Empulse Itch in San Francisco

[Shinysideup]

Hi everybody - I just got a check for my wrecked BMW R1200R (illegal turning tourist totaled the bike) and I'm looking to replace my interim TMax (which I really like in the city and not bad on the freeway, either).

So, having gotten used to not shifting, I've been checking out machines like the Aprila Mana and the Honda Integra online. Then I stumbled into Brammo.

As a builder of an electric bicycle with a true 80 mile range, the idea of an electric motorcycle has always appealed, but I'm not willing to give up freeway speed and decent range, so the Empulse 10.0 has really given me a big itch. I've got lots of questions which I'll post under other topics.

Glad to be here!

Bill

[Richard230]

Welcome Bill. Keep holding your breath until the Empulse arrives sometime next year (we all hope). That is what I have been doing for well over a year now. 

I saw the previous prototype of the Empulse earlier this year at Scuderia West as they were being signed up by Brammo as one of their first motorcycle dealers. You will have to get used to shifting again, as the Empulse 10.0 (which I have on order) is being redesigned with a 6-speed transmission so it will have better acceleration and possibly better overall performance.  You are not the only one who would have been happy to own the single-speed model. Apparently no chance of that anymore. If you want a "claimed" 80 mile range and no shifting you will have to look at the Enertia Plus.

Sorry to hear about your accident. I have a 2007 R1200R and so far it doesn't have a scratch on it. But then I never drive it into San Francisco. 

[Shinysideup]

Yeah, I read about the transmission being added. But, hey, we can dream of a computerized, mappable, auto-shifting option!

As DCT's have taken over auto racing, I think it's only a matter of time when they start winning on the moto circuits and then every kid will want one and shifting with your left foot will be old school, and THEN, I'll be happy in my daily commute.

[protomech]

Howdy ShinySide.

I'll echo what Richard230 says about the transmission. The electric motor would be perfectly happy if you stuck the transmission in an intermediate gear and never touched the shifter again; you'd just miss out on the higher acceleration and top speed that the transmission offers. Could be a transmission durability concern.

We should hopefully find out more information from EICMA next month.

The Enertia Plus has a direct drive transmission, but it probably will not be usable at freeway speeds. The older model Enertia had a top speed of around 60 mph, and the Enertia Plus is basically the same bike with a better battery.

Again, hopefully we will find out concrete information next month.

Edit: Also, if you like the Empulse you may want to put yourself on the preorder list. There's no commitment on the preorder, but bikes will be delivered in preorder .. order. Brammo says they have 1800 preorders now, some of those will back out but the earlier the spot you have on the list the better.

[Shinysideup]

Actually, Protomech, I had considered the possibility of not shifting and now that you confirmed it as viable, it sounds attractive.

While I love shifting an ICE bike, I really don't like pulling in a heavy clutch lever all day long in San Francisco where there's a stop sign or traffic light at just about every intersection.

So... during my work day, I could just leave the bike in 2nd or 3rd and run all of 30 mph between each intersection, downshifting for the famous steep hills. That could work really well.

Then on my commute home (12 miles) I can shift normally as I split lanes on the freeway.

Just maybe it's the best of both worlds!

[Gavin]

The TMax is a great scooter...I thought of getting one, but they didn't come to the states till after I bought my MP3-500.

The T Max should run the highway fine...they have a top speed right around a ton...or 100 mph....

Plenty fast for a scooter and you have storage too..and they are fun to ride...

Gavin


And welcome to the forum

[Gavin]

We should hopefully find out more information from EICMA next month.

The Enertia Plus has a direct drive transmission, but it probably will not be usable at freeway speeds. The older model Enertia had a top speed of around 60 mph, and the Enertia Plus is basically the same bike with a better battery.

Again, hopefully we will find out concrete information next month.

Well since we are on the topic of wanting it all...I still would love a Plus that goes 70 plus mph AND sits two (maybe not 70 plus with two people...)

I understand that going fast will decrease my range...I understand riding two up will decrease my range...but that is why I want the Plus...the standard Enertia range fits my needs for daily commuting fine...I want the plus so  the weekends I can ride farther...so at night I could take the wife for a ride...so I could hit the freeway for a bit...etc etc...

Now I'm still getting a Plus no matter what...but sitting two would be nice...highway riding would be nice...

Will I be riding alone at city speeds 90% of the time? Yep. But it would be nice to have options...if not this time around, well with Enertia 3.0.

As for the top speed...if the Zero DS really does have a 70plus top speed as reviewed here...well Brammo might want to match that with the Enertia models.

As you said, hopefully more info at EICMA...but I am very happy with the news coming so far this month.
Can't wait to see next month info...after all the Enertia Plus delay can't just be about Polaris getting in bed with Brammo...there has to be some other issues involved...


Gavin

[Deadly Silent Ninja]

after all the Enertia Plus delay can't just be about Polaris getting in bed with Brammo...there has to be some other issues involved...

I am really hoping the delay was caused by a larger range of options Brammo is developing for both the Plus and the Empulse. Polaris is the king of light optional accessories (especially for the electric cars) and Brammo would be missing an opportunity not to add a few great extras (and make some extra$$) if it can be done in few months. I imagine that some of them can even be made by Polaris with very simple modifications of some of the stuff they already have.

Actually, for the first time since I took my name out of the waiting list, I am beginning to regret it... I can feel the disturbance in the force... it's coming.