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APRIL 2012 -
SEXY X2
MAGAZINE -
7
electric sportbike from Brammo, the
Empulse, was revealed more than a
year-and-a-half ago, with the prom-
ise of production in the first quarter
of 2011. Now in early 2012, finally,
Brammo says the Empulse is slated
for production.
What makes this electric sportbike
special is Brammo’s claim that the
Empulse 10.0 is capable of reach-
ing 100 mph, as well as boasting a
range of 100 miles on a single charge.
Those numbers are halved, at most, in
even the best current model produc-
tion electric bikes on offer from other
brands.
Also highly innovative is the Em-
pulse’s six-speed transmission. Most
manufacturers of electric motorcycles
(including Brammo) use a power
controller unit that allows the rider
to modulate power via a traditional
twist throttle, thereby bypassing the
complexity of multi-gear transmis-
sion. Powered by a 57-hp motor with
a liquid-cooled 10-kwh battery, the
Empulse claims a charge time of 10
hours from a 110V outlet. Brammo
will also offer a 6.0 and 8.0 version
with smaller batteries and lower price
points.
Empulse MSRPs are priced in
order of performance at $9,995,
$11,995, and $13,995, respectively.
Ducati 1199 Panigale
How much more hype can we give
to the new Ducati 1199 Panigale that
hasn’t been done already? The suc-
cessor to the popular and successful
1098/1198, the Panigale is more than
just a significant update, it defines
what we moto-journos mean when we
talk about revolution vs. evolution.
Many of the technologies on the new
Panigale will break from the mold
we’re so used to seeing on sportbikes.
First, the frame, or rather, lack of one.
The monocoque design of the 1199
means the engine is the frame and the
signature trellis design on past Ducatis
is no more. This technology borrows
directly from the company’s MotoGP
experience.
Of course, the 1199 engine is also
earning much attention, as its highly
oversquare dimensions will deliver the
highest revving liter-class Twin ever.
The “Superquadro” engine of the 1199
also promises to be one of the most
powerful V-Twin engines ever. If all
the hype is to be believed, then we
can expect horsepower figures close
to 200 at the crank. Staggering.
Almost everything about the
1199 breaks from the traditional
Ducati mold.
Erik Buell Racing 1190RS
Erik Buell
has been kicked in the crotch
more than any other industry player
we know. Decades ago, it was the
AMA eliminating a racing class just
as Buell unveiled a game-changing
new bike in that category. Then, in
2009, Harley-Davidson pulled the
plug on its Buell Motorcycles subsidi-
ary, leaving Erik and his dreams of
building a world-class sportbike up a
creek with no paddle, boat or water.
And yet Erik Buell refuses to be
counted out. The awkwardly styled
Buell 1125R has been thoroughly
overhauled and transformed into the
elegant and exciting Erik Buell Racing
1190RS. A Rotax-sourced V-Twin is
the only carryover part, and even that
has been comprehensively upgraded to
deliver a claimed 175 hp.
Nearly every other component is
distinct from the 1125R, including its
new aluminum frame, spidery magne-
sium subframe and built-in-the-USA
magnesium wheels constructed with a
new ablation casting method. Ohlins
takes care of suspension duties, while
the front brake’s 8-piston caliper uses
trick cooling ducts.
Kawasaki ZX-14R
The
hyperbike category lacks
many players, so a new R-spec
version of the ZX-14 might not
seem so relevant. But here’s what
is relevant:
This is the quickest-accelerating
production vehicle in the
world! In its pure stock form at
a slippery dragstrip, it posted
uncorrected 9.7-second runs.
For some perspective, con-
sider that the $2.7 million Bugatti
Veyron SuperSport can’t keep up in a
quarter-mile with this $14,699 Kawa-
saki!
The new ZX-14R looks fast when sit-
ting still, then quickly transforms into
a blur as it hurls itself like a rocket.
And, surprisingly for a land-bound
missile, the 14R is a very comfortable
sportbike and amazingly docile for a
bike that can get from zero to 150 mph