Brammo Engage and Encite race off road with mechatronic 6-speed transmission [w/VIDEO]

Brammo Engage prototype – Click above to watch video after the jump

When the all-new Brammo Engage MX and Encite MMX PRO electric dirt bikes take to the bumps and jumps of the Mini Moto SX Energy Crisiscross 2011 on Friday, they will be launching themselves both into the air and onto the market. The Ashland, OR company has just taken the wraps off four motocross models it's developing, and while they might not yet be dressed in production perfect plastic, it's what lies beneath that counts.

The big news here is that Brammo is bringing back the clutch and gearshift to the electric motocross experience with an integrated electric transmission (IET). Connected to an AC motor, the bikes spin up fast and sound not unlike a mini turbine. The mechatronic 6-speed is said to give these bikes a performance boost that's guaranteed to plaster a grin across your face and keep it there.

The Engage line-up will come in three flavors. There is the MX (motocross) and SMR (super moto racing) for off-road riding. These are both tentatively priced at $9,995 and will feature swappable batteries capable of holding at least 2.6 kWhs worth of fun juice. The Engage SMS (super moto street), on the other hand, is homologated for road use and may or may not have a removable battery. Price is anticipated to be in the $11,995 neighborhood.

The baby of the Brammo family is the Encite MMX PRO. This mini motocross doesn't yet have a price tag but we imagine will be lower than its big brothers. All the bikes are expected to be ready for delivery in time for the 2012 riding season. If that seems too far away, there is a chance you may be able to try one this summer at one of Brammo's expanding list of retailers. For those who must see what all the fuss is about posthaste, we offer up a sweet slice of video after the break, along with the official press release.



[Source: Brammo]

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PRESS RELEASE

Brammo Announces a Strategic Partnership with SMRE and Launches New Brammo Motorcycles with patented IET Six Speed Drivetrain.

Ashland, OR, and Italy, May 4th 2011--Brammo, Inc. a global leader in the electric vehicle industry and S.M.R.E. Engineering, a leading engineering research and development company today announced that Brammo and SMRE have entered into a strategic partnership. As a part of this agreement, Brammo has acquired an exclusive international license of SMRE's patented Integrated Electric Transmission (IET). IET enables Brammo to offer its electric motorcycles with a 6 speed transmission - further improving performance and range. The first application of the new IET will be on the Brammo Engage and Encite which are announced today and which will be unveiled prior to competing in the MiniMotoSX race in Las Vegas on Friday, May 6, 2011.

"It is fundamental to Brammo's success that we continue to innovate and develop our strong reputation for high quality, exciting motorcycles," stated Craig Bramscher, CEO and Founder of Brammo, Inc. "Combining the SMRE Integrated Electric Transmission system with the Brammo Power™ Batteries and Battery Management System keeps Brammo at the forefront of Powersports drivetrain technology."

"We are delighted to have Brammo as our strategic partner." said Samuele Mazzini, founder and CEO of SMRE and creator of the IET™. "This alliance will see the IET integrated into Brammo motorcycles and enjoyed by riders all around the world."
Today Brammo announces four new models all featuring the IET™ and swappable Brammo Power battery packs.

Engage MX - dirt bike competing in MiniMotoSX - anticipated price $9,995.00
Engage SMR – Super Moto Racing – anticipated price $9,995.00
Engage SMS - Super Moto - anticipated price $11,995.00
Encite MMX PRO - mini dirt bike competing in MiniMotoSX - no price announced

Prices do not include relevant taxes or Federal and State electric vehicle incentives.
The Engage and Encite join the award winning Enertia and stunning Empulse. Together, these four model ranges offer motorcycle dealerships the most comprehensive range of electric motorcycles available. Brammo continues to expand its dealership network in North America and will be adding many new dealers over the next 90 days.
Integrated Electric Transmission (IET™) – The IET™ is a mechatronic propulsion unit that emulates the feeling and performance of a traditional internal combustion engine, with a specially developed electric motor, clutch and gear shift, that enables Brammo motorcycles to accelerate hard from the line up to a high top speed, something that is just not possible to achieve with a single ratio electric motorcycle.
"Electric motorcycle design has always been a bit of a balancing act in direct drive systems where great acceleration performance comes at the expense of low top-end speed." Stated Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo. "The IET™ system provides the best of both worlds and is the perfect complement to Brammo's industry leading Brammo Power battery and vehicle control technology to maintain our position as the world's leading electric motorcycle manufacturer. "
About SMRE
SMRE srl is an Italian engineering company with a strong emphasis on innovation through research and development. SMRE distinguishes itself through the creation of high quality revolutionary technology. By working closely with its customers, SMRE is able to develop custom engineering solutions that redefine the limits of what is thought possible. For more information, please visit www.smre.it
S.M.R.E. srl
S.S. Tre Bis Z. I. Montecastelli
06019 Umbertide (PG)
Italy
Tel.: +39 075 9306500
Information: info@smre.it

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.For more information, please 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.
The following are trademarks of SMRE srl in the United States or other countries, or both; SMRE™ and IET™.


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