EMPULSE wish list, since E bikes are the new thing ''set a whole new standard''!

[mykb13]

I'd like to see the computer tell you the state of the battery's condition:  for example, miles/kwh or miles/100% charge, maybe based on the last 10 charges or something

There's a Zero S on eBay that is brand new but the seller states that the battery needs to be replaced and won't take a charge due to sitting on the dealer's floor for a year.  This got me thinking about resale and buying used electric bikes.  On ICE and electric bikes, mileage gives a prospective buyer a general idea of how worn out the engine/motor, suspension and brakes are; however, the mileage may not tell anyone the condition of expensive batteries.

I realize that how "hard" the bike was ridden probably means more than the actual miles and whether or not the miles were stop-and-go or highway can make a difference, but it sounds like babying or not using an electric vehicle enough could be just as bad on the batteries as using it too much.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-2009-ZERO-S-2009-ZERO-S-ELECTRIC-MOTORCYCLE-/270662627723?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3f04bff18b

FYI: Bike is in PA and I emailed Zero to see what a replacement battery pack would cost and will let you know when they answer!

2010-NOV-12  00:30 update: seller states reserve set at $4500 and battery pack costs about $4000...a new 2010 with warranty only cots $10,000!

Zero replied that the battery costs about $5500+shipping and shipping across the US would be $500-750 because the batteries are considered hazardous materials.  $6000 + sellers $4500 reserve would be $500 more than new!

[HighlanderMWC]

While those measures would indicate the load encountered by the batteries during use they don't necessarily indicate battery health...for that you'd need a long term comparison (assuming the use is relatively similar).

I don't know of any way to tell if my batteries were dying other than noticing a decrease in range on my commute (under consistent throttle usage), or at least significant decrease in the battery levels showing at points in my commute.

[mykb13]

I would think Brammo has already plotted the mileage range of a fully charged new battery over many different consistent loads, so they should have a range curve profile for a new battery.  The bike's computer would only need to determine the "average" usage load over a number of recent charge cycles and then it could determine that its battery is x% of a new battery.  I'm sure I'm simplifying this too much and a new battery range curve probably doesn't have the same shape/profile as a used battery range curve, but something would be better than nothing.  Trusting the owner of a used electric bike to not stretch the truth about their battery's current range would be like trusting an ICE owner telling you accurate mileage of a car with a broken odometer.

[1lesscar]

I saw the rr dashboard / screen, and it is not very impressive. C'mon, old style speedometer with a needle and hard to read numbers?

How about something more in line with a new E Sportbike. Full digital LED, like today's race bikes. And the LCD on the right looks cheap as well. Please don't let the Empulse use this design.

Even the cheap no name sport bikes look better than this. 

[booeyschewy]

I'd want a built in security system with tilt, shock, and start sensors.

[Shinysideup]

Here's my dozen...

1. ABS - optional
2. Belt drive - standard
3. Center Stand - optional
4. Hard side cases - optional
5. Luggage rack and top case - optional
6. Pillion seat - standard
7. Heated grips - optional
8. Emergency flashers - standard
9. Dual headlights - standard
10. Windscreen with manual adjustable height - optional
11. Very Cushy shock setup for city pothole riding - optional
12. 220V/110V Charging - standard

[Shinchan]

I would be happy if they just shipped the damn thing...

[protomech]

I would be happy if they just shipped the damn thing...

There are a handful of things I'd like to see changed. Probably will see them in a version 2.

Main thing I want is to be riding electric. Empulse is fast enough and has enough range. Ship it!

[05Sultan]

I would be happy if they just shipped the damn thing...

Right On!.........
But on the subject, if you have upright handle bars, the footpegs should be lower for better ergonomics. Older,bigger carcasses like mine would suffer even on short commutes.
Cafe style needs a fairing ala RR

[skuzzle]

To get the most bang for the buck I need to be able to ride this bike in Winter.  This means riding in the dark.  I have yet to ride a bike with a single headlight that I feel comfortable going over 45 MPH.  My Suzuki Vstrom has excellent dual lights.  So number one on my wish list is dual headlights.

Number two... I would like a horn that can be heard from a car with rolled up windows.

3) Place for a hard bag to carry work/exercise stuff.  Prefer a Givi rear top case.  (Not standard, just a place that Givi could install the top case plate.

4) optional ABS (for riding in winter on wet roads with nearby deer)

[Gavin]

Horn...god yes...on all models...I never use my horn on any of my scooters...all too weak to be heard...I have yet to find a ride with a usable standard horn for anything other than beeping to say hi to a friend walking by within 15 feet.

All bikes should come with a Stebel Nautilus standard...

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137

Gavin

[Shinysideup]

+2 for a real horn.

That's the first farkle I add on all my bikes: Stebel Nautilus. If there's not room for the rather large device under the tupperware, I mount it on the side of the right fork, so cars in the No. 2 lane can damwell stay there!

Plus, if you very quickly tap the horn button, it doesn't get blaster loud and is useful in the city for pedestrians and folks sitting at freshly green lights talking, texting, eating lunch, consulting their GPS,  picking assorted orifices, etc.

Bill
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"Everybody's got a plan, until they get hit." -- Mike Tyson

[2Slow4u]

I would like to get regenerative braking off the front tire. I know it wont happen in the first Empulse but I can wish right?

ABS I could do without. My current sport bike has around 170hp and 100ft-lbs of torque, the trick is to not drive like an idiot and you will live. Yes I have spun the rear end before, but thats part of riding.

I really want the full fairing kit, just don't like naked bikes that much.

An off board DC fast charger is on my wish list too.

Besides that, I would be happy with a production electric sport bike. The End.

[Shinysideup]

ABS I could do without. My current sport bike has around 170hp and 100ft-lbs of torque, the trick is to not drive like an idiot and you will live. Yes I have spun the rear end before, but thats part of riding.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're talking about traction control. I'm talking about minding my own business on the freeway in the rain when SUV A collides with UPS truck B and careens into my lane and I instinctively grab about 10 handfuls of brake lever. THEN I want ABS wizardry to save my bacon.

I have a German automotive engineer friend who worked on the team that developed ABS. He said it's under a very rare circumstance and with a very rare rider on board that a non-ABS bike or car can stop as fast as an ABS one.

I had a BMW R1200R that could stop in 100 feet at 60 mph. I believe only a certain Ferrari and maybe some other exotic car could beat that.

I'll take any edge I can get. Your stoppage may vary!

And agreed, I'll take a production Empulse RSN  (software industry acronym: Real Soon Now)

- Bill

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"Everybody's got a plan, until they get hit." -- Mike Tyson

[2Slow4u]

Two more wish list items that I love on my current bike.

On the dash, a gear indicator to tell you what gear your in and also an air temperature sensor.