I expected a little more from Victory than "badge engineering".
This exactly. Plus moar parts for current Brammo owners, yay!!I expected a little more from Victory than "badge engineering".
It's their first year, they haven't even had any time to do any engineering work on it yet. I expect a fair number of changes in the next few years, building on the solid base Brammo's created.
He told us Victory is looking for Tony Stark-type figures as rider candidates, Iron Man types representing a tech-savvy, status-driven, thrill-seeker who enjoys collecting interesting toys.
Still, it is not going to be easy to sell electric vehicles. I just heard on the news that gas prices are predicted to fall in the near future to near record low levels. Soon they will be giving the stuff away. ::) Meanwhile my electric rates keep going up...... :o
Electric cars and motorcycles are still at the price point where breaking even in the vehicle's lifetime is unrealistic.
And I say that EVs will only make sense to the U.S. mainstream vehicle customer when gas prices go above $5 a gallon - which doesn't look like it is going to happen anytime soon.Oil countries won't let that happen, however once EV sticker prices match gas cars, and the range+charging let's people do occasional road trips, I think we'll see a shift regardless of gas prices. Only time will tell.
And I say that EVs will only make sense to the U.S. mainstream vehicle customer when gas prices go above $5 a gallon - which doesn't look like it is going to happen anytime soon.Oil countries won't let that happen
THE FASTEST CHARGING BATTERY ON THE MARKETNope. The Energica is faster.
As for motorcycles, if TCO were the primary motivator, we would all drive used Ninja 250's or scooters.Those are exactly the kind of bikes that you mainly see in large European cities.
Here it does make sense to buy electric, price is 0.08 CAD$ per kWh.,0568 CAD$ for the first 30kwh/day (15-20 kw average during summer) & 1,40$/Liter for 91 Octane gas. Really make sense actually!
You can say anything you want about lack of maintenance, efficiency, etc. etc. But all the typical vehicle owner in the U.S. cares about is the cost of gas and its easy availability.
Here it does make sense to buy electric, price is 0.08 CAD$ per kWh.
Here it does make sense to buy electric, price is 0.08 CAD$ per kWh.
A Few years ago when the Lightning was at Laguna Seca, I asked them about a transmission.He wouldn't, for 1 reason: They have a Remy HVH 250 motor, a high power Rinehart controller and high power battery.
He said that he could roll the throttle at 150 mph and bring up the front wheel. Why would
he want one.
A Few years ago when the Lightning was at Laguna Seca, I asked them about a transmission.He wouldn't, for 1 reason: They have a Remy HVH 250 motor, a high power Rinehart controller and high power battery.
He said that he could roll the throttle at 150 mph and bring up the front wheel. Why would
he want one.
Its the same reason Brammo has a fixed ratio on their race bike, the motor and battery pack are powerful enough.
If you had a gas engine, such that it could go from 0-150mph in one gear (of course you'd still retain a clutch) and remain in its power band most of the time, you wouldn't think it'd need a transmission either. My buddy's R1 can do 90 in first. Does he need a transmission? With your reasoning, maybe he doesn't. So why does it need one?
I recall that the reason that Brammo chose the Transmission is so they could gain some performance (with the same motor) by adding a transmission because you can put the motor into its power band whenever you want. Motors have an HP curve, so on either end your HP falls off. With a transmission, you can peak your HP in every gear. You could be fast off the line, and also get to 110MPH quickly. With one ratio, you could gear for 110, but have slower acceleration at low speeds. As another benefit, you can help offset the loss in efficiency due to transmission by changing gears so you stay in the "happy place". With one ratio, you're stuck with lower efficiency at RPM's outside of the efficiency curve of the motor being used.
I'd be fine with or without a transmission. I would appreciate the simplicity I'm sure, but I do also enjoy the transmission performance/efficiency benefits above.
I test rode the 2014 Zero S and the 2014 Brammo Empluse R back to back. My preference for the Brammo was in large part the suspension, brakes, on board charger, and the transmission. I found the riding experience to be more enjoyable on the Brammo, though the performance, lower sound level, and lower maintenance of the 2015 Zero SR had some appeal. Others will have different priorities and many will choose different bikes.This is still true, I have no regrets having chosen the Empluse R and I would not trade it for a new 2015 Zero SR if given the option.
A few months back I wrote:QuoteI test rode the 2014 Zero S and the 2014 Brammo Empluse R back to back. My preference for the Brammo was in large part the suspension, brakes, on board charger, and the transmission. I found the riding experience to be more enjoyable on the Brammo, though the performance, lower sound level, and lower maintenance of the 2015 Zero SR had some appeal. Others will have different priorities and many will choose different bikes.This is still true, I have no regrets having chosen the Empluse R and I would not trade it for a new 2015 Zero SR if given the option.
Transmission didn't matter, still doesn't matter and I agree, people should stop bitching about it.The transmission matters to me because shifting sucks. After the test rides on both makes, the main factor that drove me away from the Brammo was the transmission.
I recall that the reason that Brammo chose the Transmission is so they could gain some performance (with the same motor) by adding a transmission because you can put the motor into its power band whenever you want.
Zero cooling could easily be improved.
For street applications with light sport riding, I think you are right. I suspect some of the problems with bikes overheating easily have been poorly calibrated temperature sensors. Numerous owners have observed the bike motor temperature display reading 15+ degrees higher than ambient when turning the bike on in the morning.Zero cooling could easily be improved.
...minor point on this, because I've looked into it. Yes, cooling could be improved, but you've got to consider the cost in both money and weight/complexity and ask if it's worth it. I'd say, with simple passive air cooling and the performance they're getting, it's not worth it.
...with simple passive air cooling and the performance they're getting, it's not worth it.
The V9 is the only full-size, full-power motorcycle worthy of the name Brutus.So the other motorcycles from your brand are their brand name not worthy? ;D
For heavier sport riding or track applications, they definitely need an enhanced cooling option, whether forced air, oil-filled motor, or pumping liquid through a radiator. Most owners perhaps wouldn't choose it - I wouldn't - but it'd be nice to see as a factory option.
That may be true Ted, I'm just going off what Brian has said on the brammo forums about it all and I don't recall him ever mentioning overheating. I'm glad I've not ever gotten any overheating issues at least
Quick Question,Bikers POV made a few videos about it but he is based in the UK:
Has anyone here in the States seen, got up-close-and-personal / touched a SAIETTA electric bike? ???http://saiettagroup.com/[/b]]http://saiettagroup.com/ (http://[b)
Does anyone know of a SAIETTA dealer here in the US ?