Living with a ZERO FX (Week 3)

"RacersJunkyard" (RacersJunkyard)
12/12/2014 at 12:21 • Filed to: None

So most of you reading this don't have a motorcycle or an electric vehicle. You live in a place that makes it impractical, your commute is too long, or you need to carry large amounts of heavy equipment. All three of these issues make a large gas (or diesel) powered vehicle necessary. But with the recent news that gas prices are coming down (and are likely to stay down) why would you buy an electric vehicle? Let alone an electric bike? Let me tell you why I did...

What I like:

As mentioned before the Zero FX is a hoot to ride around on day to day. As anyone who rides a motorcycle for their daily driver can tell you, riding a bike helps you relax on your way to work and relieve stress on your way home. The FX does this very well. Something about the quiet engine and the lack of noise make riding to work in the morning easier. I also got a new set of Knuckle guards put on the FX this weekend. This wasn't strictly necessary but I did it for two reasons.

1. They look cool

2. They keep my hands warmer. Which in addition to being more comfortable, means my hands don't go numb after riding in cold weather, which keeps me and others safer on the road.

In addition to the relaxing quiet of the ride, the FX has been getting better in the suspension department. I've put a little less than 200 miles on the bike since I've taken delivery and the more I ride it the better the ride gets. It could just be me getting used to the seat and the firm suspension but maybe the rear shock needed some break in.

One other thing i've noticed since purchasing the bike is how much extra money I have. After crunching the numbers, i've got about an extra $150 a month. I used to drive a 2002 wrx that had been tuned up a bit. The Subaru would happily chug gas when given some go pedal, but in the back of my mind I would always be looking at the fuel gauge thinking, "there goes another $20-30 bucks". With the FX I don't worry about it.

Riding the FX is a guilt free process. You can take it out, zip around town or trails for a few hours and then go home and put no dents in your wallet. If I drove my bronco around the same way I rode the FX id be easily paying $80 in gas a week. Even though gas is cheap right now, an electric vehicle still makes sense for the enthusiast!

What I don't like:

If I'm honest, the tires. The stock tires that came on the 2014 FX are kind of cheap in that they wear down quite quickly. I've done my share of fast riding and curb hopping but they seem to be wearing away pretty fast. Not that motorcycle tires are expensive though. You can pick up a new set for less than $300 for the FX. It is worth noting however that ZERO must have heard this complaint from a few people because for the 2015 year they have shod the new FX with a set of Pirelli Scorpion MTs. So if you get a 2015 model ZERO has you covered.

Other stuff:

When I bought the FX it wouldn't take a full charge, it would stop at around 85%. The dealership told me, that it was because the FX uses two smaller batteries, as opposed to the rest of the ZERO line that just use one large battery. Something about the batteries not synchronizing. This meant that for the last three weeks my FX was a little down on power (could have fooled me!) So last weekend when I got my knuckle guards put on, I had my batteries swapped out with some different units. Since the bike was still under warranty this was done at no cost to me. Now that the bike is up to full power the throttle is smoother and somehow the bike has more torque! Crazy I know but this bike feels like it could pull down a small building.

On twitter @racersjunkyard

DISCUSSION (11)

nermal > RacersJunkyard
12/12/2014 at 12:29

This is excellent. Good to hear things are going well, I think e-bikes will be a hit over the next few years. Especially as a result of the cost savings from them, and as they get better.

You need to get some motard tires for it!

doodon2whls > RacersJunkyard
12/12/2014 at 12:34

Cool... I still haven't gotten around to getting a test-ride on a Zero, but I definitely want to do so... Just need to make time.

A few questions:

How linear is the throttle grip twist w.r.t. the torque/power delivery ?

Do your left hand and foot get bored ?

Do the brakes seem adequate ? How about lever/pedal feel w.r.t. brake actuation and deceleration ?

How has the reaction been from the local constable regarding your off-road trail riding ? There are many trails locally that I would like to ride an eBike on, but I think that the local LEO's would not be amused, despite the quietness and soft-treading I would be doing. I just want to explore more in the woods, officer !

RacersJunkyard > nermal
12/12/2014 at 12:34

That's been done too. Check this out.

Gonemad > RacersJunkyard
12/12/2014 at 12:50

So, an FX for my daily commute, a Tesla for the missus grocery shopping... yep. I can dream.

RacersJunkyard > doodon2whls
12/12/2014 at 13:11

1. The torque curve could literally get no more linear than it already is. All the torque is available when you twist, instantly no matter what speed you're rolling at. It's a great feeling.

2. I still accidentally reach for the clutch from time to time. But you get used to it after a while.

3. The brakes on the FX are okay. They work quite well but I get the feeling that if I abused them on a super moto track they would fade pretty quick. But the other ZERO models like the S and the SR have amazing brakes.

4. In order for the police to get mad about trail riding and generally being places I shouldn't they would have to know I was there. The bike is to quiet to give away it's position so I haven't had an issue with it yet.

thanks for the questions.

nermal > RacersJunkyard
12/12/2014 at 13:38

That looks like wayyy too much fun.

dv8sean > RacersJunkyard
12/12/2014 at 19:29

Great report, please keep 'em coming! Did you get the issue with the app and "Custom" mode sorted out? (there's no extra power hiding in Custom...Sport mode provides 100% torque and minimum brake regen)

jkm7680 > RacersJunkyard
12/12/2014 at 19:59

Still looks like an awesome bike to have!

Is it a CVT like setup or a 1 down five up?

RacersJunkyard > jkm7680
12/12/2014 at 23:24

actually it doesn't have a transmission. It's just a direct drive from the motor to the rear wheel. So simple anyone can ride it.

jkm7680 > RacersJunkyard
12/13/2014 at 08:12

Wow, that's pretty cool!

bammerburn > RacersJunkyard
12/13/2014 at 11:12

Great experience write-ups so far! You reflect just how I feel about my own Zero FX. I prefer the bike for my commute because it's much more relaxing than my gas bike - something I appreciate after long days of work (no constant noise following you around; luxuriously smooth acceleration). I agree about the stock tires. At 3,000 miles the rear tire is gone, so I'll be going after some Pirellis once I de-winterize the bike.