Hello from FNG in Reno

[DonTom]

Hi.

My first post here.

I just bought myself a DS ZF 6.5 a couple of days ago. IMO, it is the most fun thing I have ever owned. I now own seven motorcycles. But the Zero DS ZF 6.5 is only battery operated vehicle I have ever owned.

I am the original owner of:

1971 Black BMW R75/5
1984 Red Yamaha Venture
2002 Yellow Suzuki DR200SE
2013 Blue Triumph Trophy SE
2016 Orange/Black Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
2016 Orange Moto Guzzi Stelvio
2017 Orange/Black Zero DS ZF 6.5

I think this is my limit. One bike for every day of the week is enough.

This new Zero bike is practical for me because I have two houses here in Reno about 20 miles apart and this bike gets me there and back with no issues. I recharge at each house.

But I am curious about where this bikes gets it's 12 volts from. I think the motor runs from about 100VDC or so. Is there a 12 volt output in the same battery or is another method used for the 12 volts?

If the headlight was removed, would it make a noticeable difference in range? I notice it's a normal H4 lamp which is 55 watts or so. Left on to draw current when the bike is stopped at traffic lights and such, so I am curious

I am not out to make any changes, I am just curious about how it works for the 12 volts.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[DonTom]

I guess this forum isn't very busy. Anyway, I found an unofficial Zero wiring diagram on-line and from it and other info there it looks like I got my own questions answered. By what is shown on the schematic (which could be made clearer, IMO), there is a DC to DC converter for the 13.8 VDC.

The headlights being on affect the range by about 1% in most cases. Not enough to be concerned with . . . unless you have to push the bike the last half mile!

-Don- Auburn, CA