Thunder and Lightning: Harley-Davidson Debuts Electric Motorcycles
By David Place

Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle hits the streets in August of this year.

 

I'm really curious as to how long it'll be before I see one of these in the wild. I actually rode the prototype, and it was really cool. Made kind of a spacey, gear-like noise.

 

Local dealer says they have 3 pre orders.

 

That's awesome. Up here in greenie Seattle, I might have a decent shot!

 

Local dealer here in Oregon aren't ordering any of them stating that they're to over priced for what people in our area are willing to pay.

 

I really hope it catches on. It has some initial-model limitations (slower CCS charging than the competition and lacking in L2 charging speeds), but it is otherwise a great bike (in both looks and performance). I think it won't be understood until someone does a proper review of a full-day ride, stopping at one or two CCS chargings along the way, showing the practicality of the bike for day riding. The '95 mile' combined riding distance is the real number to go by (not the granny-rode-it-like-a-scooter of 140+ miles). That's about two hours of fun spirited riding (non-highway), stop for a 1 hour lunch/recharge, and ride another two-hours back. Introduce two re-charges and you can be out riding a 6-hour riding day. It's a different mentality and planning, but definitely doable and I'm sure quite enjoyable.