Brammo Unveils Anticipated Empulse Models With Serious Fanfare, Sticker Shock

Brammo Unveils Anticipated Empulse Models With Serious Fanfare, Sticker Shock

Judging by the scale of the party they threw in Hollywood last night-- red carpet, live performers, freeflowing drinks and bikini-clad Brammo Girls roaming throughout-- you might've guessed that electric bike upstart Brammo had automotive levels of funding. But at least they worked with carbonfund.org to make the event carbon-neutral.

We couldn't tell you how much cash is flowing in and out of the Ashland, Oregon-based outfit, but here's what Brammo revealed about their anticipated Empulse model: powered by a whopping 9.31 kWh battery yielding 54 horsepower, this two-seat motorcycle is capable of exceeding 100 mph. More crucially, its water-cooled permanent magnet AC motor works in conjunction with regenerative braking to achieve 121 miles of range in the city and 56 miles on the highway, for a combined SAE estimated range of 77 miles. Unlike competitors like Zero Motorcycles who use direct drive, the Empulse incorporates a 6-speed gearbox with a multi-plate, hydraulic clutch. 

But perhaps even more crucial than those impressive range figures is the price: $ 16,995, or $ 18,995 for the carbon-clad "R" model. We'd like to personally challenge the concept of this two-wheeled Tesla Roadster equivalent being worth the price of the spectacular, internal combustion Ducati 1199 Panigale, but we'll reserve final judgment until we can actually swing a leg over an Empulse.

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