It takes a committed electric motorcycle enthusiast to dedicate $19,000-- more than the cost of a Ducati 1199 Panigale-- towards a brand new Brammo Empulse R.
What you get for nearly twenty Gs-- a six-speed transmission, Brembo brakes, Marzocchi forks-- is remarkable within the extremely limited market of mainstream electric rides. But more crucially, does this high-end 'scoot live up to its claimed range of 121 miles in the city, or 56 miles on the highway?
I put this newest player in the electric game to the test, and share my thoughts in this 2013 Brammo Empulse R Review.
Related:
- BMW c Evolution Electric Scooter Review: Coming Soon to a Future Near You
- 2013 Zero Electric Motorcycles Claim 137 Mile Range, Double the Horsepower, Super Quick Charges
- What's it Like to Live with an Electric Motorcycle?
- How a Buell Veteran Landed in the Electric Motorcycle Business
- Photo Gallery: Brammo Empulse Electric Motorcycle
- 2011 Zero S Review: The Electric Motorcycle Grows Up... Sorta
- Brammo's Empulse: 100+ MPH, 121 City Mile Range, $17,000 (!)
Photo © Basem Wasef
$20,000 !
60 miles range
These people are on something…maybe the L.I. is leeching through their skin and they’re suffering from chemical induced dillusions of grandeur.
Speaking of costs more than a Panigale…
How to spend obscene amounts of money frivously and have a REALLY good time? See next posting re Ducati school taught by ‘Ole 9 fingers’…
Pete is right on, can’t see any of these Electrics selling until they can make one that can go 250+ miles on a charge and cut the charge time to under 30mins (if that is even possible). They just don’t fit in with most people’s life styles, especially at almost $20k.
I look at this tech as stepping stones, They have to start somewhere. I bet it’s fun to ride. It’s not ready to compete 1 to 1 with ICE bikes but they are getting close. My first bike was a 883 with a peanut tank would carry me 80 miles then reserve, much to irritation of my friends. Anyway, I wouldn’t nay say this bike for what it is, although expensive. Just enjoy the fact that someone dares to dream. Rapid charging will make these bikes more user friendly.
Nice components and a gear box.
We still need a breakthrough in battery technology.
Basem…and all the regulars….Joe, Scottie, et al –
MERRY CHRISTMAS Guys!
Merry X mas to you too Pete!
Rich rider toy for now.
The technology is evolving and eventually we will have an electric motorcycle that is affordable and can go the distance. Look how far Brammo has come. I test rode one of their bike about 4 years ago and it was not even close to this one in style or performance. I’d bet this one is a hoot to ride.