International Dealer News IDN 117 Feb/Mar 2014 | Page 10

news ROOM Brammo launches "world's fastest serial production" electric motorcycle BRAMMO has launched what it claims to be the world’s fastest electric motorcycle in serial production with the introduction of the 2014 Empulse and Empulse R. The 2014 Empulse is an evolution of the 2013 model and retains a unique water-cooled motor, six-speed gearbox and integrated J1772 rapid charging. With a claimed top speed of 110mph and a 3kW onboard charger means the Brammo Empulse is the world’s fastest electric motorcycle in serial production, both riding and charging. Brian Wismann, Head of Product Development at Brammo, said: “The 2014 Empulse represents a huge effort by the engineering team at Brammo to further refine and reduce the platform’s weight for the bike’s second model year. We’ve ensured that the bike is ready for its European launch with additional testing and certifications required for the EU market. All the hard work will be worth it when the first customer in Europe twists the throttle and gets their first ’EV grin.’” Changes to the Empulse for 2014 include battery brackets that secure the Brammo Power 15/90 battery packs being redesigned and nickel plated. There is a redesigned LCD dash, which displays a wide range of riding metrics including: battery SOC (State-of-Charge), road speed, motor speed, odometer, energy use, gear position, battery status, estimated range, and system status. PARTS AND ACCESSORIES The 2014 Empulse has changed to a tapered aluminium handlebar with oversized clamp diameter, manufactured by Accossato in Italy specifically for the Empulse R, and there is a change of tyres to Continental SportAttack 2. Two new colours are being introduced, standard for the Empulse R and optional for the Empulse. In addition to True Blood Red and Eclipsed Black, customers can now select Maillot Jaune Yellow and Neodymium Silver Metallic, while the lower body panel now sports a white Brammo logo to make identification even easier. During 2014 the Empulse and Empulse R will become available in the United States, Canada, Europe (including the United Kingdom), and in Asia. BRAMMO EUROPA Burgkirchen, GERMANY Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.brammo.com Positive response to 2014 Motorcycle Trade Expo MOTORCYCLE Trade Expo, the UK’s trade-only motorcycle show, took place over 19-21 January at the NEC in Birmingham. Over the three days more than 3,000 visitors representing over 1,500 companies attended, putting visitor numbers up 20 percent on 2013. 10 Among the 181 exhibitors there was a strong show of European businesses and a marked rise in the number of electric bikes and Chinese bikes on display. The former was reinforced with an indoor test track, giving visitors a chance to try many of the new electric motorcycles coming to the market out for themselves. INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - FEB/MAR 2014 Among the selection of electric bikes was the Kuberg line of trial bikes from the Czech Republic, which has machines available for rides from age five upwards through to an adult trial bikes. Baotian was one of the Chinese manufacturers represented by UK distributor Clements Moto, which is offering a range of nine machines from the 50cc Apollo 10 through to the Citibike125. The importance of the UK market was demonstrated by the presence of European-based businesses including Parts Europe, Fehling, Paaschburg & Wunderlich and Segura Clothing. This is in addition to European businesses, such as Peugeot and Alpinestars, that were represented by the UK agents and distributors. www.motorcycle-expo.com