Brammo Empulse revealed! Pictures, prices, and production plan [w/video]

Brammo Empulse revealed! Pictures, prices, and production plan [w/video]:
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA




Last night, after nearly two years of waiting, the wraps finally came off the Brammo Empulse and Empulse R electric sport bikes. And, wow! Although it's received many refinements, there is still a strong similarity between the final design and the prototype, with lots of sexy to be seen in the naked streetfighter.



Since we've already seen the specs, the first question everyone wants to know is, "How much?" A lot. $18,995 for the Empulse R and $16,995 for the Empulse, to be exact. For that two grand difference you get fully adjustable suspension instead of semi-adjustable, along with carbon fiber construction of fenders and other body panel bits instead of plastic. You also get to take delivery this year.



Initial orders for the R will start dribbling out in June, with the production floodgates opening in July. The wait for the more affordable machine is expected to last until January 2013. Brammo is bullish on the numbers it will eventually ship. Speaking with CNN, CEO Craig Bramscher says he expects to sell upwards of 60,000 units across the entire product line and become a billion-dollar company within a few years. Hey, you gotta have goals.



Back to that price tag. It's steep, no doubt about it, but we think with good reason. Besides the big 10.2 kWh battery pack and breakthrough six-speed gearbox, your hard-earned cash is buying you top-notch components in places that count. That means Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels wrapped in Avon 3D Ultra Sport rubber, Marzocchi forks up front and a Sachs shock out back. Not at all shabby, and since quality in these parts can save your life, you can consider them a worthy investment.



Check out the gallery above to get a close up look at all the sexy bits. Hit the jump to see Brammo's director of product development Brian Wisman go over the bikes features and demonstrate it in action for the LA Times along with the official press release.
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Brammo Empulse revealed! Pictures, prices, and production plan [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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