Frame/Bodywork

Frame

2013 X Platform Frame	2014-2016 X Platform Frame

Overview

The 2013+ Zero frame for FX/FXS (and X/MX/XU) bikes is made of anodized aluminum, weighs 20lbs, and is a combination of cast parts and welded square tubing of 1-inch outer width.

The frame fits two power pack modules, one Long Brick module (2017), or one module and an empty space for carrying small cargo.

The FXP fleet model has a crash guard mount option like the SP/DSP models but is smaller and mounted lower.

Paint matching

All models have the same anodized aluminum with a black finish/paint.

Some paint repair suggestions on this thread are worth examining: FX frame touch up

Iterations by Year

Each year's frame from 2013 onward is incrementally improved and stronger than the prior year.

The 2014 frame changed up the way the side plastics bolt on and provides for the power tank via the carrier bracket.

The 2015 frame included pre-drilled holes for the crash guards for fleet/police models.

The 2016 frame seems to be a little more built-up and has additional members bracing the diagonals to the main beams behind the shoulder.

Dimensions

Width	10in
Tube Width	1in
Weight	~20lb

Common Frame Components

The Swingarm is at least superficially the same as on S Platform models for the same year/generation.

The Steering head tube seems to be the same as on S Platform models for the same year/generation.

Frontend geometry for FX may match DS/DSR, and FXS may match S/SR.

Tail Subassembly

The X Platform tail is entirely of plastic.

The top rack accessory only connects to the tail subframe, implying a lower dynamic loading limit than for SDS platform models.

Tail Subassembly Removal

This removes the Tail subassembly on the XMX Platform.

Tools

• 7mm hex socket with extension.
• 8mm hex socket.

Steps

1. Remove the seat.
2. Remove the 4 bolts - nut on top is 8 mm, bottom of bolt is 7mm.

The front left bolt has the grounding strap on it.

The rear bolts are recessed inside the plastic of the tail and don't have much profile, so they can be more difficult to engage.

References

• Zero FXS tail disassembly

Tail Extension

The XMX Platform tail extension supports the license plate, turn signals, and reflectors from the underside of the tail.

The extension runs along the inside/underside of the tail plastics.

Construction

The extension is made of two cast aluminum pieces, upper and lower, that fasten together.

Wiring

12V wiring runs through holes in the bracket's bolted mounting to the underside of the tail to each turn signal.

The barrel connector pins for the turn signals are part of the wiring inside the tail behind the seat.

12V wiring runs through the extension to the license plate support bracket to power a low level illuminator bulb.

Tail Extension Removal

This removes the tail extension from XMX Platform models.

Tools

• Philips screwdriver (PH1).

Steps

1. Remove the seat.
2. Remove the tail subassembly.
3. Flip over tail section and use the screwdriver to remove the 4 screws to separate.

FX Tail Extension Screws 4. Cut zip tie to free wires. 5. Disconnect two wires for tail light.

Make note of the colors as they may not match.

The length of one is slightly longer than the length of the other. 6. Remove nut that holds tail light assembly using 17 mm wrench.

References

• Zero FXS tail disassembly

Kickstand

Zero's models' kickstands are made from cast aluminum and swings outward from the left side.

There is a safety interlock Hall sensor switch at the pivot that prevents the motor from operating when the kickstand is down.

Years	Model	Length	Part no
2013-2014?	S/SR	shorter than the DS/DSR	20-05660 03
〃	DS/DSR	10.8" / 275mm	20-05661 03
〃	FX	15.0" / 380mm	20-05662 03
〃	FXS
2015+	FX	13.5" / 343mm
〃	FXS	11.8" / 300mm

Both DS and FX kickstands are identical from the spring screw up to the pivot, and should interchange.

All the 2013+ kickstands uses the same pivot pin & spring.

References

Re: 2016 FXS Lowered Ride Height OEM Shock, Dual Use Tires, Drop Bars, Hand Guards,

Help needed: Kickstand "bent"

Mounting

3/8" E clip, Zero part no 90-0283700, also available generically.

Clevis pin custom, Zero part no 90-0279900.

Mounting bracket, custom

Maintenance

The official manual recommends keeping the pivot greased as necessary with a six-month check interval.

Problems

A Loose Kickstand can result from inadequate greasing over time.

Replacement

This replaces the Kickstand.

See Kickstand Removal and Kickstand Install for now.

Install

Tools

• Center lift or stand.
• Large flat-blade screwdriver or specialized tool like drum brake spring pliers for spring removal and replacement.
• E-clip tool (or needlenose pliers) for the 3/8" E-clip.

Steps

1. (When replacing) Remove the allen bolt securing the springs to the old kickstand.
2. (When replacing) Transfer the 2 bronze bushings from the old kickstand:
3. Remove the 2 bronze bushings from the old kickstand.
4. Clean and grease bushings.

5. Insert bushings into new kickstand and replace chamfered bolt with springs.

   My chamfered bolt was not very tight and I assume it was being held in from the spring tension.

   I went to tighten it all the way in but that seemed to push the springs out too far.

   I put blue Loctite on it and threaded it about half way in.

   I will check this after a few rides to ensure it does not fall out! 3. Place the new kickstand onto the pivot. 4. Install the pin and spring

Pin Before Spring

1. Insert the pin.

2. Raise the kickstand to its stowed/horizontal position.

   This minimizes the amount of force/extension to install the new spring. 3. Install the spring over the kickstand hook with a suitable tool (see tools requirements).

Spring before pin

Have the pin and a tapered punch that fits nicely in the hole ready to go.

1. Clean the pin and apply fresh grease to it.
2. Hook the springs onto the frame, grip the kickstand with both hands, put your shoulder into the bike so it won’t tip.
3. While pushing straight down on the kickstand, get it onto the frame and insert the tapered punch.
4. Now raise the kickstand into the stowed/horizontal position.

5. Remove punch.

   The hole will be almost aligned. 6. Insert the pin as far as it will go, mine stopped at the frame. 7. With the kickstand still in the up position, tap the bottom of the kickstand pivot area up towards the frame with a dead blow hammer while pushing the pin in.

   This should align the hole and allow the pin to go right in.

   Insert the pin and fasten it with a new 3/8" E-clip.

Note: This is the most difficult and dangerous part of the job.

Use eye protection while doing this and ensure your hands won't be damaged if the spring flies back while getting it over the hook.

Focus on applying steady force with as much leverage as possible to extend the spring back along the swingarm.

• One trick is to use a strong line looped through the hook as a pulley.

• Another trick is to bend the spring enough back and forth to insert pennies between the coils, which holds it in an extended position.

  Then loop the spring over the hook and pull the pennies out with pliers. 5. Check the operation of the kickstand a few times.

Ensure that it operates smoothly.

Ensure the kickstand sensor detects the position of the kickstand, by checking the interlock indication on the dash while the bike is keyed on. 6. Put the kickstand down before letting the motorcycle off the lift to rest on it.

Removal

Tools

• Center lift or stand.
• Large flat-blade screwdriver or specialized tool like drum brake spring pliers for spring removal and replacement.
• E-clip tool (or needlenose pliers) for the 3/8" E-clip.

Steps

1. Place the motorcycle on a center lift or stand.

Spring Before Pin

1. Pull the spring off of the kickstand hook with a large flat blade screwdriver or a specialized kickstand spring release tool.

Raise the kickstand to the stowed/horizontal position, to reduce spring tension.

Warning:	Be extremely careful working with the kickstand spring as it is under high tension.

A specialized tool makes this easier. 2. Remove the pivot pin. 3. Remove the kickstand.

Pin Before Spring

1. Remove the pivot pin.
2. Pull the E-clip off of the inside of the pivot.
3. Raise the kickstand to the stowed/horizontal position, to reduce spring tension.
4. Go to the left side of bike.
5. Wiggle the kickstand while tapping the pivot pin from underneath with for example a soft faced hammer.

6. Continue to wiggle the kickstand while gripping the pin until it slides out.

   Often comes out by hand with a rag. 2. Carefully slide kickstand away from frame and unhook springs from frame.

The kickstand will still be under some tension from both springs, inner and outer.

Footpegs

Zero footpegs are cast aluminum pieces, mounted on identical hinges so are interchangeable across models.

Mounting

The mount bracket uses a custom clevis (10mm ⌀ with 40mm working length and 45mm overall length), secured with a retaining E-clip (3/8" or 9.5mm inner ⌀).

Repair

The footpegs' aluminum casting is relatively brittle, and the pegs tend to break rather than bend.

See Footpeg Replacement.

Reference

"The pegs are the exact same part used by the Buell XB models (except for the Ulysses), and as the passenger pegs on the 1125R models. They are "sacrificial lambs" to protect the rest of the frame."

"Any pegs made for the 2008-2009 Suzuki RMZ450 should fit the DS,DSR,FX models"

Rider Footpegs

These Footpegs are only installed for the rider, versus Passenger Footpegs.

Sport Footpegs Installed on S/SR/FXS models. Constructed as a cylindrical smooth-surfaced cast aluminum piece with a corrugated upper surface for some grip. They are spring-loaded. There is a hole at the end of the rider footpegs, with/for feeler stud measuring M6X16 with a DIN 1587 M6 18-8 cap/acorn nut. Sport Footpegs underside Dual Sport Footpegs Installed on DS/DSR/FX models. Constructed as a mildly-cleated rough-finish cast aluminum piece with a wide flat surface mounted horizontally. They are spring-loaded. Because of their construction, these actually offer less legroom than the sport footpegs.

S and DS footpegs compared

Rider footpegs mounting bracket

Rider Footpeg Removal

footpeg retaining clip and tool

Tools

• Snap Ring / E-Ring pliers (needlenose pliers are a common if less easy substitute).
• (Optional) 7mm Allen key to remove the clevis bracket from the frame.

Steps

1. Gently spread the gap in the retaining E-ring using the pliers until it slides over the end of the pin, and remove it.

This clip is on the lower end of the footpeg retaining pin. 2. Pull the retaining pin up and out.

Hold and pull the pin spring and footpeg as the pin comes out. 3. (Optional) Use the 7mm Allen key to remove the bolt through the clevis bracket that fastens it to the frame.

References

How to Remove Zero Footpegs + Relocation Ideas by NewZeroLand on Youtube

Passenger Footpegs

Passenger footpegs are ergonomically identical to the sport rider footpegs, since passenger geometry requires reduced legroom and a forward foot angle on the rest.

They are not spring-loaded.

They lack the hole for the feeler stud that the rider footpegs use.

Sport Rider Footpegs vs Passenger Footpegs

Passenger Footpegs Stowed

Mounting

The passenger footpegs hinge on the passenger footpeg bracket which mounts to the frame.

They use an additional installed pin and custom clip plate to secure the passenger pegs in either the stowed or out position (vertical and horizontal, respectively).

Passenger Footpeg Removal

footpeg retaining clip and tool

Tools

• Snap Ring / E-Ring pliers (needlenose pliers are a common if less easy substitute).
• 13mm hex side or socket wrench (for the bracket).

Steps

1. Gently spread the gap in the retaining E-ring using the pliers until it slides over the end of the pin, and remove it.

This clip is on the lower end of the footpeg retaining pin. 2. Pull the retaining pin up and out.

Hold and pull the pin spring and footpeg as the pin comes out. 3. (Optional) Remove the bracket 1. Loosen the upper bolts mounting the footpeg brackets to the frame.

  **S-platform:** Reaching these bolts from the rear is easiest since they are on the inside of the frame.

1. Loosen the lower bolts mounting the footpeg brackets to the frame.

   S-platform: These face the motor and allow very low overhead.

   A side wrench is recommended, and a ratcheting version preferred. 3. Remove the bolts and then the brackets.

References

How to Remove Zero Footpegs + Relocation Ideas by NewZeroLand on Youtube

Seat

The FX/FXS seat is closer to an offroad "plank" seat, allowing the rider to pick their position forward or back.

2013 and 2018 FX seats

2013 FX seat

2018 FX seat

Variants

• 2010-2013 X seat

This seat offers additional height and free movement front to back.

"The 2013 seat is also known as the off-road seat. p/n 24-01596 - SEAT ROODIN RD-M1231-K BLACK. Taller riders tend to like it as well if their butts hit the bump of the contoured seat." per comment on Facebook - 2014-current X seat

Has a cutout / dip.

Tapers more at the back (pointy), and flows down the sides a bit more too. Basically it's more contoured to the bike. - Corbin made a low seat for 2010-2012 X platform models.

Mounting

M8×25 bolts are listed as the bolts that run through the tail subframe to the bracket at the rear of the seat to hold it in place.

Replacement Fitments

Harlan at Hollywood Electrics reports that the FX seat is an exact match for the 2005-2007 Honda CRF-450.

Seat Removal

This removes the XMX Platform Seat.

Tools

• 13mm hex socket.

Steps

1. Use the 13mm hex socket to loosen and remove the M8×25 bolts fastening the seat bracket to the tail subframe.
2. Lift the seat up and to the rear.

Seat Install

This installs the XMX Platform Seat.

Tools

• 13mm hex socket.

Steps

1. Set the seat in place, aligning the rear bracket with the tail subframe holes.
2. Use the 13mm hex socket to insert and tighten the M8×25 bolts fastening the seat bracket to the tail subframe.

Panel Material

Gen2 body panels are made from ABS plastic.

2013-2016

The plastics' color is molded-in, and so it fades over time with sun exposure. On the other hand, they're relatively inexpensive to replace from Zero; ask your dealer.

Some use Plexus plastic cleaner to keep them polished successfully.

POLYTROL Colour restorer could help with color restoration.

Retr0bright solution developed for restoring 1980's yellowed ABS personal computer chassis material may be of use, unconfirmed.

2017+

The plastics as of this model year are painted rather than molded-in.

Front Panel

The XMX Platform front body panel is a plastic cover over the front of the frame.

It protects the 12V Fuse Block and other wiring that leads around the steering head.

Front Panel Removal

This removes the front body panel on the XMX Platform.

Tools

• 3mm Allen key.
• ??mm hex socket for the seat.

Steps

1. Remove the seat.
2. Push the center pin for the plastic pop rivets in the front shoulder area of the panel, then remove the rivet.
3. Use the 3mm Allen key to loosen and remove the 5 bolts on each side around the permiter of the panel.
4. ...
5. Pull off the panel.

Tail Plastics

XMX Platform/Tail Plastics

Tail Plastics Removal

XMX Platform/Tail Plastics Removal

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Source: zeromanual.com/wiki/XMX_Platform/Unofficial_Service_Manual · Wayback capture of 2025-09-10 · wiki last edited 4 November 2020 02:21. Community-written content from the Unofficial Zero Manual, reproduced for preservation; not written or verified by OpenZero. Links to pages that were not mirrored go to the Wayback Machine.