t's been no secret that the Harley-Davidson LiveWire was headed for production, but now we get to see the production version and get a sense of what its final spec will look like thanks to its debut at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy. It seems like Harley has a chance at making good on the promise it made to Autoblog back in January that the bike will be on the market within 18 months.

The LiveWire has been in development for an eternity, it should be noted. The project that spawned it started in 2010. We rode one in 2014, a 74-horsepower prototype that made 52 lb-ft of torque and could hit 92 mph. It had a range of 60 miles, though. We assume the production bike will do better.

But, we don't know, even with this EICMA announcement. We have details but not complete specs. Motor output, battery capacity, and range are all unknowns. That said, we can start filling in some gaps. It is still electric, of course, but we now know that it pushes power through a permanent-magnet motor. Like the prototype we rode, it makes a sound that increases in pitch with speed. Perhaps it's been refined, since the prototype just sounded like most other electric bikes out there. Sound characteristic is an important Harley feature, and we hope the new LiveWire sound is distinctive.

The battery will be a multi-cell lithium-ion unit protected by a finned aluminum housing. It'll get juiced by an onboard Level 1 charger (the cord stores under the seat) or a Level 2/3 using the J1772 connector. Any Harley dealer that sells the LiveWire will (prudently) have a DC fast charging station on the premises.

The production LiveWire will get Showa adjustable suspension: a monoshock in the back and SFF-BP front fork. The SFF-BP fork separates the spring from the damper, one in one tube and the other in another, for reduced friction and increased responsiveness.

Braking is provided by Brembo Monoblock units, with dual 300mm discs up front and an unspecified rear system. ABS and traction control are standard, and it'll wear Michelin Scorcher tires (co-branded with Harley) at 180mm rear and 120mm front sections. It'll sport four predefined drive modes and three user configurable ones, too. As a high-tech centerpiece of the line, it'll feature a touchscreen display with lots of information available, including nav, Bluetooth, and vehicle functions.

Harley says we'll have pricing and availability in January. Here's hoping we'll get more specs then, too.


Link

Watt's really shocking is the café racer riding position.

That might spark interest from the sport bike circuit, but I'm not so positive the traditional Harley Davidson owner will feel the attraction.

The two groups are poles apart.

HD has been trying to reach across that gap, plus I'd imagine making a 900 pound electric bagger would be difficult

How do they make it leak oil & misfire?

The motor seems very close to the ground. I would like to try it out, if and when it get here.

It's an interesting concept, but Harley Davidson designers and accountants will somehow fuck it up.

A past example: the now discontinued V-rod.

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
Watt's really shocking is the café racer riding position.

That might spark interest from the sport bike circuit, but I'm not so positive the traditional Harley Davidson owner will feel the attraction.

The two groups are poles apart.

It was always going to have to be a relatively light bike - at least until battery power improves considerably.

Not to derail the thread, but I learned recently that Zero Motorcycles has been building electrics for ten years now. I know a couple of guys who ride Zero bikes daily.

There's a new model in the works -- their intent is to release it before LiveWire hits the streets.

BTW: Nice job, RichardC.

I truly hope it does better than Victory’s Empulse TT, which was a brilliant design that melded the feel and controls of a standard internal combustion engine /motorcycle with 100% electric propulsion. It even had a tech, clutch and a 6 speed gearbox (it couldn’t stall). In the end it’s hard to pay close to $20k for SV650 performance. I came close to buying one when they didn’t sell and became HEAVILY discounted.

I’m not sure if these E-bikes are meant to attract new riders or dazzle younger riders who like the idea of instant and abundant torque on demand and the good feels of having a “green vehicle” When the price tag lowers and the performance improves....THAT my friends is when E-bikes will be come a viable endeavor for current motorcycle manufacturers.

It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

quote:

Originally posted by kz1000:
How do they make it leak oil & misfire?

My question is what does it sound like?

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
Watt's really shocking is the café racer riding position.

That might spark interest from the sport bike circuit, but I'm not so positive the traditional Harley Davidson owner will feel the attraction.

The two groups are poles apart.

I see watt you did there.

quote:

Originally posted by kz1000:
How do they make it leak oil & misfire?

They have a tank with smart sensors that hold the oil until you park it on your clean garage floor then pisses marking its territory.

quote:

Originally posted by Modern Day Savage:

quote:

Originally posted by kz1000:
How do they make it leak oil & misfire?

My question is what does it sound like?

Have you ever clipped two cards on your bike frame so it hit your spokes?

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
Watt's really shocking is the café racer riding position.

That might spark interest from the sport bike circuit, but I'm not so positive the traditional Harley Davidson owner will feel the attraction.

The two groups are poles apart.

Are traditional Harley riders going to be interested in electrics anyway?

This is aimed at Europe, younger Americans and probably not traditional HD customers. That makes it a bit of a risk. Historically, innovative designs have not been easily accepted by HD customers.

Well, people have been saying that Harley needs to diversify since..at least the 90's. I wonder if this is too much of a reach, though.

This will really piss off the loud pipes saves lives crowd.

They will have to make noises with their mouths like the bikers on South Park.

I took a hard look at the Zero bikes. But what put me off was range. My average ride in the Yoop is around 100 miles. Just not feasible for me. For a practical range for me, make it 300 miles.

This should provide a sample of the sound of the bike.




Link to original video: https://youtu.be/wU1Hv8uuDY4

Electric bikes are pretty cool, but don’t plan on getting one for all day rides just yet. Full battery option Zero bikes only give you in the neighborhood of 150 miles with over 3 hours to recharge. I look forward to the battery efficiency maturing, but won’t be giving up internal combustion any time soon. Electric bikes shine considerably brighter in city driving, mileage wise. They would be a good investment in urban settings where ride length is shorter and frequent charging more easily done.