HARLEY-DAVIDSON’s production-ready Livewire has made its debut at EICMA.
The Milwaukee manufacturer’s first electric motorcycle has been in the pipeline for a number of years, since the Project LiveWire prototype’s global demo tour back in 2014.
In July this year, H-D announced that the model would be hitting streets in 2019 as part of its “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan, which also revealed an intention to assert itself as the world leader in electric motorcycles, and to deliver a full portfolio of electric bikes by 2022.
Drawing from Project LiveWire demo tour feedback and following an intensive development programme the Harley-Davidson LiveWire model boasts advanced electric and battery tech, high quality components and a host of rider aids.
The stylish, eye-catching bike is powered by a permanent magnet electric motor that produces instant torque from zero revs. To match this thrilling powertrain, Harley-Davidson’s engineers have created a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed.
This powertrain is mounted low (and as a stressed member) in the rigid aluminium chassis in keeping with Harley’s usual low centre of gravity, and this set-up promises stable and agile handling.
Suspension is accounted for by fully adjustable monoshock at the rear, and a Separate Function Fork-Big Piston up front, while Brembo Monoblock front brake calipers on twin 300 mm discs provide adequate stopping power. ABS and TCS are standard features, while seven selectable riding modes allow the rider to tailor the bike to their personal preferences (four are standard from factory and the other three modes can be defined by the user).
A tilt-adjustable colour touch screen TFT display sits above the bars, and displays a range of info, as well as acting as an interface for Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, music and more.
This electric motor is powered by a RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System, or the main battery), which is composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminum housing. The lights, controls, horn and instrument display are powered by a separate small 12-volt lithium-ion battery
There are various charging solutions, including an on-board Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard household outlet, and Level 2 and Level 3, or DC Fast Charge (DCFC) options. All Harley-Davidson dealers who sell the LiveWire motorcycle will offer a public charging station.
Pricing and details on the pre-order process will be released in January 2019, with deliveries to follow later in the year.
