Brammo Owners Forum
Brammo Empulse Discussion => Brammo Empulse => Topic started by: littlefreak3000 on July 06, 2014, 08:14:31 PM
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I am thinking about getting a 2013 Empulse soon. One of my concerns is a Empulse too much bike for someone's first street bike. I've road other off road vehicles like quads, dirt bikes, mo-peds but I've never had a street bike of any kind. So what do you guys think?
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My Empulse R is my first motorcycle. I think the only thing too much about it is the 470 lb weight.
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It may be a good choice, since, unlike the title, this isn't your first motorcycle, but your first street bike. Riding dirt bikes makes a fine foundation for good riding.
After you take the MSF course and buy full protective gear, then comes the question of which bike.
The Empulse has been compared to a 650 twin, which, in my opinion, is a good amount of power for the street.
On the plus side is excellent handling, excellent stopping power, and clutchless stopping and starting. In most cities you can leave the bike in 2nd gear and not shift for most of your riding, giving you more focus on other aspect that should probably demand your attention... like cars, trucks, pedestrians, buses and taxi drivers (all of whom can be texting!) and bicycle riders, skate boarders, scooters, motorcycles, in addition to, of course, traffic signals, signage, and cops.
On the negative side, the one thing that may pose an issue for someone coming off smaller displacement dirt bikes (assuming that's your background) might be the instantly-available amount of torque. But, assuming you want to approach riding the streets sensibly (and stay alive), the Empulse offers an easy way to deal with your learning curve: leave the bike in Normal mode (necessary for break-in anyway) and start in 3rd gear. After that seems boring, start in 2nd gear, and, finally, in 1st gear. Then, after break-in is complete, you can experiment on quiet streets with Sport mode.
In short, the torque can be a handful, offering up chances to have to think fast and to stop fast. The bike is up to the task and you can be too if you just let you learn the basics that MSF offers, and allow your comfort zone to expand organically, avoiding the temptation to go all out from the first ride. Quick starts have saved my bacon more than once and I highly recommend you learn at your own pace until you master the torque the bike so willingly offers.
Also on the negative side, if you're used to smaller machines, is the 470 lb. weight. This should be a concern only at parking lot speeds, because above 10 mph, I find the weight disappears into a well-balanced ride. The bike is very neutral in handling and pretty much goes where you think wanting it to. Test ride it and if the weight spooks you, consider a 250 cc bike or a Brammo Enertia.
But then I'm a 70-year-old who has managed to stay alive by not pushing the envelope too hard. I ride the bike every work day, all day long, in San Francisco and find it to be extremely capable for that task. Just ride this "Ultimate Street Fighter" without the fighting and you'll probably do just fine, or as fine as you'd do on an ICE bike.
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This was my first street motorcycle and it was perfect for me. Although for me it was over 25 years since I rode anything as a kid before I got the Empulse R. With me having the basics down I took a basic riding course, practiced my slow maneuvers and throttle control, bought DVDs like "Ride Like a Pro" "Surviving the Mean Streets 2" and Keith Code "Twist of the Wrist" 1&2 to help educate myself about the safest way to ride on the streets.
The bike is really easy to ride handles like a dream and really makes for a great first street bike for someone like us who had some sort of riding experience but not on the street. Keep in mind although the Empulse R is a GREAT bike, it's not the fastest bike on the street but it is faster then 90% of the vehicles on the road and will definitely get out of its own way in a hurry.
My best advice for riding on the street is slow down, keep your head on a swivel, and ride like you're invisible.
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The bike is perfect for a beginner IMHO. This is my second bike that I've ridden more than a few miles (had a project electric bike that didn't get finished). I only had like 300 miles on my sv650 and considered myself a beginner. Then I got my Brammo. Normal mode is forgiving and won't be too much for you. Handles great and easy to get used to.
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Agree with Shocker, the weight is the only thing that prevents it from being an ideal first bike. But I wouldn't let that stop you. Harleys are many people's first bike, after all, and they are pigs in the weight department. Also agree with Shiny and others that the flexibility of the motor gives a learning advantage typically not found on a gas bike.
I would take the MSF course and avoid the driving test, which is good advice generally, but especially with the Empulse as it is not particularly agile at parking lot speeds. I never took the test, but have always heard that it's tough sledding.
I have the standard Empulse and find that it's all I need for real world riding. We are genetically programmed to want to buy anything with an "R" in the title, but with the Empulse, if your focus is on practicality rather than thrills, you can consider saving a couple thousand with the standard and, in my opinion, will not miss the difference.
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We are genetically programmed to want to buy anything with an "R" in the title, but with the Empulse, if your focus is on practicality rather than thrills, you can consider saving a couple thousand with the standard and, in my opinion, will not miss the difference.
In some cases, it may be a bit more than the "R" in the title
as in the case of Hunter S. Thompson's closing lines of "Song of the Sausage Creature":
"That is the attitude of the new-age superbike freak, and I am one of them. On some days they are about the most fun you can have with your clothes on. The Vincent just killed you a lot faster than a superbike will. A fool couldn't ride the Vincent Black Shadow more than once, but a fool can ride a Ducati 900 many times, and it will always be a bloodcurdling kind of fun. That is the Curse of Speed which has plagued me all my life. I am a slave to it. On my tombstone they will carve, "IT NEVER GOT FAST ENOUGH FOR ME."
http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html)
(Fun reading, but I'd ACT on Adan's perspective!)
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Thanks guys that has been a lot of help. NJ has two options for getting your endorsement and one involves the MSF course so that's the root I'll take. Also there is one they hold near me where they provide a helmet and bike for the course so I just have to bring myself and the appropriate clothing. So that's going to be my first step.
My only other concern with the Empulse is related to the weight. I'm not a big guy. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam so I'm not sure if the seat height is going to be too much or not. I guess that something I'm going to have to test drive to find out.
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I'm 5 10 and it's fine for me. Legs slightly bent and feet flat on the ground at a stop. 36 inch inseam so I'm a bit bigger. I can lift the bike up without issues....and I'm no body builder.
Best thing is to throw a leg over one and try it out. It Def doesn't feel that heavy.
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My only other concern with the Empulse is related to the weight. I'm not a big guy. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam so I'm not sure if the seat height is going to be too much or not. I guess that something I'm going to have to test drive to find out.
I'm 5'6" with a good pair of shoes and also where a 30" inseam and sit on the balls of my feet very comfortably. I'm almost flat footed but not quite. I don't feel as if the bike is to tall for me either. It's rather perfect for me actually.
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That is good news. I'm not expecting to be flat footed. With so little options in the electric sport bike I'd hate my height to be a deal breaker. Lets me honest the Empulse fills a roll no other bike quite has yet (Zero R maybe close 2nd). I wasn't really interested in ever owning a bike until I saw the Empulse before it even had it's gearbox.
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Don't worry about taking a test ride to test the seat height: go to your dealer and ask a sales person to hold the bars while you get on and try out the height. Balance in the shop, from left foot to right foot, and then center on both while the sales person lightly holds the bars just for security. Leave the kick stand down if you want.
Take your time, as long as it takes to find your answer, and don't worry about wasting the time of the salesperson because you're not!
By the end of this session, you will know if your body is a match for the Empulse's seat height and static weight. If you feel like you can master this part, the bike will only get lighter when it's moving. It sure sounds like you're motivated for this bike!
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Go Demo one...latest from Brammo:
Brammo wants you to experience our award winning motorcycles. Visit your local dealer during the month of July for a free demo experience. If you take a demo ride on a Brammo during the month of July and purchase within 30 days of the demo ride, Brammo will make your first three payments on your Brammo purchase!
Nice deal...
G
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My only qualm to having the Empulse be a first bike is its price. If price isn't any issue, an Empusle will be up there with the easiest bikes to ride - maybe behind a transmission-less Zero. As others have mentioned, leaving it in a high gear negates that issue, and allows for performance improvement as skill allows.
Have fun and be safe.
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The price isn't too bad considering it's electric save me money on my commutes to work. Also they have a lot of incentives right now. I think in NJ I don't have to pay taxes on it too. It all adds up lol.
I figured it either this or a Datsun 240z lol.
Anyone know if its worth haggling with salesman with these? Or is it pretty much MSRP or bust?
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Given that it's the height of riding season and the 14's are just hitting the floors, I doubt you could negotiate beyond any incentives being publicly offered by Brammo. If you found a '13, you should try bargaining down even below Brammo's retail incentive. Any leftover bike is ripe for bargaining. The improvements in the '14s are not dramatic, if you can negotiate a good deal on a 13, that might be a good way to go.
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I have a new concern about the Empulse and thats the range. For my work commute I have a 11 mile trip to work and back with and up to 10 mile trip for lunch possible. So that seems feasible for the 50-100 range. My real concern is on weekends on go visit family and that is 44.6 trip at 60+ speeds. Now what I've been reading at highway speeds your range quickly dips below 50. Now I can charge it once I'm there, but do you guys think it will be able to make a trip like that? I hear in alot of reviews that the range drops pretty quick on highways and its possible to drop below the 50 mile range.
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Range depends on a lot of things, so it'll be really hard to tell you for sure if you will be satisfied. When I taught MSF this past weekend, which is 43 miles away (39 of which was interstate), I would arrive with 15% remaining going there, and got home (after fully charging) with 8%. The next day, riding faster and with less regard for efficiency, I got home with 22% thanks to a wind shift. I could have definitely gone further if I would have tried, but my thought is why leave any range on the clock? It'll be fully charged by the time I need to ride it again, anyway.
I go balls-out on my commute - WOT from stops, 75-80 on the highway - but I usually have 40 to 50% remaining when I get home after 35 miles, 25 of which are interstate.
You will definitely be able to go 46 miles year round, but you may have to do a bit of hypermiling when it's cold, or if the ride is 80% or more at interstate speeds, or if one direction is significantly uphill, or into a big headwind.
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Does the fact I way 135 soaking wet help? lol
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135 lbs. helps only if there's lots of hills. Or if you are accelerating hard a bunch of times. On the level at a constant speed, weight doesn't much matter, in my experience.
I think you'll have no problem for your family visit, especially if you install a windshield which really helps at higher speeds and/or with headwinds. I rode 36 miles, all on the freeways, with my wife on the back, and with one fairly long climb and descent, and had 53% remaining at our destination. (This is one of the data points that went into my 70-mile range limit guideline.)
If it's really cold (below 40F) range could take a big hit, but at those temps, you'll probably be happier in a car anyway?
First time out, if you can safely do so, I'd ride at 60 mph or less to see how much SOC (state of charge, percent of battery remaining) you end up with. You should have plenty left and then feel more confident in increasing your speed if you want to.
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I don't think you'd have any problem, especially with a windshield. As other have said, cold temps or a strong headwind are the main things that might confound you but I just can't imagine that at 55 mph you'd ever drop below 50 mile range. As Bill said, conditions would have to be so bad that you wouldn't want to ride anyway.
With the windshield, I believe I have an 80-mile range at a constant 55 mph with good weather conditions. I haven't tested that for a full 80 miles from start to finish, but I feel pretty confident based on multiple extrapolations.
Once you've done the trip a few times, you'll have a pretty good idea of how fast you can go, making adjustments for variables like temp and wind.
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Finished my MSF course last weekend and got my license. Going to check out the 2013 Empulse R at Eurosports. Thanks for all the help guys.
One thing I found that might make this my definite pick is the insurance is a lot cheaper then the other bike I was looking at (Yamaha FZ-07) So when push comes to shove the Empulse R even though its 10k more is cheaper on the month to month basis when gas cost and maintenance is factored in.
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Congrats!! Welcome to the fold.
And yes, I've definitely found that insurance is waaaaay cheaper for the Empulse than comparable gasbikes.
Also on top of the gas and maintenance savings: parts. Having owned a variety of bikes, I can say pretty confidently that Brammo replacement parts are among the cheapest I've ever seen. Probably something to do with them being produced right here.
Anyway so if you are like me and are constantly breaking things (mirrors, handlebars, shift pegs, etc) due to being an idiot, it'll still be cheap. I dropped the bike at ~25mph a few months in and it cost me like . . . . under $100. (Also, no gas tank to dent!)
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Going to go pick it up on Wednesday. I'm excited.
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Going to go pick it up on Wednesday. I'm excited.
Sweet! We're excited for you as well. Make sure to get the Eurosports guys to take photos of you with your baby to post here! 8) What color?
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It's going to be an awesome day!! Take tons of pics!
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Unfortunately the awesome day was cut short. A recall notice went out yesterday that prevented me from taking the bike home. Luckily they threw in free delivery of the bike to make up for the delay. So as soon as the part comes in and the bike is ready I'll have it. Just got to wait a little longer.
Also got a Red 2013 Empulse R.
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What was the recall?
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Bolt for the front brake caliper has been coming loses supposedly on the 2013s .
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My understanding it was one bike.
Fix = Loctite.
Another reason to be thankful for two front brakes!
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Yep but legally they have to order a new bolt from Brammo and install it before they are allowed to let me take it. :( Should have went 2 days earlier. ETA is now next Thursday.
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I haven't gotten a recall notice for mine. I wonder when the notice went out?
I was thinking it was the tires when you said recall.
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I haven't gotten a recall notice for mine. I wonder when the notice went out?
I was thinking it was the tires when you said recall.
There's no recall on the bikes. There is a technical service bulletin (TSB) with the dealers to check the rotor bolts for the appropriate amount of Loctite on the threads.
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Weird they told me they were waiting on parts. I wonder why...
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Weird they told me they were waiting on parts. I wonder why...
I don't want to overstep here, so let me investigate what's up. I may have a misunderstanding on this TSB or they may.
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Got my bike today! I would just like to say... Holy shit! And I haven't even used 1st or 2nd yet. Tho I might have gone outside the break in period range once or twice just a little.
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Thats great news! Be careful with first gear though, it will pull your arms out of their sockets! ;D
Seriously though, use the throttle sparingly around turns... these bike are torque central, and you dont want to low side that fine machine. Congrats!
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Thats great news! Be careful with first gear though, it will pull your arms out of their sockets! ;D
Seriously though, use the throttle sparingly around turns... these bike are torque central, and you dont want to low side that fine machine. Congrats!
Thanks. It will be awhile I think until I see what first is like. And I've been rolling on very very slowly in turns as someone who drives turbo powered cars I know the power of torque and on a bike it keeps me scared from finding out.
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Sounds like your in the right groove for your learning curve on a new machine. As your comfort zone naturally expands, you'll probably find out that, unless there's liquid or gravel on the roadway, the tires are very grippy. With the SMOOTH application of throttle, I've never had mine slip. Feel the bike: it wants to do the right thing and will teach you.
That said, last week, after 18K miles and 20 months of ownership, I did something way out of habit for me in my morning startup routine, came back to the garage and, in the driveway, tried to back up forgetting the throttle was still hot. Pulled back on the bars, shot into the garage and, before I could get off the throttle, plowed into 3 plastic shelving units and dumped all their contents over on me and the now laid-down bike. Yes, you too can accomplish these tricks that you don't want your neighbors to see! :o Next time, I might even make it through the back wall! >:(
- Bill Might-As-Well- Be-My-First-Motorcycle i
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Lol I gotta do a turn around to get it off my stoop and the throttle definitely helps, but I've been doing it in 5th gear so that exact thing doesn't happen to me. mine will be worse though it will just go through my front door.
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Congratulations, little freak! Can't wait to see pictures.
Bill-you're a brave man to share that humbling story. It hurt me to read it.
Harry "I dropped mine off my hitch carrier on top of me" Brammofan.
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While we are sharing horror stories (mines not nearly as bad). Just dropped my bike for the first time this morning after pulling into a parking spot at work. I'm not 100% sure what went wrong with bugs me. I pulled in and then tried to scoot it back so that the kickstand could land on the concrete pad we have so our bikes don't sink into the asphalt. The bike just got away from me some how. It was a very slow motion fall :-[. Damage is just a bent shifter and some rash on the shifter and the handle bar end. Was able to bend it mostly back into shape by hand. Gonna go barrow a crow bar from our metal shop here before lunch see if it can get it back right again.
The only thing I could think of is I was trying to turn it a bit while going back and I just turned to much and essentially countered steered going .1mph backwards.
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Everybody drops their first bike, usually doing something just like that.
The Empulse is a little bit tricky when duck-walking it around, putting down the stand, etc . . . Not sure why, but it calls for a little bit more caution.
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Damage is just a bent shifter and some rash on the shifter and the handle bar end. Was able to bend it mostly back into shape by hand. Gonna go barrow a crow bar from our metal shop here before lunch see if it can get it back right again.
Congratulations: you've now broken it in and you never again have to worry about putting the first scratch on it!
I've bent the shifter lever a couple of times and find that a large adjustable wrench, with the jaws closed down to just fit the thickness of the shifter lever, works just fine.
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The Empulse was my sixth bike, and I've dropped it the same way. In a parking lot, in front of a pretty girl. Welcome to the club. ;D
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The Empulse was my sixth bike, and I've dropped it the same way. In a parking lot, in front of a pretty girl. Welcome to the club. ;D
Well lucky me. No one saw it lol.
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The Empulse was my sixth bike, and I've dropped it the same way. In a parking lot, in front of a pretty girl. Welcome to the club. ;D
Well lucky me. No one saw it lol.
Well then, that's success. A bruised leg is a lot better than a bruised ego! ::)