EVEN HARLEY HAS SEEN GREEN LIGHT
Fraser tries out the Harley LiveWire
When Harley Davidson – the epitome of traditional, big-engined, fuel-guzzling motorcycles – brings out an electric bike, it really is time to sit up and take notice.
And that’s exactly what the American giant – which has always had a seemingly slow-to-change attitude to production – did this year in the form of the LiveWire, making it the first major bike manufacturer to produce an electric machine.
The bike features Harley’s ‘Revelation’ permanent magnet water-cooled electric motor. Like most EVs, the acceleration is ferocious – 0-60mph in just three seconds and 60-80mph in an astonishing 1.9 seconds.
It has a range of more than 140 miles and you can plug it in at home or use the petrol-pump style chargers in most towns or at one of 12 Harley dealers.
The fast-charge system will give a full battery in an hour. The LiveWire’s lofty price tag of £29,000 may deter some – but bear in mind that, like all electric bikes, running costs are virtually non-existent.
Importantly, it’s great to ride, too.
Almost all of the big manufacturers are now working on bringing out electrics in the near future, but, in the meantime, a host of other firms have been doing so for a while now.
Among those leading the way is Zero Motorcycles. The California-based company now has eight models in its range, including road, off-road and even a supermoto.
Its SR model offers what Zero claims is the longest range for any electric bike on the market – 220 miles – and more torque than a 1000cc sportsbike.
The SR/F, launched earlier this year, marks a big leap forward, with mid-sized naked-bike looks and performance, including 110bhp and 140ft lb of torque. Zero bikes start from a more manageable £10,000. Meanwhile, with prices starting from £2,250 for a scooter and £2,450 for a more bike-like machine, Super Soco makes electric even more affordable. Especially with running costs of 1p a mile.
The firm offers four models – top of the range is the TC Max billed as a commuter or round-town runner with a range of 60 miles at a steady pace.
You can now also get yourself the same Super Soco CUx scooter that the likes of Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci ride around the MotoGP paddock – in the Ducati livery.
Others worth investigating are Vespa’s Elettrica scooter, Niu scooters and the Energica range of Italian sports bikes. ■ For reviews of the latest electric bikes, visit mirror.co.uk/ all-about/motorbikes
RANGER Zero DS
ZIP INTO TOWN On Super Soco TC Max