Old rider, new Brammo Empulse owner

[Ashveratu]

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.

[Brammofan]

Hi Ash and welcome to the forum. Hope you like your Brammo more than your Zero. I suspect you will.

[roma258]

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]

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.

[protomech]

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.

[flar]

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?

[Richard230]

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.   

[Ashveratu]

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 

[roma258]

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 

Boom! Suck it Zero fanboys!! Ahem, I'm good, glad you're enjoying the bike

[Shinysideup]

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]

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.

[Shinysideup]

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.