This motorcycle shut off while I was riding it on 1.28.14 - it was towed to the shop and mechanic & shop owner could not solve the problem. They were able to get bike running and I picked it up. Bike died again - same thing - shut off while riding on 3.25.14. This time bike was taken to shop and they again said they didn't know why this was happening or how to fix it. At this point I wanted them to buy the bike back from me as it was dangerous to ride if it was shutting down while I was riding it. The shop owner put me in contact with zero - the manufacturer to discuss this possibility. Zero refused to take motorcycle off road and claimed they had never had a complaint of motorcycle powering down while riding. It turns out they weren't being honest -the same model of my motorcycle, year 2012 model has been recalled for this same problem while my model year 2011 has not been recalled. The mechanic at my dealer told me that many people had same complaint, zero was lying and the only good place for my moto was the garbage. They tried to fix my bike but it still powers down after approximately 9 miles and leaves me stranded (avg on this bike is listed at 43 miles before needing recharge). This bike and the other 2011 model s need to be recalled completely since zero can't fix the problem all 2011 s model riders are all at risk. Please reference the recall of 2012 motorcycle http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/ucm427143/rcak-12v455-9849.pdf thank you
The worst 2011 Zero S problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Recalls 2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- Zero Motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 S and DS motorcycles. On the affected motorcycles, the front caliper mounting bolts are susceptible to corrosion which could lead to their cracking and possible fracture.
- Risk
- If a front caliper bolt fractures, the caliper may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front wheel. This could cause the front wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front caliper bolts. The recall BEGAN ON August 16, 2013. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles at 1‑888‑841‑8085.
Recall number 13V329000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Zero motorcycles, inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 s, xu, and ds motorcycles, model year 2011 mxd, and xd motorcycles and 2012 x motorcycles. The brake light switch at the front brake lever may not activate until significant brake lever travel occurs.
- Risk
- The brake light may not activate when a moderate amount of front brake is applied. As such, motorists traveling behind the motorcycle may not be alerted when an affected motorcycle is slowing down, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
- Remedy
- Zero will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front brake system brake-light switch free of charge. The safety recall began on august 3, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles at 1‑831‑438‑3500.
Recall number 12V307000 · Recall details
What 2011 Zero S owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2011 Zero S
Is the 2011 Zero S reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2011 Zero S, close to a typical S model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Zero S?
Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Zero S have?
2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and exterior lighting.
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