Zero SRF/Energica Eva/Harley Livewire | Which one should you buy?

[@tobyratcliffe4534]

While this video is almost a year old, it should be pointed out that Energica and HD can be DC fast charged, which turns it from an A to B to A bike into an A to B to C etc. bike.

[@H4n583]

Regen can be configured on Zero srf using the custom ride mode. Both brake and coast levels. Did 5k on mine so far. Love how light it is to ride.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Good to know, thank you. I believe the dealer said it was still slightly heavier regen on the Energica but to be honest I think it was a little too intrusive on their highest setting.

[@_Meriwether]

I was just about to say this. In Eco mode it's set quite high, custom you can change yourself, it's lowest on Sport (which you were in). This is a common feature on all Zeros in fact. EDIT: "Beast Mode" is a custom config set by EEMC for test-ride wow factor. >:D

[@SBK74]

I’m afraid your review misses some key elements: 1 Energica have dropped their prices: the base SS9 is now below 17k pound. The 21,5 kWh version is now equally prized as the top model SR/F. 2 charging: you say Energica potentially charges 2x faster for extra 2,5k, that’s not entirely correct. You compare with the SR/F premium+charge option (12kW AC), which is actually more expensive than the SS9 (26kW DC). The cheaper SR/F you refer to only charges 3 kW

[@MrJoe988]

Energica can charge at around 25kw/h in DC... there is no question who wins at charging...

[@saoirsethewanderer]

He also didn't review the Harley, so how is it a Zero, Energica, Harley review and which one you should buy when you haven't tried it? It is leaps and bounds above the others in terms of fit and finish and quality bike feel. Not for everyone considering the price, but quality above and beyond for sure. Amount of repair places and dealerships makes a difference too.

[@CRPerformance1]

@@saoirsethewanderer Harley & quality are usually not in the same sentence unless you're telling a joke. Harley's parts department is what keeps the company alive.

[@IIARROWS]

@@saoirsethewanderer Sadly, not all Harley dealers can sell or service Livewire. So while the number of dealers is probably still higher (or at worse a non-enabled one could direct you to the closest one), and it's bound to grow much faster then the competitors, it's not much difference right now.

[@NewZeroland]

Great review! Really well-said. Have you been able to ride the Eva 107 or the Ego? They're just as heavy, but the extra power helps a lot.

[@rs9K78]

I tested both and eventually opted for the Esseesse9. Figured the DC charging was more than worth the extra eurobucks. I also found the riding position much more comfortable.

[@firmbutton6485]

How was it?

[@金岱決]

Energica forever~ best of best !!!

[@renynzea]

Should be interesting when the Japanese get in the game. I'm looking forward to the e-Ninja Kawasaki is working on.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Early indication looks like a small battery on the Kawasaki, but I'm pretty keen to see it too

[@renynzea]

@@RarefiedRoad Yeah. From what I understand the Japanese are trying to make it a thing where the batteries are standardized and swappable. If that ends up being the case that should bring the price down due to economies of scale. Would much rather have a battery with half the capacity that costs a quarter as much, than paying $6k for a battery swap on my Zero if it dies out of warranty.

[@halesmorris9603]

Great vid as always. Also enjoying the 'Full Tank' podcasts with Motobob, keep up the good work RR

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you

[@RB-xj4fg]

I had a deposit on a Livewire but nagging cognitive dissonance sent me packing and purchased the SR/F. No regrets as once I got to ride a Livewire it was a longer handlebar reach and sounded like a vacuum cleaner. It had great fit and finish but the SR/F was the hands down choice for what I needed (and saved 13k as the Livewire also had a dealer 3k markup on top of the already high price).

[@Hans2183]

Just replacing the bitubo shock on the SS9 makes a huge difference in handling. Not sure why they have such a bad shock on such an expensive bike. My SS9 now has a hyperpro 467 fully adjustable and progressive and in all ways better. My SRF came with a fully adjustable showa rear shock. Never felt the need to upgrade that.

[@octopusenvy]

Something to mention on these reviews...a day is not realistic unless you are testing short bursts and commuter capabilities. Zero does win here, as that is the design brief. But by build and quality standards, Energica is leagues ahead. And I say that as a Zero owner (price was my ultimate deciding factor, 2nd hand)! DC charging simply is phenomenal, and I've done a 3800km roady with my Zero and some diginow wizardry. But stopping for even an hour is nothing like a 20min stop. No need to review the HD really ;) With current price parity, the 21.5kw battery and DC charging alone make the winner clear, but also weight has been reduced. Mostly, over an extended period, the Energica will be easier, smoother, and better performance. I've ridden the SR/F and Energica (not newest), and the speed beyond 100kph is night & day better on the Italian.

[@robbikebob]

I'd love any one of them! I wouldn't get an older zero as they really didn't look that good. I'm waiting with excited trepidation to find out what the Japanese do when they finally decide to bring out electric models. I'm hoping they are holding out to give us something incredible!

[@RarefiedRoad]

I hope so too but I have to say early indication isn't great from what they managed to show at Eicma.

[@RarefiedRoad]

And by them to be fair I'm referring to Kawasaki for the minute because they are the only one's to have broken cover on their designs.

[@robbikebob]

@@RarefiedRoad I haven't seen that one yet. I was hoping that the manufacturers where standardising a battery design first and then would launch bikes to smash anything else into the weeds like something from Akira! I really hope they don't start with eco scooters and glorified bicycles 😕

[@Banditmanuk]

Electric is coming but is it far enough advanced to own any one of these as your only bike? Think range anxiety would still spoil the experience if you were just heading out on a leisure ride. Commute into central London then they probably make sense. Old guys like me will take allot of convincing, I love the sound my MT10 makes, it's part of the enjoyment of riding. Wonder how Charlie and Ewan got on with the Livewires?

[@RarefiedRoad]

It's not advanced enough or cheap enough for me at the minute to be honest. And I'm like you, I'd miss the sound of my twin. But I'm really looking forward to the long way up however it pans out

[@wrightwells]

You might want to pin a post saying that you are already out of date.

[@uwematschulat4181]

energica wins the range comparison with 21.5 kWh accu. It can also charge with 25 kW

[@uwematschulat4181]

...and a light without an LED is a nogo for an ebike

[@Kajbaj123]

This dude knows what he's talking about

[@ErikVanRent]

While researching options for my first bike I stumbled upon this channel. I must say, a good personality goes a long way and I am now binging all of the videos on this channel. So thanks for the content! Any pointers for a beginner like me? I'd like to have a bike that can handle itself on the freeway, do long distances, make a road trip at ease, can be used on a daily basis to go to work. A touring bike looks like it could fit that bill, but I find retro bikes (like the Moto Guzzi V7) very attractive as well.

[@tompage8674]

I had a V7 - they are FAB! However, for long distance road trips, you will want a bike with a screen, or one that can have a screen fitted. If however, most of your driving is shorter distances and you want something that is fun while commuting and weekend blasting, a V7 is a great choice. If you like this channel, check out Fort Nine too and MotoBob.

[@ErikVanRent]

@@tompage8674 Thanks for the info!

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks Erik, that's really kind of you. As for tips it's a tough one really, the V7 is a great bike and having owned one I can thoroughly recommend it as a pretty decent and versatile first bike but as mentioned above it wouldn't be my pick for a tour or longer trip, ideally you'd want more comfort and leg room. If I was choosing a new bike I'd probably go towards something like a kawasaki Z900rs of you're set on having a retro look but it depends how comfortable you'll feel with the extra power because it really is quick. A triumph T120 is less intimidating to a new rider and it has comfort for longer trips but either of these lack any form of wind protection. Ultimately any bike is going to be a compromise in some respect so I'd decide which type of riding you'll be doing more of and which features are more important to you. Is it more important how the bike makes you feel, what kind of style it takes on, or do you prefer comfort and ease of use? Retro bikes are great ways to enjoy the spirit of biking at sensible speeds but I'd argue that none of them are good for long distance, likewise a Tracer 700 or a Kawasaki Versys or a Triumph Tiger might chomp up miles but they aren't necessarily the most exciting. Bear in mind though that people rarely keep their first bike for that long anyway so it doesn't matter too much, best to get out on something and start deciding as you ride which aspects are most important to you becuase you have to live with it to really work that out.

[@ErikVanRent]

@@RarefiedRoad Thanks for the answer! Very much appreciated!

[@JMeyer-qj1pv]

Charging options are very important and I think Energica is a clear winner there. The Zero lacks level 3 charging and the LiveWire lacks level 2, both of which are criminal offenses. Energica also just announced 21.5 kWh batteries, a bump in torque and horsepower, and small decrease in weight. Motor torque and HP are somewhat irrelevant since these are single gear bikes, so how the motor is geared makes a big difference. The LiveWire is geared much lower than the Zero so probably puts down way more torque at the cost of reduced top end speed. Best handling is probably also going to favor the LiveWire, since it has a lower center of gravity by mounting the motor along the bottom of the bike. Each bike has its warts, so pick your poison. I'd order it like this: LiveWire best for hammering the twisties (if you have enough range to get to them), the new Energicas best for long range and taller riders, and Zero best budget bike for commuters who can recharge overnight.

[@alanrobinson2229]

On balance,if I could afford one,I would go for Energica,due to rapid charging it means you can do a long trip with short stops. The rapid charging facility is the deal breaker.

[@uwematschulat4181]

Energica have Max 21.5KWh Akku. Much more in compare to Zero

[@LexSummer]

Obviously you are a Zero fan ;) Fair. You tried to show the pro and con of both bikes. But if you would ride both bikes for 1000 miles or more, let me say long term comparison. Your decicion would be totaly differend. To be honest i could not do a better comparision because i'm a Energica fan boy. :) I see a lot benefits Energica offers like fast chargeing, build quality and reliability. Zero can't offer. Did you use the rear brake once at the SRF ? ... see that's what i talk about. How ever... 👍🏼 for your video.

[@evolv.e]

Time to do a rematch now that Enérgica’s pack 60% larger batteries and lowered the weight. Longest range, quickest to recharge, quicker acceleration, better suspension and brakes, and let’s be honest.. the Zero costs more when you try to bridge the gap with a power tank. The SR/F *was* my top pick.. until I rode the 21.5 Eva Ribelle that is. I do disagree with what you said towards the end of your videos that the range and rate of charge between the Enérgica and Zero evens out- L3 charging on the Enérgica is leaps and bounds quicker than the Zero even with a chargetank. It’s loads easier to make out of town rides on the Enérgica vs having to wait hours for L2. The fact that we can have a healthy comparison between two great bikes is a sign that electric motorcycles have gotten really good and competitive, so we all win. ⚡️💨

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yeah it's deffinitely time to revisit. That's the hard thing with electric bikes, the technology is adapting so quickly that it's tough to keep up.

[@kimw200blaze4]

I think all these electric bikes, just like electric cars, are fundamentally limited by lithium- ion batteries. They are getting better every year. Just look at the range of the Energica Ribelle, compared to this Energica. The Ribelle goes much further. However, lithium-ion batteries are limited in a lot of ways. I think the thing that will push these bikes forward, is the development of solid state batteries. These batteries are vastly superior in terms of distance and recharge times, and less likely to explode like lithium- ion batteries. The problem is they are at the moment, incredibly expensive to produce on a mass scale. However, Toyota, GM and others are working on how to make solid state battery technology viable. Once this battery technology becomes viable electric vehicles including bikes will become a compelling alternative to petrol bikes. Also of course, the charging infrastructure has to be rolled out on a greater scale.

[@caspianprince]

sr/f for me, coz I can't afford the Harley. I can't afford the sr/f either though :P Not that it matters coz I'm waiting till they get 20KWh batteries and level 3 charging as standard before I touch one.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Same

[@evolv.e]

Your wait is over. Enérgica’s offer 21.5kWh and charge L1, L2, & L3, have reduced weight, increased performance, and reduced price. Ride the Eva Ribelle and prepare to take out your credit card. ⚡️💨

[@caspianprince]

@@evolv.e alas still too heavy and expensive for me 😭

[@dennisrichards2540]

I bet these things DESTROY tyres

[@xophere]

Lame. Don't mention a bike you haven't ridden. Ridiculous.

[@evanhitt1915]

2020 zero!!

[@MrSmith-ok7tl]

You can NOT do a comparison having not ridden all three! Manufacturer provides specifications on paper do not always hold true in real life. Huge FAIL!!!!

[@waldalwahsh7833]

The zero srf is sooo damn unreliable when compared to the rest of these bad bois

[@Exploring_Nature]

lie

[@waldalwahsh7833]

@@Exploring_Nature dude belt rips every 2000 km and lower,the battery is fine though

[@Exploring_Nature]

@@waldalwahsh7833 lie again

[@waldalwahsh7833]

@@Exploring_Nature the moon is a lunar satellite

[@flossemd]

Energica Motor Company is italian, not english. If it was english, it would be dorky, weird and wouldnt work. Like a sinlair C5. English people are no engineers.