Brammo reveals 100mph Empulse electric motorcycle [engadget.com]

[UFO]

The electric motorcycle market is heating up.



The Empulse is a radical departure from the Enertia, indicated by the way the company is promoting the thing. When we test rode that first bike Brammo reps were a little cagey about its top speed, initially indicating it would be limited to 50mph but later saying it'd do over 60 if you pushed it. With the Empulse they're making no bones about its 100mph+ top speed. That's hardly world-class in the world of motorcycles, but in the world of electric motorcycles it's a definite rarity.



Full article here:  http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/brammo-goes-street-fighting-with-the-100mph-empulse-electric-mot/

[DogBoy]

Bramo Empulse. Top speed over 100 mph, 100 mile range, 59 ft lbs of torque, 390 lbs, quality suspension and brakes. And IMO it looks great.

Spec wise, I think this bike is in some ways comparable with a Monster 696 or 796. I'm not a rampant environmentalist, tree hugger or anything but these bikes have come a long way in a short time.

[DogBoy]

Looks like UFO and I had a Vulcan mind meld.

Mods, can you merge or wisk off to NeverNeverLand.

[UFO]

Doh.  Beat you by a few minutes.  Merged.

[bomber]

Really rapid development rate -- this'll be fun to watch . . .

On a slightly twisted note, am I the only one that finds the Brammo name a bit unfortunate -- kinda late night cable-ish?

"We've assembles a group of die-hard motorcycle riders to watch ius put the new Brammo through it's paces, ladies and gentlemen -- Brammo, another Popeil Brand"

[Rincewind]

Bramo Empulse. Top speed over 100 mph, 100 mile range, 59 ft lbs of torque, 390 lbs, quality suspension and brakes. And IMO it looks great.

Spec wise, I think this bike is in some ways comparable with a Monster 696 or 796. I'm not a rampant environmentalist, tree hugger or anything but these bikes have come a long way in a short time.

What would kick-ass if it beat the Monsters in the quarter-mile and 0-60mph.  With electric, that is entirely possible.

I like it.  I'm glad they put the sexiness into the design.  100-mph tops is AOK with me, though 100-mile range is still a bit low.

[Kraz]

$14,000 for the 100 mile ranger.

That's quite a bit...

...but I still want one.

[UFO]

On a slightly twisted note, am I the only one that finds the Brammo name a bit unfortunate -- kinda late night cable-ish?

Okay, I'll be straight up honest.

My first thought is that it's an Engrish version of Blammo, the fake toy company from Ren and Stimpy.  But only super nerds would think like this.

[chornbe]

$14,000 for the 100 mile ranger.

That's quite a bit...

...but I still want one.

It's getting there, for sure.  

We were talking a lot about electric bikes on this week's show. Between this bike (real-world usability) and the Native-S we discussed (real-world pricing), we're so, so very close to viable e-bikes hitting the streets.

We live in wonderful times, people!

[Rincewind]

Okay, I'll be straight up honest.

My first thought is that it's an Engrish version of Blammo, the fake toy company from Ren and Stimpy.  But only super nerds would think like this.

CLASSIC

[zx14dreamin]

Okay, I'll be straight up honest.

My first thought is that it's an Engrish version of Blammo, the fake toy company from Ren and Stimpy.  But only super nerds would think like this.

Its loooog its looooog its big its heavy its wood,........from BLAMMO!   I thought the same thing  

[Kraz]

Update: We have some specs thanks to Hell for Leather, namely a horsepower rating of 55 with 59lb-ft of torque and a weight of 390lbs. That's comparable to your average 600cc sportsbike and far torquier, but also a good bit down on power compared to them. Still, all that torque here will be available from 0 RPM, which should make this thing deliciously fun to ride.

 

Comparable to a 600cc sportbike?  55hp/59ft-lbs?  Really?  In the article they said it felt more like a scooter than a sportbike.  Which is OK, but I'm not sure it's so consistant.

[chornbe]

 

Comparable to a 600cc sportbike?  55hp/59ft-lbs?  Really?  In the article they said it felt more like a scooter than a sportbike.  Which is OK, but I'm not sure it's so consistant.

I think that's a comma/parenthesis issue... I think they were saying the WEIGHT is comparable to a 600 sportie.  

I'd have written it like this if that were the intent:

We have some specs thanks to Hell for Leather, namely a horsepower rating of 55 with 59lb-ft of torque and a weight of 390lbs; a weight which is comparable to your average 600cc sportsbike. While torquier, it is also a good bit down on power compared to the 600s. Still, all that torque here will be available from 0 RPM, which should make this thing deliciously fun to ride.

Rather horribly written originally.  

[Kraz]

Yeah, that makes more sense.

 

I wonder how the license requirement will pan out.  I think in certain states you can ride a scooter under 50cc w/o a license... I'm curious as to what happens when everything goes electric.

Not that I don't have a license, I just wouldn't want a bunch of doods on 100mph electric bikes w/o licenses.

Also, interesting that it has bar end mirrors from the factory.

[KodiakRS]

I think this would make the ultimate commuter bike for those of us who aren't willing to go the scooter route.  

[Giaka]

I think this would make the ultimate commuter bike for those of us who aren't willing to go the scooter route.  

When the price comes down a wii bit more I will be down. I can manage with something that will go 70 mph and have at least 100 mile range assuming I can plug it in at work and it will be ready to ride home 8 hrs later.

[DogBoy]

When the price comes down a wii bit more I will be down. I can manage with something that will go 70 mph and have at least 100 mile range assuming I can plug it in at work and it will be ready to ride home 8 hrs later.

I think the Federal Tax Credit is 10% and CA has a $1500 credit, IIRC. Other states have similar incentives. These are tax credits so you apply them at the end of the year. You'd still have to pay $$s up front for the bike and sales tax, title and license on the retail price, I'm guessing.

[steve.m]

brammo has a looooong ways to go before they catch up to the likes of moto csysz (if i spelled that properly).  the biggest thing they need to perfect is hot swap batteries.  moto is there, brammo is not.  moto also uses permanent magnet motors.  the performance curve of those are absolutely amazing, and they're abilities were shown at the IOM TT zero.  granted the cost difference is about a bajillion dollars between the two bikes, but give it a few years and things will even out.

[chornbe]

Check out the Native-S

We just had a discussion about this one last night.

$4,500 with lead-acid batteries.
$7,500 with LION batteries.

short range, but real-world speeds and a price point that puts them within reach for "working man" early adopters.  

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2010-native-s-review-89745.html

[antvq]

Interesting bike, but with 100 miles of range it wouldn't get me to work and back.  I'm waiting for batteries that can be fully recharged quickly, not in hours.