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Brammo Empulse Spotted “Testing” Six-Speed Gearbox

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Teased, delayed, and dismayed, fans of the Empulse should be able finally to get their hands on the Brammo Empulse in 2012, as the Oregonian company has been busy finalizing the Empulse’s design and technical specifications for its street bike release. Rumored to incorporate the six-speed SMRE-designed integrated electric transmission (IET) found on the Brammo Engage and Brammo Encite, a video has cropped-up that shows a test mule Brammo Empulse with the IET gearbox fitted to it. Naturally one of the testing requirements is a fat parking lot burnout.

Though there has been no confirmation of a release date, the 2012 Brammo Empulse is expected to get a visual makeover for its consumer debut, in addition to the six-speed gearbox. With the progression of electric drivetrain technologies, we also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Empulse’s technical specifications to get adjusted as well. With Polaris’ investment in Brammo (one of our Top 11 events of 2011), it will be interesting to see where the Brammo Empulse becomes available for purchase.

The American OEM’s involvement with Brammo is surely bringing a bevy of resources to the electric motorcycle startup, most notably Polaris’ experience with supply and support chains, customer & dealer financing, and an established nationwide dealership network…oh and the cash-money too, of course. The question of the day though is whether the Brammo Empulse has been in the market’s eye too long to attract buyers, or if the addition of the IET and revamped design will be enough to freshen and excite the street bike for motorcycle enthusiasts’ interests.

2011 Brammo Empulse RR at Infineon:

Source: Brammo Forums via TTXGP Matters
Photos: © 2011 Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber – Creative Commons – Attribution 3.0

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