Can people tolerate one more guy agonizing over what to do, based on the recent E+ email from Brammo? I hope so and apologize if not!
That's what the forum is for!
I looked at earlier Zeros of course, but the dirt bike approach and geometry isn't my favorite. And with great respect to the Zero people, the Brammo bikes I've been able to see in person always seemed to be just slightly ahead on fit and finish. So I've thought of myself as a Brammo fan right along.
That's been my general impression based on second hand information. Richard230 said something to the effect of the electrical bits of the 2012 Zeros seem to be very solid, some of the fairing bits are still rather flimsy.
Then Zero introduces the 2012 S. Almost the same range, and it allows for a second rider and substantially better top speed, which seems to add flexibility for comfortable freeway use. And if you're willing to really splurge, the ZF9 has range exceeding the Empulse, right? Went and sat on one, and have to admit it seemed pretty compelling, not least because it EXISTS. Still, it was substantially more expensive, so...
THEN, the Brammo E+ email. Thrilling but also worrying! Top speed still quoted at 60+ (I'd kind of hoped it would improve a bit). Range unchanged. Still no second passenger. But the new price! I actually expected it to come up a bit from $9K, but really didn't think it would clear 10. $11K?? That puts it right next to the Zero!
Now I find myself doubting all my previous thinking. Is the E+ simply less bike than the new Zero at essentially the same cost? If I want to be true to Brammo do I have to go for the Empulse in order to get range, freeway top speed, and the chance to bring a friend along? And what the heck will that Empulse cost by the time it comes out? I keep checking the forum in case there's some new bit of info that helps make things clearer. My heart is with Brammo but I worry. Am I ignoring a bike (Zero S) that, in 2012 at least, offers better performance and value for money and I should just get over it and go that way?
Depends on what you're looking for.
Zero pros:
E+ has a 270 lb weight limit, which makes it strictly a single-seater (except possibly if you're
transporting a small child). Zero S will transport two reasonable American adults (380 lbs cargo weight ZF6, 340 lbs cargo weight ZF9) if you buy the optional passenger pegs ($250).
Zero S is faster than E+. The Zero bikes have about twice the peak power, can travel at 88 mph for short bursts (~1 minute) and can sustain 75 mph. E+ might be able to hit 70 mph for short bursts, and can sustain 60+ mph.
Zero S can charge more quickly if you buy additional offboard chargers.
Zero S belt drive is much quieter and longer interval maintenance than E+ chain drive, may require regular replacement (maintenance manual says 12k mile replacement interval, dealer says that's very conservative).
Zero offers a bit better warranty (2 year full vs 1 year E+ .. at least that's what I recall)
Perhaps most importantly, Zero S is shipping today.
Enertia+ pros:
E+
likely has a bit better range than ZF6 S. City riding (MIC / UDDS) range is 76 miles ZF6, 80 miles (supposedly) E+. I expect 45-55 mph riding to be closer to 44-53 miles ZF6, 52-62 miles E+, 66-79 miles ZF9. (E+ has a 6.2 kWh pack, ZF6 has a 5.3 kWh pack).
Enertia classic instrumentation is significantly more advanced than Zero's gauges, I imagine E+ has the same instrumentation.
Styling, IMHO the E+ looks better. Your tastes may vary.
E+ is a bit less expensive at $11k instead of $11500.
If you need two-seat riding, then the E+ isn't even an option. If you need to operate on roads where traffic flows at 65+ mph, I would strongly discourage the E+ for safety reasons. In both of those cases you may well find that you gravitate towards the ZF9 instead of the ZF6 for range reasons, which then puts you in the same price ballpark as the Empulse.
If you're shopping for an $11k commuter bike, can live without two-seat riding, can avoid 65+ mph traffic, and are happy with the E+ speed then IMO the E+ is a better bike for the range.
Partly just to vent I guess - no one understands all this like I know you guys do. But also to ask: Is anyone else doubting at all, or are you all still super confident that the E+ will be what we've been imagining and turn out to be good value? Anyone shifting focus to the Empulse in light of recent developments?
I think the E+ is a good value for a non-freeway commuter bike. The Zero's strengths are in things the E+ really does not do (freeway operation, two-up riding). If the E+ is even an option, then I think you have to look at styling and speed (ZF6) vs range (E+) and make your call.
Hand on heart: I'll never post at this length again - thanks for your patience!
I hope the forum doesn't charge for long posts. I owe skadamo quite a bit of money if that's the case..
