ELECTRIC Motorcycles, of Eenrum, Netherlands, has built what it believes to be the first custom electric motorcycle in Europe. The heavily modified Brammo Empulse ‘R’, known as "Red Cobra", is the work of Marchel Bulthuis, the owner of Electric Motorcycles.
“We used a Brammo Empulse ‘R’ and while customising it, we developed a series of custom parts for it, like sliders, a license plate holder, indicators and much more,” said Bulthuis. “People reacted very positively, so we are already thinking of extending the line of parts, even setting up a series of Brammo customs, available in different colour schemes.
“We also used some nice accessories to pimp the Brammo, such as the clip-on handlebars and Superbike style handlebar ends in combination with the Kellerman BL2000 Led Superbright indicators. Because this bike is going to be ridden, and ridden fast, we’ve attached several sliders to protect the bike. The sliders on the swingarm serve also as bobbins for a paddock stand, and there are special sliders up front and, of course, frame sliders.
“The stock taillight and licence plate holder have been removed and a custom made license plate holder with a pair of Kellermann indicators is used, in which the brake light is integrated. License plate illumination is taken care of by an R&G LED light,” said Bulthuis before continuing. “A Pro-Oiler GPS activated chain lubrication system is used, and the rear sprocket has been replaced by a Renthal 42-tooth sprocket and the chain by an RK GB520GXW Goldline chain.”
The name of the bike – "Red Cobra" – comes from the colour the bike has been finished in, which is actually a hydrotransfer, applied by Rick vd Laan of H20 Foliedip in Ruinerwold, while the wheels and battery boxes have been painted in matching firetruck red.
What has not been changed on the bike is the drivetrain, which still uses the Brammo Power BPM 15/90 Lithium-Ion battery that can be charged from zero to full capacity in 3.5 hours. On a full charge the bike is said to be capable of an average of 130 miles of city riding or 60 miles of highway use with a reported top speed of 110mph. To help with charging, the bike has a regenerative system where, when throttle is closed, the electric engine is used as a dynamo.
www.electricmotorcycles.nl
Photos by Onno ‘Berserk’ Wieringa @ Madness Photography (www.madnessphotography.nl)
