Motorcycles

Brammo reveals pricing for Empulse electric motorcycles

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The Brammo Empulse will cost US$16,995 when it hits the road in June
Brammo Empulse - 100 mph (160 km/h) top speed and 100 mile (160 km) range
The Brammo Empulse is available in True Blood Red, Eclipsed Black, White Noise finishes
Brammo Empulse
Brammo Empulse
Brammo Empulse charges in 8 hours using a conventional outlet.
Brammo Empulse
Brammo Empulse - the cost of getting around town is just 1 cent per mile
Brammo Empulse - cargo capacity is specced at 365 lbs. / 165.6 kg
The Brammo Empulse has (just) enough seat room for a pillion passenger
Brammo Empulse
The Brammo Empulse will cost US$16,995 when it hits the road in June
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Brammo has revealed pricing and release details for its new Empulse and Empulse R electric motorcycles. Both models are specced at an impressive 100 mph (160 km/h) top speed and 100 mile (160 km) range.

Both Empulse models employ a 10.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, 6-speed gearbox, and a permanent magnet AC motor generating 40 kW (54 hp) @ 8,200 rpm and maximum torque of 63 Nm. This translates to a 100 mph (160 km/h) top speed and 100 mile (160 km) range, or more specifically, an estimated city range of 121 miles (195 km) and an estimated highway range of 56 miles (90 km). Charging time is 8 hours, although a fast charging option will reduce this to 3.5 hours and Brammo estimates that (based on 13 cents / kWh for electricity) the cost of getting around town is just one cent per mile while highway jaunt will cost you two cents per mile.

While the 2012 Zero S matches the Empulse in range terms it maxes out at a top speed of 88 mph (142 km/h), meaning that the combination of range and speed figures quoted by Empulse are, to the best of our knowledge, unprecedented in a production electric motorcycle.

The difference in the two Empulse models is largely in the bodywork. The Empulse has semi adjustable front and rear suspension and its body work is all plastic, while the Empulse R features a carbon fiber headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

Brammo Empulse - cargo capacity is specced at 365 lbs. / 165.6 kg

Pricing for the Empulse has been set at US$16,995 while the Empulse R will cost $18,995. Brammo has stated that production for the Empulse R will take place first with "limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012." The Empulse is expected to arrive in early 2013.

So is this an attractive proposition for those looking to make the switch to zero local emissions two-wheeled transport? We think so, but we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Source: Brammo

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19 comments
robinyatesuk2003
they are getting there but a bike costing this much needs to be faster in my opinion
Facebook User
It looks great but would only be good around town. I don't know why they even bother telling you what the highway range is - if I wanted to hit the highway on that, I'd need to travel 30+ km just to get out of the city, so I'd already be getting nervous as to whether I'll make it home again or not! Range and charge time is very limiting. But yes - great if you want to zip around town.
mrhuckfin
I agree a cool city only bike and still to expensive, but it looks good and the speed isn't to bad for the power.
Mzungu_Mkubwa
Style points: they're ever-so-slowly creeping away from the super-moto styling that they (for some inexplicable reason) have latched on to with e-bikes. This one's not bad, with a streetfighter/standard kind of look to it... but what's with the huge gap for rear wheel clearance? Does it really need long-travel suspension back there? Like it's gonna have to land the mega-triple-jump at the local SuperCross stadium, or something?! Time to grow up and move on, Brammo.
bf_308
Great for the Planet and great for the pocket when the price comes down to something affordable. Except for one thing: DEADLY quiet. Loud pipes save lives even though they are sometimes a bit anti-social. I will stay with Screaming Eagle thanks!
Rudy
To MzunguMkubwa point: If your electric bikes are not really meant for speed (like your typical 'bullet bikes') then why don't you make/change your bike style/model to one more like a typical 'Cruiser' model??? (ex. Harley Davidson, Yamaha V-Star, Suzuki Blvd, etc)
Victoria Watson
a locally owned company Yes
Robert Andrews
To bf_308: Screaming Eagle IS Harley-Davidson. But as a 45-year Harley rider, I can tell you that the "loud pipes saves lives" mantra is an illusion. 80% of the noise from any set of pipes is directed backwards. You hear a lot more after the bike goes by, not when it's coming at you. I always have loud pipes, but people still don't hear me coming. A cage (car) with windows up may have a radio on and/or AC or are just unaware. I've also driven a Honda or BMW (both very quiet) and saw little difference in awareness of drivers in front of me. So I look forward to trying a Brammo. If the silence is a problem, I'll replace the horn with something as loud as an air horn. But I don't think I'll need it.
Slowburn
At what speed do you get a 100 mile range, and what is the range if I go 100 mph?
Slowburn
re; Robert Andrews
It is the people behind you you most need to be aware of you because they are the ones you are least aware of.