Time for some updates on my Empulse E1 experience:
The ride is awesome, better than expected and closer to the 2013 R version I tested once so the less adjustable suspension is certainly not under engineered. The chassis is rock solid, and takes the many Dutch speed bumps well.
Riding to work is more fun than ever before and range anxiety is a thing of the past. Charging is really fast compared to my previous ride too so I can really use the Empulse a lot more!
Maybe a strange observation for some but important for me is that lane splitting is super with the Empulse because it is so narrow and quick. The mirrors are narrow too which means I need to make an effort to look behind me.
The brakes still need getting used to because they are WAY stronger than my previous ride and in surprise situations I had my private parts hitting the tank already
. Good thing it is not winter time because on slippery roads I would probably have gone down once already.
Only real disadvantages of the bike are due to its charging habits (lights on and loud fans). I am hoping a firmware update can help with this...
Shortly after I took the below picture my odo reached 1000km!
Entering Sport mode
The Dutch importer is now selling the correct gearbox oil and I immediately ordered some because I spent last Saturday riding around to find 10W30 synthetic oil and nowhere could they sell me a bottle! Amsoil is not sold in the Netherlands by the way, and probably not in most parts of Europe either.
So be warned and order timely online!
I also adjusted the chain because it was a bit loose and hitting the swingarm where it pivots.
In the morning I usually get the cold battery warning because my bike is parked outside and it is around 12 Celsius at night. I expected it to only do that below freezing but apparently the cells need to stay nice and warm.
Now all I need is for the Netherlands to win the world cup and life will be perfect
