Zero XU Tire Choices

2012 Zero XU Tire Choices

OEM sizing is
Front: Shinko F250 MJ90-19 which equates to 90/90-19
Rear: Shinko SR735 110/90-16

Odd sizes limit the number of available replacements. The rear tire is very close to the drive belt, I don't think a 120/90-16 would be a wise choice due to the increased width. I think when the original tires go I'll try out Avon RoadRider AM26's, they have two fronts in the OEM sizes. Another option would be Pirelli Sport Demon, but the front tire would have to be 100/90-19 and might not fit, I'll have to see how much clearance there is with the front fender... there is plenty of clearance for the front fender with the OEM tire. I can't find detailed specs on the SR735 though, so I'll have to break out the caliper and measuring tape...

FRONT

F250 MJ90-19
Diameter - 650mm
Width - 89mm
AM26 90/90-19
Diameter - 647mm
Width - 99mm
Sport Demon 100/90-19
Diameter - 668mm
Width - 100mm
Bridgestone BT-45 100/90-19
Diameter - 663mm
Width - 99mm
Kenda K671 Cruiser 100/90-19
Diameter - 666mm
Width - 99mm
Kenda K761 Dual Sport 100/90-19
Diameter - 663mm
Width - 98mm

REAR

SR735 110/90-16
Diameter - ??? mm
Width - ??? mm
AM26 110/90-16
Diameter - 603mm
Width - 117mm
Sport Demon 110/90-16
Diameter - 604mm
Width - 115mm
Bridgestone BT-45 100/90-16
Diameter - 587mm
Width - 99mm
Bridgestone BT-45 110/90-16
Diameter - 605mm
Width - 112mm
Kenda K671 Cruiser 100/90-16
Diameter - 587mm
Width - 99mm
Kenda K761 Dual Sport 100/90-16
Diameter - 585mm
Width - 100mm

Front Tube

???

Rear tube

4.0/4.6 16

Update on Registration Problems

Update on registration - 25-Apr-2012

I was notified by my local ServiceOntario branch office that I could come in to get my XU registered. The clerk was quick & efficient, got the paperwork and license plate and went home.

The XU doesn't have any pre-drilled holes in the rear fender for mounting the plate, so I grabbed my electric drill, held the plate up against the fender, marked the 4 holes and drilled away using a bit smaller than the 4 stainless screws I had on-hand. Mounted the plate using 4 stainless bolts, they self-threaded nicely into the thick plastic of the fender.

Went for my first ride, here are my impressions that I posted on www.brammoforum.com


Initial impressions:

As already reported, ECO vs SPORT (or on my XU I vs II) provides quite the difference in riding experience, both in acceleration and regen braking. In ECO the regen feels a lot like engine braking on a small displacement 4T; it's barely noticeable in SPORT mode. In ECO mode if one times it correctly one can use minimal brakes to come to a stop (applying a little bit of pressure to at least get the brake light activated). The only issue is in ECO mode you really have to pay attention (more so than normal on a motorcycle) to traffic patterns and almost anticipating traffic light changes.

It gets up to 60 & 80KPH quickly enough that commuting shouldn't be a problem. The XU is light and flickable, the front brake seemed spongy/squishy at the beginning but it seems to be getting better. Rear brake takes a while to bite, I like using it for low-speed parking lot speeds so I'll have to see if I can adjust that. The seat height is about 5.5" shorter than my WRR, so that took some time for adjustment. I only reached for the non-existant clutch and gear shifter once, while coming to a stop

Update on registration problems

20-Apr-2012 Update on registration problems

I contacted another Service Ontario office and explained the issues with registering the XU. They took my name and the VIN and told me they would call back with some information. About 20 minutes later the clerk called back and informed me that the VIN checks out okay, so she called the "hotline" and gave them the VIN, then she was told that they already knew about the situation and were verifying the NVIS and status of the bike with respect to Transport Canada and MOT standards etc. The clerk at the 2nd Service Ontario office told me I could expect a response in 5-10 business days.

Zero XU Registration Problem

18-Apr-2012 Zero XU Registration Problem
First setback. Tried to register the XU at my local Service Ontario office. The clerk did not know how to process it. They contacted some Service Ontario/MTO "hotline" who then informed the clerk that "no electric motorcycle can be registered for road use in Ontario". The clerk faxed the NVIS to the person at the MTO "hotline" and then informed me she would call me with more information when available.

Upon returning home I contacted the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) http://evco.ca/ who advised me that bike should be legal for road use and offered to help out with the process. I declined the offer for now. I investigated a couple of other avenues but no luck so far.

2012 Zero XU Delivery

18-Apr-2012 - Motosport Newman delivered the XU.

Here are some pictures

Buying a Zero XU

5-Mar-2012 I initiated the purchase process with Zero Canada.

There is no Zero-affiliated dealership in my city so I emailed Zero Motorcycles Canada directly. I ordered a 2012 Zero XU with the optional quick-charger.

26-Mar-2012 Purchase Update

Zero informed me that the bike will be delivered by Motosport Newman Pierrfonds, the closest Zero-affiliated dealership.