| Author | Message | ||
     Electraglider_1997 |
100 mph and 100+ miles per charge. I'd love to have that bike if I could pick the money off my tree. http://www.gizmag.com/brammo-empulse-electric-moto rcycle/15717/ | ||
| Jphish |
Yeah, pretty cool (or hot) Now for something that you can sit upright on...and I'd be interested. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I wonder without a clutch how easy it is to control an electric bike during slow speed maneuvers like U-turns. I always use clutch, throttle and rear brake to do real tight u-turns easily. Maybe if the controller works spot-on then you could use just rear brake and throttle (rheostat?). Anyway, if you read the entire article, you come away with the impression that electric bikes are going to rule the roost faster than most would believe. I'm all for it. Maybe my next bike will be electric. I mean, if you know your ride is going to be well within the battery limit or you can charge it at your destination then it would be an ideal bike to own for most trips. | ||
| Dmmblaze |
As little as 7 grand for the top spec new bike in some states after fed and state incentives? Sounds awesome. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I know there are going to be a fair amount of naysayers and that is to be expected. I remember not to long ago, no more than 12 years probably, Harley riders were complaining about the advent of fuel injection. They didn't think they'd be able to hot rod their bikes anymore. I'm sure that debate has been put to rest. Now it will be electric vs ice. It'll take some time but electric is most certainly going to prevail. Clean, quiet, and simple and way cheaper to operate than gas powered. Did I mention smooth and no oil changes. Electric vehicles is one way to deprive the middle east of a whole lot of revenue. (Message edited by electraglider_1997 on July 15, 2010) | ||
| Metaldude |
I read a great article this morning in Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly about the electric Isle of Man TT races. Very exciting about the amount of power these bikes have. It mentioned that one disconcerting change is the lack of engine braking off throttle. Especially for those of us used to a 1000+ cc's. However, I read in a different article about electric car racing that some manufacturers are adding simulated engine breaking as well as simulated shifting and clutching in order to make the transition easier. I also read that some European countries may require simulated noise as a pedestrian safety issue. Of course you can pick your favorite mp3 engine noise! | ||
| Od_cleaver |
Less than two hours of fun and that last 60 seconds had better be in your driveway or you will need a fossil fuel drinking PU to retrieve your toy. I wonder if those last 10 miles of charge are at 60mph or 10mph? Cheaper to operate? Only until the politicians find out that there is no highway fuel tax on your electrical outlet. How many charge/recharge cycles do you get on that battery? Note too that charge capacity will go down as the number of charge/recharge cycles go up. What is the disposal/replacement costs for the old/new battery? I guess that I should change my handle to: "Naysayer #1" | ||
| Dr_greg |
Not to be "Naysayer #2," but I keep wondering---once we're all using electric vehicles---where all the new electricity will be coming from? Wind and solar, eh? As a mechanical engineer who knows a tiny bit about how much energy it takes to move a vehicle, I'm skeptical. I always favored nuclear, but I understand the drawbacks. Still, electric motors deliver peak torque at zero speed; that's gotta be fun! --Doc P.S. Mrs. Greg keeps reminding me how evil and dirty batteries are... | ||
| Od_cleaver |
I re-read Metaldude's post. It looks like my Harley friends were right. Loud pipes do save lives. Per Metaldude: "I also read that some European countries may require simulated noise as a pedestrian safety issue." | ||
| Ejc |
Pedestrians may actually have to look both ways before crossing. | ||
| 7873jake |
Or they may actually have to look up from their phone long enough to not get smoked like cheap dope in a crosswalk!  | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
I don't know about the electric vs. gas but it sure looks like a fun bike! | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I really am looking forward to that day that I sign a check for an all electric motorcycle. Sure would be nice to be able to demo this Brammo Empulse bike. Rather see it with a belt instead of the chain. For sure you would need to buy towing insurance for peace of mind. No worries about fuel pumps, oil level, primary chain. New set of worries though but not as many I imagine. I'll bet that thing weighs about 1/2 of what we are used to with the ULY, and the ULY isn't bad compared to my Harley. I'll bet they come up with a Moore's Law type thing for batteries. Every two years the battery power density will double. That would mean that in 2 years someone will have a bike that goes 200 miles on a charge. Then 400 miles per charge 2 years later. I don't need a bike that does more than 100 mph but the further it can go the better. As for electrical generation, I believe we will be seeing more and more nuclear power plants. We have one about 20 miles away and no one thinks twice about it. Maybe fusion will finally be viable. | ||
| Sirvait |
Cheaper to operate? Only until the politicians find out that there is no highway fuel tax on your electrical outlet. This is what cap & trade is really all about. I think they'd make great commute bikes. I keep seeing more and more electric bike articles. I'll stay with I.C. for my touring needs for now. | ||
| Ourdee |
I would rather not have a belt or chain. Put the motor in the hub. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
If the range could be increased or the charge time decreased, this could REALLY be a great option. The fewer the moving parts, the less expensive to operate and maintain. The trick is going to be the infrastructure. Run for 250 miles with a 1 hour charge session would work great. | ||
| Jphish |
Nothing starts out perfected & i applaud Brammo's efforts. Electric bikes are in their infancy & suspect 5 years from now they will have started to make their mark. I would certainly consider one that aint in a "lay on the tank" sports bike configuration. Batteries are recyclable & fossil fuels...well, its just a matter of time. I didnt see any electric bikes in the 'Mad Max' movie though. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The real cool feature is that as batteries and motors become more advanced/efficient/powerful, upgrades can be configured to fit within the existing framework. Imagine being able to buy a tuber and upgrading to an 1125 without having to change you seat, handlebars, tires, wheels, shocks, forks, etc. In fact, the same base components could be reconfigured to provide for swapping from standard to track bike. A completely modular motorcycle system. Imagine how much of a bike's design is built around the engine. Exhaust, mounting points, frame, cooling system, etc. An electric bike doesn't have these issues. The pricing model looks fantastic! If they can continue to improve the performance features, they have a winner. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Looks like the specs are: 55HP 59lb-ft | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
It will be up to the public to vote yes to electric bikes with their pocket books. | ||
| Windrider |
Electric motorcycles are the future for commuting riders. It looks like they are to the point of usability at last. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Abe went to Zero Motorcycles. He's no dummy. I don't see someone of his talent moving to a dead end company/job. The charge times are going to be critical. Unless the range is REALLY long (500 miles), the charge time must be shorter. A one hour charge break for every 250 miles would work. Quick swap batteries are also a must. A one hour charge time with battery swap would allow for track day options. One set charging while the other is being used. Higher output for shorter periods of time. Shorter ranges. | ||
| Paul56 |
NO THROTTLE BODY!! | ||
| Metaldude |
+1 Paul.. I think that's my big draw to these bikes. Such a fantastically less amount of parts to break!! | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
It is just a matter of time. All the issues brought up by you guys can be taken care of. Oil companies want us to think of ICEngines as a sacred cow because oil is their baby but that's just too darned bad. Electric bike and car development is the future and right now. Most of this stuff seems to happen in California. I'm a long way from there. | ||
| F_skinner |
I have seriously been considering an Electric Bike like a Zero. I remember a time when everyone that had a cell phone also had a land-line... These days many people (like me) do not have a land-line, only cell... I agree with EG1997 on this. Do not get me wrong, I like internal combustion motors but this has me thinking. I can ride it too work and charge it when I get home... Easy enough to do. My gas powered Buells will be for other than work trips. Tax break, gas break etc... I see no disadvantages... | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I've never had a cell phone because I hate how I see them used, as if people need to be that connected and constantly. My son and I have been interested in Zero bikes for some time. I wonder how they are going to respond to this Brammo Empulse. It for sure raises the bar very high for all electric bike makers. Should make for some interesting competition. Harley, Honda, etc. had better be paying close attention because in the next 10 years I see electric bikes becoming the norm and not just a far flung fantasy and niche mode of transport. | ||
| Jphish |
Plus... electric motor torque is almost instantanious. Gonna need seatbelts & neck braces on those things. | ||
| F_skinner |
"I wonder how they are going to respond to this Brammo Empulse. It for sure raises the bar very high for all electric bike makers. Should make for some interesting competition." Agreed, this should get pretty good. I think the range is just going to increase as the technology is developed... I want one.. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I commuted on a KLR-250 (17 RWHP) and had a great time. I'd love a rechargeable commuter. That brammo is too small and uncomfortable for me though... I need the KLR-650 version of it. But they are probably forcing the "racer" position to keep range up. |
