Brammo Announces 2014 Empulse

[kingcharles]

I have a few questions, will all updates also be carried over to the regular Empulse or are they only for the R version?
Is a top case available for 2014?
What charge port/cables will be shipped with European bikes?
Maybe my pre-order can be fulfilled soon
Almost bought a Zero a few months ago but I am glad they were sold out. Now I can choose between two improved 2014 model bikes!
 Thanks.

[BrammoBrian]

I have a few questions, will all updates also be carried over to the regular Empulse or are they only for the R version?
Is a top case available for 2014?
What charge port/cables will be shipped with European bikes?
Maybe my pre-order can be fulfilled soon
Almost bought a Zero a few months ago but I am glad they were sold out. Now I can choose between two improved 2014 model bikes!
 Thanks.

All updates except for the tapered aluminum handlebars are carried over to the standard Empulse.  The new colors (yellow, dk silver) are ONLY available on the R as well.  Standard Empulse is available in Eclipsed Black or True Blood Red. 

There is no top box option currently, but there are plans to add this in the future (i.e. this year).  We will finally have the GIVI side bag kits available to correspond with shipping bikes to Europe in the March/April timeframe.

The bikes will ship with a Brammo version of the Clipper Creek EVSE for EU (http://www.clippercreek.com/uploads/ClipperCreek%20ECS-15-20.pdf) which essentially allows Level 2 charging from household outlets.  I'm jealous!

Thanks for your patience and I'm glad you're giving us a shot at the bike proving its worth your hard earned money!  I hope you're one of the first with an Empulse in Europe.  It would be great to compare riding experiences from "across the pond".   

[skuzzle]

Zero SR has 500 ft-lb at the rear wheel, for comparison .. but at least in an informal test against a 2013 Empulse R, the Zero bike matched the Empulse in speed up to 30 mph and "flew away from the Brammo Empulse R" afterwards.

The base Zero SR has the same price as the Empulse E1.  I'm sure that the Zero will blow it away.  I really regret getting the E1.  Unfortunately I didn't find out about the slower motor until the same week it shipped (after waiting 2.5 years).  Brammo should show the E1 some love too. 

[BrammoBrian]

The base Zero SR has the same price as the Empulse E1.  I'm sure that the Zero will blow it away.  I really regret getting the E1.  Unfortunately I didn't find out about the slower motor until the same week it shipped (after waiting 2.5 years).  Brammo should show the E1 some love too.

Very sorry you feel this way.  A couple of points to (hopefully) lift your spirits:

1. You'd need to buy 1 or 2 additional chargers to match the charging power that comes standard on your Empulse base model. So... your bike is actually $600-1200 cheaper than the SR.

2. You've got a bike that still has better suspension, brakes, tires, and chassis than the top of the line Zero. Even the Zero owner had to concede that one in his review.

3. You've been riding a great bike for awhile now, the new bikes are not hugely improved to the point of making your bike obsolete or even close to it, and you are well positioned to get a new bike when the next "big step" occurs.

4. Many riders prefer the power delivery of the E1 versus the R as it doesn't have the huge torque that can make the bike feel "abrupt" on throttle.  Spec sheet performance is not everything.  Most racers would prefer a bike with a great handling chassis and smooth power delivery vs. a bike that's a "handful" with a lot of power and a chassis that struggles to keep up...

5. Get out and ride if you can.  Riding any motorcycle is scientifically proven to make you feel better! 

[protomech]

It's also worth noting that the performance difference between a 2013 Brammo Empulse E1 and a 2014 Zero SR is nothing like the difference between a 2012 Zero S and a 2013 .. anything : )

[kingcharles]

Brian, apologies but I have a follow on question.
All the Dutch (and other EU countries) public AC charge stations have a Mennekes socket. Will there be a cable included with the bike to connect to these charge stations?

In attached picture you can see how I used an adapter to charge a Zero during a full day test ride. It would be silly if I had to use the adapter and the clipper in order to charge from public charge points.

<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fam_naddeo/8928029703/player/a2322f6b6e" height="500" width="282"  frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>

[BrammoBrian]

Brian, apologies but I have a follow on question.
All the Dutch (and other EU countries) public AC charge stations have a Mennekes socket. Will there be a cable included with the bike to connect to these charge stations?

Yes, I understand the issue you are referencing. We are testing a Mennekes to J1772 adapter now for this reason.  I do not know whether it will be included or extra, but I will let you know when I find out. 

[kingcharles]

Yes, I understand the issue you are referencing. We are testing a Mennekes to J1772 adapter now for this reason.  I do not know whether it will be included or extra, but I will let you know when I find out.

Perfect!
If I go for the Empulse I would be more than happy to field test it for you

[skuzzle]

The base Zero SR has the same price as the Empulse E1.  I'm sure that the Zero will blow it away.  I really regret getting the E1.  Unfortunately I didn't find out about the slower motor until the same week it shipped (after waiting 2.5 years).  Brammo should show the E1 some love too.

1. You'd need to buy 1 or 2 additional chargers to match the charging power that comes standard on your Empulse base model. So... your bike is actually $600-1200 cheaper than the SR.

2. You've got a bike that still has better suspension, brakes, tires, and chassis than the top of the line Zero. Even the Zero owner had to concede that one in his review.

3. You've been riding a great bike for awhile now, the new bikes are not hugely improved to the point of making your bike obsolete or even close to it, and you are well positioned to get a new bike when the next "big step" occurs.

4. Many riders prefer the power delivery of the E1 versus the R as it doesn't have the huge torque that can make the bike feel "abrupt" on throttle.  Spec sheet performance is not everything.  Most racers would prefer a bike with a great handling chassis and smooth power delivery vs. a bike that's a "handful" with a lot of power and a chassis that struggles to keep up...

5. Get out and ride if you can.  Riding any motorcycle is scientifically proven to make you feel better! 

I agree that the charging is a huge issue.  We have level 2 chargers at work that we reserve through outlook just
like a conference room.  I can recharge after my 22 mile commute in about 1.5 hours (with balancing).  Paying extra
for a J1772 adapter, but still getting Level 1 charge seems silly to me.

On #4, It seems clear that the gearbox was meant for the E1 motor.  You don't really have an option to skip first and
second and start out in third.  You need to use each gear.  Once up to 4000-6000 the gear shifts come pretty quick.
I don't think you can use gearing at this point to make up for a lack of torque.

#5... Almost up to 6000 all weather miles.  Lots of rain testing.  Reliability has been good.  No issues with rain.  One
fault at a stop light was the only issue.

[kingcharles]

#5... Almost up to 6000 all weather miles.  Lots of rain testing.  Reliability has been good.  No issues with rain.  One
fault at a stop light was the only issue.

That's good to hear, especially the rain part...

[Gavin]

Speaking of upgrading parts... The 2014 dash is backwards compatible to the 2013 bikes.  Having ridden with both, I much prefer the 2014 part, it fits the quality and design of the bike very nicely.  I also find it easier to read, perhaps because we've gone to a flat, rather than domed lens.  IF I don't break down and sell my 2013 to pick up a '14, I'll definitely be doing this upgrade.

Yeah... wonder who snuck that statement about rear wheel torque and acceleration into the press release?  Adrian seems FAR too nice to do that...

I've loved and coveted that dash since I first saw it....and I won't mention just when that was

G

[7racer]

Brammobrian,

what did you guys do to lose 10lbs?

I did the Magnesium wheels and titanium bolts that lost a bit of weight.  Also the Tail tidy probably cut some off too.
If I could shed another 10 I might start eating more Big Mac's!!! 

[Adan]

Zero SR has 500 ft-lb at the rear wheel, for comparison .. but at least in an informal test against a 2013 Empulse R, the Zero bike matched the Empulse in speed up to 30 mph and "flew away from the Brammo Empulse R" afterwards.

The base Zero SR has the same price as the Empulse E1.  I'm sure that the Zero will blow it away.  I really regret getting the E1.  Unfortunately I didn't find out about the slower motor until the same week it shipped (after waiting 2.5 years).  Brammo should show the E1 some love too.

I understand part of Skuzzle's frustration is that he ordered the E1 without knowing it had a different motor, so he feels he wasn't allowed even to make a concious choice.  Seems to me that's a fair complaint about the process.

As to the merits of the E1 itself, everyone has their own criteria and needs.  Folks that want the ability to drag race in the streets (even if they rarely do) or hold their own on the track should pony up the extra money and get the R.  But in my opinion the E1 is highly competent in every real world practical situation.  In sport mode it accelerates extremely well right off the line.  I leave it in normal mode most of the time for the reason Brian stated, because I appreciate the smoothness of it.  The initial acceleration is more gentle, and yet it doesn't put you at a disadvantage in practical real world riding.  And if there's a difference in the suspension between the R and the E1, I didn't notice it (having ridden an R four separate times).

Again, this is not to argue with Skuzzle.  In retrospect, he didn't get the model he wanted.  I've certainly been there and done that with motorcycles.  But regarding my choice of the E1 over the R, I'm not feeling any regrets.

It does seem to me like Brammo might do a better job of helping prospective buyers understand the performance difference between the two models, not just in statistical terms, but experientially as well. 

[00049 (AKA SopFu)]

Speaking of upgrading parts... The 2014 dash is backwards compatible to the 2013 bikes.  Having ridden with both, I much prefer the 2014 part, it fits the quality and design of the bike very nicely.  I also find it easier to read, perhaps because we've gone to a flat, rather than domed lens.  IF I don't break down and sell my 2013 to pick up a '14, I'll definitely be doing this upgrade.

I suspect my '13 dash won't make it through the year since it is already having issues with button response and I have had the LCD completely turn off at least twice while riding. I mentioned it to Jen when she was out for my non-functioning horn and she confirmed the dash wasn't working correctly. But it hasn't been a huge problem, so not being too vocal. I wonder if I'll get a '14 dash once the original finally gives up the ghost 

[flar]

Speaking of upgrading parts... The 2014 dash is backwards compatible to the 2013 bikes.  Having ridden with both, I much prefer the 2014 part, it fits the quality and design of the bike very nicely.  I also find it easier to read, perhaps because we've gone to a flat, rather than domed lens.  IF I don't break down and sell my 2013 to pick up a '14, I'll definitely be doing this upgrade.

What else is different about the new dash other than the domed lens?  Are there any pictures available now that we see the 2014s being crated up on Facebook?

Count me in for a new lower trim piece with the more visible logo as well, and possibly the dash if I could see it...