New article on Brammo rumors, what's ahead

[Brammofan]

Decent article that quotes Adrian Stewart of Brammo:

http://insideevs.com/brammo-speaks-rumors-closing-doors-mass-layoffs/

[roma258]

Decent article that quotes Adrian Stewart of Brammo:

http://insideevs.com/brammo-speaks-rumors-closing-doors-mass-layoffs/

Fascinating article thanks. Definitely quells some of my fears about Brammo being around for the foreseeable future. Though it does seem like they have a bit of corporate ADD, maybe all those juicy consulting contracts keep the whole thing viable, while they sell the bikes as loss-leaders. This tidbit was particularly fascinating:

In 2014 more than 75% of our sales came from European dealerships, which is great news for US exports.

Had no idea their European presence was that strong. Definitely a good sign, since in the land of 8 euro per gallon petrol, electric bikes become a much more viable option.

[roma258]

So can we start speculating on the 2015 Brammo Empulse yet? They must've seen the Zero SR now has decent components, so gotta swing back. And since everyone knows about the discount prices, can't come back with same old Empulse R and expect to sell for $19k. So I'm hoping for some Empulse RR components, including the motor. Keep leveraging that racing experience. And a dirt bike/ds would be really, really smart, imo.

[littlefreak3000]

I rather more range then speed/power. Having just bought a 2013 R, I can wait to see what the 2015 holds. Since I'm sure I'll be envious of it.

[00049 (AKA SopFu)]

I bet they ditch the transmission, up the power (maybe 5kw), and add ABS. Styling stays similar to the MY 13/14.

[littlefreak3000]

Dropping the transmission is kind of admitting defeat. Its the one thing that sets it apart.

[roma258]

I rather more range then speed/power. Having just bought a 2013 R, I can wait to see what the 2015 holds. Since I'm sure I'll be envious of it.

Wouldn't adding more range require a complete, frame-up redesign? There's nowhere to stick more batteries is there? But yeah, moar range, and faster charging are two of the holy grail of e-bike as far as I can see.

[csspring]

I rather more range then speed/power. Having just bought a 2013 R, I can wait to see what the 2015 holds. Since I'm sure I'll be envious of it.

you do have that.... just go slower 

[Gavin]

Dropping the shifty only makes sense if Brammo goes high voltage...no high voltage EV bikes have a shifty (not even Brammo's race bikes) as the high voltage makes a shifty irrelevant

[dbsuperbiker]

the trans is a leg up on the other ebikes...their engineers wish they had a trans like the Empulse.

I get an easy 60 miles per charge when riding with 'enthusiasm'. Even at full throttle, closed course racing speeds we get 30 miles with 30% left at race's end.
It will be nice when it's better, but still quite useable in today's trim.

[littlefreak3000]

That's exactly why I want more range. So I can go faster for longer.

[skuzzle]

In 2014 more than 75% of our sales came from European dealerships, which is great news for US exports.

Had no idea their European presence was that strong. Definitely a good sign, since in the land of 8 euro per gallon petrol, electric bikes become a much more viable option.

There was a huge delay between when the Empulse was available in Europe versus the U.S.  I think that is the reason the Europe sales are higher. 

[benswing]

Regarding the gears, the Empulse is the only EV that has one.  I think it would make sense for them to drop it.  That just means they would need a different motor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kingcharles]

In 2014 more than 75% of our sales came from European dealerships, which is great news for US exports.

Had no idea their European presence was that strong. Definitely a good sign, since in the land of 8 euro per gallon petrol, electric bikes become a much more viable option.

There was a huge delay between when the Empulse was available in Europe versus the U.S.  I think that is the reason the Europe sales are higher.

I think also next year sales will be strong in the EU. If they keep the prices reasonable...

A lot more people in the EU commute on a motorcycle.
The gas, petrol ⛽ whatever you call it prices are a lot higher in EU
The charging infrastructure is pretty good in most of the relevant places.
Europeans like high quality builds and components.
Europeans like acceleration
Cities are closer together so range is less of an issue.

The Empulse just fits very well here, but maybe I am a bit biased

[littlefreak3000]

You know I bet they could fit more batteries in there if they adjusted the arrangement. The bike is very thin with a little more width I bet they could get 33% more in there. Or there is also the chance of a higher density battery.