I've done demo rides on Zeros, a few years ago. Much fun!

They've improved greatly since then.

I'd seriously consider their dual sport for commuting to the office and fooling around off pavement.

You just have to manage battery reserve like fuel in your boat. One third out, one third back and one third in reserve.

will it leak battery acid instead of oil?

quote:

My question is what does it sound like?

We routinely do 250 mile rides in one day on weekends. What will the range be in the mountains here in the northeast? Stuck in the middle of nowhere looking for an electrical outlet and taking three hours to charge?

No doubt there will be some type of market but not a large one.

It is 10.2 miles from my shop to “motorcycle parking” where I work.
An electric bike would cover 90% of my current riding needs.

Oil leaks, sound and misfires jokes aside, will it still be cold natured?
My 2016 Roadster, with electronic ignition & ECM controller fuel STILL spits and farts on a cold morning. After it’s under sized battery BARELY turns that 1200cc paint shaker over fast enough to fire. A few miles of interstate on the way to work will cool the engine enough to make it idle up when I stop.

quote:

Originally posted by Kevmo:
will it leak battery acid instead of oil?

Only time will tell.

Sounds like my Cuisinart Food Processor on high. And no my Harley does not leak oil

A fun electric bike would make a great commuter.
And, my electric plan at home has free power from 10p-6a, so I could charge it for free.

But at $17k, the Zero is a no-go for me.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
Electric bikes shine considerably brighter in city driving, mileage wise. They would be a good investment in urban settings where ride length is shorter and frequent charging more easily done.

That is the market Harley-Davidson is going after. Just like you do not see Tesla dealers in rural America. There just is not the right infrastructure for electric vehicles out there. Urban areas do have that and commutes are not 100’s of miles. It willing be interesting as battery technology and infrastructure mature in the next few years.

If the sound is an issue, it could always be equipped with a Vroom Box....

flashguy

I rode one of these several years ago, they had a showing here in Memphis and I had a chance for a quick ride. It looked slightly different, but it had some pickup for sure. I ride an FZ1 and it felt heavy in the corners compared to my ride, although I am not sure what the difference in weight might have been.

Cool concept, honestly it was so long ago I figured it was a gimmick that would never come to fruition. Can’t wait to see the specs.