Harley Livewire Electric Motorcycle

This is what it will sound like LOL

[video=youtube;UdaEX5jh5Lk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdaEX5jh5Lk[/video]
 
You know, I figured Harley would have gone into the future kicking and screaming holding on to their core values turning their nose up at electric. I never expected this from the Motor Company. Bold move, and to be the first out of the big motorcycle companies is shockingly unexpected. Way to go HD!

While not a production bike it is still a great concept and generally the response I'm reading everywhere is extremely positive. Will be interesting watching Harley and the other major manufacturers in the next 5 years.

About the bike: Not a fan of the back fender. Not a fan of the mirrors either. Would be cool to take the mirror off but leave the blinker part. Other then that I'm impressed.

Here's a good video on it.
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/19...-photos-video/
 
Re: Remember when the v-rod was not a real Harley ... ?

I saw a Zero on the road in Calgary last month, it was weird not hearing anything.

I remember when HDRod actually rode an HD Vrod.
 
Re: Remember when the v-rod was not a real Harley ... ?

Whenever somebody says they don't like the styling of something I'm reminded of the Ducati 999. How did that become a good looking bike today? Don't get me wrong, some bikes will never look good. I find that reassuring.
 
RetroGrouch said:
Official launch is today. Harley really wants to break away from their traditional core consumers and this could be a game changer.

10495865_10152584054517741_8084949318837555946_o.jpg


http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/harley-davidson-livewire-photos/
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or, they got a huge DOE grant 5 years ago and pinched out this turd, 50 mile range is a joke.
 
Picking up on some negative energy here.
 
Strip mining the entire planet and processing enough heavy metals to electrify the world's vechicle supply sounds like freedom to me. Not sure why the greybeards are getting upset.

There was some mention of DOZENS of prototypes being used for the US and Euro demo tours. That's a lot of prototypes if they never intend to sell it, so my guess is that it's a beta test of the electronics (and other consumer feedback).

I think the conservative power/range are very intentional too. Sportbike riders want fast. Tourers want distance. Both are expensive propositions in an EV, especially if you expect quick charging. Who wants to relax and feel the breeze, stop and shoot the breeze at a local joint? While the bike charges up for the ride home? Cruiser riders! Lots of torque? Definitely. The performance fits the market. Plus, HD will probably have a bunch of SE mods ready when it hits dealerships. The only puzzle for me is the styling. It's very streetfighter and not their core demographic. The 1200xl, V-Rod and Buells did poorly with a similar look. Maybe a few different verisons will be available.

As for the noise, it's anyone's guess. I have a few presses that have pretty cool sounding motors--when they start up. After that, it's all the linkages that make a racket.
 
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CafeRay said:
Or to the donut shop and back, which is what these local idiots do all weekend.
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There is some truth there, I see a few riders at Tim's just parked sipping coffee admiring their bikes on a daily bases...if you know BC, I ride my HD from Van to Whilstler as often as can, not everyone is the same.
 
Flywheel said:
Strip mining the entire planet and processing enough heavy metals to electrify the world's vechicle supply sounds like freedom to me. Not sure why the greybeards are getting upset.

There was some mention of DOZENS of prototypes being used for the US and Euro demo tours. That's a lot of prototypes if they never intend to sell it, so my guess is that it's a beta test of the electronics (and other consumer feedback).

I think the conservative power/range are very intentional too. Sportbike riders want fast. Tourers want distance. Both are expensive propositions in an EV, especially if you expect quick charging. Who wants to relax and feel the breeze, stop and shoot the breeze at a local joint? While the bike charges up for the ride home? Cruiser riders! Lots of torque? Definitely. The performance fits the market. Plus, HD will probably have a bunch of SE mods ready when it hits dealerships. The only puzzle for me is the styling. It's very streetfighter and not their core demographic. The 1200xl, V-Rod and Buells did poorly with a similar look. Maybe a few different verisons will be available.

As for the noise, it's anyone's guess. I have a few presses that have pretty cool sounding motors--when they start up. After that, it's all the linkages that make a racket.
Click to expand...

I've ridden a Brammo Empulse, and 54 ft lbs is a lot of torque at zero, these things pull like a litre bike.

They could be beta testing a prototype, then sourcing real batteries later. The best hope for this bike is that Harley has contracted out the engineering, and not a single guy with a two foot beard is working on this (obvious by the suspension).

No mention of price, but it cannot be below 25k. The charging will now likely be compatible with Tesla superchargers in California, now that Tesla has opened up the patents.

let's not forget Mugen/Honda is heavily invested in electrics, this year they broke 165 mph at the Isle of Mann.

I know that all these companies are designing noise into the drive trains.
 
People these days don't have enough of an attention span for companies to be beta testing bikes. By the time these go on sale the buzz will have died down and no one will care anymore.

Had they started selling the 500 & 750 Street when it was introduced a year ago the probably could have sold lots for a couple years. Now no one cares about these bikes anymore. They're not being talked about in magazines, forums or between friends and to my knowledge you can't even buy one yet.

Same thing will happen to the electric bike. By the time it goes on on sale, no one will care that it even exists.
 
woot said:
Had they started selling the 500 & 750 Street when it was introduced a year ago the probably could have sold lots for a couple years. Now no one cares about these bikes anymore. They're not being talked about in magazines, forums or between friends and to my knowledge you can't even buy one yet.

Same thing will happen to the electric bike. By the time it goes on on sale, no one will care that it even exists.
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Most companies do this, the 500s and 750s aren't available yet.

H-D is aware that carbon taxes are coming, and they need a no C02 bike eventually.

If they fix the range issue (Zero is 170miles, Brammo ~200) they have a nice style, but I bet that bike was designed by Mission electric.

I think people underestimate the appeal of electric bikes for <30, but the typical >50 crowd does not give a sh-t. H-D is very aware that their best demographic is dying off of old age.

Harley can fix the sound issue with a 140 watt speaker and an audio loop of James Earl Jones shouting, "potato-potato-potato".

james-earl-jones-surprised_t658.jpg
 
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CafeRay




Harley can fix the sound issue with a 140 watt speaker and an audio loop of James Earl Jones shouting, "potato-potato-potato".
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YUP or loop audio recording of a cat with tail stepped on :) or side B can of marbles in a blender
 
Very bold move for Harley.. maybe they would have been better off under a sub-brand, but there's the offset in brand credibility for the consumer.

I love it. Electric is the future.

I hope it comes to life. 50miles/80km is more than enough for a city slicker. Not enough for a weekend warrior, but the technology will catch up. Need sales from the early adopters to fund R&D!

Battery/Re-charging technology is still in the early stages.
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/05/22/18-year-old-invents-under-30-second-phone-charger/
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