Rear Shock
From Unofficial Zero Manual
Zero motorcycle models use a single shock absorber rear suspension, joining the Swingarm to the Frame.
Mounting
On Gen2 models, the rear shock fastens to the Swingarm by an M10 bolt.
On SDS Platform models, the upper mount reaches the frame centertube ahead of the controller heatsink area so is difficult to access.
Specifications
| Years | Brand | Model | Description | Media | Specs | Models | Travel | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | FastAce | BDA58RC | Piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping |
|
S/SR | 6.35 in (161 mm) | 10.25-10.5 in (260mm) | |
| DS | 7.03 in (179 mm) | |||||||
BFA57RC
|
|
FX | ||||||
| 2015-2020 | Showa | 40 mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping | S/SR | 6.35 in (161 mm) | ||||
| DS/DSR | 7.03 in (179 mm) |
Removal
This is a stub for removing the Rear Shock.
- The rear shocks on Zero models are spring shocks, a common construction for many motorcycle models.
- 2013-2014 models feature a FastAce shock. 2015+ models have a Showa shock.
- Access from the bottom is hampered by the controller heatsink on SDS Platform models, so access from the top is required.
- Video Guide
- Zero DS/DSR Rear Shock Removal, by Greg Hassler:
- Prerequisites
- Make sure power key is out and motorcycle is unplugged.
-
Warning: There are high voltage components at the motor and under the seat.
-
- Remove the seat.
- I put the bolts back in, loosely, so I don't lose them.
- Unplug controller.
- Don't force it; use a small insulated screwdriver to unlatch the clip and it should come out easily.
- Remove the Y-shaped bridge piece under seat, to get access to upper bolt.
- I put the bolts back in, loosely, so I don't lose them.
- Tools
- 15mm (2015+ Showa), 16mm (2013-2014 FastAce), 17mm wrench or sockets.
- Low-profile wrenches or sockets.
- Ratcheting box-end are most convenient, since space above the upper bolt and nut is limited.
- Lift capable of raising the rear or the whole motorcycle while leaving the swingarms free to move.
- Ratcheting box-end or low-profile sockets are preferred due to small amount of clearance at top bolt.
- A crescent wrench can be substituted for one or the other to hold the bolt from turning.
- Bolt head is 16mm (2013-2014 FastAce) or 15mm (2015+ Showa) and nut is 17mm.
- Torx T-45 or metric Allen wrench for seat removal.
- Allen key wrench for Y-Shaped Underseat Frame Removal.
- Steps
- Use a Lift to raise the rear.
- Ensure the rear wheel is about to come off the ground, so there no force on the upper bolt that attaches the shock to the frame, or the lower bolt that attaches the shock to the swingarm.
- Loosen the top bolt with the 15mm socket.
- Hold nut with 16mm (2013-2014 FastAce) or 15mm (2015+ Showa) or crescent wrench.
- Loosen the bottom bolt.
- Take care to retain the spacers so they don't roll away as you remove each bolt.
- Best to put them in a ziplock bag or tie them to the shock with ziptie or string.
Substitions
| Years | Models | Worked? | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | S/SR | Yes | JRI Double-Adjustable Shocks per 2014 SR shock absorber replacement by Doug S with Harlan's help. |
| Yes (with machining) | Wotefusi [1] 260mm Central Air Shock Absorber Universal Fit - fits when mounted upside down. Need to cut/grind down the bushing. | ||
| Yes (with machining) | TDPRO 260mm 10.2 [2] Almost fits; the area on top of the spring is just slightly too large. You can take a grinder and shave away some of the top to make it fit. [3] | ||
| NO | The Yamaha R3 has the same length rear shock, but the spring is too wide. | ||
| NO | Fastace Rear Shock BDA-51AR/58-AR has a weaker spring, and is rotated 90 degrees. [4] | ||
| Mixed results - new orders may have all the kinks worked out. | IKON 3610-ZERO-S Shock Absorber [5] - The spring is too wide at the top, and to be installed, the sping must be compressed. When Installation is complete, the spring is always compressed by at least a couple centimeters. | ||
| Mixed results - Get dimensions from Wilber's dealer before ordering - theirs is ~279mm | Wilbers Shock absorber Type 640 Road Part. No.: 640-1143-00 [6] Wilbers claims the shock fits "2011-2013 S M5" (which does not exist). The M5 designation is buried in the VIN of the 2014 S; and may or may not be relevant. This shock could be mislabeled for the DS. Make sure to get full dimensions before ordering. | ||
| Yes - DO NOT BUY | ZXTDR Rear Shock Absorber Suspension Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting for Dirt Pit Bike Motorcycle 1200LBS. [7] This shock phyisically fits, but underperforms. It feels like you're riding on a trampoline. You get what you pay for. |
Adjustment
- Notes
- The Official Manual section on Rear Shock Adjustment illustrates how to measure preload and check sag.
- Compression
- The official manual's description here is adequate and this can be done readily by hand on the right side of the bike at the top of the shock.
- Rebound
- The adjustment knob is at the bottom of the shock facing rear, as described in the manual, and can be worked by hand or with a wrench with a careful reach into that area.
- Spring Preload
- The official manual illustrates the collar and procedure for spring preload adjustment, but does not recommend a specific tool, and there are clearance issues in that area for tools.
- The adjuster sleeve diameter is 58mm (2.3").
- A Stockton spanner wrench was found to be suitable for the job if modified as follows (per 2017 DSR Showa rear shock spanner wrench):
- Grind the nose of the wrench to fit the notches.
- Bend the wrench a couple of degrees to clear the Sevcon motor controller fins.
- Obviously, a better solution is still worth seeking.
- A small suspension wrench / ER collet spanner size 30/32 can be use even with the lack of clearance
