The Brammo Empulse is here and looking very nice indeed.  Brammo is charging ahead (sorry) of the competition showcasing its 100mph, and more importantly 100 mile range, machines.  The Empulse joins the Enertia in Brammo’s fleet and while yes it’s not in the same power or range league as gas powered bikes, this would make for a great commuter.

Battery powered bikes are still hampered by the slow pace of evolving battery tech, but Brammo have produced something at the peak of that technology at a price well below e-racing bikes, and it also looks fantastic.  A worthwhile investment that will save miles and wear and tear on the petrol guzzling machine you can uncover and let off the leash at the weekend.

From Brammo

BRAMMO UNVEILS GROUND-BREAKING ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES EMPULSE AND EMPULSE R

Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, today revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the stunning new design.

At this unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo has demonstrated to consumers and motorcycle insiders alike the advancements in electric motorcycling and is providing a glimpse of what is to come in the future. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100-mile range and 100-mph top speed as well as a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a great zero-emission experience.

At the launch party, Brammo announced the Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively with financing available from Sheffield Financial. Through this financing, customers will be able to purchase the new Empulse and Empulse R from Brammo dealers as follows:

Empulse: 8.9% for 72 months at $303, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $334 and 3.9% for 36 months at $499

Empulse R: 8.9% for 72 months at $339, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $373 and 3.9% for 36 months at $558

Availability of each model will vary based on demand for the Empulse and Empulse R. Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013.

Research conducted by Brammo with both customers and dealers has driven the development of the Empulse and Empulse R. As a result, these motorcycles now come with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET ™ six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. To ensure the highest quality performance and design, Brammo works with internationally renowned manufacturers for superior components of their motorcycles. This close attention to the supply chain ensures the durability, reliability and ultimately future resale value of Brammo products.

“It was important to Brammo to create a great motorcycle and we paid attention to customer feedback to create just that,” said Craig Bramsher CEO and president of Brammo. “From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected.”

The two models vary as follows:

The Empulse body work is all plastic has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension.

The Empulse R uses carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

Brammo promised that of the first 1000 people who pre ordered an Empulse, one would be selected at random to receive their motorcycle free of charge. Last week from the first 1000 orders six finalists were selected. At the event, Craig Bramscher rolled a dice and Jueiming Chen was the lucky winner.

True to Brammo’s devotion to zero tailpipe-emission transportation, the Empulse launch event was carbon-neutral. Brammo has worked with Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse emissions generated by transportation, electricity use, and other resource-intensive activities associated with this event.

In additional efforts to reduce travel and carbon intensity of the event, Brammo  streamed the launch event live to tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, who will be able to experience the launch party across the nation and afar in Asia and in Europe .

About Brammo

Brammo Inc is a leading electric vehicle technology company headquartered in North America. Brammo designs and develops electric vehicles including the Enertia, Empulse and Engage motorcycles. Brammo is an OEM supplier of its innovative Brammo Digital Drivetrain™ systems including the Brammo Power™ battery pack and Brammo Power™ vehicle management system. Brammo has vehicle distribution and marketing operations in North America, Europe and Asia. To learn more, visit www.brammo.com

The following are trademarks of Brammo, Inc. in the United States or other countries or both; Brammo®, Enertia®, Empulse®, Engage®, Encite®, Brammo Digital Drivetrain®, Brammo Power®, the Brammo logo and bulls head graphical device.

Empulse Specifications

The bike is due to go on sale in Japan in May, other regions to follow.

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Honda CRF 250L Press release;

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the start of sales in Japan on May 14, 2012, of a new 250-cc on/off-road model, the CRF250L, which offers an agile ride in a wide range of riding environments from urban to off road riding.

Under the slogan, “‘New On & Off Gear, your right buddy on the road’ to make ‘On’ (daily life) more convenient and ‘Off’ (weekends) more enjoyable,” the development team, by pursuing total balance and driving stability to the utmost, created a vehicle that enables a broad spectrum of users from beginners to experienced riders to enjoy the sheer fun of handling the machine.

The CRF250L is powered by a liquid-cooled 250-cc 4-stroke DOHC single-cylinder engine with powerful output in the low-to-mid rpm range. Low-friction technologies including an offset cylinder are also employed to realize the excellent fuel efficiency of 44.3 km/L (measured at a constant speed of 60 km/h on a level road).

A newly-designed frame makes use of the steel twin-tube structure to offer the rider a nimble ride while ensuring both agility and stability. In addition, an agile, high-performance run-through ability in a wide range of situations from urban riding to off road is realized through the adoption of an inverted suspension with a 250-mm cushion stroke for the front and the Pro-Link suspension with 240 mm of axle travel for the rear.

Styling has been refined to be sharper and more aggressive while inheriting the basic concept of Honda’s CRF motocrosser series, resulting in a design that asserts a Honda identity fitting for a new-era CRF. Customers are offered a choice of two color schemes: Extreme Red to present an aggressive image or Ross White for those who wish to impart a cool image.

Main Features of the CRF250L

Engine

Vehicle body/suspension

Styling

Key equipment

Specifications

Now with Audi AG, and the wider VW Group, at the helm Ducati’s prospects look only brighter given the car makers love of its niche products such as the reinvigorated luxury brands of Lamborgini and Bugatti.  Ducati’s best days are hopefully still ahead.

Press Release from Audi AG;

AUDI AG acquires sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

Chairman Rupert Stadler: “As a sporty, global premium brand, Ducati is an excellent fit for Audi.”  

Third pillar for AUDI AG in Italy.

Ducati a leading player in engine technology and lightweight construction.

Ingolstadt/Bologna, April 18, 2012 – AUDI AG is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. The transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction.

Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for AUDI AG in Northern Italy. Another building block in the Company’s growth strategy thus falls into place. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, declared: “Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi.” The progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati’s extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group.

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, explains that the employee representatives of AUDI AG support the Company’s sustainable, codetermined growth strategy. “We must use the opportunities offered by globalization for Audi – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati,” commented Mosch.

Ducati is a globally active company and has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its own factory in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few years, especially in Asia. In 2011, Ducati sold around 42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some €480 million, employing around 1,100 people.

The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Società Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios. It ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949.

Ducati has been actively involved in motorcycle racing for many decades through its racing division Ducati Corse. Its racing activities are currently focused on the Ducati official factory team in the MotoGP class of the Motorcycle World Championship and in the Superbike World Championship, supporting competitive private teams. Ducati won the manufacturers’ championship in this latter class 17 times in 21 championships and the pilots’ 14 times.

InvestIndustrial, Ducati’s former owners, also released a statement;

April 18, 2012 – International Motorcycles S.p.A, a subsidiary of the Investindustrial Group (“Investindustrial”), has today agreed to the sale of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A (“Ducati”) to Audi AG, part of the Volkswagen Group. The acquisition is subject to antitrust clearance.

Ducati, founded in 1926 and based in Borgo Panigale (Italy), is a leading motorcycles designer and manufacturer which boasts a rich racing heritage in the MotoGP World Championship and the Superbike World Championship.

In 2011, Ducati sold 42,200 units, resulting in an 11% global market share, and generated revenues of €480 million at the best-in-class profitability.

Since the acquisition by Investindustrial in 2006, Ducati has been turned around with great success into one of the best and most profitable motorcycle brands in the world. The company successfully launched a globalisation process which led the company to open a factory in Thailand in 2011 and to expand into new fast growing markets, such as Brazil, China and India. As of today, 80% of Ducati’s sales come from foreign markets and at the end of 2011 the Group recorded the highest turnover and EBITDA in its history.

The creation of industrial value is demonstrated by strong growth across the company: under Investindustrial’s ownership, Ducati’s revenues grew from €305 million in 2006 to €480 million in 2011, EBITDA rose from €27 million in 2006 to €94 million in 2011 and resulted in positive EBIT of €51 million from €5 million in the year of the acquisition. The number of employees increased from 1,043 in 2006 to 1,135 in 2011.

In recent years, under the guidance of the management team, led by CEO Gabriele Del Torchio, Ducati has also developed the most exciting and up-to-date product range in its history by launching 17 new models including the Multistrada 1200 in 2010, the Diavel in 2011 and more recently the Panigale superbike. These achievements have contributed to a significant increase in motorcycle sales, rising from 35,300 in 2006 to 42,200 at the end of 2011.

Ducati also achieved great success in the world of racing: in Super Bike, Ducati won 4 Riders World titles (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011) and 3 Constructors World titles (2006, 2008 and 2011) and a total of 68 wins. In MotoGP, Ducati won 28 races, a Riders World title and a Constructors World title in 2007.

Andrea C. Bonomi, Chairman of Investindustrial commented:

“Ducati has thrived with us as a result of the intensive industrial turnaround and the commercial push into new, fast-growing markets. We are convinced that the company will continue to provide a bright and rewarding future to its customers and employees in the very capable hands of Audi. We believe that Audi is the best partner to continue the globalisation process that has already been successfully initiated.

The management team, led by Gabriele Del Torchio, and the Ducati’s skilled and passionate workforce have been a key element in turning the company into a global brand with some of the most exciting motorcycle models currently on the market. I am convinced Audi will be a responsible new owner, preserving the Italian workforce’s technology skills for a bright future for the Company. Ducati has a loyal and growing customer base, which will be well looked after thanks to Audi and Volkswagen Group’s global presence and engineering excellence.

This transaction is the second purchase in only a few months of an Investindustrial group company by a strategic buyer, the other being the sale of the leading cladding and architectural envelope group Permasteelisa to JS Group of Japan.”

Audi’s decision to acquire Ducati confirms the effectiveness of Investindustrial group’s strategy of investing in Italy, which is home to many quality companies. These companies are poised to develop into globally-operating and high-quality brands if properly guided and nurtured.

Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan, a leading Canadian investor and BS Investimenti, also sold their stakes in Ducati to Audi AG.

Studio Chiomenti advised the seller on legal matters.

With the base model Motus MST with standard equipment starting at $30,975m, and the premium Motus MST-R starting at $36,975, it may struggle to get a hold in the market in the current economy.  It’s a damn fine looking machine though so people may be smitten.

Motus are seen as the great hope for the American sportsbike, no pressure, now that Buell are a more race focussed, though still commercially available, outfit.  Harley Davidson are looking a bit more healthy these days, but they cast off Buell and any sports aspirations beyond the making their big classics to refocus themselves.  Hopefully when the first models get moving in early 2013 they’ll justify their price tag and begin a renaissance for the American built bike industry.

About Motus

Motus is a manufacturer of unique American sportbikes designed to excel in performance, comfort and range. All Motus motorcycles – the MST and premium MSTR – are powered by the mighty V4 Baby Block engine that combines high performance with low maintenance and a completely unique character that expresses the evolving heritage of the USA motoring experience. For more information about Motus, please visit: www.motusmotorcycles.com; email: info@motusmotorcycles.com; like: Facebook; or call: 205-314-3410.

Technical Specs for the Motus MST

2013 Motus MST- starting at $30,975

2013 Motus MST Standard Equipment
-V4 Baby Block, 1650cc liquid cooled, 165 horsepower
- 6-Speed, dual-overdrive
- Electronic fuel injection
- Electronic throttle control 720w alternator
- Öhlins R&T adjustable front suspension
- Progressive mono-shock rear suspension with remote preload adjuster
- Brembo calipers
- Aluminum wheels with wave rotors
- Powerlet port
- Michelin tires
- Removable side cases by Givi
- Premium Sargent seat
- 20,000 mile XW-ring chain by RK
- Hybrid rear sprocket with lifetime warranty
- Centerstand

2013 Motus MST Optional Equipment
- 30 liter top case by Givi
- Adjustable windscreen
- Adjustable handlebars
- Dual rear Powerlet port
- Heated seat
- Heated grips
- Premium low seat by Sargent
- Rear storage rack
- Touring windscreen

2013 Motus MST Color Options
- Speed Silver Metallic
- Flame Red Metallic

2013 Motus MST Warranty
- 2 years, unlimited mileage
2013 Motus MST-R- starting at $36,975

2013 Motus MST-R Standard Equipment

- V4R Baby Block, 1650cc liquid cooled, 185 horsepower
- 6-Speed, dual-overdrive
- Electronic fuel injection
- Electronic throttle control
- 720w alternator
- Öhlins R&T NIX adjustable front suspension
- Öhlins TTX mono-shock rear suspension with remote preload adjuster
- Brembo M4 monoblock calipers
- Forged OZ aluminum wheels with wave rotors 3 Powerlet ports
- Michelin tires
- Removable side cases by Givi
- Premium Sargent seat
- 20,000 mile XW-ring chain by RK
- Hybrid rear sprocket with lifetime warranty
- Centerstand

2013 Motus MST-R Optional Equipment
- 30 liter top case by Givi
- Adjustable windscreen
- Adjustable handlebars
- BST carbon fiber wheels
- Heated seat
- Heated grips
- Premium low seat by Sargent
- Rear storage rack
- Touring windscreen

2013 Motus MST-R Color Options
- Strong White
- Carbon Black

2013 Motus MST-R Warranty
- 2 years, unlimited mileage

PT Astra Honda Motor, Honda’s joint venture company in Indonesia responsible for motorcycle production and sales, plans to build what will be a fourth motorcycle plant in the region to keep up with orders.

Honda’s artist rendering of the new factory

From Honda

March 13, 2012 – PT Astra Honda Motor (herein after called as “AHJ”; President Director: Yusuke Hori), Honda’s joint venture company in Indonesia responsible for motorcycle production and sales, determined to build the Fourth Motorcycle Plant that produces scooter model exclusively with 1,100,000 units production capacity per annum, in order to satisfy the vigorous demand of remarkable Indonesia markets.

The annual production capacity of AHJ through the construction of Fourth Plant including the existing First, Second and Third Plant will become 5,300,000 units in total, and AHJ is continuing to establish the production system throughout the concept of “To supply 100% good products, with speed, affordability, and low carbon”. This plant, which will be built in Bukit Indah Industrial Park about 70 kilometers east from central of Jakarta, is planned to start the operation in the autumn of 2013. The investment amount for the new plant is approximately 3.128 trillion Indonesian rupiah (approximately 27.5 billion yen), and AHJ plans to employ around 3,000 new employees, so in total the employees will become around 21,000 associates altogether with the existing plants. Reduction of CO2 emissions, utilization of the natural power sources by wind power generator and solar power generator, and adoption of automation at process are also tackled positively for this new plant, aimed to be an environmental green plant for employees, community and natural environment.

The motorcycle market of Indonesia is the world’s third-biggest market next to China and India, and the further expanding demand is expected on the back of the steady economic basis in recent years. The total market of motorcycle in 2011 reached 8.01 million units as the highest ever and became 109% compared with last year. The sales achievement of AHJ in 2011 updated to record the highest volume in history with around 4.27 million units and exceeds the growth of market by 125% compared with last year sales. For 2012, the total market is expected to be expanding approximately 8.7 million units and AHJ is planning to sell around 4.8 million units.

Honda’s motorcycle production capacity in the Asia Oceania region currently reached 11.5 million units in total. The production bases in Asia Oceania region are expected to expand further capacity with the vigorous motorcycle demand on the back of economic growths, besides as export base globally. Honda continues expanding the Joy of Customer in the future, from the commuter (small size) types that play an essential role in daily life of customer to motorcycles with high pleasure that equipped with advanced technology to satisfy the global widespread needs of customers.

That’s why it’s important you are doing everything you can to keep your bike safe, there are many tips which you can follow to help reduce the likelihood of your bike being stolen. MotorCycle Direct has piled together a top list of these tips which can help deter bike thieves.

• If you have a garage, lock your bike away. Not only will it reduce your bike insurance premiums but your bike will also be hidden from view.
• Make sure you have a strong garage lock and use a good quality lock and chain to secure your bike to a ground anchor while it’s inside. You could also take the extra precaution of parking a car in front of your bike so thieves find it difficult to access and remove.
• If you have to park on your drive, again, secure your bike to a ground anchor and consider fitting CCTV. If you can’t afford real CCTV, a false camera can be a handy deterrent.
• When parking on the road, try to use a designated motorcycle parking space where ground anchors are found and don’t tempt thieves by leaving your helmet or other possessions attached to your bike.
• Wherever you park, it’s worth investing in a bike alarm and immobiliser and having these fitted by a trained technician. Most insurers will offer you a cheaper premium if you have a Thatcham-approved category one or two immobiliser and alarm system.
• Security mark your bike in as many places as possible. This will make it harder for thieves to break up your bike and sell it as parts – and it means it has more chance of being recovered if it were stolen. The Alpha Dot can be painted on or you can use a UV marker to mark your bike with its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• Never leave your keys in your bike and always keep them safe and out of view when you’re out and about or at home.
• If you need a cheap and easy way to deter ‘ride away’ thieves, simply remove the spark plug or the HT cap.

Hellcat Customs, a small, Arizona-based custom motorcycle builder is attempting to make history.  Over the past 10 years, they have built award-winning customs, gaining world-wide attention in the process.  

Their passions include turbo-charging one-of-a-kind Sportsters and building custom sidecars.  Now they are blending the two — with the first-ever turbo-charged sidecar Sportster running a stock Harley engine on regular pump gas to attempt to set a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. By sponsoring this project, you can be a part of something never done before at a historical event where legends are born. Event will take place September 7 – 11.

Your support will help fund preparation for the motorcycle / side car (including race tech compliancy), entry fees, tires, fuel, supplies, etc.

Part and Support donations by: Biltwell Inc, DK Custom Products, Motorcycletravelamerica.com, Dakin Eng, and more to follow… watch for updates!

http://www.gofundme.com/hfzsg

From Ducati’s Press Release;

“The Monster Diesel, and the collection dedicated to it, reflects the “coolness” of this iconic motorcycle and our brand in general,” said Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. “The collaboration with Diesel, underlines our focus on the style and trends that shape the market and I amdelighted to associate our world with that of fashion and, in particular, with Diesel. Both brands globally represent technology and innovation in pure Italian style.”

Stefano Rosso, Project Leader and son of Diesel founder, added: “When we had the opportunity to work with Ducati, with last year’s MotoGP sponsorship, we discovered a whole world of shared values and common roots. That brought us the desire to create something new together, and we made it in the only way we know: taking the great know-how of both companies and mixing it with passion and creativity. The results are unique products, characterized by a great mix of design and technology.”

The collaboration is celebrated with a Capsule Collection reflecting the brands’ DNA and common roots of creativity and innovation, the key elements that enabled the two companies to become renowned icons of the “Made in Italy” tradition.

With Ducati’s flagship Monster 1100^EVO providing the canvas for the new motorcycle creation, Diesel’s founder Renzo Rosso and the Ducati Design Centre guided stylists to a military inspired theme, expressing the core values of the partnership and realizing an Avant-garde choice for connoisseurs of lifestyle motorcycling.

Set against the black treatment of Ducati’s Trellis frame, wheels, engine covers, exhaust system and forks, the exclusive ‘Diesel Brave Green matte’ livery delivers a rugged military vehicle feel, while front brake calipers are finished in shocking yellow to make a strong reminder of the model’s performance heritage.

The dual-branded collection is dedicated to addicts of life in the fast lane and devoted enthusiasts of these two great Italian brands. Composed ofeleven different styles, the range includes essential slim-fitting biker jackets, sweats, tees, a unique five pocket in raw denim and a set of accessories.

All pieces are characterized by pure biker attitude, clean technical details and bold Diesel graphics, such as the treated rubber prints recalling the burnt rubber of the motorcycle’s tires. Colors for the collection are black, grey, white with pop up red inspired by logos from both brands, while the range of fabrics goes from treated nylon and cotton to denim and over dyed jersey mix with leather and metal applications.

Inspired by the technical wear and perfectly combining design with a strong biker style, the new collection is identified by a brave and irreverent touch, and will be available starting from mid-April in the Diesel Stores, the Diesel online store and a selection of the best Ducati dealers.

Here’s a few more glamour shots of the bike.

It’s still a lovely looking machine but come on Moto Guzzi show a bit of love for your newest ride.  Below you’ll find the blurry shots from the Italian Piaggio dealers conference a few weeks back which was our first look at the bike.

Now we have another one …just one : )

Ducati have been doing well in recent years with some fantastic machines hitting the market like the Multistrada 1200, Diavel, and the new darling of sportsbike lovers everywhere the Panigale.  However they are straining under the weight of debts and hopefully a robust fiscally aware company like Audi can ensure a more stable future for the Italian brand.

More details and speculation here http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Industry-News/Audi-to-buy-Ducati–the-four-rings-expands-from-four-wheels/