Brammo Announces 2014 Empulse

[BrammoBrian]

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?

Here are a couple of photos of the new dash:





It's a completely redesigned dash housing, but the layout is very similar to the previous dash.  The dash has improved water sealing against the elements, owing to the fact that we worked with Trail Tech on the re-design, who manufacture the part for us in Vancouver, WA.  Trail Tech has years of experience making super rugged and waterproof dashes for off-road OEMs and the aftermarket.   The tach graphic is updated (by yours truly) to improve readability with the "tick marks" running all the way out to the edge of the viewable area.  The shift/"GO" lights have been re-positioned behind a lens above the LCD screen.  Keeps the dash looking clean and classy and the lights from being as blindingly bright as well.  You'll also notice the smaller waterproof buttons under the LCD.  At the moment, the screens display the same information as 2013.

More photos for your perusal here: http://brammoelectricmotorcycles.smugmug.com/Unlisted/Empulse-MY2014/36078845_RQX78w

[Gavin]

My dash is great...and works flawlessly...I might have to take a hammer to it

I just like the curves better on the 2014 dash...they flow with the bike more naturally.

As for the others:

A while ago Justin told me I should get a new handlebar as he said it makes for a better riding position...now I know why...Brammo was testing it. If I go with the new handlebar, does it come with a new bracket? I don't think the current bracket would work with an oversized handlebar.

Yeah, I'm tempted by the new lower cover...Having Brammo more noticeable is a good thing. I am asked CONSTANTLY, "Who makes that bike? What? Blammo?"

Ten pounds lighter? Don't think I can do that with my bike, but I'm back at the gym and just a few pounds from my "ideal" weight...I will be my fighting shape of 6 foot and 175 pounds long before I meet you all at Pikes Peak.

Nobody mentioned this, but I want that Made in the USA sticker...it is a big selling point around here.

Gavin

[Gavin]

Pretty....and dang...might have to get that handlebar

and the sticker I want:



G

[BrammoBrian]

what did you guys do to lose 10lbs?

It was a combination of savings from several areas.  Mostly doing better analysis of key bracketry and sheet metal components to understand where we could remove material or reduce material thickness.  A good example would be the battery brackets, which don't look it, but are lighter than the 2013 design.  When you've got 14 of them, (2 per module), a small weight savings can stack up.  The Continental tires are also slightly lighter than the Avons along with just being a better all-round tire for the bike. The wiring harness was also tidy'd up as it was moved to a new automotive Tier-1 supplier. 

One of my favorite improvements is that the bolts that attach the batteries to the frame and the subframe to the main chassis are custom made for Brammo.  Look close at the photos and you'll spot them.  They're got a beautiful tapered head similar to the Ti bolts we've been running on the race program (I think you've got a set too).  This change was a cosmetic improvement, weight savings, AND cost savings (believe it or not)!  Pretty rad and one that only a true Empulse connoisseur would be able to point out... 

[protomech]

Hot-linking against smugmug doesn't appear to work, fwiw.

[BrammoBrian]

Hot-linking against smugmug doesn't appear to work, fwiw.

Oops!  Ok.  I'll try to get them posted some other way.  Thanks for the heads-up.

Working now?

[7racer]

what did you guys do to lose 10lbs?

It was a combination of savings from several areas.  Mostly doing better analysis of key bracketry and sheet metal components to understand where we could remove material or reduce material thickness.  A good example would be the battery brackets, which don't look it, but are lighter than the 2013 design.  When you've got 14 of them, (2 per module), a small weight savings can stack up.  The Continental tires are also slightly lighter than the Avons along with just being a better all-round tire for the bike. The wiring harness was also tidy'd up as it was moved to a new automotive Tier-1 supplier. 

One of my favorite improvements is that the bolts that attach the batteries to the frame and the subframe to the main chassis are custom made for Brammo.  Look close at the photos and you'll spot them.  They're got a beautiful tapered head similar to the Ti bolts we've been running on the race program (I think you've got a set too).  This change was a cosmetic improvement, weight savings, AND cost savings (believe it or not)!  Pretty rad and one that only a true Empulse connoisseur would be able to point out...

that's pretty cool!  And yes thank you guys so much for the titanium bolts!!!

[7racer]

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?

Here are a couple of photos of the new dash:





It's a completely redesigned dash housing, but the layout is very similar to the previous dash.  The dash has improved water sealing against the elements, owing to the fact that we worked with Trail Tech on the re-design, who manufacture the part for us in Vancouver, WA.  Trail Tech has years of experience making super rugged and waterproof dashes for off-road OEMs and the aftermarket.   The tach graphic is updated (by yours truly) to improve readability with the "tick marks" running all the way out to the edge of the viewable area.  The shift/"GO" lights have been re-positioned behind a lens above the LCD screen.  Keeps the dash looking clean and classy and the lights from being as blindingly bright as well.  You'll also notice the smaller waterproof buttons under the LCD.  At the moment, the screens display the same information as 2013.

More photos for your perusal here: http://brammoelectricmotorcycles.smugmug.com/Unlisted/Empulse-MY2014/36078845_RQX78w

that looks great!  Might have to be on my upgrade list too!

It wouldn't happen to have some secret wifi/3g connection for a iPhone app or Bluetooth to send info to a HUD in a helmet would it?!?!
LOL...

[flar]

Does the R no longer sport carbon fiber?

[flar]

My upgrade wish list would include the new dash, the USA sticker, and the lower body panel with the new Brammo logo.  I might want the new handlebars, but I'll have to try them out in person to see, when they start arriving at Scuderia.  I'll check out the new battery brackets in person, but they haven't bothered me so far.

I'm not ready for the new tire upgrade yet, but I'll probably go with those tires when mine are ready.

And, if any of those bracket redesigns allows the protection bracket for the brake cylinder to sit closer to the bike, my right ankle would be in heaven...

[Gavin]

Does the R no longer sport carbon fiber?

Good pick up...not sure how I missed that...

G

[protomech]

Hot-linking against smugmug doesn't appear to work, fwiw.

Oops!  Ok.  I'll try to get them posted some other way.  Thanks for the heads-up.

Working now?

Yep, works fine now.

No carbon fiber for the 2014 R bikes? Looks like the 2013 owners have collectors items now

[7racer]

....racket redesigns allows the protection bracket for the brake cylinder to sit closer to the bike, my right ankle would be in heaven...

is that what that is!  I keep thinking I bent my brake pedal.  A fix for this would be great.

[ttxgpfan]

Handlebar, shmandlebar.  Where are the clip-ons and taller seat?  You know what, just give me a TTX P2 with street clothes and we'll call it good.  Oh wait, you want money for that huh . . .

As far as drag racing an SR you may have as much if not more torque in second gear but you still lose precious tenths of a second in shifting.  There's no shame in getting out drag raced by a bike with about 10 more hp and 40 ft-lbs more torque.  It'll still be a slaughter of gas bike when these two face off off the line until about 30mph.  All due respect to Zero but it seems they up'd their build quality game this year as well.  I still think for sport focused or track riding of stock production machines Brammo has the better package, only this year the SR has the HP.  Either way on the track it's all about heat management.  With Zero it seems to be either the motor or controller that over heats first, although we'll have to see how the SR's motor holds up.  With the Brammo I hear its the batteries that get hot.  It's all about who can go harder for longer.  Although I wonder if a street rider will finds those limits on either bike at a this point.

But I don't see this Empulse being slower in the 0-60 being much of an issue.  I'm still hedging my bets that next year is when we will see a Mission RS competitor come from Brammo, making how fast a Zero SR is or isn't a moot point.

[Virtually Yours]

Nobody mentioned this, but I want that Made in the USA sticker...it is a big selling point around here.

Gavin

Just for the record Gavin I asked for that decal 2yrs ago. 
I still want one and more so now then ever!
http://brammoforum.com/index.php?topic=1100.msg7441#msg7441