Author Topic: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner  (Read 2163 times)

Ashveratu

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Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« on: August 24, 2015, 09:09:52 PM »
Hello, I just bought a 2014 Brammo E1 after receiving my refund for a defunct 2012 Zero S. Thanks to the lemon law, I got a full refund and still have $6K left because of the price drop on Brammo! I am just really happy to have a working electric vehicle finally. Out of the 2 years I owned the Zero, it spent a year in the shop. Hopefully my Empulse will last me much longer. Anyways, intro out of the way, time for me to start on with the farkles for my new ride.
2012 Zero S.......returned to Zero for a full refund after one year of problems

2014 Empulse going strong

Brammofan

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2015, 09:31:47 PM »
Hi Ash and welcome to the forum. Hope you like your Brammo more than your Zero. I suspect you will. :D
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roma258

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2015, 08:36:09 AM »
Hey, welcome aboard! Glad folks are taking advantage of the blowout sale. Looking forward to hearing some thoughts on the differences between the Zero and the Brammo.

Richard230

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2015, 09:32:49 AM »
Yesterday I received a letter from Zero offering me $8000 if I would trade my 2012 Zero S in on a new 2014 S. However, as it turns out, I already own a 2014 S and remain very happy with it.  My 2012 S is now owned by my daughter and it still runs fine for her.  So I guess I will pass on Zero's offer. 

I have a suspicion that they are trying to get as many 2010, 2011 and 2012 models out of the market and into the crusher as fast as they can.  It appears that those years (in some cases) were not quite up to their owner's expectations with regard to quality control and reliability.   :(  Designing and manufacturing a new electric vehicle is a learning curve, I guess.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2015, 09:47:10 AM by Richard230 »
current bikes: 2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2011 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic, 2009 BMW F650GS, 2007 BMW R1200R, 2005 Triumph T-100 Bonneville, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.

protomech

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2015, 04:42:42 PM »
Yesterday I received a letter from Zero offering me $8000 if I would trade my 2012 Zero S in on a new 2012 S. However, as it turns out, I already own a 2014 S and remain very happy with it.  My 2012 S is now owned by my daughter and it still runs fine for her.  So I guess I will pass on Zero's offer. 

I have a suspicion that they are trying to get as many 2010, 2011 and 2012 models out of the market and into the crusher as fast as they can.  It appears that those years (in some cases) were not quite up to their owner's expectations with regard to quality control and reliability.   :(  Designing and manufacturing a new electric vehicle is a learning curve, I guess.

These older bikes may also be a source of parts for fleet customers - I very much doubt they will crush them.
1999 Honda VFR800i | 2014 Zero SR
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flar

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2015, 02:49:32 AM »
if I would trade my 2012 Zero S in on a new 2012 S.

Is there a typo there? I'm guessing they were offering a new 2014?
Current bikes: 2013 Brammo Empulse R, 2005 BMW R1200RT
Prior bikes: 1988 Honda Hawk GT, 1997 BMW F650

Richard230

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2015, 09:46:39 AM »
if I would trade my 2012 Zero S in on a new 2012 S.

Is there a typo there? I'm guessing they were offering a new 2014?

Yes that was a typo. I will correct it.   :-[
current bikes: 2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2011 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic, 2009 BMW F650GS, 2007 BMW R1200R, 2005 Triumph T-100 Bonneville, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.

Ashveratu

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2015, 07:58:09 AM »
After five days of owning/riding the Empulse, I gotta say it is a much more entertaining and fun bike to ride vs the Zero. The convenience of the built in J1772 connector is great and the feeling of the suspension and brakes is worlds better. Again, this is compared to the 2012 model I had. Only down side so far is range. The Empulse just begs you to down shift and twist the throttle accelerating like your hair is on fire just like any other crotch rocket. That combined with the slightly smaller battery vs the Zero means much less range. I just need to learn to put her into Normal Mode and ride nice if I need to travel any significant distant. I find myself looking for any excuse now just to go out and ride  ;D
2012 Zero S.......returned to Zero for a full refund after one year of problems

2014 Empulse going strong

roma258

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2015, 08:26:49 AM »
After five days of owning/riding the Empulse, I gotta say it is a much more entertaining and fun bike to ride vs the Zero. The convenience of the built in J1772 connector is great and the feeling of the suspension and brakes is worlds better. Again, this is compared to the 2012 model I had. Only down side so far is range. The Empulse just begs you to down shift and twist the throttle accelerating like your hair is on fire just like any other crotch rocket. That combined with the slightly smaller battery vs the Zero means much less range. I just need to learn to put her into Normal Mode and ride nice if I need to travel any significant distant. I find myself looking for any excuse now just to go out and ride  ;D
Boom! Suck it Zero fanboys!! Ahem, I'm good, glad you're enjoying the bike :)

Shinysideup

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2015, 12:45:14 PM »
I just need to learn to put her into Normal Mode and ride nice if I need to travel any significant distant.

Actually, many of us have found the range increases in Sport mode, IF we control our urge to go WOT at every chance. ::)  The much greater regen in Sport mode is probably the source of increased range.

Also, a windshield helps with range at highway speeds. Still, it will never match the Zero in range.

littlefreak3000

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2015, 01:19:24 PM »
I still want an eco mode. Sport like regen with normal mode torque and add a little slop to the throttle response so it easier to keep it steady.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2015, 01:55:26 PM by littlefreak3000 »

Shinysideup

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Re: Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner
« Reply #11 on: August 27, 2015, 07:33:10 PM »
I know what you mean about throttle response. Before the Empulse, I came of a TMax scoot with auto tranny, I you could twist the throttle half way around and then wait for something to happen. I think you'll find, as I have, that after about x weeks, your right hand's calibration will become much more refined. This bike really rewards smooth throttle control. I never think about it now.