Electric bikes

[Vman455]

I was reading a review of the Zero FX earlier today and daydreaming about buying an electric motorcycle. Anyone here owned/ridden/test driven one? Likes? Dislikes?

ETA: Doh! Should have checked the Motorcycle subforum first. Mods, go ahead and delete this thread if you can.

[Daox]

I've been daydreaming a bit about this as well. I'd like something with a bit more pep than my CM400 has, but I'd really rather not get a big 'ol gasser bike. An electric with instant torque would be so much fun I think. Sadly, I'm not willing to dish out new bike prices for any bike considering theres only about 4 months a year I wish to ride, and I haven't found any on craigslist.

The only electric bike I've ridden is Ben Nelson's conversion. It didn't have a high top speed, but it was fairly torquey which made it fun.

I would love to try a Zero or the now dead Brammo bikes. I know there are a few other brands out now, but I think Zero is the big one.

[Effic1ent1]

This guy gives a realistic assessment.

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

[freebeard]

Do trikes count? I rode the yellow one. It's a thousand dollars more than the Zero FXS.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Vman455

I was reading a review of the Zero FX earlier today and daydreaming about buying an electric motorcycle. Anyone here owned/ridden/test driven one? Likes? Dislikes?

ETA: Doh! Should have checked the Motorcycle subforum first. Mods, go ahead and delete this thread if you can.

I test rode a Zero SR about a month ago.

Pros:
No shifting (It is weird at first)
Very torque rich and linear powerband.
The motor powerband and regen can be customized with the zero app.
Feels very light and turns in well
Fit and finish is much better than earlier models

Cons:
Regenerative brakes have little feel and are weak. (The brake pads squealed on my demo bike with less than 200 miles)
Suspension isn’t very well controlled.
Tends to “fall into” corners so bar pressure is required to hold a line.
Charging from a Level 2 charger requires a $2300 optional “charge tank”.
$19,000 as configured.

The bike is very short and has ergonomics similar to an old Buell Lightening. The only part of the bike in my field of vision was the tops of the mirrors.

I have not ridden the FX but the 50 mile range and lack of Level 2 charging rules it out for me.