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Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

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171–180 of 217 posts

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#171

The more I get problems with different machinery (chainsaw, raider lawnmower, waterpump, powerwasher) I've really started thinking more and more how every piece of equipment should automatically come with a service manual included which would also have all the bits and pieces clearly stated and catalogued. I've seen some of these manuals not being a detailed as I hoped. For context, I'm in Europe. For an example I ne…

I check the website under “service/support” before I buy just to get an idea what’s out there.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#173
post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This doesn't make any sense. Many regular issues are not diagnosable by computer. I have legacy access to some current BMW service data and it does not behave the way you describe at all- I only have to whip out the scanner for certain electrical and computer issues, and to update service schedules.

Everything on a modern car runs through the computer. Climate control, entertainment systems, windows, lights, seats, various driver aids such as cruise control, lane-departure, blind spot warnings, hands-free driving, automatic/antilock braking, traction control, etc. as well as the engine and transmisison. Sure, something like a failing wheel bearing would still be diagnosed by the mechanic, but they need the scann…

You're right, but just to have fun with the example you gave- some wheel bearings now incorporate a wheel speed sensor. So even those might, in fact, be first diagnosed by the computer, depending on the failure mode.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#174
post #164

Earlier quoted context omitted.

... Does.. It? No it doesn't.

it does, generally the deeper lithium ion batteries are discharged, the higher the likelihood of dendrites forming on the anode. basically the more time that is spent not in the fully discharged state, the longer li-ion will last. (this doesn't mean you want to leave it 100% charged either, that can also damage the pack; if leaving for extended non-use, leaving it at ~50% state of discharge is the generally recommend…

The disagreement is not with the science but with the idea that "because the company will have to honor more warranties, it is okay for them to charge more for features of the things they have already sold consumers". Maybe they should make less money, instead. Perhaps they can split the difference by amending the warranty to take into account the health of the battery. I don't really care! I (we. everyone.) hate a world where people retain control over things that they have ostensibly sold you and, predictably, scummily, attempt to extract more profit from them.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#175

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think the biggest issue with electric motorbikes is infrastructure because, at least from what I see, motorbikes aren't used the same way cars are. I think they should work great for commuting, if you don't live too far away. But then, people would want to use the bike for other things, too, like going on road trips. And that's where it hurts. You usually don't take road trips on the main highways because it's bori…

> But then, people would want to use the bike for other things, too, like going on road trips. I have an e-bike, I can take it on the train, go to some random town and explore. You can buy 'S-pedelecs" which are basically mopeds in bicycle form-factor - they have powerfull motors and go 45 km/h. Then high-end electric motorcycles make sence But lower end electric motorbikes, I dont get. You camt tale them on oiblic t…

I agree with your point about taking the bike (bicycle) on a train and whatnot.

My point was about motorbikes. Which, as you say, have all the inconveniences of a full-blown motorbike, without the nice things, and the smaller ones aren't materially better than a souped-up e-bike.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#176
post #136

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Eh, no it's not. It's getting a monthly fee out of what could be a button or switch, a monthly fee that could be just an unpaid, free to use feature of the bike. This is some serious "c-suite message to help you fall asleep at night territory".

Even the phone in your pocket isn't using it's full battery potential (by design). You can hack this with software to "get more out of your battery", but really all you're doing is shortening the length of your battery life and creating a fire hazard.

It's the other way around, you can hack it and get longer battery life. But that is not an option because phone manufacturers prefer that their non-user-replacable batteries get worn out.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#177
I bought a moto last year, and looked a little at Zero and at Sondors, but ended up just getting a small-displacement conventional bike (Royal Enfield Classic 350). It was cheap, gets excellent mileage (75 MPG), and has sufficient power for urban surface-street usage (it tops out at like 65, but honestly it's happier below 50).

I strongly recommend this path, though parts availability with RE mean I probably suggest you look more at other low-displacement bikes, like the Honda Rebel, and let RE figure out its North American supply chain issues for a while.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#178

Good move, but another thing this brand does is charge you a monthly subscription to unlock the full battery range on your bike. If you don’t pay, you lug around a dead weight extra battery you cannot access. Overall this brand is notoriously unfriendly to consumers.

Oh my god, this should be illegal. What an environmental waste to block what hardware can do for business reasons, is there any global lobby fighting bullshit like this?

From the other comments, it sounds like it’s less of an environmental waste. By not allowing it to be fully charged, the battery will last longer.

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#179

Good move, but another thing this brand does is charge you a monthly subscription to unlock the full battery range on your bike. If you don’t pay, you lug around a dead weight extra battery you cannot access. Overall this brand is notoriously unfriendly to consumers.

subscriptions just put me off. i'd rather wait for a good product that doesn't need subscriptions

Re: Zero Motorcycles makes its service manuals free

#180
I'm still wondering why there's no regulation on this, forcing manufacturers to hand-in both the user and service manuals. I own a Kawasaki motorbike and tried to get its service manual just to understand a bit more about it, and is impossible to get it at this point unless I pay Kawasaki 100€ for its printed version (a fucking ripoff). It doesn't cost them anything to release PDFs as a courtesy to its customers.
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