webprint.komielan

About

Stephen Koch's { partial } web footprint.

Accounts

Newer posts are loading.

You are at the newest post.
Click here to check if anything new just came in.

June 27 2009

Zero S demo

We got to demo this bike today. I was impressed with the acceleration and stability. The fact that it is silent (all you hear is a little whirring and the chain movement) was a concern however after riding for 15 minutes you get used to it and it’s not that much of a big deal. Off the start you just go, no shifting, fast and nimble.

I can see getting used to it and wanting to take risks that you might not take on a regular bike. Very futuristic too. The seat was a little hard (even 15 minutes on it and my butt was a bit tired) but the rep assured us that over time it softens.

I was the second to demo and I noticed towards the end it was cutting out on me. I would twist the throttle and get no response. It kind of freaked me out because with a motor bike at least you know when the engine cuts. With this there’s no instant feedback. Brianna was next in line so before she took it out I’d mentioned that it did cut out. I also told the rep and when Brianna returned she’d said it was even worse. The rep then took it for a spin to see and when he came back he had basically grounded the bike: no more demos. Not such a ringing endorsement for the new Zero S.

However they did also have the Zero X (not street legal) but we were able to take it for a spin around the block. That thing was scary fast off the line. Wheelies would be frighteningly easy. Needless to say I took it easy with that one but it was fun to ride if only briefly.

Did I mention these things are silent? It’s an odd sight seeing one coming down the street. You definately turn some heads.

All in all I’d consider getting the Zero S. Imagine: no fuel, no oil, no overheating, environmentally friendly (zero emissions). Just plug it in for a charge. The price tag is a little high but there are some incentives. The government gives you $1000 ($1500?) and I believe in NY the state pays back the sales tax. I need to look into other refunds but it may depend on the state. The rep mentioned other money back but that it might be only in CA.