We've Got A Live One Here
Harley-davidson’s Future is Electric With The Livewire
First confirmed in mid 2018 during the announcement of the company’s “More Roads to Harleydavidson”, Harley-davidson intends to be the world leader in the electrification of motorcycles, and expect to deliver a full portfolio of electric motorcycles by 2022.
Leading the charge, the now production-ready Livewire model offers the rider a new, high-performance motorcycling experience. Propelled by the
immediate torque of an all-electric motor, the Livewire is capable of astounding acceleration with just a twist of the throttle, with no clutching or gear shifting required. A low centre of gravity, rigid aluminium frame and premium adjustable suspension components results in dynamic handling. Performance and range are also optimised for the urban street-rider.
Powered by a permanent magnet electric motor, the Livewire produces instant torque the moment the throttle is twisted, resulting in an incredible acceleration performance for a thrilling ride. The motor itself is located low for a deep centre of gravity, enabling the motorcycle to handle well at all speeds and be easy to control when stopped. That distinctive trademark Harley-davidson soundtrack has been replaced here with a new electric sound designed to produce
a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed, representing the smooth, electric power of the Livewire motorcycle.
Maximising the powertrain performance is a chassis designed to deliver nimble, agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads. And since power is nothing without control, the Livewire features high-performance fully adjustable Showa® suspension for exceptional low-speed damping control, ideal for composed control in typical urban riding conditions.
Improving the control and performance further are Brembo Monoblock front brake calipers, to deliver a crisp feel and confident braking performance. With riding confidence further enhanced through the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS), the rider can tailor performance with seven selectable riding modes on hand, four of which are set as factory standard, and a further three modes that can be user defined.
Pertinent information and control of on-board tech is via a tilt-adjustable color touch screen TFT display just above the handlebar. Bright and easy to read, the screen affords access to Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, music and more.
The motorcycle’s main battery, or Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), is composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminum housing. Charging is a simple matter of plugging into a standard household outlet with a power cord that stores below the motorcycle seat.
The Livewire’s style is just as stunning as the performance and follows a key Harley-davidson styling dictum where the focus is on the motor. Just as the V-twin engine is the most eye-catching element of every Harley-davidson, the Livewire’s electric motor catches the eye with its bright case and mechanical, muscular shape conveying the power within, while functional cooling fins further enhance the styling. The bodywork itself pops with the finished look of anodized metal, flowing from battery cover through to a high, wasp-like contoured tail section that ends with a rear fender that hugs the wheel so tightly that it almost disappears from sight.