Harley-Davidson used the platform afforded by the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January to confirm more details about its ‘LiveWire’ electric motorcycle - finally confirming availability from August 2019, with a domestic US MSRP of $29,799.Harley unveiled two new concept electric two-wheelers and announced pricing and pre-order availability for LiveWire, its “first electric production motorcycle,” stating that domestic U.S. dealers can pre-order at h-d.com/ LiveWire “with deliveries expected this fall and select global markets to be announced at a later date.”
Said to represent the future of Harley-Davidson, “bringing high-performance electric propulsion, evocative design and cellular connectivity to today’s riders,” LiveWire is slated to be “the first of a new electric portfolio of motorcycles that provides an all-new two-wheel experience, delivering thrilling acceleration, agile handling, premium materials and finishes, and a full suite of electronic rider aids and interfaces for a completely connected experience.”
Harley-Davidson also debuted two additional electrified future concepts that “further explore the potential of urban mobility and in keeping with LiveWire, both concepts bring Harley-Davidson’s expertise in expressive two-wheeled experiences and push boundaries in design and technology.
“These motorcycles are a significant part of the ‘More Roads to Harley-Davidson’ [strategic] plan to accelerate building the next generation of riders through new products in additional motorcycle segments, broader access and a commitment to strengthen dealers globally.”
‘minimal vibration, heat and noise’
Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson’s President and CEO, said: “We’re at a historic juncture in the evolution of mobility, and Harley-Davidson is at the forefront. Innovation that moves the body and soul has always been at the heart of our brand, and this next chapter in our history is about creating products and opportunities for existing and aspiring riders of all ages and walks of life.
“Our vision for the future is all encompassing - for all ages, from urban professional to exurban retiree, and from commute-minded to thrill-seeking, we are creating the products and opportunities for existing and aspiring riders to feel the transformative power of the two-wheeled riding experience. These two concepts are further statements towards that. Our commitment to lead in the electric mobility space begins this fall with the production 2020 LiveWire.”
Further described by the company as “the perfect combination of power, performance and technology,” features will include acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds - “the instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation electric powertrain can produce 100 percent of its rated torque the instant the throttle is twisted, and 100 percent of that torque is always available.”
Citing the ease-of-use of ‘Twist-and-Go’ platforms, Harley states that “electric power requires no clutch and no gear shifting, greatly simplifying operation for new riders. All riders will appreciate the braking effect of the power regeneration mode as it adds charge to the battery, especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.”
With connectivity and electronic rider aids informing much of the R&D investment budgets for the whole of the global motorcycle industry at this time, the LiveWire will be equipped with H-D Connect, which pairs motorcycle riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit (developed in conjunction with Panasonic), coupled with connectivity and cloud services using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App.
LTE is a 4G connection protocol (“fourth-generation long term evolution”) offering a connection that is more reliable and delivers much higher speeds than conventional 4G and the 3G it replaces - up to 10 times faster than most 3G connections.
Harley says that this technology will make the LiveWire motorcycle the first North American mass-market cellular-connected electric motorcycle. With H-D Connect, data is collected and transferred to the App to provide information to the rider’s smartphone about a range of functions including motorcycle status. Information available through H-D Connect includes battery charge status and available range from any location where a sufficient cellular signal is available.
This allows the rider to remotely check the charge status, including charge level and time to completion. “Riders will be able to locate a charging station with ease thanks to an integrated location finder built into the H-D App.”
H-D Connect features tamper alerts and vehicle location, indicating the location of the parked LiveWire motorcycle with alerts sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is tampered with or moved and includes GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking, service reminders and notifications, performance and range optimization “for the urban street rider, who will be able to travel an estimated 110 miles of urban roads on a single charge.”
The chassis is designed to deliver agile handling for “confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads,” with the H-D Revelation powertrain sitting “low in the motorcycle to lower the center of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds and make it easier to balance when stopped.” LiveWire is also said to feature advanced technology including standard cornering-enhanced anti-lock braking system and traction control. The systems are said to be “fully electronic and utilize the latest inertial measurement unit and ABS sensor technology.”
Harley says it is also addressing the issues of sound and vibration, claiming that LiveWire will feature a “distinctive Harley-Davidson sound and minimal vibration - the powertrain produces minimal vibration, heat and noise, all of which enhance rider comfort. The LiveWire model is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed. This new futuristic sound represents the smooth electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.
The onboard Level 1 charger and power cord can connect to any standard household outlet and get a full charge overnight. For a faster charge, riders can visit any public Level 3 DC Fast Charge station. Harley says the riding range estimates are based on current SAE testing of LiveWire concept models - “actual riding range will vary based on several factors including weather and driving conditions - and that the H-D Connect service will not be available in all markets, with market availability being announced when LiveWire starts to ship in August 2019.