More and more motorcycle manufacturers are exploring the realm of bikes powered by electricity. Does this mean that gasoline fuel powered motorcycles are headed for extinction? I think not. However it makes sense for them to look ahead to the future and to develop production models that use other power sources and to include them into their available inventory.
Electric motorcycles and scooters are actually cool and fun to ride, and there are actually some currently on sale in today’s two-wheeled marketplace. One of the latest is the 2016 Victory Empulse TT, which is essentially a modest reinterpretation from the Brammo line of electric motorcycles, which was recently acquired by Polaris, Victory’s parent company.
The styling of the Victory Empulse TT is an enhanced version of the Brammo bike, with new instrumentation, flashy paint and bodywork, and with 10 percent increase in battery capacity, using innovative “pouch” cells and improved packaging. Early Victory Empulse TT versions continue to be produced in the Brammo plant in Oregon. Future production is planned to be moved onto Victory soil.
It’s not likely that there will be a heavy electric cruiser model, but for now, Victory’s Empulse TT is out there for the consumer, ahead of any other major manufacturer, as Harley-Davidson has yet to officially announce plans for production of their Livewire electric concept bike. Empulse superbike examples are already winning accolades with participation in significant race programs.
The Victory Empulse TT is visually attractive, with a more comfortable seat than the old Brammo model. Other than these additions, riding the Empulse delivers a nearly similar experience to the Brammo. A narrower rear tire mounted on Victory produced wheels delivers a lighter, more neutral steering effort.
The power source of the Victory Empulse TT comes from an internal permanent magnet AC electric motor with Brammo lithium ion battery – 10,400 watt-hour capacity – 1-3.6 volts / 117.6 volts maximum, that makes 54 horses maximum with maximum torque rated at 61 pound feet. The motor’s motive force reaches the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox with a multi-plate and hydraulic activated wet clutch, with a chain final drive.
The six-speed transmission seems an unusual feature for an electric bike, as most others feature a single gear direct drive. Suspension components consist of adjustable 43 mm forks up front, and an adjustable direct acting shock in the rear. Braking is handled by a regenerative braking system, using dual 310mm Brembo floating discs with twin four-piston radial mount Brembo calipers forward, and a Brembo single disc with dual piston hydraulic Brembo brake caliper aft.
The Empulse TT rolls on Continental Conti Sport Attack II 120-70 ZR 17 58W rubber up front and a 160/60 ZR 17 69W tire mounted on 5-“Y”-Spoke black panted alloy wheels – 3.5” front / 4.5” rear.
The wheelbase measures 58-inches, with an overall length of 81.3-inches. Seat height is 31.5-inches and ground clearance is 7.3-inches. The Empulse TT tips the scale with a dry curb weight of 470 pounds.
The average range is estimated to be 50 miles with the added battery capacity. Time to fully recharge at 110 volts takes 7 to 8 hours. A 240-volt system or accessory charger reduces the time to full charge to roughly 3.5 hours.
My test 2016 Victory Empulse TT came with a $19,999 base sticker, while the as tested price was estimated at $20,34. to allow for dealer handling and prep charges that may vary. The bike was finished in bright red and silver with black accents.
Riding the Victory Empulse TT approximates straddling a rocket. It accelerates rapidly and is wicked fast, smooth and well balanced. It maneuvers easily and stops quickly.
There are no provisions for storage and no windscreen – this is an electric sportbike, folks. As already hinted at, the mechanics raise some big questions – eliminate the 6-speed transmission, which eliminates the clutch, incorporate a belt drive in place of the final chain, and the bike becomes lighter, quicker and quieter, not to mention easier and less complicated to ride. As it is, everything works fine, and it is only necessary to pull the clutch lever when shifting, but not for taking off from a standstill, making it possible to put the bike in third gear and leave it there.
With Polaris at the helm, the Victory Empulse TT and any other electric bikes that emerge from within the company should surely get better and more efficient, and perhaps even less expensive in the future, if the Indian is any indication.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy It,
- Lease It,
- Rent It,
- or Forget It,
The 2016 Victory Empulse TT gets a Buy It!
Is the Empulse for everyone? Probably not, but it would certainly represent an interesting addition to anyone’s bike stable.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2016 Victory Empulse TT
| Base Price: | $19,999 |
| Price as Tested: | $20,349 |
| Engine Type and Size: | Internal Permanent Magnet AC electric motor with Brammo power litihium ion battery – 10,400 watt-hour capacity – 1-3.6 volts / 117.6 volts maximum |
| Horsepower: | 54 hp |
| Torque: | 61 lb-ft |
| Transmission: | Six-speed gearbox with multi-plate and hydraulic activated wet clutch |
| Drive Train: | Final drive – Chain |
| Suspension, Front: | Adjustable 43m inverted forks |
| Suspension, Rear: | Adjustable direct-acting shock |
| Brakes, front: | Dual 310mm Brembo floating discs with twin 4-piston radial mount Brembo calipers |
| Brakes, rear: | Brembo single disc with dual piston hydraulic Brembo brake caliper |
| Tires: | Continental Conti Sport Attack II 120-70 ZR 17 58W up front / 160/60 ZR 17 69W mounted on 5-“Y”-Spoke black panted alloy wheels – 3.5” front / 4.5” rear |
| Wheelbase: | 58.0 inches |
| Length Overall: | 81.3 inches |
| Curb Weight dry: | 470 lbs |
| Ground clearance: | 7.3 inches |
| Fuel Capacity: | No fuel |
| Seat height: | 31.5 inches |
