Oh, didn't realize that I forgot to ask if I was in econo or sport mode when I left. Scott forgot to tell me about it. Is there a way to tell? I was able to go above 5k rpm so is that sport mode?
The display would have had a 'SPORT' on it in Sport mode. Both modes have the full rev range, but Sport has more power and reaches peak power earlier in the revs, among other differences. I would certainly hope the salesperson put it in Sport for a test ride.
Note that the demo bike I rode in SF was a pre-production model that apparently did not yet have the two different modes (and I believe was in perma-Sport, without saying so on the display?), so who knows.
I would be interested in comments from existing owners on what specifics led you to your purchase.
There are inevitably a myriad of strange reasons that probably set most of us here down the path that ended up at Empulse ownership. Speaking strictly for myself though, it basically boils down to:
- Sounds awesome
- Rides awesome
- Looks awesome
There's a whole host of additional bonuses,* like getting to support a fantastic crew of crazy Oregonian motorcycle nerds trying to do some great new things. Also green flashy KITT lights.
The ergos on the bike are pretty perfect for me though. I was kind of in the market for a naked middleweight sport bike anyway (Street Triple, 690 Duke, etc), and the Empulse just happened to magically appear. Honestly, if it had been released as the initial concept was (i.e. with the clip-ons and single seat) I probably would have endeavored to modify the bike to be . . . . exactly as it is now? I've put 2000 miles on the thing, and the only stuff I've changed has been softening the suspension and adjusting the brake lever inwards.
I probably will always keep a gas bike in the garage though, mainly for long trips. Actually, I have a 2006 Multistrada 620 serving that purpose currently. But as it is, my commute round-trip is about 30 miles -- and that means I get to gleefully rip to and from the office with an appalling lack of throttle restraint -- and I don't even need to charge at work!
I also did go into this being very much aware that this bike will probably be totally obsolete in two or three years. But haha I just cannot bring myself to care, mostly for the reasons listed above. Frankly it's probably a good thing it can only go 100mph; it decreases the likelihood of me crashing in spectacular fashion while trying to wring more glorious TIE fighter noise from the go tube.
*Other bonuses include but are not limited to:
-- Startling Leaf-driving yuppies at charging stations
-- Confusing your insurance company
-- Confusing your local DMV
-- Annoying your motorcycle friends by waving "look, no hand!" while clutchlessly rolling away from a stoplight
-- Having a weirder motorcycle than the next guy (yes, even that one guy with the MZ)
-- Startling pedestrians in crosswalks
-- Revving the whine-o-meter suggestively at girls in crosswalks
-- Secretly hoping to get pulled over for not having an exhaust
-- Listening to the Tron soundtrack while riding at night
-- Unleashing all the smugness of an electric vehicle multiplied by all the smugness of lanesplitting
-- Making even more fun of the 'loud pipes save lives' people
