It's a unique experience. I haven't ridden the HD, but borrowed a Zero Electric for a weekend. I wasn't expecting to be that impressed, but I'm now seriously thinking about buying one. Riding a motorcycle has long been described as feeling similar to flying. Riding an electric bike makes that even more true. I would highly recommend trying an electric if you get the chance. It's a different sensation, but still very cool.
Mike Davis, owner of Adventure, Rubber City, Mad River + RocknRoll HD told me about this demo 2 weeks ago but registration just became available. He rode the Livewire in Milwaukee + said it's absolutely incredible. On acceleration, the torque is instantanious. Same is true for deceleration. When you roll the throttle on or off, you better do it slowly. He says most of the "incidents" occur right in the parking lot the moment riders mount. There will be a fleet of I believe 10 Livewire's for demo rides. There will also be several static mounts that folks can jump on and ride like a dyno (bikes on rollers). Should be interesting. I'm goin up Fri morning, since I'm retired, I don't wanna take a weekend slot away from the workin folks. IF nothin else, the guitar collections inside are worth the trip up. (Bob Dylan, Stones, Sammy Hagar, Led Zeppelin etc, etc)
Rode today + it was INCREDIBLE! Did the static test first, then watched a vid, then did a 20 min test ride. Handles like a DREAM! Acceleration instantaneous as is the deceleration. Don't really need to use the brakes, but flashed the back lites so the bikes behind me knew I was stoppin. So kewl not havin to clutch/shift/brake. Even like the the turbine like sound. The forward seating position not friendly to this old body, but probably necessary or the damned thing would flip right over on acceleration. Only other complaint, rear view mirrors were worthless, showed my hands, nothin on either side of me. Overall, ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, don't miss it if you get the chance to ride one.
When you turn it on, by hitting the run/stop switch, you have 2 mode settings. Choose the power mode for better performance, the other is for increased range. We took 10 bikes out at a time. Remember to tap one of the brakes when you decelerate so your brake lite comes on. Otherwise the bikes behind you won't know you're stopping. Just rollin off the throttle is like throwin out an anchor. You'll love it!
The obvious question is why wouldn't HD make the brake light come on when heavy deceleration begins? Just another problem to fix before it even gets off the ground.
It's a unique experience. I haven't ridden the HD, but borrowed a Zero Electric for a weekend. I wasn't expecting to be that impressed, but I'm now seriously thinking about buying one. Riding a motorcycle has long been described as feeling similar to flying. Riding an electric bike makes that even more true. I would highly recommend trying an electric if you get the chance. It's a different sensation, but still very cool.
Best idea I have heard in a long time.
Doesn't have to be a HD, but one of those readily available and eventually make a comparison on what to possible support in the future.
I think Yamaha makes two bikes with different ranges as an option.
Keep an open mind folks cause HD is playing catch up in this field of batteries in motorcycles.
Rob
The obvious question is why wouldn't HD make the brake light come on when heavy deceleration begins? Just another problem to fix before it even gets off the ground.
Why don't they do it to the current ones as well, right?
Why don't they do it to the current ones as well, right?
The current what? Are you talking about all bikes in general? After reading the article you almost don't need a brake because when you let off the gas it immediatly brakes, in other words it doesn't free wheel like a normal bike would. Bet you couldn't push this bike without having power either. It's probably locked up with the battery. Anyway, that was my point. I didn't quite understand yours but maybe we're on the same page.
08-01-2015, 04:20 PM
Wanna ride Livewire.......it's comin to Clevelend.
