FEATURE
Harley-Davidson LiveWire: The Electric Motorbike Reveals Its Features and Price
After more than four years of testing, Harley-Davidson revealed the specifications and US price of its LiveWire electric motorcycle. Advance orders opened ahead of deliveries planned for the autumn.
Although the LiveWire departs from the brand’s tradition of large, distinctively sounding combustion engines, it remains a premium motorcycle. Its equipment includes Brembo brakes, fully adjustable Showa suspension, Michelin sport tires, cornering-enhanced anti-lock braking and traction control.
Range and battery
Harley-Davidson estimated that the LiveWire could travel approximately 177 km on one charge under mixed city and highway riding. The company did not disclose the battery’s capacity in kilowatt-hours.
At the time of the announcement, Harley-Davidson planning director Paul James indicated that the final battery capacity and motor output could still change slightly before production.
LiveWire performance
The motorcycle accelerates from 0 to 60 mph, or approximately 96 km/h, in 3.5 seconds. Its gearless, clutchless drivetrain provides uninterrupted acceleration, while the electric motor delivers torque as soon as the rider turns the throttle.
Connected services
A telematics control unit beneath the seat connects the LiveWire to smartphone services. Riders can remotely review information including:
- The motorcycle’s status
- Remaining battery charge
- Details about the current trip
- Security notifications related to attempted theft or vandalism
Harley-Davidson described the LiveWire as the first connected electric motorcycle offered to the mass North American market.
US price
The announced US price was $29,799. The article characterized the LiveWire as a high-priced premium motorcycle and anticipated an even higher price in Europe.
A major change for Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson began preparing its dealership network for the arrival of the electric motorcycle. The LiveWire represented a significant expansion of the company’s range and an effort to develop products for riders of different ages and lifestyles.
Additional electric motorcycle concepts
Alongside the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson presented two prototypes known internally as HD Electric Concept 1 and HD Electric Concept 2.
Off-road concept
The first prototype had an off-road orientation, with large tires, inverted front suspension, rear hydraulic suspension, belt drive and compact dimensions. A handle on top of its frame-mounted battery suggested that the battery might be removable and replaceable with a charged unit.
Urban scooter concept
The second prototype was intended for urban mobility and combined aspects of an electric bicycle and a scooter. It featured an inverted front fork, belt drive, an LED headlight and bar-style rear lights.
Only a front disc brake was visible, raising the possibility that the rear wheel would use regenerative braking controlled through the same brake lever. Its battery also had a handle, suggesting that riders could remove it for convenient indoor charging or to protect it from cold conditions.