A New Age: Harley-Davidson’s Fully Electric Motorcycle

Replace the thumbing, loud V-twin for an gigantic starter motor, Harley-Davidson is entering the new age with its first fully electric motorcycle, Project LiveWire. But, this motorcycle is not in fact a ready-to-sell bike, rather an opportunity for guys like you and I to ride this electric beast and tell Harley what we think.

The official unveiling is June 23, 2014 in New York, which will also kick off the Project LiveWire Experience Tour, two tours to hit the East and West coast simultaneously with LiveWire motorcycles in tow. Any licensed rider can take a 20-minute test ride on one the bike and give Harley their feedback. According to Harley, the production model will change based on what consumers say. The tour will hit Los Angeles in late October and then Canada and Europe in 2015.

So what does an electric Harley-Davidson look like? Well, definitely not like a Harley-Davidson, no clutch, transmission, gas tank, or exhaust the bike is far from any FatBoy or Street Glide.

The seating position is more like a street bike, with a high tail section, inverted forks and mono-shock rear swing arm. Add the new look of LED headlights and low-mounted mirrors with some traditional Harley parts like grips and switches, and it’s a mesh of themes that comes together nicely. Yes, it;s far more like a sport bike, but aesthetically Harley did a great job.
Watch the video and hear the whistle of the bike that sounds like a jet engine passing you. That sound isn’t the engine, but rather the oil and water pump that cool the electric motor and electric control unit, respectively. Harley-Davidson hasn’t told us yet if this noise is fabricated, but that it was intentional to keep with the noise-making Harley tradition. “The sound is a distinct part of the thrill,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market.”

How does a motorcycle with no transmission, clutch, or exhaust run? First off is the selection between “Power Mode,” for a harder accelerating, bar-hopping experience with a 30-mile charge or “Range Mode” with a 53-mile charge, but sacrifices acceleration. It takes 3.5 hours to recharge from a 220-volt charger and during riding when you let off the throttle the bike automatically takes that kinetic energy and recharges the battery. Electric motors have instantaneous torque, accelerating LiveWire to a 0-60 of 4 seconds flat, but it tops out at a disappointing 92 mph.

Since LiveWire’s release some have asked if Harley will build the same bike with a gas engine. That is unknown, but many – including us – are hopeful. It’s obvious that Harley is trying to gain the attention of the non-riders of the world with this as many sources like Road & Track and electronics magazines have reported on it. But, what do you think? Is this a true Harley or a PR stunt? Comment in the comment section below and let us know if you’ll be attending a test ride when it comes to your town?

Specs:
Powertrain: 55-kilowatt, 3-phase A/C induction electric motor, lithium ion batteries, and direct drive
Horsepower: 74 @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 52-lb.-ft.
Top speed: 92 mph
Range: Roughly 53 miles
Recharge time: 3-1/2 hours
Wheels: 17-inch rear (180mm), 18-inch front (120mm)
Suspension: Monoshock in rear, adjustable front fork
Frame weight: 18 pounds

Dates:

Only three dates have been announced and it’s unclear how many stops and bikes there really are. Follow the website: ProjectLiveWire.com for upcoming news and see if you straddle the first electric Harley for yourself.

June 24 – June 25
New York
June 27 – June 29
Boston, MA
July 17 – July 19
Philadelphia, PA