Brammo Owners Forum
Brammo Empulse Discussion => Brammo Empulse => Topic started by: WanderLust on September 01, 2012, 08:55:33 AM
-
just got this,ma few hours ago. I'm guessing the 5 is my spot...
I guess I'll need to know exactly when in 2014 the regular Empulse will be available...
Dear Dittiman Singh [5],
As you probably know, on May 8, 2012 Brammo revealed the Empulse and Empulse R
production motorcycles. To maintain your position in the production sequence you will need to take action before October 1st 2012.
Two New Empulse Models
"Wired" Empulse Review
"Hell For Leather" Empulse Review
See Complete Specifications
Watch The Empulse Video
See Photo Gallery The two new Empulse models share the very latest
in electric motorcycle innovation, including:
Water-cooled motor with an integrated IET™
Six-speed transmission
Seating for two
Regenerative braking
On-board Level I and Level II charging
Brammo Power 15/90 batteries
In addition, we insist on using high quality components
from manufacturers that our customers recognize and
trust because this has a direct connection to the
durability, reliability and ultimately the resale value of
your motorcycle.
Confirming My Order
We've made it easy to complete your order. Simply follow the steps below and confirm
your place in line
1) Confirm your
preorder to maintain your sequence
in line:
An authorized Brammo
dealer will contact
you to take your
deposit and must
be complete by the
end of October, 2012. 2) Brammo will contact you to arrange a test ride,
after you have placed
your deposit. 3) Deliveries for Empulse
R will begin in
Foruth Quarter of
2012 and Empulse in
2013.
If you have any questions simply email empulse@brammo.com
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm,
Craig Bramscher, CEO Brammo Inc.
Edit Subscription • Unsubscribe • Web Version
Contact Us: (541) 482-9555 • 550 Clover Lane, Ashland Oregon, 97520
Copyright (c) 2012 Brammo.com. All rights reserved.
-
That's awesome news Wanderlust. I can't wait to start hearing about customers reviews of the Empulse and see what the real numbers are for everything.
-
Unfortunately, 4th quarter deliveries will keep me out of the initial group of buyers. Down payment process complete by end of October to me means November/December delivery. I was 180 on the wait list but expected to move way up because of people dropping out due to price, delays, etc. Now I'm one of the ones dropping out. Would not be able to get many rides in before the weather turns cold and wet in Ohio. I would have definitely been in for September deliveries and possibly in for October, but Nov/Dec doesn't makes sense for me to have it sitting all winter eating up warranty time while not being ridden. Maybe the spring!
-
That's fantastic news! Thanks for sharing, WanderLust.
I have a few questions that you might know about (or perhaps you can ask).
1) Confirm your preorder to maintain your sequence in line: An authorized Brammo dealer will contact you to take your deposit and must be complete by the end of October, 2012.
- How much is the deposit?
2) Brammo will contact you to arrange a test ride, after you have placed your deposit.
- How are they going to arrange a test ride? Is there a dealer near you?
3) Deliveries for Empulse R will begin in Fourth Quarter of 2012 and Empulse in 2013.
- Isn't the "Fourth Quarter" October though to December? That means that deliveries will start before the end of the year, but no sooner than October.
So, are you going to get an Empulse R, or wait for the Empulse R? ;D
I would have definitely been in for September deliveries and possibly in for October, but Nov/Dec doesn't makes sense for me to have it sitting all winter eating up warranty time while not being ridden. Maybe the spring!
The winter is the best time to ride in Florida. I hope I can get an Empulse before the weather gets too hot.
-
I just received my notice, also. I looks like I was number 98 on the list. This is the first time I have been contacted by Brammo since I placed my pre-order over 2 years ago. Unfortunately for both me and Brammo, I just didn't want to wait that long and bought a Zero. Maybe in a couple of more years, I'll see how things are going in the electric motorcycle market and I'll have to decide if the Zero needs to be replaced. In the meantime, CA wants me to keep my bike for another 2 1/2 years or I have to refund the $900 that I received for buying the Zero in February of this year. :( At least I am enjoying my ride and don't have any major complaints, other than the bike has a very hard seat that starts to really hurt after an hour or so.
-
I got my email too. I'll only share the top part of it:
(Important Information - Please Do Not Share/Forward this E-Mail)
Looks like I'm number #527.
-
Apparently in the 800's slot.
-
352
Thought I would be higher....
Gavin
-
Apparently in the 800's slot.
Got mine too! #950+,,, but still happy!
Test drive on OAHU??? That would be nice!!!!
Sure I'd sell my 2003 Harley Sportster 100th anniversary edition!!!
Get me an Empulse!!! ;D
-
#310...In a winter season state but not wanting the R so an early 2013 delivery will work for me. 8)
-
(Important Information - Please Do Not Share/Forward this E-Mail)
I wonder what's up with that... like the delivery process of Empulses to the public should be kept secret?
"Your Wait is Over, but Don't Go Tell Anyone"
The ole squelch-word-of-mouth approach: Very unorthodox marketing tactic!
-
I just received my notice, also. I looks like I was number 98 on the list. Unfortunately for both me and Brammo, I just didn't want to wait that long and bought a Zero.
So Richard, after you contact Corbin or one of the Mayer brothers or Day Long and get a comfortable seat, do you wanna sell me your No. 98 slot? ;)
-
Mine didn't say anything about not sharing the mail, possibly because I was one of the first ones to get it, at Saturday, September 1, 2012 1:52 AM (AST)...
I don't see any point in ordering the R, except getting a few more months of riding in.
But I'm sure if I'm going to pay an extra 2K for it, or if I'm going to consider the regular version, I have a month to think about it...
It's either this or a second hand miata :D
I'm not sure what the delivery time frame is to be honest, but winter is perfect for riding here...
Based on this chart from the link to confirm my preorder, there isn't a Huge difference price wise between the two models, if it is financed... Didn't tell me what the deposit was either...
Financing from Sheffield Financial
8.9% 72 mos 6.9% 60 mos 3.9% 36 mos
Empulse $303 $334 $499
Empulse R $339 $373 $558
All financing subject to credit approval. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. See your local dealer for details. Offer subject to change without notice. Rates are estimates. You can follow this link and become pre-approved for finance through Sheffield Financial.
If you have any questions simply email empulse@brammo.com
-
36 * $500 = $18k for the non-R. Probably no deposit.
Difference is about 10% in monthly payments or 10% in price.
-
No emails for us 'foreigners' yet? I certainly didn't get one. Maybe tomorrow.
How many are on the list? Again, no money down so no reason to complain other than I made a theoretical commitment that was presumably used from a statistical point of view.
In their shoes, my general courtesy and values would have forced me to produce an explanation email for delays, an email sent at the same time as the first pre-order deposit requests and an email to non US pre-orderers to give an indication of price and expected delivery date. All information I have of any value has come from this forum which is not the official Brammo PR machine or is it? Sad to say the man responsible is from my homeland.
The Net result is that I 'feel' like Brammo don't care a hoot about my business. I'm looking elsewhere but it is true that they still seem to have the product that best suits my demand. Time will tell whether or not their blase attitude to customer loyalty has any impact on their business. I hope not and I hope that the product overcomes these self imposed barriers.
machone(sans notification)
-
The reason they tell you not to forward the email is that it contains a personalized link to modify your specific order. If you forward it to a friend then they might click on the links and modify your reservation....
-
I confirmed my order for the R!
It looks like my order number moved up from 908 to 578. I wonder if it will move any more?
-
I would guess they will produce (and sell) no more than couple Rs per day. So good chance if you confirm that you will be in the top 100.
-
I confirmed my order for the R!
It looks like my order number moved up from 908 to 578. I wonder if it will move any more?
I moved up to 595 (from 935). I think that they went through their list of orders and threw out duplicates and bad orders (with invalid data, or whatever)*. I don't think that number will change any more, but since many people will either cancel or opt to get the Empulse R, your actual order number will be much lower.
* The difference between our initial order numbers was 27 (935 - 908), and now it's 17 (595 - 578), so it looks like there were 10 dead orders that were removed.
(I also confirmed my order for the R!)
-
I just received my notice, also. I looks like I was number 98 on the list. Unfortunately for both me and Brammo, I just didn't want to wait that long and bought a Zero.
So Richard, after you contact Corbin or one of the Mayer brothers or Day Long and get a comfortable seat, do you wanna sell me your No. 98 slot? ;)
I bought the Zero accessory Corbin seat and it didn't help much. :(
I would be glad to just give you my slot in line, except that I have been told not to tell anyone that I am actually in line for anything. ???
-
My butt's never been too impressed with Corbin's approach, although I have one on my T-Max that works quite well.
Rick Mayer built one for my ST-1100 that was comfortable and I put a Russell DayLong on my R1200R that was very comfortable for many hours at a time, although DayLong's can look pretty weird, especially on a small bike like the Zero. At a certain point, however, I subscribed to their motto: Beauty is in the butt of the beholder.
-
Well, I was pre-order number 575 but no e-mail. Must be because I am in Europe >:(
-
I'm 180 on the list and still haven't received an email either.
-
I'm not even in the list and I might get mine before the lot of you. 8)
As soon as they put one of the bikes they are lending to journalists for sale... I'll be the first in line. And they better give a good discount on a bike that has been purposefully put to extreme testing conditions.
-
Looks like I'm #1 in line...already confirmed it a few days ago, but then saw this thread and other peoples order #'s.
(http://i.imgur.com/RKQEu.jpg)
We still don't know what the deposit amount is? If I get it, that's a big if...it'll be the non-R.
-
Wow, #1, really? Nice, but kiss that number 1 spot good bye if your not getting an R :(
-
but when he replies that he wants the non R, he will keep his place in line for that bike...
so he will be Empulse Non R number 1
which is still pretty cool.
Gavin
-
I'd love the first bike ever but it's so expensive!! Need to check incentives as well
-
I wish that I could justify the extra $$ for the R, but I can't. I'm already struggling with the non-R as is...so we'll see if I even go through with it. Hopefully I can find good financing.
I would love to have the first bike made though!!
-
I'd love the first bike ever but it's so expensive!! Need to check incentives as well
I think we had this discussion at the launch party in May? If you had a friend or relative in Colorado, they could get huge incentives on it, but I'm not sure what the qualifications on it would be...?
-
I wish that I could justify the extra $$ for the R, but I can't. I'm already struggling with the non-R as is...so we'll see if I even go through with it. Hopefully I can find good financing.
I would love to have the first bike made though!!
I'm sure that dialogue is going on in the minds of many, many people! (Myself included. I want it now, but it's so darn expensive, but I want it now... :P)
-
I'd love the first bike ever but it's so expensive!! Need to check incentives as well
I think we had this discussion at the launch party in May? If you had a friend or relative in Colorado, they could get huge incentives on it, but I'm not sure what the qualifications on it would be...?
Yep, we did have that conversation! I do have a relative in Colorado that might be able to help out...what are the differences in incentives? I couldn't find anything concrete for Colorado rebates on motorcycles.
-
I believe Colorado requires the vehicle to be titled and registered within the state of CO.
Three things that may make it difficult:
1. Insuring a vehicle which is operated and stored by someone other than the owner.
2. CO may require a minimum length of ownership or payback of credit. CA requires a 3 year period, IIRC (ask Richard230).
3. Tax audits.
Anyhow, IANAL, and those CO credits are sweet. Seems like a gray area at best.
-
I'd love the first bike ever but it's so expensive!! Need to check incentives as well
I think we had this discussion at the launch party in May? If you had a friend or relative in Colorado, they could get huge incentives on it, but I'm not sure what the qualifications on it would be...?
Yep, we did have that conversation! I do have a relative in Colorado that might be able to help out...what are the differences in incentives? I couldn't find anything concrete for Colorado rebates on motorcycles.
The first problem you would run into is that the bike would have to be purchased and titled by your Colorado relative. Buying a vehicle in Colorado as a Colorado resident means having to pay Colorado sales taxes and fees at time of purchase. It also means they would have to purchase insurance in their name in order to get plates. If you have to get a loan to get the bike, then the loan would also need to be primarily in the name of the Colorado title holder. If insurance is dropped, the lender will buy insurance on your behalf, and bill you for it, or simply repo the bike for the violation of the terms of the loan. If you get in a wreck on the bike, your Colorado relative would also be on the hook if there were no insurance, or if insurance didn't fully cover costs.
While there is no specific requirement for keeping the vehicle for any specific number of years like in California, if it is clear that it is a straw transaction then the tax credit would probably be denied, and might expose your relative to legal liability. A quick change in title to a relative in another state would be a red flag. That could lead to them asking about where the money came from for the original purchase, which would expose the straw purchase. Straw transactions just for the purpose of manipulating taxes is always a violation of tax laws. The most conservative approach would be to keep the bike titled, licensed, and insured in the buyer's name until the tax credit is issued. That could be up to 18 months later depending on when you buy. Meanwhile you would probably be violating the law in your home state for not licensing your vehicle. When you changed title, you would still need to pay taxes and license all over again in your home state. If you have a loan, you will need to pay off the loan and refinance into a new loan when the title is transferred. A used motorcycle loan would have its own new fees and will likely have a higher interest rate. You might have problems with qualifying for the new loan if the lender doesn't think the bike has enough value as a used bike to be collateral for a used motorcycle loan. You would likely have to up-front the entire payoff of the loan while the new loan gets set up.
There is also a federal tax liability for the tax refund that your relative would receive. If they make a lot of money and pay a lot of state taxes, they might be fine. But a large rebate beyond what they owe may be considered taxable income by the IRS. We had that problem with tax refunds we got a number of years ago when we had TABOR tax refund checks sent to us.
There also might be an issue if you need warranty work. The Brammo warranty does not specifically state whether the warranty is transferable or not, but does use the term "original purchaser" when it comes to showing proof for qualifying for the warranty.
Finally, the last thing that the Colorado green car movement needs is a handful of out-of-state folks getting caught gaming the system and getting exposed by 9 News the way they did a big news story about the same program and green car leases. It is hard enough to get this stuff passed into law without handing our opponents a loaded gun to shoot us with.
If you would really like to get a state rebate, I suggest you lobby your own state to start their own rebate. If your politicians are against green issues, work to get them replaced with ones who will.
-
I believe Colorado requires the vehicle to be titled and registered within the state of CO.
Seems like a gray area at best.
Yes, definitely. That's what I believed was likely the case as well.
I think it was one of those conversations that makes more sense when you're waiting in line for your fourth free cocktail at a big press party. Or remembering the goofy times thereof, and what did that performance poetry guy say again?
;-)
The "marry a rich widow" plan was probably a better bet anyway...
-
I have a brother in GA. I go to see him pretty often. GA has some sweet rebates on EVs.
Trust me, I've played out the "what-if" scenario in my head too : P
-
The rebaters in CA (which I gather is some sort of non-profit organization working with the State to further the sales of EVs) say that they will check with the DMV every year to be sure that you still own the vehicle during the 3-year period that you are supposed to keep it. If you sell during that time you may be required to return all or part of the $900 rebate.
-
I would take the chance personally, if I lived in Colorado part time. The chances of them tracking that are slim and none. Here's another thought for California residents. Do you really want to hold an expensive electric bike 1 year or more past its warranty period of 2 years? These are high-tech and tempermental machines with lots of expensive problems. Maybe the Empulse will be an exception, but I doubt it. I would trade the bike in just before the warranty was over, sooner if a lot of problems start to show up cause a start-up company may not survive serious "glitches" as they call them over at the Zero forum. Replacing a motor out of your own pocket would ruin your whole day and negate the rebate.
-
These are high-tech and tempermental machines with lots of expensive problems. Maybe the Empulse will be an exception, but I doubt it.
Why do you doubt it? The Brammo Enertia has been a dependable sturdy machine that has certainly set the bar high where electric motorcycles are concerned.
I would trade the bike in just before the warranty was over, sooner if a lot of problems start to show up cause a start-up company may not survive serious "glitches" as they call them over at the Zero forum. Replacing a motor out of your own pocket would ruin your whole day and negate the rebate.
Well, the motor isn't necessarily what's going to hurt, price-wise. The batteries, on the other hand, are the priciest component of these bikes. As for glitches, some companies' products have them, some don't. Some will survive, some may not. Frankly, it's too early to tell.
I intend to hold onto my Enertia for a very long time. It has almost 3,000 on the odometer and I can't tell that the battery has lost an ounce of 'oomph.' Replacing the chain with an o-ring chain, which I did about two weeks ago, has made me fall in love with it all over again.
-
But this is the Empulse thread. That's an entirely new bike.
-
Indeed. You could score a new Perm 120 on ebay right now for $250. Or hot-rod your enertia with dual motors.. : ) (not really, Valence batteries are tapped out for power as-is .. but nice thought)
www.ebay.com/itm/PERM-Electric-AC-PMS-120-Motor-9-3-HP-Used-in-Brammo-Enertia-/180966895328 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/PERM-Electric-AC-PMS-120-Motor-9-3-HP-Used-in-Brammo-Enertia-/180966895328)
The controllers are high tech, and the source of the glitches Zero is running through right now. Both Brammo and Zero use Sevcon Gen 4 controllers for their newest bikes, I hope Brammo has done more comprehensive testing than Zero has. The batteries are high tech, but they're well protected and should give long life if not abused. The motors are simple, failures are rare.
The IET implementation is new, but multi-gear transmissions are hardly a black art. If SMRE has done their homework then it should be reliable.
Time will tell, as always.
-
Do you know whether or not the federal 10% is in effect now? I saw that they're putting it up for a vote but I can't find anything regarding whether it's been extended...
-
The federal EV tax credit hasn't gone further than the committee stage, afaik.
And AJNin - I know that this is the Empulse thread but I can't necessarily agree that it's an "entirely new bike." Brammo learned a lot when it designed, produced, and sold the Enertia. That knowledge and experience has gone into the Empulse. I keep on thinking that the delays in its release are because they refuse to compromise on the goal of putting a high-quality, problem-free, finished product into the hands of the buyers.
-
Yes, batteries are expensive, and therein lies the problem. The inital cost is so high that bikes like the Zero S and Empulse become very expensive. The 2011 Zero DS for example retailed for $10,495. The trade-in value of it is $4,500. Empulse will likely be the same 50%+ depreciation. These are rich men's toys. Don't be mislead by the .10 or .20 cost to ride it. That is something of a smokescreen. Hey, if you paid someone $6,000 (the DS depreciation in 1 year), you could hire a car and driver to take you around at NO ADDITIONAL COST. LOL Now I like electric vehicles, but I am not deluded into thinking they are inexpensive to ride.
-
If you buy a new vehicle and sell it in a year, you will lose your shirt. Doubly so with an electric.
* rapid advancements year over year (unheard of in gas bikes, which are on 10-20 year design cycles)
* uncertainty in the reliability of the tech
* market for electric motorcycles is still small
On the other hand, that's a convincing argument for waiting and hoping someone is desperate to sell a one or two year-old electric. That's the route I have half mind to take with the Empulse .. and probably means resell prices will remain high : (
A better strategy for riding on the cheap is to buy gently used when a vehicle meets your needs and hang onto it. Just like... well, any bike ever. My GS500 lost $2000 over almost 3 years and 7000 miles (bought used @ 600 miles $3500, sold @ 7500 miles $1500 to a friend in need). Not the wisest financial move I ever made.. but it was an excellent starter bike, and I have no regrets over either purchasing it or selling it.
-
The federal EV tax credit hasn't gone further than the committee stage, afaik.
I'm confused. What's the committee discussing? Have the tax credits from the ACES 2009 bill ended?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_incentives_for_plug-in_electric_vehicles#Federal_government (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_incentives_for_plug-in_electric_vehicles#Federal_government)
-
Buy and hold is not going to work for electric vehicles cause the batteries will age whether you use them or not. 10 years from now, the bike will be nearly worthless, I think. You could never really afford to replace an aged battery unless Li prices come down which there is no signs of. That's the other misleading thing electric bike companies...they talk about battery life in terms of miles, when the most important thing is probably age. I mean how can you put 300,000 miles on an electric bike? Nearly impossible. I do think you have the right idea though to buy a gently used electric bike to offset that initial high cost a little. Really, the best value might be in a demo cause the miles aren't really significant like they would be on a gas bike, yet many people might see 3,000 miles on an Empulse and think that was a lot. Not someone who is up on battery technology though. That could be a bargain. In fact, it is what I'm planning too.
-
I didn't say buy and hold for batteries. 10 year old batteries stuffed on a shelf will be useless and much heavier, more expensive than a battery replacement bought at time of need.
Agree about age. I hope to get 10 years and 100k miles out of the Zero pack. We'll see.
Edit: as for replacing at time of need .. suppose Envia delivers the goods in 2015 and then battery tech stagnates until 2022. $125/kWh, 400 Wh/kg chemistry means an 8 kWh pack costs $1000 for the cells, and shaves 60 pounds off the Zero S weight. Or keep the same weight and pack size, double the capacity for $2000.
If your motor, controller, electronics, frame are still good.. then go for another 100k miles. Battery costs of a penny per mile are affordable.
-
Based upon the rate that I am putting on miles on my 9 kWh Zero S, I figure about 5K miles a year is about the best I will do. But I am retired and I am using the bike mostly as a workhorse to get me around town when shopping, visiting relatives, various appointments and miscellaneous chores. If I was still commuting to work, I would be racking up about an additional 5K miles a year, for a total of 10K miles.
I have never ridden any of my IC motorcycles more than 65,000 miles before selling them and buying something new, so I would never test Zero's battery longevity claims, in any case. And I kind of doubt anyone else will either.
The Zero battery pack looks like a big lump and I imagine that they could sell higher-spec replacement batteries installed in a similar-sized lump in the future - assuming that the chassis dimensions stay the same and there is enough market for the batteries - neither of which I would put any money on.
-
Concerning batteries I think there are enough examples today that prove you will be able to buy aftermarket replacement cells/packs quite easily. Nissan Leaf already has an aftermarket add-on pack for extra range. For my Vectrix multiple options exist. So I am sure that for the Zero and Brammo bikes there will be too. Just wait for those "cheap" second hand Zero's to end up in the right hands and get modified.
Bottom line is that there will be a new automotive aftermarket industry: batterypacks/chargers/controllers/software.
So I am not worried one second that batteries will become a problem for older bikes. Actually it is the other way around. Cars and bikes will get second life batteries and from a recycling standpoint this is a good thing!
-
I just got a reply to my questions about the preorder process.
My questions and their answers are:
- Q: How much is the deposit?
- A: The deposit for the Empulse is $1,000.00. A dealer will be in contact with you to discuss payment and delivery options.
:) - Q: How will the test ride proceed?
- I live in Orlando, Florida, and I assume that I would be test riding the bike at a dealership. According to your website, the closest one to me is Euro Cycles of Tampa Bay. Is that where I would do the test ride?
- A: Test rides will be available at our existing dealer locations next month.
;D - Q: I will be at Daytona for the TTXGP World Final. Will you have some test bikes over there for me to try?
- A: Unfortunately we will not have any bikes available for test rides at Daytona next month.
:'(
Note: There was a confidentiality note at the end of the reply email. If I get a complaint about revealing company secrets, I'll take this email down, but I think that this should be general information.
-
Two things are apparent: 1) Brammo needs money, and 2) They don't have nearly enough bikes available to offer test rides. I would still do the ride first, then the deposit, cause these are not going to sell like hot cakes. Really, once they start showing up at dealers, they will be easy enough to purchase off the floor with no additional waiting, even if that turns out to be January or later. The letter makes it clear nothing is going to happen until at least the end of October. Someone could go spy on their converted Walmart store to see how far along they are with their production line. Better yet, talk to someone who works at Brammo to get the skinny. I plan to wait a few months AFTER the first bikes are sold to read about them here on the forum before I plunk down $18,000+.
-
First post, long time lurker.
I replied to my email to verify my preorder but haven't gotten a phone call back from Brammo.
How long did it take for them to respond after confirming the email? I think its been almost a week for me.
-
First post, long time lurker.
I replied to my email to verify my preorder but haven't gotten a phone call back from Brammo.
How long did it take for them to respond after confirming the email? I think its been almost a week for me.
I got the strong impression from their e-mail that nobody will be hearing from them until after October 1st.
To answer the question, though, I haven't gotten any email either.
-
First post, long time lurker.
I replied to my email to verify my preorder but haven't gotten a phone call back from Brammo.
How long did it take for them to respond after confirming the email? I think its been almost a week for me.
I got the strong impression from their e-mail that nobody will be hearing from them until after October 1st.
To answer the question, though, I haven't gotten any email either.
Me neither...
-
Alright, I have some news, but it's been a hectic few days for me, and I need to run into a meeting in a few minutes. But I'll update everyone as soon as I have some time to breath.
-
Moscow in flames, missiles headed to New York, film at eleven.
:o
-
Alright, I have some news, but it's been a hectic few days for me, and I need to run into a meeting in a few minutes. But I'll update everyone as soon as I have some time to breath.
Ooh! ooh! F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5...
-
Sooo, whats the news?
-
I think that WanderLust got a job with Brammo, and he's been inducted into their code of silence! ;)
@EB - I'm surprised that your keyboard still works after mashing F5 all night long. :P
-
I think that WanderLust got a job with Brammo, and he's been inducted into their code of silence! ;)
@EB - I'm surprised that your keyboard still works after mashing F5 all night long. :P
No kidding, I thought we were going to hear something soon... and everyone knows how patient I am. BTW, where was that Wired Autopia article Wes Siler mentioned a while back? He cant be that busy. ;)
-
BTW, where was that Wired Autopia article Wes Siler mentioned a while back? He cant be that busy. ;)
You mean this one?:
http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/brammo-empulse-r/ (http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/brammo-empulse-r/)
-
Alright guys,
I'm sorry it took so long, it was one meeting after the other yesterday and then I had a date in the evening...
But between work and the date I had to run to the MVD (Motor Vehicle Dept), shop for insurance, apply for licenses etc etc...
Before you get too excited, none of this was for "My" empulse....
But more on that later.
About 4 days ago I sent out an email to Brammo's Director of Marketing, Adrian Stewart, and he responded to them very quickly,
Here are my questions and his responses...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) If I did end up getting the empulse R, how soon can I expect it, and by when would I need to get it financed?
I'm in the middle of getting my citizenship, and may not be able to get my finances in order till that is taken care of.
I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT LATE NOVEMBER IS REALISTIC FOR THE EMPULSE R
2) If I decide to go in for the empulse (regular) what kind of time frame are we looking at? would it be 6 months or more?
THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2013 FOR DELIVERIES OF THE EMPULSE
3) I heard that you guys have some engineering test models, is there any chance I can buy one of those? and if so, how much?
THE TEST BIKES REMAIN TEST BIKES FOR THE WHOLE OF THEIR LIVES THIS IS HOW WE ACCUMULATE TEST DATA OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD
4) When will the enertia plus be available to customers? if it is sooner rather than later that might be a possibility for me as well...
THERE ARE MANY PRE ORDERS FROM CUSTOMERS AND FLEET BUYERS SO THE EARLIEST YOU COULD GET A PLUS WOULD BE FIRST QUARTER OF 2013
5) If the plus will be available sooner than the empulse (regular) would it be possible to change my preorder from empulse to enertia and still maintain my place in the queue I'm presently #5 for the empulse)
NOT REALLY THE PRE ORDERS ARE MODEL SPECIFIC –
Depending on cost my preference is probably as follows right now, Empulse engineering test machine, plus/regular empulse (toss up based on availability), empulse R (if I can get it financed)
YOU CAN MAKE A CREDIT APPLICATION NOW IF YOU WANT TO SEE IF YOU GET APPROVED…
http://www.sheffieldfinancial.com/dealersuite?dealer=brammo (http://www.sheffieldfinancial.com/dealersuite?dealer=brammo)
WHATS REALLY IMPORTANT IS THAT YOU GET THE MOTORCYCLE THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS. IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO RIDE AROUND TOWN AND THE PLUS RANGE WORKS FOR YOU THEN THAT IS A GREAT MACHINE AND YOU WOULD NOT BE DISSAPOINTED. IF YOU LIKE THE LOOKS AND PRESENCE OF THE EMPULSE / EMPULSE R NEED SEATING FOR TWO THEN THAT COMES AT A PREMIUM…
IF YOU WILL BE RIDING ON HIGHWAYS I WOULD GO EMPULSE/EMPULSE R FOR THE TOP SPEED.
HOPE THIS HELPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My questions in Blue, Adrian's responses in black and CAPS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hopefully that answers some of the questions we have all had over the last few months. Moving on.
Yesterday, I got the following email.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
The wait is getting shorter and shorter for your Brammo Empulse! We are in the process of working with dealers to get you your motorcycle, but need a little more information from you.
Please reply to this email with your phone number so we may contact you regarding your Empulse.
Thank you,
Sarah Red-Laird
Marketing Assistant
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately, They got back to me just a couple days too late... After having waited for almost two and a half years, I decided it was time for me to move on for a number of reasons. The new empulse isn't what I signed up for, and I didn't want to wait another 6 months for the plus or the regular empulse. I didn't want to pony up another 5K for the privilege of driving an "R" either.
Instead for about $15,000 (including tax, insurance, license fee and a tank of gas) I decided to buy this....
I'm enjoying driving around with the wind in my hair for now.
I think Brammo seems to have come out with a great product, it just isn't what I had signed up for...
I wish them the best, and hope they keep moving on to bigger and better things.
May be one day in the not too distant future, I might decide to buy a second hand Brammo :)
-
BTW, where was that Wired Autopia article Wes Siler mentioned a while back? He cant be that busy. ;)
You mean this one?:
http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/brammo-empulse-r/ (http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/brammo-empulse-r/)
No there was a separate article that he said would be up on wired autopia: http://www.wired.com/autopia/ (http://www.wired.com/autopia/)
He suggested that it would be related to Empulse production line.
@wanderlust. Thanks for the update! Sorry to hear you changed your mind about the Brammo, nice ride though!
-
Wow. Thanks for the update and all of the information. Sad to see your Brammo ownership is delayed. Even more sad to see to see a #5 withdraw. :'( That was indeed a long wait.
For Brammo's sake, I really hope this isn't a trend. I can only speak for myself, but there was a month or so when I talked myself out of an Empulse R...and I'm exactly the person that the Empulse R was designed for: environmentalist, ex-amateur roadracer, sportbike enthusiast, single, engineer, geek, etc., etc., etc.
The fanboy in me really hopes that a large number of pre-orders convert to sales, but the pragmatist in me just doesn't see it happening. When the pre-orders started, the Empulse was a very different animal.
-
...one more thing: +1 on the new ride. I've wanted a Miata since I was a wee little lad. I just don't want to be a two car household...and I can't give up my pickup.
...one more thing: Congratulations on your forthcoming citizenship.
...one more thing: Wanna buy my Enertia? I would have knocked of some cash for that #5 spot. :)
-
It's hard to go from $10-14k available summer 2011 to $19k available maybe "late november" 2012. Obviously the bike has changed significantly in that time period. I think it's a much nicer and much more flexible bike than what was originally being sold (and more so than Zero's current product line as well) .. but we'll see if the price tradeoff is worth it.
I think if the Empulse had shipped in its fixed-gear state we would have been somewhat disappointed. I pegged its 0-60 mph time at 6-7s on one of the track videos a little while back; I think the shipping product would have been around that speed. Much faster than the current Zero lineup, and still faster than most cars, but doesn't cut it for a bike with sporting aspirations.
MX5 is nice. Two friends bought a NA and a NB MSM recently. They love them. I want one : )
-
Even more sad to see to see a #5 withdraw. Cry That was indeed a long wait.
And another one bites the dust... :-\
Well, I'll give some "sort of" good news as we seen one less Empulse hitting the road. I was in the sustainability committee meeting in my college today and they finally decided to implement the electric charging stations. Now, it's a matter of deciding how many,where, etc.
I suggested that, once they have them, the campus police could check out some electric motorcycles, humhumenertia ::). We are not big enough to be anything Brammo would be interested in dropping with the whole troop like in HK, but even one Enertia could make a difference in getting people curious and interested.
The only sad part for me is that, even being one of the biggest supporters of the charging stations, I will probably not be using them anytime soon. Right now, we only have one electric car on campus and one coming (another faculty member is building an electric car out of a Miata :o --Is that the Baader-Meinhoff Phenomenon to which you were referring Brammofan?).
-
That may indeed be a bit of the Baader - Meinhoff.
Also, just saw this tonight:
http://i.imgur.com/8hiWF.jpg
-
;D
-
Apologies if this has been posted before but last week I got a general email from Team Brammo marketing saying homologation for Europe would start early in 2013. This 'normally' takes around three months but that's a loose estimate.
So Spring 2013 for the Empulse in Europe!
No mention of R or otherwise, prices or pre-order lists but I assume the homologation will be done for both R and Empulse and the bike will be shipped in bulk orders, so it will be largely irrelevant. We will be kept informed!
Light in the tunnel!