The LiveWire motorcycle will be available in 2019 through select authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships in the United States, Canada and most European countries where Harley-Davidson conducts business, with expanding global availability planned for 2020 through 2021. And the price? As previously stated by Harley, they are pitching in at a baseline starting MSRP of $29,799.00.
Performance: 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 3.0 seconds and 60 to 80 mph (100 to 129 kph) in 1.9 seconds. Because maximum torque is always on tap, roll-on acceleration for passing from any speed is outstanding."
Twist-And-Go: Electric power requires no clutch and no gear shifting, greatly simplifying operation for new riders. All riders will also appreciate the braking effect of the power regeneration mode as it adds charge to the battery, especially in urban traffic that often requires a lot of slow-rolling and stop-and-go riding.
Minimal NVH: The H-D Revelation electric powertrain produces minimal vibration, very little heat and minimal noise, all of which enhance rider comfort. When the rider activates the LiveWire motorcycle powertrain, the electric motor will produce a subtle pulsing of torque, a heartbeat sensation designed to let the rider know the bike has come to life and is ready to ride. The pulsing ceases when the motorcycle begins to move and resumes when the motorcycle comes to a stop.
Ease of Maintenance: The LiveWire motorcycle is convenient to own because many of the routine maintenance items required of a motorcycle powered by an internal combustion engine are eliminated- there’s no engine oil to change, and no spark plugs, air filter or primary drive to service.
Battery: The high-voltage battery has a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. It provides 146 miles (235 km) of city range or 95 miles (152 km) of combined stop-and-go and highway range as measured using the MIC City and MIC Combined tests (riding range estimates provided following SAE J2982 Riding Range Test Procedure and are based on expected performance of a fully-charged battery when operated under specified conditions). Actual range will vary depending on riding habits, ambient weather and equipment conditions, but is 98 miles (158 km) using World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC - per EEC 134/2014 Annex VII Appendix 3.3). DC Fast Charge (DCFC) technology provides a 0-80 percent of battery charge in 40 minutes or 0-100 percent charge in 60 minutes.
Handling and Control: The center of gravity has been optimized to enhance traction, braking and cornering performance. A lightweight cast aluminum frame is extremely rigid and contributes to the precise, responsive handling that makes the LiveWire model exciting to ride in any situation. Premium high-performance SHOWA BFRC (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) mono-shock rear suspension is fully adjustable and designed to deliver a comfortable ride and precise handling.
Premium SHOWA SFF-BP (Separate Function front Fork-Big Piston) front suspension matches the performance and adjustability of the rear shock and delivers exceptional low-speed damping control - ideal for composed control in typical urban riding conditions.
Brembo Monoblock front brake calipers grip dual 300 mm diameter rotors and deliver outstanding power with a crisp feel for confident braking performance. Premium co-branded H-D/Michelin Scorcher Sport tires (180 mm rear and 120 mm front widths) are designed specifically to enhance the handling performance of the LiveWire model.
Technology: The LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with a full suite of electronic rider aids and interfaces for a completely connected experience. The Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) utilize Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) and Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) to give the rider more confidence and control in less-than-ideal situations.
A 4.3-inch color TFT touchscreen (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast) located above the handlebar offers the rider a wide range of information on a display that’s bright and easy to read. Seven selectable ride modes electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle and the level of RDRS intervention.
H-D Connect service technology provides cellular connectivity that can link a LiveWire owner with their motorcycle through their smart phone using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson app.
Styling/Design: The LiveWire model creates a design foundation for coming H-D electric vehicles that projects authentic H-D styling. The LiveWire follows a key Harley-Davidson styling dictum - the focus is on the motor. Just as the engine is the most eye-catching element, of every previous Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the H-D Revelation electric motor is the first-look focus of the LiveWire motorcycle. Its bright case and mechanical, muscular shape is meant to convey the power it contains.
The cast aluminum case for the high-voltage battery has been deliberately highly styled with functional cooling fins that suggest the attractive, repetitive horizontal cooling fins on an air-cooled engine. The rear fender hugs and moves with the wheel so that it almost disappears from sight. This permits the high, wasp-like contour of the tail section below the seat.