It's not standard to give people 3 choices: Have no accessory and save money Have a power tank for more range Have a charge tank for faster charging Otherwise they would be railroaded into having a level 2 charger
Early on, it was because there wasn’t enough charging infrastructure to justify building the cost into the bike for people who might not have a level 2 charger anywhere nearby, but they made it an available option. The new model (the SR/F) has a level 2 charger built in standard.
@@TheBladevortex I agree. By allowing people to make a choice it makes a ton of sense to me. I chose the Charge Tank over the Power Tank option. I view having a charge tank like having a fuel fill nozzle on my car. I can have a 45 gallon tank, but once that runs out the only place I could 'fill up' would be at home! LOL In the Bay Area there are a good number of EVSE stations so charging is convenient. I would like to see more along Highway 1 as there are few on the coast. But over time I'm sure this will change. Much easier to get permits and install EVSE stations than gas stations that's for SURE.
Honestly, Zero should look at third-party mods like yours and maybe partner with companies like PowerFilm Solar to try to make their bikes more off-grid. That's the biggest perk of going electric. As long as you have a soldering tool, you can basically do all the maintenance yourself. That'd actually justify the pricetag of some models, which is roughly the same price as a Mitsubishi Mirage. Very hard to sell a bike for the price of a new economy hatchback.
I think maybe if I get another zero it might be the ds. I like that’s bikes look. It was just a bit too much money for me. And yes the Elcons are bombproff
@@250MotoMark funny, I was just thinking that if I get another I might get an FXS! I rarely need more than about 2 kWh, except for the occasional out of town ride, where I need more than the DS has anyway.
MOTOMARK that's a bummer the first company that can pull it off and keep the bike at low cost it's gonna make serious money. Imagine charging over 100 miles in less than 10 mins.
@@250MotoMark to be fair 2 years later the costs hasn't dropped, yet the technology hasn't gotten better, while it skyrocketted for cars. the problem is more that there are no incentives from governments to help manufacturers and buyers, which is ironic given how much less energy and materials are required to move one person with this than a car.
We need the zero stores here in Tennessee as well as charging stations,these would be great around here for people having low money for gas back an forth to work until payday.
@@250MotoMark ,ok kool so I'm not the only person struggling to save for one,I'm glad you got one,I can't wait, from everything I'm seeing, I love it,I'm not sure if I want a fx,or the fxs,I believe I'd get more miles with the fxs though,even if it costs more it'll be wort it in the long run. An since I don't live to far from my job,wouldn't have to charge it to often an while I'm working if needed, put it on charger since I work thirdshift I could just park it in my automotive area so no one would mess with it,any way ty an ty for listening, I hope your bike lasts an be safe.
Does the bike need 5v of power in the middle pins of the secondary charge port to initialise charging? I made my own connector but didn't utilise the middle pins and the bike doesn't charge. Thanks for any help you can give me.
How has this setup been holding up for you? I’m getting ready to do same with my ‘14 DS. Does that top rack mount design hold up okay with the ~16 lb weight of the charger + weight of the case going over bumps? I’ve heard it can bend too easy and snap those bolts…
They do! I was once 4 or 5 miles from home when my Battery life indicator reached 0%. So I immediately moved over to the edge of the Hwy, where Bicyclist ride. I was riding at Bicycle speeds, none the less, The Zero got me home at 0%! It may have gone 10 miles on 0% ...?
It’s the elcon 2500. Now I don’t know if they make them anymore. But there is a 3.3 kw one available now. This one is different from the zero ones. I think I have a video on how the top box is set up
This is pretty awesome man! So if you can do something like this, I imagine it’s entirely possible to add other aftermarket electronics to it, too, like say a stereo system?
hey i see you mentioned it was basically homemade. in that case can you show a video of how you made that charger set up? this is literally what might make me get an fxs instead of the S 14.4. I only wanted the 14.4 for the range but if I can charge like this then I'd love to know your setup
Kiks if you get an S I would recommend getting it with a charge tank. My bike I charging at around close to 4 kw. The charge tank charges at 6 kw. So it charges way faster if you find a charger that can charge at that rate
How do you see the 3,3kW Diginow? Was it an option? Elcon cheaper? ...? I have the Diginow on my 2013DS now, but mainly because they have a replacement bellypan, -- only DS(R) S(R) frames --, with the Diginows in it. So very practical. Does Elcon also support bluetooth config?
Hi Dennis, are you living in The Netherlands? I'd like to get in touch with you to ask some questions. I own a FX now and considering getting a Diginow..
Obed Ramirez the top box was $129 the adaptor for the J plug was $100 the elcon chargers are somewhere around $1300 I got lucky and got one for $800. Plus you just need some splitter for c13 to wall adaptors for around $5. And to be able to mount it all up you need to get the zero rack kit which is around $160 I believe.
MOTOMARK I’m looking at purchasing the ZF7.2. Should I spend the $600 and get the quick charger with it? Is it worth it? And I’m fairly new to electric bikes but is the quick charger a lvl 2 charger or does it mean the battery charges at a faster rate?
I plugged them both into the j1772 port. I slit the plugs. It only charges at just above 3kw while the charge station charges around 6kw. If I had another elcon that would work beautifully. Maybe get it closer to an hour charge.
@@250MotoMark oh OK I see. Just didn't see where you connected it since it's all package nice. Didn't even think about using a duel outlet with the j1772. still trying to get my FX sorted. Just got the delta q charger and have a lock box on the way so I don't have to carry it. But you just saved me from having to get a second J Adapter. Thanks.
Normally I don't charge at home. My wiring it pretty bad and it trips my house. So I try to go to free stations most times but times I do pay it's like around 2 dollars for a full charge.
This is not something that everyone would like. So it’s not for everyone. But if you charge at home it’s nice to wake up to a full tank basically everyday.
@@250MotoMark I would consider this bike if they also made the headlight for the other model. The charging takes a very long time too. If they only reduce the charging to 15 min. I'm a product designer and I can see more ways they can improve the whole bike.
@@unamistone1906 yes the charging would be awesome if it could handle it. The batteries get hot while charging and they stop charging at 120 degrees. And the zero charging limit for the shortest time is only allowed to go to 1 hour without killing the warranty. The battery itself I believe could be charged in 30 mins if it was cooled down. Energica does offer the dc fast charging and a whole lot more top end power. But they do also come with a bit more maintenance like chain and oil changes. But they have liquid that goes into the battery packs that cools the batteries down which I thing is awesome. But zero bikes are more just for practicality and simplicity. Like for me I went to a zero because I got tired of breaking things and working on the bikes. But once I started I loved it. I did not think I would Like them as much as I did. There are a lot of trade offs but a lot of benefits. And it does help if you have a good amount of chargers near you. And good dealer support. Luckily I have both. Zeros do have a great warranty. But I know in the future when battery technology gets better it will be way easier to charge faster and not wear out the battery.
Kn1ghtNomad13 I don’t like going to gas stations. Taking my time to go out the way get to the gas station when I can sit at home and charge and wake up with a full charge. With more range than my drz had
Kn1ghtNomad13 yes bro I’m so spoiled now. It’s different because it’s my 11th bike and all my bikes where gas. I miss the clutch for the stunts. I do love the sound. But the electric is kind of for if your like me and you don’t want to keep blowing up dirt bike engines.
Kn1ghtNomad13 try one. It’s different. But it’s crazy when you hear your traction to to road. And when your on the canyons with the peace. And when you fee the torque and how you can out accelerate Everything on the road it’s I feeling you just have to feel to see. I still have my Honda 900 super sport at home also. So I’ have the best of both worlds.
