errand running, etc.

And retired, I just don't make many short trips, certainly not enough to justify the cost of an extra bike ....

Lannis

[Triple Jim]

Things have gotten better, Lannis.  The basic Zero S now claims  91 miles of combined city and highway driving, and long range models get that up to 149 miles.

[steven c]

 I test rode one this spring, even though they turned down the power for the test ride I good see its potenal. I would get the FX myself, it wood be a fun woods bike,though 10k is a little high and I already have a XT350 but I can see owning one in the future.

[pressureangle]

I test rode the H-D Livewire. I would have bought it right then if I could have, and will still if they ever release it.

If the Zero and Brammo are that much fun, it's a no-brainer. (The Livewire prototype drivelines were developed and manufactured for H-D by Brammo)

[drums4money]

I test rode a brammo. It was fun but WOW that thing is heavy. Better part of 800# if i recall.

[Seagondollar]

My boss at a part-time job rides one 40 or 50 miles from home, plugs it in during the day, and rides it home.  Sounds like you're good.  When he leaves, all I hear is the clank of the sidestand and the crunch of gravel.  He's happy with his.

[Adan]

I test rode a brammo. It was fun but WOW that thing is heavy. Better part of 800# if i recall.

470 lbs.  Not light.  The base level zero S is under 400.

I never found the fun factor all that alluring, was like riding my electric toothbrush, but it's just a great way to get to work, particularly through urbania.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  Just shocking!
 But if you get a charge out of it, Okay.

[Mark Harpell]

I like the Brammos...thought about it but too much going on lately....i have a 12 mile each way commute...would be perfect.....someday maybe...

[pressureangle]

I recorded my test ride on GoPro.

You can hear once from a stop sign and once when I grab a handful from 45mph the rear tire chirp.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umvg2Qj4ooA

[Luap McKeever]

I rode one the other day as well and I'll tell you if I lived in a warm climate area I would own one of them things in a second they are fun.   It would be perfect for riding to work and back.

[Aaron D.]

I love the idea, at this point my scooter and bicycle fill the short ride duties that I have, but some day..

[n3303j]

Fellow on the Russian Ural chat group (Soviet Steeds) had this to say about ZERO:
"I haven't looked at this thread for a while, it is now over 4 months been in the shop. I am beyond frustrated with zero. I have been ripped off to the tune of over 25g for 2 worthless bikes. The dealership where my bike is at is currently looking into taking both of them in trade and getting me a new bike, their demo model. I don't know if it will happen but at least he is on my side and taking some action to help a customer since the manufacturer has done nothing except make excuses.
2013 gear up
2010 zero ds
2012 zero ds"

POST AT:
http://www.sovietsteeds.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=37301&hilit=Zero+electric+motorcycle

[Chuck in Indiana]

I test rode a Zero SR at the Ohio rally. I was fully prepared to say, uh... it's ok.
But.
That thing was a hoot! Over 100 ft. lbs of torque instantly available. (!!) I've never ridden *anything* that could accelerate like that. Handling was good, brakes were good. It reminded me of the Lario with about 3 times the power. (!)
Yes, I liked it. A lot. Downsides? A couple. It's still pretty expensive. I couldn't ride it home from there. With improvements in infrastructure, and maybe batteries, it'll be a viable solution before we know it.

[pikipiki]

when Guzzi eventually launch an electric bike you can bet the maketing will look like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUsE4rkfzkc

[Triple Jim]

when Guzzi eventually launch an electric bike you can bet the maketing will look like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUsE4rkfzkc

The driver even looks a bit like Ewan.

[jas67]

Electric Loop:
http://elmoto.net/showthread.php?t=3111

[Semper-guzzi]

With any new motorcycle or manufacturer, there will be hiccups, there seemed to be some reliability issues with the early examples, but cruising the forums I don't see anything really about the 2016 bikes. Most kinks look to be worked out. I might pick up a 2016 cheaper or wait for 2017 I don't know. Really loved the ride tho. Thay loop looks awesome tho.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

I test rode the H-D Livewire. I would have bought it right then if I could have, and will still if they ever release it.

If the Zero and Brammo are that much fun, it's a no-brainer. (The Livewire prototype drivelines were developed and manufactured for H-D by Brammo)

I too loved the Livewire, and to me it looked good, which is not typical of electric bikes. Maybe tomorrow I'll wear my Livewire T-shirt!

[Shorty]

I wonder if they will ever make a diesel/ electric hybrid. A small engine to power the thing home from extended range trips, or to power the on-board charging system.  I like cheap commuting. I have owned my Honda Helix longer than any other vehicle. It is simply practical.

[pikipiki]

I wonder if they will ever make a diesel/ electric hybrid. A small engine to power the thing home from extended range trips, or to power the on-board charging system.  I like cheap commuting. I have owned my Honda Helix longer than any other vehicle. It is simply practical.

i cant imagine in a bike, thats a heavy and expensive system but been used in trains and tanks for oh 75 years and is becoming more common in buses now.

[drums4money]

470 lbs.  Not light.  The base level zero S is under 400.

I never found the fun factor all that alluring, was like riding my electric toothbrush, but it's just a great way to get to work, particularly through urbania.

 
so far out in left field.  my apologies for the ridiculous miss on that one.