Common engineering wisdom says that one of the advantages of the electric motor is that it makes torque over a wide range of engine speeds, beginning at one rpm, thus a transmission is not necessary. But many an engineering convention has floundered at the hands of the motorcycle designer. Brammo has abandoned the “No-need-for-a-transmission” mantra in the Empulse and Empulse R streetbikes that were introduced at a trendy Hollywood nightclub last night. The Empulse will feature an integrated electric transmission that incorporates a six-speed gearbox and traditional wet clutch developed by S.M.R.E Engineering of Italy. Developed to withstand the torque of an electric engine, the transmission has straight-cut gears and is more akin to a full-on racing gearbox than a typical street motorcycle transmission, says Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development for Brammo. While maximum torque for an electric motor is developed just off idle, that is not where the motor functions best, Wismann says. As with other engines, there is an rpm range where the engine functions best and for the Empulse’s 40 Kw (54 bhp) motor, that range is between about 7000 and 8500 rpm. Incorporating a transmission into the powertrain creates a motorcycle that can fully use the significant torque of an electric motor and still generate relaxed cruising engine speeds and triple-digit top speeds, Wismann says. In addition, Wismann noted that for experienced riders, the clutch is more than just a means of getting the bike moving from a standstill. In a competitive or sporting context, the clutch is used to modulate engine braking and help complete a cornering maneuver. Without the clutch and transmission, Wismann says, engineers are forced to seek a compromise with a direct drive system, and leave the experienced rider without a tool needed to extract all of the performance available from the bike. It is reflective of the feedback that Brammo received from its customers about the motorcycles already in production, Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher told the assembled audience. “They didn’t want a better electric motorcycle,” Bramscher said. “They wanted a better motorcycle that happened to be electric.” The Empulse also features upgraded, more advance batteries and a charging system that can take advantage of the Level II charging stations popping up to support the fully electric cars the Chevrolet Volt, the Nissan Leaf that have hit the market. As Bramscher says, a trickle charger for a car turns out to be a high-speed charger for the Empulse; the company says the batteries can be charged fully in 3.5 hours. The R model differs from the base Empulse with upgraded (fully adjustable) Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock, as well as carbon-fiber bodywork and other components. Otherwise, the models are similar, with dual-mode power delivery Normal and Sport and regenerative braking, which transforms the energy dissipated while slowing back into battery charge. The claimed wet weight (get it?) is 470 pounds. Brembo radial-mount calipers operate on twin 310mm discs up front, while a single Brembo disc handles rear braking duties. The base model will retail for $16,995 and will be available in 2013. The Empulse R will start delivery in June and will retail for $18,995. More, from a press release issued by Brammo: BRAMMO UNVEILS GROUND-BREAKING ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES EMPULSE AND EMPULSE R Ashland, OR Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, today revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the stunning new design. At this unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo has demonstrated to consumers and motorcycle insiders alike the advancements in electric motorcycling and is providing a glimpse of what is to come in the future. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100-mile range and 100-mph top speed as well as a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a great zero-emission experience. At the launch party, Brammo announced the Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively with financing available from Sheffield Financial. Through this financing, customers will be able to purchase the new Empulse and Empulse R from Brammo dealers as follows: Empulse: 8.9% for 72 months at $303, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $334 and 3.9% for 36 months at $499 Empulse R: 8.9% for 72 months at $339, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $373 and 3.9% for 36 months at $558 Availability of each model will vary based on demand for the Empulse and Empulse R. Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013. Research conducted by Brammo with both customers and dealers has driven the development of the Empulse and Empulse R. As a result, these motorcycles now come with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET ™ six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. To ensure the highest quality performance and design, Brammo works with internationally renowned manufacturers for superior components of their motorcycles. This close attention to the supply chain ensures the durability, reliability and ultimately future resale value of Brammo products. “It was important to Brammo to create a great motorcycle and we paid attention to customer feedback to create just that,” said Craig Bramsher CEO and president of Brammo. “From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected.” The two models vary as follows: The Empulse body work is all plastic has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension. The Empulse R uses carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing. Brammo promised that of the first 1000 people who pre ordered an Empulse, one would be selected at random to receive their motorcycle free of charge. Last week from the first 1000 orders six finalists were selected. At the event, Craig Bramscher rolled a dice and Jueiming Chen was the lucky winner. True to Brammo’s devotion to zero tailpipe-emission transportation, the Empulse launch event was carbon-neutral. Brammo has worked with Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse emissions generated by transportation, electricity use, and other resource-intensive activities associated with this event. In additional efforts to reduce travel and carbon intensity of the event, Brammo will stream the launch event live to tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, who will be able to experience the launch party across the nation and afar in Asia and in Europe . About Brammo Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the Enertia, Empulse and Engage motorcycles. Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia. To learn more, visit www.brammo.com The following are trademarks of Brammo, Inc. in the United States or other countries or both; Brammo®, Enertia®, Empulse®, Engage®, Encite®, Brammo Digital Drivetrain®, Brammo Power®, the Brammo logo and bulls head graphical device.