Removing a 2011 Zero motorcycle FX XU electric battery

The 2011 Zero FX and FX ZF electric motorcycles were groundbreaking in their time, representing an early foray into electric mobility for many riders. However, it's not surprising that their original batteries are now showing signs of deterioration in 2023. Battery technology has come a long way since 2011, and the lithium-ion cells used in these bikes have finite lifespans. Over time, these batteries degrade due to a combination of factors. First, repeated charge and discharge cycles cause a gradual loss of capacity. Second, exposure to extreme temperatures, especially heat, accelerates the aging process. In many regions, these motorcycles have endured harsh summers and winters, which can significantly impact battery health. Lastly, as electric vehicle technology has evolved, the battery management systems and overall efficiency have improved, meaning that newer electric motorcycles can deliver better performance and longer battery life. Consequently, the 2011 Zero FX and FX ZF models are facing the inevitable decline of their aging battery packs, resulting in reduced range and overall performance.
Furthermore, advances in battery chemistry have led to the development of more robust and long-lasting batteries, rendering the decade-old technology in these 2011 models somewhat outdated. The 2011 Zero FX and FX ZF used battery packs with lower energy density and less sophisticated thermal management systems than their modern counterparts. As a result, these older batteries are more susceptible to capacity loss and thermal stress. With the rise of fast-charging infrastructure and improved energy efficiency in newer electric motorcycles, owners of the 2011 models may be noticing a stark contrast in battery performance compared to the latest electric bikes. While these early Zero motorcycles were pioneers in the electric two-wheeler market, the march of technology has left their original battery packs struggling to keep up, ultimately leading to their decline in 2023.

[@KennethHurley]

I have a 2011-2012 Motocross version of this, I too took out the battery and started building a Power Pack from Tesla batteries and had its own BMS, but I've sort of put the project on hold, as I had to 3d print a bunch of caps to combine the Telsa 2170 Single cells in series and parallel

[@motardsquid]

How much did you buy the tesla batteries? I heard ford cmax batts work well too

[@KennethHurley]

about $400 for the batteries and $50 for the BMS.

[@Hutchie2112]

The manual for the 2011 zero fx bike (pdf google search) shows a list of the error codes that the battery displays. Dunno if it is any help with diagnosing.

[@bobvincent5921]

Thanks. the usage of your TESLA bike depends on the power/energy to weight ratio and is so small as to be of any use in todays transport oriented work leisure requirement. Is there an electric bike group?.

[@motardsquid]

I've been searching, but most of the forums have lots of people that require help and it seems they all give up. Still searching. But what I am finding is that there is close to zero help :)

[@dha588]

Someone near me is selling one for $600 with a dead battery. Is it worth it?

[@motardsquid]

Yeah it’s worth it. But only if you know how to fix it. You do have to put thousands Of dollars in. If it’s a 2011 then you might need a new motor because these motors are and you’ll need a new battery so most people get Nissan leaf modules which is cheap but try and search for Ford cmax Modules