Harley-Davidson presented at the CES fair the production version of his previously announced electric motorcycle called LiveWire. The sale is about to start, so we are introducing to you Harley-Davidson® LiveWire ™ – the first Harley electric motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson® LiveWire ™
A few years ago, Harley-Davidson experienced a continuous decline in sales of his motorcycles. Then they analyzed the situation and concluded that millenians, unlike older generations, are less attracted to large cruisers that HD traditionally says. That’s why they decided on a radical step and focused most of their budget on the development of a brand new concept of a motorcycle. Thus, in June 2014, their first electric motorcycle – LiveWire – was seen a daylight. It originally came out as a prototype, but a fully working prototype. That year a road show was organized, where many journalists had the opportunity to try out this motorcycle and make sure that Harley-Davidson really has a serious intention. After 4 years later, Harley-Davidson announced at the CES Fair in Las Vegas that he started the production of a this motorcycle. Purchase starts in January 2019, and the first shipment comes in 18 months. LiveWire will be offered in three colors – Yellow Fuse, Orange Fuse and Vivid Black.
We present you Harley-Davidson LiveWire.
Specification
Official data say it has an acceleration of 0-100km/h for under 3.5 seconds. Weight is a decent 208 kg, and a 7 kWh battery should be able to provide autonomy of about 180 km of urban driving (110 miles). The question is how much it will be on the highway, but taht is stay to be seen yet. The electric motor, unlike other electric motorcycles, is mounted longitudinally and is located below the batteries and frame. The engine transmits its power to the rear wheel trough belt. According to official data, the engine power is 74 hp with about 70 Nm of torque. The maximum speed is limited to 150 km/h. The motorcycle has no gears and clutch, but automatic transmission with 100% torque available at all times. It sounds very decent! Of course, in order to control this torque, Harley built in a traction control.
Wheels on LiveWire are 17 “wheels front and rear. Harley-Davidson made special tires for its LiveWire in cooperation with Michelin, so the bike is 120mm forward and 180mm rear Michelin® Scorcher® sports tires. SHOWA is in charge of the suspension, and for braking the brembo.
Charging
The charging socket is located in the expected place, but instead of the fuel, it accepts two types of power supply – via a standard home network and via a quick charge charger. We still do not have information about the duration of the charge, but we will soon find out.
Gadgets
Harley has prepared his telemetry system for LiveWire motorcycle, called H-D Connect. Within this system, and through the appropriate smartphone application, it is possible to read various telemetric data such as battery status, mileage, motorcycle location, and filling station on the map. H-D Connect also offers the ability to protect the motorcycle, through monitoring an alarm system and reporting incidents. The system has integration with Bluetooth devices, it has GPS and LTE connectivity, and of course it can also play music. Harley-Davidson, however, announces that this service will be free in the first years, after which it will charge the use of that service. How much, you still do not know.
The Harley-Davidson Factory started bravely for its future, which is more than necessary for survival. In all likelihood, LiveWire is primarily designed for city driving, due to its autonomy and its speed. However, it seems that Harley is on the right path to gradually modernize his entire fleet and prepare for a new reality in which electric vehicles are cool, and old machines that depend on organic fuel aut. They announce they are planning to launch as many as 100 new models in the next 10 years.
As for prices, in America the basic price will be around $ 30,000. In terms of competition in terms of electric motorcycles, this is significantly more. However, the quality of production and the Harley-Davidson brand is something that is on the side of the LiveWire motorcycle.
