Welcome back, Empulse!
Victory introduced the 2016 Empulse TT, a slightly improved and rebadged version of the 2014 Brammo Empulse R.
When Victory’s parent company Polaris acquired Brammo a few months ago, we have to admit that we were a little skeptical about the future of the Empulse. We are glad that our fears were unfunded, and kudos to Polaris for respecting its promises.
The $19,999 Victory Empulse TT is basically a Brammo Empulse R with a bigger battery (10.4 kWh), a narrower rear tire and some cosmetic changes. The first bikes should be available in the fall of this year, and should bring some competition to the “affordable” class of electric motorcycles, where Zero has a monopoly right now. The Energica Evo, coming to the US in the next few months, and the Lightning LS-218 are out of reach for most people, at over $35,000.
On paper, the Empulse TT is much more expensive than the Zero SR or S. The new Victory with its 6-speed transmission seems more destined to people who like to take their electric motorcycle to the track, which has been confirmed by the first testers. But the lack of ABS braking is surprising.
| Victory Empulse | Zero SR 12.5 | Zero S 9.4 | |
| Power | 54 hp @ 4,500 rpm | 67 hp (50 kW) @ 4,000 rpm | 54 hp @ 4,300 |
| Torque | 61 lb-ft | 106 lb-ft | 68 lb-ft |
| Max speed | 100+ mph | 102 mph | 95 mph |
| Transmission | Hydrolic activated wet clutch, 6 speed, chain | Clutchless, direct drive (belt) | Clutchless, direct drive (belt) |
| Battery | lithium-ion 10.4 kWh | lithium-ion 12.5 kWh | lithium-ion 9.4 kWh |
| Range | 140 miles | 151 miles city, 94 miles at 55 mph) | 113 miles city, 70 miles at 55 mph |
| Suspension | n/a | Showa | Showa |
| Brakes | Brembo | Bosch ABS | Bosch ABS |
| Weight | 470 lb. | 414 ls. | 376 lb. |
| Tires | Continental | Pirelli | Pirelli |
| Price | $19,999 | $15,995 | $11,995 |
Anyways, it is great to have another American electric motorcycle manufacturer, especially one with access to the deep pockets of the Polaris group. We can’t wait to see the electric Victory range grow, and we are thinking about that Victory Charger electric cruiser…
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1. I wonder what is the point of using HorsePower as a unit in electric mobility. Killowatts are much more relevant.
2. The TT being so portly, why not compare with the Power-Pack variety of the Zero SR which is closer in weight, closer in price, but packs 15.3 KwH
Zero SR 12.4 is $4,000 cheaper? Would be an easy choice for me…
Is a 6 gear transmission really necessary on an electric bike?
Yes and no. For a road bike, not necessary. For a track bike, it helps. Look at the Formula E electric race cars, they have a 5-speed gear box, yet their top speed is limited at 225 km/h.