How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

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jonescg
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How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by jonescg »

Since nobody is selling them from dealerships any more, what options are available for people who want to buy one?

Is it possible or practical to bring one in?

Would it require inclusion on the SEV list? Should a RAWS workshop be used to make sure this can happen?

Rather frustrating this lack of choice in Australia...
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by mikedufty »

I figured I'd wait for a second hand one to come up, but it could be a long wait. No results on my saved searches in over a year I think. I wonder if them having had ADR approval makes it harder or easier to import one?
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Richo »

https://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/ ... ia-107769/

Wow and that's a year ago.
IF only there was someone locally that could make electric motorbikes :P
So the short answer is NO but the long answer is YES.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by whimpurinter »

I enquired to an ex-dealer on the Sunshine Coast in Q sometime last year. I found out that he was an ex-Zero-dealer because the US had decided to end sales in Australia and he could no longer obtain one at any price, so to speak. About a year later a BMW dealer employee said that he had just heard that Zero were planning to re-introduce the bikes to Australia in 5 years. It would have been nice if a lot more people had bought the Zero over the past few years. The only good thing to come out of this is that if Zero survive a global economic crash, the bikes will be even better if they are introduced here again (and even now they can compete with a Kawasaki H2 for go-power).
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by mikedufty »

Pretty sure that H2 was just badly ridden. I jumped on a zero straight off a 10 year old Z750, and it had a distinctly soft takeoff in comparison, though it did feel comparable once moving.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by dgh853 »

bladecar wrote: Fri, 20 Jul 2018, 15:17 I enquired to an ex-dealer on the Sunshine Coast in Q sometime last year. I found out that he was an ex-Zero-dealer because the US had decided to end sales in Australia and he could no longer obtain one at any price, so to speak. About a year later a BMW dealer employee said that he had just heard that Zero were planning to re-introduce the bikes to Australia in 5 years. It would have been nice if a lot more people had bought the Zero over the past few years. The only good thing to come out of this is that if Zero survive a global economic crash, the bikes will be even better if they are introduced here again (and even now they can compete with a Kawasaki H2 for go-power).
Some of us did buy Zeros in Australia (apparently ~100 were sold here) but they were $25k for a bike that you could pay $10k for a petrol equivalent. And the majority of motorbike riders like their noisy, smelly petrol bikes. It's a hard sell!

The Youtube video where the Zero beats the H2 is rubbish. The Zero and Kawasaki H2 are miles apart in performance. My Zero SR makes 67hp. The H2 300hp.

The Lightning LS-218 or Voltron Evo would have similar performance to the H2 in a straight line.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by whimpurinter »

Well, yes, this discussion point is rubbish, isn't it.
The Zero would go around a corner faster than a H2.
I'd say the Zero would be faster at the standing start because of the combination of light weight and constant controllable power. The H2 could use its launch control but it usually wouldn't in this circumstance. The H2 also has this thin contact point of rubber at the rear tyre, in the slick style.
A 450 KTM single dragged off a H2 twice at the lights. The KTM had that different racing-fuel waft and it had wonderful traction. It just disappeared ahead. The H2 thought it would be easy and didn't try hard enough. Next set of lights, it thought "Really!" and used more power. Result, KTM disappeared around the curve to the next set of lights, the H2 did a little rear-wheel spin and not much else. 235Kg is not easy to launch. And this H2 has 264hp at the rear wheel, because it's a H2, not a H2R (and not a standard H2 tune).

I'd say your Zero would mostly be ahead of my H2 around town. So much to say, so little really matters :)
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by dgh853 »

Hi bladecar - no need to take my comments personally. A Zero SR does 0-100kph in 4 seconds at best. I know I've tested it many times and raced two eFXC series on my 2014 SR. The H2 would be under 3 seconds 0-100kph - https://goo.gl/3F6rRV.

I was making the point from my own experience riding and racing a Zero SR that the Zero has low performance. Barely quicker than the current 300s going around and not a patch on a 600cc Supersport bike. Here's a real acceleration video - I'm the guy on the red/black Zero SR with the throttle pinned - https://youtu.be/Nc961Zs_FIY

The Zero suspension is lousy, it has twitchy steering due to very short trail, low pegs etc. It's a commuter bike - comparing it against an H2 is stupid but that's what Youtubers do. I agree the Zero is better than an H2 because it's electric but that's about it.

If you're after a commuter bike then Zero's are great. Try to make it do anything else - touring, racing, sports riding - it's out of its depth in so many ways. As I said I've raced them and built and sold 60 fast chargers for Zeros all around the world to support fellow owners get more out of their bikes. I've also done multiple touring trips with other Zeros and Brammos around NSW. I've done more than most to extend the capabilities of these machines but I'm under no illusion as to how good a motorcycle they are.

Back to the original topic, it's been a roller coaster ride with Zero in Australia over the last 4 years since I got my bike. With the exception of one person within Zero motorcycles who helped me directly, Zero support for riders and dealers has been poor and if you chat to other Zero owners in Australia you'll get the same feedback.

We've learnt to get around the lack of Zero support - not just since they left the country but even when they were actively in the market in 2014-15. It would be great to see the bikes in Australia again but unless they can provide good support along with the bikes, they're going to end up burning more Aussies interested in electric motorcycles.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by whimpurinter »

Hi dgh853 :)

No worries.

While I'd like to have a Zero, your information has always occupied my worry zone in regard to these bikes, thinking about Vectrix and any other EV, not warmly welcomed into the country by all and sundry. I've always thought: What happens if the charger fails, what happens if a cell fails, how reliable is the good ole reliable US, and which zone are we listed in, and what effect does that have on the Global Lack Of Competition Policy currently in vogue :)

It's great to hear that there is a local support group.

My Zero impression was partially based on TheMissendenFlyer Utube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwAkW6OQXuI He thought it was fabulous. Is this model any different to the ones you are familiar with? Just from observation, I felt it would be a feel-good local transport in the you-know-what-the-limitations-are category, and I do know the limitations, and I'm very happy with them, all the while patiently waiting until the mode evolves. Watching the utube video, I felt the acceleration was quite acceptable, in fact I could imagine it as if I was riding it. Better than a Vectrix :) :)

So I accept your point of view and your overwhelming experience, and I also appreciate each model (type of transport) for what it's best for, even if there are some models that I have no need for :)
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by whimpurinter »

dgh853,

This TheBikeShow roadtest comparo has a different slant on the one you show with the comment on a bmw and which one is better. It's the feel as much as the figures. The H2 is very limited but the feeling of ridiculous urge is always there, low revs just promise even more with every 500 revs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ep4uIxhtY

Do keep in mind that they show the standard H2 at around 200hp but the unrestricted version has at least 250hp.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Randall679 »

Richo wrote: Fri, 01 Jun 2018, 12:34 https://www.bikesales.com.au/editorial/ ... ia-107769/
Wow and that's a year ago.
IF only there was someone locally that could make electric motorbikes :P
There is, but he lives in Newcastle ... http://www.catavolt.com.au/ ... Jon Eggenheusin ...
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Richo »

Good to know.

It was actually a dig at someone here in Perth - you know big dreams and all that...
Given that their website now looks like a porn site I expect that they gave up.
So the short answer is NO but the long answer is YES.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by jonescg »

Dammit - you know I had to google that LOL
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Richo »

TBH I think it would be hard to design, build and sell something that is using mainly imported parts and make money.
Even Chevy didn't want to make the volt unless they owned the battery production.
Think about the AU businesses that imported the main parts and sold turn-key Ev's - where are they now?

Good on them for trying tho

Even if the situation were improved with locally built motors and controller I still think that the local business would need some form of contract agreement with a battery manufacturer to get pricing down to make it feasible.
Not impossible - just not probable at this stage.
So the short answer is NO but the long answer is YES.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by boars »

Is catavolt still alive as a company? Hadn't seen any posts on social media recently (since last year or jan this year).
Hasn't tweeted in years and their website has been under construction for what feels like forever (as a web dev under construction pages give me tiny aneurysms).

Not much going on in the electric bike scene in AU is there. :|

The best I can hope for is maybe KTM getting some sort of road bike going at some stage.
They seem to be the closest to actually doing anything that might end up on our roads any time soon (soon being 1-10 years away).

I keep tossing up between waiting for something to release and wanting to build my own but it's a good chunk of coin to spend without warranty on anything when you go the custom route.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Wesraddysh »

Hi , I may be selling my 2015 Zero S , are you still interested?
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by wovenrovings »

There is a 2016 on bikesales at the moment.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by whimpurinter »

I'm not in a Zero S at the moment. Support has become enough money.
I'm observing and screaming along behind Tesla.

I know if I had the money.

Just owning an ev industry.

Interestingly, Like Microsoft, nothing but Chinese ev s on the roads (except for tesla, and very small numbers of major manufacturer models) :) :)

Edited for clarity.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Tobin AEMC »

I was also looking to buy a Zero motorcycle for a while. I managed to pick up a used SR which I love and thankfully hasn't had any major issues. I've changed the way the bike looks (I'll upload an image once I figure out how to do it on here!) with the help of Purpose Built Moto in the Gold Coast. Tom who runs Purpose Built Moto is also an Electrical Engineer - so pretty much the perfect person to see about electric motorcycles.

After a lot of investigation and negotiating - I am going to import Zero and Energica motorcycles to Australia. I am partnering with the biggest retailer in the UK (English Electric Motor Co) to offer servicing, support and warranty delivery in Australia through partner garages like Purpose Built Moto. We have 4 bikes on their way over to Australia now for Compliance Approval. We have 13 demo Zero Motorcycles (Mostly 2021 SR/F, SR/S, S, DSR and FXS models) reserved for import once we have the Compliance Plates ready.

If you are still interested in getting your hands on a Zero or Energica motorcycle - please contact us: https://australianelectricmotorco.com/

Thanks! Tobin.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by jonescg »

Great to see eMotos on sale soon!

I helped Matt Colemann with a battery for his 50 kW electric supermoto on the Gold Coast, so I was wondering if you had met up with him.

By the way we have a 'For sale' section which is ideal for pitching wares. Best if you sign up as an AEVA business member and we can list your shop on the directories page.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Tobin AEMC »

Awesome thanks Chris! I'll do that and add the bikes coming in, to the For Sale section.

How can I get Matt's details?
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by jonescg »

Google Sketch Coleman or Bombs Away. He's also got a pretty hectic YouTube channel.
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by charles.gilroy »

On the Gold Coast!
There's an electric motorcycle dealership that is opening in Burleigh Heads at the end of January that will be selling Zero and Energica bikes.

I checked out their website a few weeks ago and they had a range of Zero bikes available - but they've taken them off their website. I emailed them to ask what happened they said they took them down while they go through the Aussie roads approval processes and they will be back up again soon.
www.australianelectricmotorco.com.au is their site.

They said they will be making announcements when the Zero bikes + others they will be importing are available. Stoked we're getting a dealership for EV bikes!!
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Tobin AEMC »

Well that took a lot longer than we were expecting, but we're finally open 8-) :D Our shop is at 3/19 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220. We are operating limited opening hours until all of our demonstrator motorcycles are road approved (Tuesday to Friday 9 - 4) but we'll open Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays once all our bikes are approved in the next month or two.

We have all models of Energica Motorcycles available in Australia. We have a limited range of 2021 Zero Motorcycles available - we are hoping to secure some 2022 model Zero's soon. We also have Electric Motion Trials bikes and will very soon have Benzina Zero electric scooters on the shop floor. We want AEMC to be a great place to learn more about premium electric motorcycles, charging and feel part of the EV community in Australia. We'd love to see some of you guys soon - pop in if you're in the area!
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Re: How does one buy a Zero in Australia?

Post by Tobin AEMC »

Wow - 18 months have passed pretty quickly since we first posted here!

There are rumours circulating that Zero Motorcycles may be coming back to Australia. For now - after a pretty intense and expensive approval process, we have some of the parallel imported Zeros from the UK available for sale if anyone is looking for a new Zero Motorcycle right now. All road approved in Australia and ready to go. You can contact us through our website australianelectricmotorco.com
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