Brammo Owners Forum

Since this technique (first mentioned by Shinysideup for smooth starts) got a little overshadowed in the transmission technical debate...

1) From a stop with the Empulse in 1st gear

2) Roll the bike back 1 foot

3) Pin the throttle!!!


This will result in a super smooth launch off the line with no clunk, thump, etc.  Just the blast of acceleration!

By rolling the bike back a bit, you will have taken up the slight transmission lash/slack, and you're set.  It's so fast and smooth, you'll grin at every stop light.

I finally found the time to complete my Powerlet install in order to hook up my electric vest on the Empulse.  Here's a quick post in case anyone else is looking to do the same.

Parts:
- Low profile 36" Powerlet wiring kit (http://www.powerlet.com/product/low-profile-powerlet-socket-kit-36/166)
- Molex pin/connectors (part #'s - 03-06-7023 & 02-06-6102 - ordered from http://www.mouser.com)

Tools:
- T-25 Torx screwdriver
- Hex key wrench set
- Wire cutter/stripper

I stripped the bodywork and did a check to see if I could connect off of the 12V fuse block.  I was advised by Brammo to just use the accessory connector, but I figured I'd check anyway.    After taking a look, it wasn't going to be as simple as connecting the leads to screws, so I figured I'd stick with Brammo's advice and install the Molex plug and use the accessory connector.





There are TWO Molex connectors under the right side panel - you want the purple/black one.  I checked with a multimeter and it's switched and the purple lead is the positive wire.



Here's the Powerlet kit.  I cut the leads on the 36" wiring harness and replaced it with the Molex connector.
NOTE:  The wires on the Powerlet harness are a bit thick for the Molex connector - you can't crimp the pins and include the insulation (had to just crimp on the wire).  It's also a tight fit to wedge the wire, plus insulation into the back of the plug.  I was able to assemble the connector and used electrical tape for reinforcement, but you could also spice in some thinner wire to make assembling the Molex connector easier.





Now the scary part...  Drilling a new bike!  Powerlet hole saw (basically an 11/16") and  I used wood for a backstop to protect the frame.







It's a bit of a tight fit on the left side (a bit less wiring on the right, but the two electric vests I've owned have always had left-hand connectors).  I ran the harness wires from the accessory connector under the "tank", and connected the socket wire to the harness under the seat.



Vest powered up fine, and it looks great with everything re-assembled!

While there's been some side conversations about wiring up electric gear in other topics, the cold weather finally motivated me to get my heated vest hooked up ASAP...long underwear isn't cutting it anymore.  

The 12v connector for the Empulse looks like a Tamiya connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tamiya_Connector.gif), but I think it's slightly different - if anyone else sources a plug that works, please post:



The challenge is that it's located in under the side panel in the front:



My ideal location is to mount a connector in one of the black plastic side panels (left side by the seat), since there's plenty of room to run wiring behind them as well:



Easy access for wiring with the seat off:



The plan...  I'm ordering a Powerlet socket so I can use the same adapters I've been using with my BMW.  The SAE ones used by guys like Battery Tender would work too, but the Powerlet sockets have nice snap-closed covers when they're not in use, and won't dangle like a SAE plug connector.

http://www.powerlet.com/product/lowprofile-powerlet-socket/285

I'll post as I make progress, but fire away with any other ideas or if someone has located the fuse block yet - guessing I'll find it once I pull the "tank" covers.  But I won't dig into it until I have all the parts since I'd rather keep riding until the next rainy day.  

- Ain


Also - just for fun, I'm attaching some other under-seat photos.  The seat comes off with only one bolt, and there's lots of room for running the wiring I'm planning for the Powerlet socket.  You can see the top of one of the battery modules once the seat is off along with the top cover of the on-board "EV Powercharger".

You'll also see the small USB data logger under the right side of the seat.  It's a small SanDisk module plugged into a USB cable.  It seems like it's active while the bike is charging as well (red blinking light on the SanDisk module).  I'll see if I can copy anything off it later.