(Harley-Davidson)
Harley-Davidson has introduced its very first electric motorcycle. Learn more about the reviews this bike has been getting, as well as how you can get a chance to ride one, right here.
1. Project LiveWire Is Harley-Davidson’s First Electric Motorcycle
Harley-Davidson has never created an electric motorcycle in its 100 year+ history…until now. The Project LiveWire bike is a milestone for the company as it attempts to create a bike that will appeal to city bikers or environmentally-concious motorcycle fans.
2. You Can’t Buy Project LiveWire, But You Can Ride It
(Harley-Davidson)
Bad news, Harley fans: you can’t buy this bike just yet. Harley=Davidson wants to give their customers a chance to try the bike and provide feedback before they go into full production for the electric LiveWire motorcycle.
Throughout this year, the Project LiveWire Experience will tour the US to bring the bike to the people. The first experience will take place in NYC on June 23, 24 and 25.
PC Mag notes: “A 2014 U.S. tour kicks off with an iconic journey down Route 66, with stops at more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships. The Project LiveWire Experience will continue in 2015, eventually expanding into Canada and Europe.”
3. ‘Harley-Davidson’s First Electric Motorcycle Surprisingly Doesn’t Suck,’ According to Wired
Harley unveils LiveWire, an electric superbike that goes zero to 60 in four seconds http://t.co/cjidHe5VZj pic.twitter.com/wkRKGf3F3u
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) June 19, 2014
While many people assume that an electric motorcycle doesn’t really jive with the Harley brand image, Wired notes that the new motorcycle is “pretty cool” and provides an “entertaining blend of power and comfort.”
Wired writes:
“Harley isn’t saying much about the drivetrain beyond saying the bike uses a lithium-ion battery with a range of 53 miles. It charges in 3.5 hours at 220 volts. Assuming the bike has a 3.3 kw charging system like other electric motorcycles, some back-of-the-envelope math suggests the LiveWire uses a 10 kilowatt-hour pack. Twist the throttle and the bike leaps forward with authority. Roll off the throttle and the regenerative braking kicks in, bringing the bike down from speed with due efficiency.”
4. Harley-Davidson Not the Only Name in the Electric Bike Game
Companies like Zero Motorcyles are making waves in the electric motorcycle industry. You can take a look at a Zero Model S test drive in the video above.
5. Electric Motorcycles Promote Environmental Responsibility
LiveWire, Harley's 1st electric bike, sounds like "fighter jet on an aircraft carrier" http://t.co/BaIOvemmwQ #MKE pic.twitter.com/0Q7bdfiLQH
— Molly Dill (@BizMolly) June 19, 2014
The Wall Street Journal quotes Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, as he talks about the environmental impact of electric motorcycles:
“Preserving the riding environment is important to all of us. Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come. As a company that has seen success for 111 years, we think in generational terms about our great riding environments for the next 111 years.”
You can see more pics of the motorcycle, or get info about when you can ride a LiveWire near you, at this official site.
