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Administrator · 12-03-2010, 02:16 PM

Original Article:
2010 Zero DS Review

Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article 2010 Zero DS Review in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

Duken4evr · 12-03-2010, 02:27 PM

Development in electric vehicles is accelerating. Panasonic just put a big chunk of cash into Tesla and GM's new "Volt" car is truly sensational, running on pure electric power for about 35 miles, and having a efficient gas engine on board to recharge the batteries and give it unlimited range. While not it's best use, one could go cross country in it. Of course is perfect for grocery getting duty.

One of these bikes, mounted to the back of a camper and plugged into a PV cell, is about as close to perpetual motion campground runabout machine I can think of. Burn loads of fuel to and from in the diesel pusher camper, quietly go "Eco" once you get there. Perhaps these are a good way for lardy fuel sucking RVers to feel better about themselves. It is the ultimate "bumper bike"

mscuddy · 12-03-2010, 03:14 PM

Nice review, but 277 lbs? That's what my 1972 DT2 Yamaha Enduro weighed. And like we've thrown back-n-forth an EPA legal 60cc two stroke running a 1000 watt generator weighs around 25 lbs. And runs at 80% for five hours on a gallon of pre-mix.

They have to get the weight down. For nine grand that's obscene. You'd think without a motor and a gas tank, things should be around 220 lbs, but them dang batteries....hybrid hybrid hybrid....

Jeff Cobb · 12-03-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscuddy

Nice review, but 277 lbs? That's what my 1972 DT2 Yamaha Enduro weighed. And like we've thrown back-n-forth an EPA legal 60cc two stroke running a 1000 watt generator weighs around 25 lbs. And runs at 80% for five hours on a gallon of pre-mix.

They have to get the weight down. For nine grand that's obscene. You'd think without a motor and a gas tank, things should be around 220 lbs, but them dang batteries....hybrid hybrid hybrid....

I asked him about that. He said he did not know much about the hybrid pros and cons, but would set me up with someone who knew way more about it. Maybe a future interview there ...

Also, this bike is most reasonable in Colorado. Could make sense for all those mountaineers -

"Zero S/DS final cost is $4107 after state and federal incentives."

"Zero S/DS are eligible for a Colorado Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit of $4,888."

Source: Zero

Duken4evr · 12-03-2010, 05:45 PM

"Zero S/DS are eligible for a Colorado Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit of $4,888."

An unexpected additional reason that Colorado rules - LOL

Strap a small generator onto a luggage rack and wire it in. Instant redneck 2 wheeled hybrid!

Jeff Cobb · 12-03-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duken4evr

"Zero S/DS are eligible for a Colorado Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit of $4,888."

An unexpected additional reason that Colorado rules - LOL

Strap a small generator onto a luggage rack and wire it in. Instant redneck 2 wheeled hybrid!

Yeah man. Right on. On the flip side demographically, you're spot on about dangling one of these gems off the back of a camper or motorcoach.

That is one of the uses this is ideal for.

Morbo the Destroyer · 12-05-2010, 09:35 AM

This version looks a lot further along than the one I rode in Daytona last March. The swingarm looks re-designed, as does the dash. I want to want an electric bike, but the Zero I rode was essentially an electric mountain bike. Not interested.

From the article:
Can you?” Hardin asked provocatively? “You should buy that bike. You should buy that bike then.”

He may have something there. I'm on the pre-order list for the Brammo Empulse, and I haven't heard a peep from them for months...since August, IIRC. It seems odd that their Marketing people aren't keeping the pre-order people on the hook with some emails etc.

Adrian Stewart · 12-05-2010, 06:47 PM

Morbo, I am guilty as charged......you are correct, there hasn't been a marketing peep from Brammo to customers who pre-ordered an Empulse since August when the Empulse was launched.
However, that will change this week when the first Empulse Newsletter goes out to all those who have pre-ordered.

Sorry this has taken longer than expected. Any questions just email me direct anytime. empulse@brammo.com

All the best Adrian - marketing director Brammo Inc.

Morbo the Destroyer · 12-06-2010, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Stewart

Morbo, I am guilty as charged......you are correct, there hasn't been a marketing peep from Brammo to customers who pre-ordered an Empulse since August when the Empulse was launched.
However, that will change this week when the first Empulse Newsletter goes out to all those who have pre-ordered.

Sorry this has taken longer than expected. Any questions just email me direct anytime. empulse@brammo.com

All the best Adrian - marketing director Brammo Inc.

Your timing is good; I'm doing research now on my 2ond bike purchase in 2011. If the Empulse is going to be a real choice, it would be good to know the status. I'd almost written you guys off. Here's the Empulse's competition:

Ryca Motors - About the CS-1

Maybe you and Jeff Cobb can get together and do an update story. I'm sure Jeff is ready to ride a demo Empulse and tell all.

shalbleib · 12-06-2010, 07:12 AM

i love the idea of an electric bike. the whole twist-and-go with no real maintenance would make for a great commuter bike. one question though, what happens after the 1800 charges?? In theory if you rode it to work every day you're charges could be up in approx 5 years. then what?

and i'll always be a petrol-head. the sensation of a motorcycle will never be complete without a great exhaust note, a vibe in the seat of your pants and the smell of exhaust fumes. that will never change! but, i can save one of my environmentally-unfriendly rides for weekends and trips, and use an electric bike for commuting.

if only they could get the cost down or I lived in CO.

12-03-2010, 02:16 PM	#1
Administrator Administrator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: On My Bike Posts: 0	2010 Zero DS Review Original Article: 2010 Zero DS Review Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article 2010 Zero DS Review in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

12-03-2010, 03:14 PM	#3
mscuddy MODERATOR X Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Next to my still checkin the temp. Posts: 5,447	Nice review, but 277 lbs? That's what my 1972 DT2 Yamaha Enduro weighed. And like we've thrown back-n-forth an EPA legal 60cc two stroke running a 1000 watt generator weighs around 25 lbs. And runs at 80% for five hours on a gallon of pre-mix. They have to get the weight down. For nine grand that's obscene. You'd think without a motor and a gas tank, things should be around 220 lbs, but them dang batteries....hybrid hybrid hybrid.... __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.

12-05-2010, 06:47 PM	#8
Adrian Stewart Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 3	Brammo Marketing Morbo, I am guilty as charged......you are correct, there hasn't been a marketing peep from Brammo to customers who pre-ordered an Empulse since August when the Empulse was launched. However, that will change this week when the first Empulse Newsletter goes out to all those who have pre-ordered. Sorry this has taken longer than expected. Any questions just email me direct anytime. empulse@brammo.com All the best Adrian - marketing director Brammo Inc.

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12-03-2010, 02:27 PM	#2
Duken4evr Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 706	Development in electric vehicles is accelerating. Panasonic just put a big chunk of cash into Tesla and GM's new "Volt" car is truly sensational, running on pure electric power for about 35 miles, and having a efficient gas engine on board to recharge the batteries and give it unlimited range. While not it's best use, one could go cross country in it. Of course is perfect for grocery getting duty. One of these bikes, mounted to the back of a camper and plugged into a PV cell, is about as close to perpetual motion campground runabout machine I can think of. Burn loads of fuel to and from in the diesel pusher camper, quietly go "Eco" once you get there. Perhaps these are a good way for lardy fuel sucking RVers to feel better about themselves. It is the ultimate "bumper bike"

12-03-2010, 05:45 PM	#5
Duken4evr Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 706	"Zero S/DS are eligible for a Colorado Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit of $4,888." An unexpected additional reason that Colorado rules - LOL Strap a small generator onto a luggage rack and wire it in. Instant redneck 2 wheeled hybrid!

12-05-2010, 09:35 AM	#7
Morbo the Destroyer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,307	This version looks a lot further along than the one I rode in Daytona last March. The swingarm looks re-designed, as does the dash. I want to want an electric bike, but the Zero I rode was essentially an electric mountain bike. Not interested. From the article: Can you?” Hardin asked provocatively? “You should buy that bike. You should buy that bike then.” He may have something there. I'm on the pre-order list for the Brammo Empulse, and I haven't heard a peep from them for months...since August, IIRC. It seems odd that their Marketing people aren't keeping the pre-order people on the hook with some emails etc.

12-06-2010, 07:12 AM	#10
shalbleib Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 35	i love the idea of an electric bike. the whole twist-and-go with no real maintenance would make for a great commuter bike. one question though, what happens after the 1800 charges?? In theory if you rode it to work every day you're charges could be up in approx 5 years. then what? and i'll always be a petrol-head. the sensation of a motorcycle will never be complete without a great exhaust note, a vibe in the seat of your pants and the smell of exhaust fumes. that will never change! but, i can save one of my environmentally-unfriendly rides for weekends and trips, and use an electric bike for commuting. if only they could get the cost down or I lived in CO.