Where is the Brammo Empulse?

[dkw12002]

Anyone know what the hang up is bringing this bike to market? It seems like they were ready to go 2 years ago. They have been accepting orders for a long time now and the specs are out, but no bike.

[ohzee]

no idea what it even is - got any links ?

[dkw12002]

http://www.brammo.com/home/

http://www.brammo.com/empulse_specifications/

[ohzee]

damn now that looks sharp - sorry had not heard about that bike.

[IBScootn]

Keep holding your breath. Glad I didn't; got a ZEV instead. Low CG with easy handling. I rarely use my cars anymore. I be scooting instead.

[Warren]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... NR4DQloO5o

We are proud to announce that we will be revealing the production version of the much anticipated Brammo Empulse on May 8th, 2012. The launch event will take place in Los Angeles and will be webcast live to all pre-order customers. Since the Empulse concept was first revealed, a vast amount of development and testing has taken place and we are confident that you will be delighted with the ground-breaking electric motorcycle we are about to reveal. On April 18th we will announce full specifications of this exciting milestone in the evolution of motorcycling, giving you every opportunity to become familiar with the Empulse before seeing it for the first time on May 8th.

[Jay64]

I have a buddy that ordered one and said he is expecting the arrival this summer. Hope he gets it soon, I look forward to riding it!

[grindz145]

They are having a release party for the empulse in the beginning of May. That 6 speed transmission is going to be wicked fun.

That ZEV scooter looks pretty awesome. looks like they're doing a decent job sourcing some decent chinese scoots.

[deVries]

They are having a release party for the empulse in the beginning of May. That 6 speed transmission is going to be wicked fun.

That ZEV scooter looks pretty awesome. looks like they're doing a decent job sourcing some decent chinese scoots.

Anyone know the pricing for the Empulse?

Got more info/links for the ZEV?

Thanks!

[Brammofan]

Here's a video (about 20 minutes) featuring a conversation with Brammo's CEO, talking mostly about the Empulse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHhOAUKyZxE

[dkw12002]

Yes, the Empulse is due out May 8th. The price has not yet been disclosed, but guesses are $16,000+. They have not mentioned 0-60 time but they did say at 70 mph, the range will be 56 miles. That means at real commuting speed for many of us at 75 mph, the range is going to be 45 miles or so....a far cry from the 114 mile range advertised. To get 100 miles of range you would have to go 40 mph or less. Remember the large print giveth and the small print taketh away. They have so few dealers though, I don't know how people are going to take delivery and get follow-up service. They really do not look ready to release this bike yet to me.

[Alan B]

This type of speed vs range performance is typical for electric motorcycles.

[sk8norcal]

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=48267

$17-19k

[deVries]

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=48267

$17-19k

That price seems crazy to me.

Is this bike competing with high-end hwy-road & touring bikes? Hell, no!

EV lovers are looking for economy, no fossil fuel cost, but I think most of these people are not rich to spend these amounts on a motorcycle that is really a commuter or for around town use.

How many ICE riders are going to make the switch based on this price for this type of city or very short-range hwy? These prices are fracked-up, IMO. No one will stay in business long unless the price is at least half these prices, IMO.

I just can't imagine that many ICE bikers wanting to make the switch, when mpg can be very good on an ICE motorcycle too w/o the range or charge time limitations.

There are not that many wealthy early adopters with this kind of budget, and, especially, if they already ride an ICE bike too. IMO, imo.

Only in Hollywood, I guess...

I read that the Empulse and Empulse R streetbikes were introduced at a trendy Hollywood nightclub last night. The claimed wet weight is 470 pounds for some model non-specific.

I read the base model will retail for $16,995 and will be available in 2013. The Empulse R will start delivery in June and will retail for $18,995.

[jonescg]

I spent $20,000 building Voltron and while it will do 180 km/h, it has a commuting (<50 km/h) range of about 100 km. So pretty close to the performance of these refined bikes on sale for less than 20k.

How anyone proposes to make a profit by making and selling electric motorcycles has got me beat, but good luck to them if they do!

[deVries]

How anyone proposes to make a profit by making and selling electric motorcycles has got me beat, but good luck to them if they do!

I wonder what high-end electric scooters sell for in China? Any sold with high quality LiPo4 batts comparable to A123 or EIG?

Brammo & ZERO are screwed until the battery cost can be cut in half. I think this is the problem they have now. They don't really have a battery partner willing to support the growth of this industry until economies of scale can cut the cost to 1/4 or more on batteries.

Their battery partner better wake-up & cut their battery price IN HALF now! IMO. imo.

Good luck to Brammo & ZERO, I want success, but I suggest their luck will soon run out without battery costs being cut in half, now!

[sk8norcal]

[Shineysideup]

It's here. Almost. Brammo has two 50-ft. trailers with 3 Empulses each, one for the western US and one for eastern. Focus is on generating dealer interest, not demo rides for the public quite yet.

As someone with a deposit down, I got to test ride one yesterday at Scuderia West in San Francisco and it's the real deal! Absolutely loved the acceleration, the regen, the transmission, shocks, brakes. And the sound which reminds me of muted version of a jet fighter. The handling in the twisties on Twin Peaks was superb, much lighter feeling than its weight would suggest on paper. This is a real motorcycle and I can't wait to get one.

I've also test ridden the 2012 Zero and, while I liked it very much, it's just doesn't fit what I'm looking for in acceleration. Maybe the 2013 will change that.

Given the quality of the Empulse's componentry, I don't consider the price outrageously outrageous. Sure, it's not an economy bike, but no gas and no tuneups should make up the difference within a few years riding to any comparable ICE machine.