Brammo Empulse - Jay Leno's Garage

Jay Leno has the Brammo Empulse electric motorcycle on his Jay Leno's Garage show. He starts off the video by describing the previous Brammo he tested and states that "Brammo is back with a real motorcycle this time".

He then proceeds to introduce Craig Bramscher the founder of Brammo. He talks to Jay about the Empulse R being the first production electric motorcycle. We find out that the motorcycle uses level 2 charging which is the same technology that Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf use and is now the standard.

The Brammo Empulse can go faster than 100 mph, listed as 105 mph (169 km/h) on its official page. Which excites Jay, he later states "the coolest thing... is a real transmission". Up until now transmission wasn't possible because of the high torque of electric motors. The Empulse R has a 6-speed transmission with 55 hp and 70 ft lbs of torque.

The Empulse's engine generates lots of heat and has the first liquid cooled power train. Craig proceeds to introduce us to the Empulse's chain drive, brammo brakes and its lithium batteries. Mr Bramscher goes on to state its starting price of $16,995 and 18,995 for the Empulse R.

Jay takes the Empulse out for a spin and states "it's a very odd sensation making no noise at all". He continues to ride the bike onto the freeway proclaiming the smoothness and quietness of the motorcycle. He suggests not braking as often because cruising to a stop can regenerate energy back into the batteries.

He finishes the test ride by telling a worried Craig Bramscher that the seat gives him a permanent wedgie position. Classic Jay Leno comedy. 🙂

Here is the 2013 model and its technical specifications: