Brammo, Inc. and S.M.R.E. Engineering have entered into a strategic partnership. Thereby Brammo has acquired an exclusive international license of SMRE’s patented Integrated Electric Transmission (IET). From now on, Brammo has the possibility to offer its electric motorcycles with a 6 speed transmission.

The Integrated Electric Transmission (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.

The first two models that will receive the new transmission are the Brammo Engage and Encite. The Engage MX dirt bike has an anticipated price of $9,995.00.

Talking about the bike, Brian Wismann, Director of Product Development at Brammo said: "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."

Hit the jump for more information on the Brammo Engage.

2012 Brammo Engage

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Brammo Engage
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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™.

Quotes

Engadget ---- "When we heard that Brammo was hitting the dirt in a Las Vegas motorcross race we had horrific visions of a bright green Enertia with knobby tires struggling in the dirt, pitching its rider over the bars on the first yump it encountered."

Popsci ---- "When they go on-sale at some point in the next year or so, the Brammo Engage and Encite dirt bikes will be the first production electric motorcycles ever fitted with a gearbox."

Wired ---- "Brammo announced this morning that it is rolling out a new line of electric dirt bikes featuring six-speed transmissions, an unprecedented development that promises to boost performance and increase range. Until now, electric motorcycles have used direct drive, providing optimal acceleration or top speed but rarely both."