LiveWire – Harley Davidson’s First Electric Motorcyle is Expensive, Tech-Savvy and Absolutely Gorgeous

Harley-Davidson’s first venture into the electric motorcycle arena will finally arrive later this summer. The LiveWire first introduced back in 2014, is now available for pre-orders with an August – September 2019 delivery date.

Earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Harley-Davidson unveiled the base price $29,799 US, of the 2020 LiveWire. Seating the bike in the upper echelons of the brand’s price range.

According to Harley-Davidson, the company is anticipating that the release of their first EV motorcycle will reverse slowing sales and nosediving stock value by appealing to a new breed of rider – the 18-to-35-year-old demographic.

Steep retail price aside, the LiveWire looks absolutely stunning with a futuristic design and a full-colour TFT display, which connects the riders smartphone to the new new H-D Connect app-based operating system.

The system monitors the bike’s diagnostics, charge status, will provide turn-by-turn navigation and receives security alerts.

Time will tell whether the zero-emissions bike successfully thrusts the Milwaukee company into the electric motorcycle stratosphere or not. Nonetheless, the LiveWire is a pricey, tech-savvy, gorgeous machine.

Photos: Harley Davidson
More information: Harley Davidson

The LiveWire’s Electronic Chassis Control (ECC), manages cornering-enhanced Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) and Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) by modulating torque available at the rear wheel.

Located on the top of the gas tank is the onboard Level 1 charger and power cord which connects to any standard household outlet and get a full charge overnight.

Using a stage-three supercharger connection, the batteries will charge from zero to 80 per cent capacity in approximately 40 minutes.

With the H-D CONNECT SERVICE, you can connect remotely through your smartphone to receive bike vitals like battery charge status, see its location on a map, and get security alerts if it’s been bumped, tampered with or moved.

The LiveWire™ motorcycle features a high-voltage battery (or RESS; Rechargeable Energy Storage System) composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminum housing. The high-voltage battery provides 225 km of city range or 142 km of combined stop-and-go and highway range

Harley Davidson claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, with instant power the moment the throttle is twisted.

The LiveWire comes outfitted with an adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes with ABS and traction control. Custom designed 180mm rear, and 120mm front Michelin Scorcher Sports tires.