2015 Zero Models Recalled for Potential ABS Failure

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Zero Motorcycles is recalling certain 2015 DS, FX, S and SR models because of an electrical problem that may short out the anti-lock brake system. The recall affects 96 units in the U.S.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the DC-DC converter on the affected motorcycles may not have a sufficient power output margin. The converter powers the ABS as well as the motorcycle’s lights, indicators and instruments by converting the battery back’s 89-116 V to 12 V. Should power demands exceed the power capacity, the DC-DC converter may temporarily shut off.

The converter should be able to handle the power for the motorcycle’s high beam headlight, accessor power outlet, indicator lights and brake light. If all these are on and ABS is required, the added power draw could overload the DC-DC converter, disabling it for a few seconds. Not only would this disable ABS, this situation would also cause all vehicle lights to turn off. The effect only lasts from 1-5 seconds but that’s enough to pose a safety risk.

The problem was first discovered in May during development testing on future models. Zero conducted an investigation and identified the cause of the problem.

Zero dealers will inspect units equipped with the suspect DC-DC converters and replace them with a component from a different supplier.

Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

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