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1
Victory Empulse / Re: Coolant leak from the motor
« on: October 19, 2018, 03:23:11 PM »
Quick update:  The bike is still not operational  :(

The dealer was instructed to install the new motor and see what happens.  No surprises here, the new motor won't turn.  Polaris sent a technician to the shop and after two days of attempting he was unable to communicate with the bike and the new motor still won't turn.
There is some talk about setting-up/building/creating software so that they will be able to communicate with the bike but there is no timeline on when this may be complete.
The bike has been in the shop for about 2 months with no end in sight.

2
Victory Empulse / Re: Coolant leak from the motor
« on: September 02, 2018, 06:32:07 PM »
Quote
While my 2014 Empulse was repaired for Fault S82; I wanted to know what other problems I might expect. I asked what other common problem they've worked on? They said leaks from the motor... It is too risky to repair, so they replace =/
I have kept a few pics of the codes my 2013 Empulse R displayed, listed below:

GET SERVICE V78 - Real Time clock not working
SYSTEM FAULT A6 - AIM Module Not Communicating
SYSTEM FAULT B40 - BMS Back in Idle Mode
SYSTEM FAULT B62 - * do not see this fault listed in the manual

Over the few years I had the bike they replaced 3 of the 7 battery modules (all water issues) and 2 VCUs.
I was also having a strange issue that I do not think anyone else experienced which was a subtle throttle pulsing.  Which was erratic and most noticeable in 1st gear.  No one was really able to diagnose it but the first VCU swap did make the problem go away, and when it returned the fix was to replace the VCU again which resulted in the bike no longer working and the trade for my Empulse TT.  The TT has been issue free until this leak.

3
Victory Empulse / Re: Coolant leak from the motor
« on: September 02, 2018, 06:13:20 PM »
Quote
If you are really stuck and out of warranty, the Parker motor for the Brammo (Victory) is available at the following link for $1995.  A tough call but at least they are there and someone bought a close out from either Polaris or the vendor.
This a a great find!  Nice that there is at least this option for owners that are out of warranty.  Getting it to work with the bike without the software would be very tricky I imagine.

Quote
That sucks to have to replace the whole motor for a coolant leak.  I'm sure the dealer is just saying replace the whole motor even though the problem could probably be fixed.
It does seem like a terrible waste!  I believe that the problem is with the motor case itself (cracked?) which you would think could be fixed by welding.  Although the heat from welding may transfer to the magnets and destroy the motor.  Maybe you could disassemble the motor to work on the case without jeopardizing internal components although a dealership wouldn't risk an untested fix like that and hand it back to an individual and be liable if there is some kind of problem that causes a crash/injury/death.

Quote
Before I spent a ton of money on a new motor, because of a stupid coolant leak (seal)....  I would put in some of that mystical magical coolant leak crap from Lucas !!!!  Really, what do you have to lose ????
If this wasn't a warranty repair I would definitely attempt this.  If it gummed up the cooling system I would probably just remove it.  Lose that weight and turn the Empulse into a quick scooter :-\ I wonder if 40-50mph without the cooling system would push the motor to its temp max?

Quote
would not worry to much, I have a leak also, comming from the o-ring behind the plastic cover left side.
just keep an eye on the coolant level. If it's not to hot outside or when you are not racing, it should be fine. Doing 140km every day no problem.
Nice to hear you are able to work around the issue!  Are you using the little plug check screw on the side of the motor to check the level?  Sure wish there was a dip-stick to check the fluid level.  Same for the transmission.

4
Victory Empulse / Re: Coolant leak from the motor
« on: August 30, 2018, 03:12:07 PM »
Nice to hear HadesOmega!  My bike was working nearly flawlessly except for a rare tach/speedo cluster malfunction but no system fault errors to speak of!  My Empulse R was always throwing error messages.

5
Victory Empulse / Coolant leak from the motor
« on: August 30, 2018, 01:13:48 AM »
I had put about 9,000 miles on my Empulse TT when I noticed a little puddle beneath the bike.  Upon closer inspection the yellowish liquid appeared to be coming from the motor.  I really hoped it would go away but the drips continued so I pulled off the bottom panel to get a better look.  The leak was coming from behind the coolant tube connection at the base of the motor.  No simple loose hose clamp to tighten.
Called up the dealer, made an appointment to drop it off and a few days later they told me the same thing they told PaulHMartinez... the motor needs to be replaced.  :o

Fortunately the bike is still under warranty until October so the repair/attempt to repair is covered! Whew!!!
I'm guessing it would have been $5,000 out of pocket parts/labor?

They were not able to repair Paul's bike so time will tell if the same happens to me.

At least two Empulse TT's that we know of with this same coolant leak motor failure!? :(

6
Victory Empulse / Re: Who Owns a Victory Empulse TT ????
« on: May 19, 2018, 06:06:48 PM »
I do not have a windscreen on my Empulse TT but like Ultratoad I do wear ear plugs.  I originally started using ear plugs to cut back on wind noise on the highway (75ish mph) when my commute increased to about 30 miles round trip.  I am using a product from a company called No Noise who offer many different types of ear plugs that are configured for different situations.  I am using their Motorsport ear plugs which have been great!  They cut back the decibels to a safe level (something about a ceramic filter) but still allow for sounds to reach your ears so you are not completely disconnected from your surroundings.  It took a little while to get used to installing them in my ears correctly and putting my helmet on without dislodging the plugs but once I got the hang of them I almost never ride without them. 

https://www.nonoise-earplugs.com/en/products/motorsport/

*Just over 7,000 miles on my Empulse TT and it has been issue free!  Much nicer than than my Empulse R experience which had consistent error messages and 3 of the 7 battery modules replaced.

7
Victory Empulse / Re: Who Owns a Victory Empulse TT ????
« on: December 14, 2016, 07:47:39 PM »
Quote from: Ultratoad on December 13, 2016, 11:34:06 AM
Nice write up....  I for one appreciate the information....  How does the mileage change when riding in hilly areas????

Seattle has many hills but I don't often head east into them.  I wouldn't expect hills to be too problematic as you have to come back down and then you can regen some of that energy.

Quote from: EmpulseRider on December 14, 2016, 01:25:19 PM
Congrats, thats a solid deal. Kudos to your dealer for placing the customer first!

Thanks, I was excited!  I spent lots of time speaking with both the dealership and Polaris customer support.  All of the diagnostics occur at Polaris corporate by an EV tech who decides how to proceed with the repair and reevaluates when the fix fails.  By the end of the multiple months of attempted fixes the dealership and I were growing frustrated.  The final decision to trade for the bike came from Polaris corporate whom I assume covered all of the costs.

Quote from: EmpulseRider on December 14, 2016, 01:25:19 PM
Quick (off topic) question. What camera did you use to take that excellent picture?
I took the pic with my Nikon D5000 (entry level DSLR) with a Nikkor 50mm prime lens (fixed focal length) and did some manipulations in Photoshop. The old warehouse in the background is in Seattle's SODO neighborhood which is nice and quite on the weekends, unless there is a professional sporting event.

8
Victory Empulse / Re: Who Owns a Victory Empulse TT ????
« on: December 13, 2016, 12:22:17 AM »
I recently became an owner of a 2016 Empulse TT as part of a $0 trade.
(After about 4 months in shop, Victory was out of options to fix my 2013 Empulse R.  It was having a throttle pulse issue and replacing the VCU was the fix.  The VCU was already replaced recently so they agreed to replace it under warranty.  In the end there was some kind of a software issue and the dealer/ Polaris could not get it to run.  So they offered to replace it with one of their gas bikes.  As I am a electric vehicle advocate that wasn't going to work.  In the end I got to take home the 2016 Victory Empulse TT that Lynnwood Motoplex had on there showroom floor! 90 miles on the odometer  ;D)

I burned through the transmission break-in to get to sport mode and really begin to compare the bikes.
Coming from a 2013, there are a few differences that one wouldn't notice coming from a 2014 - different handle bars, new instrument gauge/cluster - all improvements.

The new stuff (according to me):
-  new seat, reviewed by many as being much more comfortable.  I think it is slightly more comfortable.
-  different motor specs, about 8% less torque on paper.  Tough to tell for sure but I feel like I miss that extra torque slightly.  It is still very fast!! and lots of fun!!
-  I believe that I read the transmission is the same across all generations of the Empulse but it feels refined.  Maybe it is slight manufacturing improvements/adjustments.  Maybe the clutch on this bike was set-up better than my previous bike.  It definitely seems that there has been an adjustment to the regen which delays slightly after shifting leading to smoother operation.
-  Slight battery capacity increase.  I used to count on 70 miles from 100% to about 0% SOC.  I think that 80 miles is a safe distance to count on for combination highway/city riding at a nice brisk pace, but babying it for that last 10%.  Could this bike go farther... probably.... if you ride it like a scooter.
-  The suspension felt smoother to me.  No idea if it is new or not but it felt like it was to me.  The suspension on my 2013 began to feel much smoother 5,000 or so miles in.  The TT felt like that at 90 miles.  (I was off the R for 4 months.
-  160 rear tire.  It was said the change was to make the bike more nimble and it does just that.
-  You can switch between Sport and Eco modes while rolling down the road  8)

I have always been a fan of the Empulse.  I pre-ordered early, waited forever to finally take delivery and have been through the slow uptake of dealers and then the sale to Polaris.  I still love the Empulse!  It is a great looking bike, the components are premium, and the TT is an actual Victory bike so I assume repair work will be smooth even for several years into the future.
I believe they still have the $5,000 factory discount available on the TT and it is eligible for the 10% federal tax rebate through the end of the month.  With that money off, it is a real competitor against the Zero SR and DSR especially when you consider that the TT comes with a "charge tank".  but Zero does have more range, especially when optioned up.


9
Brammo Empulse / Re: Water Issues...
« on: August 04, 2016, 07:29:16 PM »
I was experiencing a slight throttle pulse and in June/July of 2015 my VCU was replaced.  A few months later some error messages started showing up on my screen and and the throttle pulse returned.  After several months in the shop, 2 battery modules were replaced because of water ingress.  The day after the bike was returned to me an error message showed up on the screen and the throttle pulse returned.  After another month or so the recommended fix is replacing the VCU...... again.

I live in Seattle, the Empulse is my only vehicle, I ride in the rain whenever it rains.  Depending on the year, it can rain often.

Having my batteries replaced under warranty is still a little bit of a hassle but at least it does not cost me.
The VCU is about $2,000 dollars for the part which I feel should be covered under warranty but I am still working that out with Polaris.

It is beginning to feel like riding in the rain is going to get very expensive or render my bike useless when I no longer have warranties to fall back on.
Does anyone really feel comfortable riding their Empulse in the Rain?

Are there any members who ride in the rain often and have had NO issues?

10
Brammo Empulse / Re: First Empulse theft incident?
« on: August 04, 2016, 06:49:11 PM »
Quote from: cybergodzilla on August 04, 2016, 11:00:55 AM
Yeah Hollywood Electrics is Awesome! =) A different shop caused a leak that made my Empulse unsafe to ride, then wanted to band-aid fix the problem because they didn't realize they assembled a part incorrectly. So I went to Harlan, who installed a replacement in the correct configuration. They are an early Brammo supporter so it looks like you can be back riding sooner than you think =Þ

It is too bad Hollywood Electrics does not have a Seattle office!

Quote from: Harlan on August 03, 2016, 02:19:49 PM
Sorry to hear about this. Luckily I do have these parts, brand new, in stock: headlight, CF headlight cowl, CF Fender, CF tank top. You can email me if you are interested. harlan at hollywoodelectrics.com

That is promising news Harlan!  I was supposed to hear back from Polaris on Tuesday or Wednesday but did not, and the individual I am trying to reach was out of the office today.  Whenever I finally speak to someone I will mention that you have parts and maybe I can get back on the bike sooner than later!

The dealership was saying that the fasteners were showing him a back-order message.  Do you have the fasteners/ washers too?

Quote from: EmpulseRider on August 02, 2016, 08:47:28 PM
Ah, crackheads and methheads... what would we do without them. :-\

Really though, this is truly a sad sight. Completely pointless too, and now youre out of a bike for who knows how long... I think thats the worst part of this pointless crime. >:(

I would keep an eye out on cragslist or eBay for these parts.

I too thought that maybe something would pop up on craigslist/ ebay but so far nothing.  I suspect the thief was an individual who a few weeks before the incident was really excited about the bike and wanted to speak forever about it, in-between smoking his ? pipe.  If the parts end up online I assume it wouldn't be from the original thief who I had not seen before and have not seen since.

Quote from: Brammofan on August 02, 2016, 06:53:32 PM
That really sucks. You might be the first Empulse theft victim, but I do recall that a race bike was stolen from Brammo HQ a few years back. It was recovered a few days later after it punched a hole in the wall of the perp. Probably twisted the throttle when they didn't realize it was "on."

I remember the story of the race bike theft.  Drug money motivations for that theft too if I remember right.
I love my Empulse R but it wouldn't be all bad if they just took the whole bike and I could move on to a Zero SR or DSR  :)  Although the "fair market value" my insurance company would offer might be laughable.

11
Brammo Empulse / First Empulse theft incident?
« on: August 02, 2016, 06:48:59 PM »
In the middle of June I walked out of the back door of my office at about 10am to this sad sight.  :'(



The unfortunate individual that did this was VERY interested in the carbon fiber components, although the rear fender remained, I assume because the criminal was spooked.  In his/her haste wires were cut in the removal of the headlight.
Seattle has a large homeless population and many of those individuals struggle with drug addiction and the constant need to find money to feed it.  Based on the theft of the tail light and tank covers, which are useless except to the few Empulse owners, I assume this theft was executed to feed an addiction.

I do have insurance so this will just cost me my deductible but no one can give me back riding in the summer of 2016.
To make matters worse, I am back to dealing with the Polaris/ Brammo, no one knows where parts are or how to order them shenanigans.  It is August 2 today and I still do not know when my Empulse will be returned to me.  :(

Have I become the first Empulse owner to be a victim of theft? 

12
Off Topic / Re: EVince Apparel Co.
« on: May 17, 2016, 08:24:19 PM »
Quote from: Shinysideup on May 17, 2016, 02:30:38 PM
Creative.
Cool.
Ordered.
Thanks!
Quote from: jazz999 on May 16, 2016, 11:47:15 PM
That is a pretty cool shirt.  I will order one on my next payday

Thanks to you both  :D

13
Off Topic / EVince Apparel Co.
« on: May 16, 2016, 10:51:58 PM »
After several months of work, last weekend I "launched" an apparel brand called EVince Apparel Co.
www.EVinceApparel.com
Currently we only offer a single product, the J-Plug peace sign design which is printed on a 50/50 organic cotton/ recycled polyester shirt that was manufactured in New York by Royal Apparel.

The definition of evince
1. reveal the presence of a quality or feeling
2. Be evidence of; indicate

Aside from being a lot of fun to ride/ drive I became passionate about electric vehicles because they offer humanity progress towards moving away from fossil fuels.  In the face of limited range, an underdeveloped charging infrastructure and higher up-front costs, I am proud to be a part of and support the electric vehicle movement. I created EVince Apparel Co.'s branded apparel so that when I am not operating my EV I can still show my support for the worlds transition to a sustainable future.

If any forum members are interested in a t-shirt use BRAMMOFM to get 25% off  :).
- Free shipping in the USA.
- $10 shipping for international customers.

 

14
Brammo Empulse Mods / Speed Bleeder bleeder screws
« on: May 16, 2016, 09:47:41 PM »
Changing out the brake and clutch fluid on my bike has become very painless with the installation of http://www.speedbleeder.com bleeder screws.  They have an internal check valve that prevents any air from re-entering the system as you pump the old fluid out/new fluid in (it is baffling that these are not the standard for bleeder screws).  For any DIYers out there I highly recommend these.
I opted for the stainless steel versions.

Front brakes -      SB8125L-SS  M8 x 1.25  (you will need 2 of these)

Rear brake -        SB1010S-SS  M10 x 1.0

Clutch -              SB6100-SS M6 x 1.0

I originally bought the fluid bag that Speed Bleeder sells but I decided to go for a more long term solution and bought this "Genesis Cable Bleeder Bottle" which works great. http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Cable-Bleeder-Bottle/dp/B000W7F2GI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463452275&sr=8-1&keywords=genesis+cable+bleeder+bottle

One 500ml bottle of Motul 8068HL RBF 600 Factory Line Dot-4 100 percent synthetic racing brake fluid provides plenty of fluid to repeatedly fill and flush each reservoir.

15
Brammo Empulse / Re: Where do you go now and what do you get charged for regular maintenance?
« on: April 18, 2016, 02:11:37 AM »
Quote
From your other posts, I gather that you have a white Empulse R.  If that's the case, we probably met a couple of years ago at the XXX Root Beer Drive In for one of the National Drive Electric Week EV shows organized by the Seattle EV Association.
You are correct I do have a white Empulse R and my bike and I were at that event at XXX Root Beer.  Did seeing my bike in person ignite the spark that led to your purchase?  :)

Quote
May I ask what they're quoting for their service?  If it's service under warranty, then hopefully they're not charging you directly.  As you read earlier, they (a service associate named Kirk), quoted me $600 in labor costs.

Fortunately the work they are preforming, swapping out two battery modules, is covered under the battery warranty.  I am very happy that they extended that warranty from 2 years to 5.  I will ask them what the out-of-pocket expense would have been.  $1,000? $2,000?

Quote
Is all of their communication with Polaris?  I wonder if they communicate with Brammo, too.

My understanding is that the dealership sends Polaris the log data from the bike and an individual (yes only 1 person) is responsible for diagnosing the issues and then tells the dealer what they need to order to perform the repair.  I am not sure exactly how much contact they have with Brammo but I do know that the battery modules were shipped from Brammo in Oregon.


*MY BIKE UPDATE*
I received a call on Friday letting me know that the new(maybe refurbished) batteries are in the bike and after a successful test ride everything is back to normal and it is ready for pick-up.  I was at my sister's wedding all day Saturday and they are closed Sunday and Monday.  Tuesday morning, 2 months after they received the bike from  Seattle E-bike, I will finally be back on my bike.  The Empluse is my only mode of transportation and in its absence I have been walking to and from my office 2.4 miles each way.  The smile under my helmet will be especially  large on Tuesday.

MichaelJ:
It will be interesting to hear what the final cost of your 6,000K service will be.
From how I am reading the manual the 6,000k service entails:
- Changing front brake fluid
- Changing rear brake fluid
- Changing clutch fluid
- Transmission oil change
- Front suspension oil change
- Repacking steering head bearings with grease (I would guess that this would not be done unless they were being paid to change the suspension oil.  It is not a simple task to get to these bearings)

*It could be justifiable for $300 dollars worth of labor for changing the front suspension oil and repacking the steering head bearings.  Those are time consuming tasks.

It doesn't sound like you are interested in any DIY but changing out the brake and clutch fluid on my bike has become very painless with the installation of http://www.speedbleeder.com bleeder screws.  They have an internal check valve that prevents any air from re-entering the system as you pump the old fluid out/new fluid in (it is baffling that these are not the standard for bleeder screws).  For any DIYers out there I highly recommend these.

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