Two Modified LiveWires Take on 15,000-Mile Adventure

The Long Way Up

Much to the delight of motorcyclists around the world, Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman have teamed up once again to shoot a motorcycle touring series. Aptly titled the Long Way Up, the show follows the pair as they embark on a 15,000-mile adventure. The trip starts at the southern tip of Argentina, runs through south and Central America before finishing in the U.S.A. The only issue was, the Harley-Davidson Livewires they wanted to use wouldn't be fit for purpose without some substantial modifications.

Photos courtesy of Electrek.

Protection

Some of the more obvious modifications serve as protection for the Livewires. The upgraded bikes feature hand guards, crash bars, and a bash plate over the Revelation motor. Without these additions, it's hard to imagine the bikes lasting the arduous 15,000-mile trip. Some storage cases were also fitted to house the pairs' luggage. 

Photos courtesy of Electrek.

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Wind Protection

Barreling across open planes means taking on blustery winds, thankfully the Livewires had been prepped for this. Custom windshields were fabricated for the bikes which helped keep the majority of the gusts off the duo's shoulders and heads. Unfortunately for Livewire owners, these windshields aren't currently in production.

Photos courtesy of Electrek.

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Suspension

One modification that mightn't be apparent to the naked eye is an upgraded rear shock. This gave the bikes an extra inch and a half of travel and added two inches to the bikes' ground clearance. The Livewire was designed as a roadster and not intended to tackle the trails McGregor and Boorman rode - upgraded suspension was a necessity!

Photos courtesy of Electrek.

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Pan America Parts

Harley-Davidson is launching its new Pan America adventure bike next year: the perfect platform to scavenge some parts from. From the Pan America, Harley-Davidson's engineering team was able to take larger wheels, rotors, and tires and fit them to the Livewires - perfect for rough terrain.

Photos courtesy of Cycle World.

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Better Geometry

A Harley-Davidson engineering team volunteered their time to prepare the Livewires, mostly working after hours. This team created a new steering head and front-end assembly which helped achieve new geometry for the bikes. This made the Livewire's more at home on off-road trails. The adjustment was also necessary to accommodate the larger wheels, taller ground clearance, and increased suspension travel. 

Photos courtesy of Drive Mag Riders.

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