Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Brammo Empulse
The 2013 Brammo EMPULSE has a limited number of complaints and recalls. Key issues include potential transmission oil leaks affecting safety and structural fatigue in the rear tail assembly. An electrical shorting risk also exists. Conduct a thorough inspection to ensure these recalls have been addressed as their implications can affect safety.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Brammo Empulse has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V053000 Oil may Leak from Breather onto Rear Tire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V262000 Rear Tail May Separate from Bike NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V208000 Electrical Shorting may cause Fire NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 1 complaint
Known issues to inspect
Oil leak on rear tire
How to check: Look for oil around the rear tire and fender.
Rear tail assembly breakage
How to check: Examine the integrity of the tail assembly.
Improper cable attachment
How to check: Check for recall repairs on the electrical system.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure the bike starts without electrical issues.
Red flag: Non-start or flickering lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from transmission.
Red flag: Grinding or unusual noises
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Check stability and noise from rear assembly.
Red flag: Wobbly feel or loud noises
- 04
Straight acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth power delivery.
Red flag: Jerky or unresponsive acceleration
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test for secure handling and control.
Red flag: Vibrations or loose feeling
- 06
Braking
What to check: Ensure brakes engage smoothly and effectively.
Red flag: Sluggish brake response
- 07
Parking
What to check: Examine transmission for leaks post-ride.
Red flag: New oil leaks observed
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any issues with the transmission?
- Has the rear assembly been inspected?
- Are there any electrical system repairs?
- How often has the vehicle been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Recent service records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Warranty records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Brammo Empulse at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Brammo Empulse? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.