The upcoming Brammo Empulse R will top 100mph and be capable of exceeding 100 miles in range at city speeds, according to official specs just released by the company. Unveiled in concept form two years ago, we’re now seeing the slow release of details in the run up to the model’s May 8 production debut.
Let’s get those specs out of the way:
Drivetrain
Motor Type: Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) - Water Cooled
Motor Controller: Sevcon Gen 4
Peak Motor Power: 40kW, @ 8,200 rpm (54 hp)
Peak Torque: 63Nm (46.5 foot pounds)
Final Drive: Direct Chain Drive (14/48) 520 O-ring chain
Transmission: IET 6 speed gearbox with multi-plate, hydraulic activated wet clutch
Emissions: None
Battery
Battery Type: Brammo Power™ BPM15/90 Lithium-Ion ( NCM Chemistry)
Battery Pack Capacity: 9.31 kWh (nominal), 10.2 kWh (max)
Battery Pack Voltage: 103.6 V (nominal)
Recharge J1772
Level I maximum charging time: 8 Hours. (0 – 99% SOC, no cell imbalances)
Level II maximum charging time: 3.5 Hours. (0 – 99% SOC, no cell imbalances)
110V AC to J1772 Level 1 Adapter included
Every 10 minutes of Level II charging adds up to 5 miles of range
Battery Cycle Life: 1,500 cycles to 80% capacity (100% DOD)
Performance
Max Speed: 100 + mph (160 + km/h)
Driving Range: City: 121 miles* (195 km) / Highway: 56 miles** (90 km) / Combined: 77 miles*** (124 km)
*SAE City Riding Range Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles (variable speed, 19 mph / 30km/h average)
**SAE Highway / Constant Speed Riding Range Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles (70 mph / 113 km/h sustained)
*** SAE Highway Commuting Cycle (.5 City weighting, .5 Highway weighting)
Operating Modes
2 Operating Modes selectable through the handlebar switch:
1. "Normal" - limits acceleration by reducing maximum current delivered to the motor through the motor controller in order to maximize driving range.
2. "Sport" - provides maximum performance in both acceleration and top speed.
Regenerative Braking
Under deceleration, energy is returned to the battery system to both extend driving range and provide familiar rider feedback.
Operating Cost
Assuming 13 cents /kWh for electricity: 1 cent per mile around town / 2 cents per mile on the highway
Approximately 400 miles for every $4.00 of electricity (city)
Data Collection
Brammo DDC™ (Dynamic Data Collection) records key motorcycle parameters at 1Hz (1 sample/second) for analysis and service support.
Chassis
Frame: Brammo E-Beam™ Aluminum, Fabricated by Accossato in Italy
Suspension / Front: Fully Adjustable 43mm Marzocchi Forks
Suspension / Rear: Fully Adjustable Sachs Shock
Triple Clamps: Forged Aluminum
Swing Arm: Tubular Steel, Fabricated by Accossato in Italy
Sub Frame: Tubular Steel, Fabricated by Accossato in Italy
Brakes / Front: Dual 310mm Brembo floating disk with twin four piston Hydraulic Brembo Brake Calipers, Radial Mount.
Brakes / Rear: Brembo single disk with dual piston Hydraulic Brembo Brake Caliper
Wheels- Front / Rear: 17"x 3.5" Marchesini / 17" x 5.5" Marchesini
Tires- Front / Rear: 120/70-17 AVON AV79 / 180/55-17 AVON AV80
Instrumentation: LCD display; speed, tach, odometer, gear position, energy consumption, battery status, estimated range and system status.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 58.0" 147.32 cm
Seat Height: 31.5" 80.0 cm
Width: 31.8" (bar end-to-bar end) 80.77 cm
Height: 42.6" (highest portion of the dash) 108.2 cm
Length: 81.3" 206.5 cm
Ground Clearance: 7.3" 18.54 cm
Rake / Trail: 24 degrees / 3.8"
Storage Capacity : Optional Brammo hard saddle bags and top trunk.
Fuel Economy: 485 mpg-e 206 km/L-e
Vehicle Weight: 440lbs. / 200kg
Carrying Capacity/Cargo Capacity: 365 lbs. / 165.6 kg
(805 lbs. / 365.1 kg total combined motorcycle, rider, passenger and cargo)
Warranty
2 Years (Limited Factory Warranty) 1 year Fender-to-Fender Limited Warranty, 2 year Limited Powertrain Warranty (Batteries and Motor)
Colors
True Blood Red, Eclipsed Black, White Noise
"I know when I reveal the bikes on May 8th people are going to be blown away by the integrity of the design and the focused presence this motorcycle commands," states Brammo ceo Craig Bramscher. But, that production bike isn't going to be identical to the concept you see up top. Over the last two years, Brammo has tweaked the design based on public and professional feedback.
"When we first revealed the Empulse prototype, our customers had some very clear feedback for us and that feedback has inspired much of what you will see in the production version," continues Bramscher.
Aside from the promised performance and range, the most exciting thing on this spec sheet is the inclusion of a J1772 Level II on-board charging system. A complicated name for a device that simply enables the use of those high-speed municipal charging stations you're starting to see pop up in cities around the US. Using one, the Empulse R can be totally recharged in just 3.5 hours and every 10 minutes of charging nets 5 miles of city riding range.
The big question mark here remains price. The 9kWh Zero DS that I'm cruising around on right now retails for $14,000. With similar battery capacity and higher-spec components, common sense would suggest that the Empulse R will be more expensive. But, by leveraging the massive purchasing power and economies of scale brought by their new manufacturing partner, Flextronics, Brammo is hoping to price this, its most significant product yet, within the means of mere mortals. Two years ago, that target price was $13,995. On May 8th, we'll find out if that's changed.
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