Comments on: Zero X Electric Motorcycles for sale on Amazon

By: mike mastrangelo

mike mastrangelo — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:16:47 +0000

I am an independant sales rep for Zero in Chicago. These bikes are awesome. I have given demo rides to people from 3 states away. This is the future.
Midwest Zero 847-809-0008

By: skadamo

skadamo — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:24:01 +0000

Update by a member of Electric Motorcycle Forum…

” It turns out Amazon was not able to handle VIN’d vehicles, though they are working on it, but they had to remove the link until they are confirmed to sell our bikes. ”

Not sure where he got the information but I am trying to find out.

http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=316.msg998#msg998

By: JSH

JSH — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:44:25 +0000

Lane splitting is not legal in my state though if it was the Piaggio would do fine. The widest part is still the handlebars just like any other motorcycle. The MP3 is on the list due to the unique front suspension. I had the chance to test ride a MP3 250 when they first came out and I’m not sure what you would have to do to low-side one. Braking while cornering and mid-corner gravel caused the front to slide but then it regained traction and continued without drama. I view it as a huge advance and hope we will start to see this on larger motorcycles. (My wife just thinks it looks cool)

The Ducati is on the list because my wife really likes Ducati. I’m a bit wary of the increased maintenance but if she wants one I’ll deal with it.

The Zero-S is on the list because it is electric and very light. Here current bike is only 300 pounds with a low seat height which has made it easy for her to handle. Like I said before, she commutes 7 miles one-way in gridlock. (That 7 miles takes 40 minutes) When she is stopped the Zero will be using no power and more importantly not radiating heat and baking the rider. We also live in a EPA non-attainment area with frequent smog and ozone advisories. My wife has asthma and the pollution doesn’t help. It would be good to be part of the solution not the problem.

By: pabs

pabs — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:01:40 +0000

thats a big style spread for mrs jsh ! i hear great things about the piaggo and the front end geometry is amazing as it actually pushes the outside front wheel forward and away from the bike in a corner which is exactly where it need to be for max grip, could be a great comfortable lower stress choice if she’s not lane splitting especially in foul weather to keep her safe, piaggo is a fine company and the leader in this field, not so much presence here but in italy and europe they are huge

bottom line riding is riding and its all great my daily driver is an utterly pointless turbo gsxr !, i think we can agree were both excited about the electric bike future, can’t wait to see them in roadracing and see what happens to laptimes with all that torque off the corners and a lower weight

By: JSH

JSH — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:46:17 +0000

You are right, I wouldn’t purchase a Zero-S for myself because it would be an expensive toy. I already have 2 motorcycles so I don’t need another. However, my wife also rides and her motorcycle was totaled by the moving company during our last move. If she decides to replace her bike the short list is: Zero-S, Ducati Monster 969, or the Piaggio 250 MP3. (The Vectrix was also on the list but they just folded) Since her commute is only 15 miles of suburban gridlock, the Zero-S would be an excellent fit. It is very rare for us to drive more than 50 miles a day so the range is not an issue.

BTW, I actually use my motorcycle for year-round commuting so it is far from a toy. However, I’m also not one to discard a perfectly good running motorcycle to just because something new and shiny comes out. (The Zero-X would actually work better on my 20 mile commute than my current BMW.)

My point is a Zero motorcycle is a perfectly viable alternative to a gasoline motorcycle for some people. The cost of the battery is more than offset by other factors such as the ease and low cost of maintenance and very user-friendly nature. It is the perfect vehicle for city use.