It took a while to get and have a lowering kit installed and the forks lowered about ¼ inch. My feet touch, about half anyway, with the new boots I finally found... I may drop the forks a little more.
So: Personal observations after light use. I rode a GS550E before. The DSR is quite different in some ways. I have been riding, off and on, since about when I joined TM. I haven’t covered over 5 – 6,000 miles total. So still not a heavily ‘experienced’ rider. I have 300 miles on the Zero now. I’m out as often as possible doing errands and feeling it out. Short trips all, but the nubs are off the tires.
Today I did 40 miles of back roads (lower speed) after getting my son to cover me. (I’m my Mom’s care giver.) That ride took about an hour where I traveled. It used 25 of the 90% charge. The bike says it will take almost 4 hours to get to 100% charge. At 100% charge 100 highway miles are supposed to be available in average use. That covers all my needs, considering my past use.
With a Battery powered bike there is solid weight right up to the seat. Balance is quite different though the published weight is a little less. Once you are moving its less noticeable. I did struggle to hold it up at one bad corner the first time out.
I’ve been using it in Eco mode. It seems to have a little more horse power than the Suzuki at that setting. But that power is instant. From 0 it ramps up quickly. The 550 in line 4 cyl needed 3500 rpm first. There is also a normal and sport setting for response. I’m not ready for them yet.
In the Eco setting the bike regen provides more braking than chopping the power on the gas one. Descending long hills and cornering can be done without using the friction brake. There again I’m still feeling out response patterns. I found the normal brakes are strong and will haul you down quickly at stop lights. I’m handling them gingerly now.
Over all I like the machine. I love not dealing with gas and oil with it. Its available when I’m ready. No more carb maintenance.
