Zero 2013 Drivetrain

Looks like Zero 2013 drivetrains are available for purchase. Richard230 posted about an interesting Aprilia RS50 converted over to it here: http://www.elmoto.net/showthread.php?3038-RS50-to-be-at-REFUEL-event

Failed BMS Board Update #4

Failed BMS Board Update #4

Called Zero warranty 1-888 number on 17-Jun. Service rep informed me that the backordered interface cable was in-stock and he was getting one shipped out to Moto-Gatineau. Guess one more week of waiting? We'll see...

Failed BMS Board Update #3

Failed BMS Board Update #3

No update as of 3-JUN, so I called the dealership. Service rep at Moto Gatineau said they had no cable. Called Zero, the Warranty Rep said he would look into it. Still waiting after 2 months...

Failed BMS Board Update #2

Failed BMS Board Update #2

I called the "local" dealership yesterday (16-May) inquiring about an update. They received the replacement BMS board from Zero. However, they don't have the cable required to connect their computer to the bike (BMS board, MBB?) to reprogram/synch them. Zero didn't ship one with the replacement board. I imagine it will be another week or two before the cable arrives and the BMS can be repaired.

To those thinking of purchasing a Zero, definitely have another bike or you might waste a month of prime riding season without one while waiting for your Zero to get repaired.

Failed BMS Board Update #1

Failed BMS Board Update #1

The new BMS shipped out from Zero HQ in California on 1-May-2013. I called the dealership Moto-Gatineau on 10-May-2013 (or was it 11th) to find out if they had received it, but they replied that it hadn't but it should arrive shortly.

Would I recommend a Zero? Who knows... this isn't the first 2012 with a failed BMS, the 2012 S/DS had an infamous "glitch" best described through threads on Electric Motorcycle Forum and there seems to be some issues/problems appearing with the 2013's. Maybe wait for a 2014 and the issues to be resolved? I guess I'd recommend one, so long as you don't have to rely on it being your primary ride...

Failed BMS Board

Failed BMS Board

Tried to get the XU out on the road this week since it appeared winter was over. Installed the battery power pack in the chassis, connected all of the cables, keyed the bike on and it began displaying an error code via the flashing exclamation warning indicator on the dash: 2 flashes followed by 4 flashes. Looked up the code in the manual, and it stated:

Cause: Battery Management System (BMS) Throttle Disable
Solution: Contact Zero or your dealer.

I emailed Zero and waited a couple of days for a response, then decided to call them this afternoon. My email got mixed up, and the CSR stated it was likely a failed BMS board and that they would ship out a replacement to the nearest Zero dealer. This is my 5th bike since 2004, and the first failure/no-start/major problem other than the OEM battery failing on the first bike after 2 years   Maybe should've stayed with gas-powered bikes. First one I'll have to get flat-bedded to the dealership for a repair.

Colder Weather Riding

Colder Weather Riding

September mornings here are cooler, so about 4-5*C. The effect of the cooler temperature is  decreased range, noticeable on a KM per bar level, and my hands are cold.

It seems like the KM per bar used to be above 5 KM during the 20-30*C weather, this morning it was about 4.7 KM per bar. The return commute was at about 15*C, so the KM per bar was back up to near-normal levels.

For the hands I'll have to use heavier riding gloves. Zero has two accessories for heated grips (had them on my last bike and would like them on the XU), a 12V DC outlet and a set of heated grips, but up here it'll cost close to $250 for them in total...

On another note the replacement Cheng Shin rear tube is holding air much better than the OEM tube; after a week of commuting the tire pressure no longer drops.