In the best spirit of unselfish human endeavour, Mrs B and I visited the annual motorcycle show at Birmingham today. No, not the one in AL - the original English one! Indian were well represented, with a big stand including a large display celebrating the centenary of the Scout. Harley's stand was a strange affair, with everything in subdued lighting, although with many current models present. They also had not one, but three of the electric Livewire models - the latest 'Evo'-lution of the H-D motorcycle. One of them was available to sit on and twiddle with, like the other models, but the other two were mounted on rolling roads, to be 'ridden'.

I watched and listened to a member of staff as he explained the operation of the bike to a punter who was sitting on it and thought he spent a long time doing that. However there was loud music, so I couldn't hear all of what was said. Come my turn for a 'ride' everything I was told made good sense. The instrument panel looks like a bit like a mobile phone, but once lit up shows digital speed, battery charge level, etc. Prior to starting a ride, some of the handlebar switches double up as controls to access the menu system.

There is no clutch lever, no gears - nor 'blipping' the throttle when stationary, as that could end up in embarrassment! The bike comes with a proximity fob, no key as such, so having got to the bike with the fob in a pocket it will be awake and waiting for instructions. The bike's range on a full charge is around 140 miles, reducing to around 100 if spent entirely in 'sport' mode. Sport is best used only on dry roads and gives good energy recovery while on the over-run, boosting range, whereas on 'wet' setting range is improved due to lower power consumption, but recovery is significantly reduced, to minimise the risk of locking up the rear wheel.

Having started 'riding', at slow speeds, my first impression was that the response to the throttle is slow. I was then encouraged to ride steadily up to 30-40 mph, then to accelerate briskly to around 60mph. Seems much more responsive now! I was then prompted to snap open the throttle from zero to around 60mph. Ha! It hit 102mph as I shut it off. All in a blink. Blimey. This was using the 'wet' riding mode, as the rollers can't cope with the 'sport' mode. Apparently the bike will hit 60mph from zero in about three seconds, however it seemed even quicker. Top speed is around 120mph, which sounds adequate! Should be quite a hoot out on the road.

All very impressive. My only gripe is that in the short time I sat on it I found the seat to be darned uncomfortable! In all honesty I can't see me ever buying one, not least because having retired I no longer need a regular commuting bike, for which this would be a good choice IMHO. If I was working and commuting no more than around 100 miles return a day, then it would be a practical proposition, as it can be easily recharged on a domestic electricity supply overnight. As long as one remembers to plug it in! It can also be recharged much more quickly using a high energy 'fast' charging point. Charging is done via what looks like the filler cap on top of the 'tank'. It will be interesting to see what accessories H-D come up with, as there is very little at present.

I did get an H-D metal drinks bottle as a souvenir.

 

I’m interested and definitely want to see/ride one. Like you, I don’t ever seeing myself buying one.

I will miss the sound of a Harley V-Twin if that day ever comes.

If Electric motorcycles get the millennial generation interested in motorcycles....build a bunch. Because....the motorcycle industry desperately needs to attract younger riders.

Thanks for the write up...

 

We are getting complaints over here about electric cars not being loud enough. A blind lady recently had a close shave when her assistance dog didn't respond to a fast closing electric car, but a pedestrian intervened in the nick of time. I suggested many years ago that we should be able to get into our Prius (or alternative characterless auto), turn the audio on and select the sound track of a Ferrari V12, Cobra V-8 or other, synchronised to road speed. On our bikes we just need to be able to select an S&S 143" or other motor of choice!

 

 

No throttle blipping? Add one more reason why electric bikes will never become the norm! Plus no exhaust. Least they could do is offer a prosthetic

 

Remember, no gears, no clutch - as soon as the darned thing is switched on then a blip of the throttle will have you whizzing down the road.....

 

But I have to have a clutch LOL

 

That's just SO last year!