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LiveWire™: The Electric Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

The day has finally come where we are seeing shipments of the much-anticipated Harley-Davidson LiveWire. As the first one was delivered to the first electric-enthusiastic customer, we all stood back and marveled at the next step in this industry's evolution. Learn all you need to know about Harley-Davidson's role in the electrification of motorcycles here on this page. Sign up for updates and check out all of the tech and specs on the first ever-electric production Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

LiveWire Black and Yellow

"Leading the electric motorcycle market by launching Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, LiveWire™, in 2019 -- the first in a broad, no-clutch “twist and go” portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of the sport. LiveWire™ will be followed by additional models through 2022 to broaden the portfolio with lighter, smaller and even more accessible product options to inspire new riders with new ways to ride."

EV Incentives_Web

Features:Riding LiveWire in Twists

Yes, it's electric.

But we're not just talking about the motor here. We're talking about a level of excitement you haven't felt from a motorcycle until you've ridden the all-new Harley-Davidson® LiveWire™ moel. 

Instantaneous power the moment you twist the throttle.

No clutch to release. No gears to run through. All you do is flick your wrist and take off. All you have to do is ride. 

LiveWire in Orange

Plug into a new kind of thrill.

The handling is agile, thanks to 17-inch wheels, Michelin® sport tires and fully-adjustable Showa® suspension. And, you get the confidence that comes from traction control and cornering enhanced anti-lock brakes. 

The technology you expect is all here.

Seven different riding modes let you dial in your ride. Music and GPS are controlled by a state-of-the-art touchscreen Infotainment system that's Bluetooth enabled. The EV powertrain means there is little service required.

2020 livewire long way up integration primary email

 

Let's Answer Some of Those Questions You Have:

What is LiveWire™?

LiveWire™ is the name of the all-new electric motorcycle.

When will the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire™ motorcycle be available?

Charge Port

The LiveWire™ was released in 2019.

How much is the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire™ motorcycle?

LiveWire™ has an MSRP starting at $29,799. 

Where will the LiveWire™ motorcycle be built?

Designed at Harley-Davidson's Product Development Center in Wisconsin and built at Harley-Davidson's state of the art manufacturing facility in York, PA. 

Can I get an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle now?

Yes. Subject to availability.  

What are the basic product features and specs?

  • RESS Battery - determines range, adds the most weight to the motorcycle, and is the most expensive component
  • Regenerative Braking - Electric motor creates torque and braking helps recharge the battery
  • The LiveWire™ has a rectifier that will convert the AC charge to a DC charge. Yes, it is fast charge capable.
  • These bikes are a simple “Twist and Go”, no-clutch operation and no shifting required in stop & go traffic

 

What sound does LiveWire™ make?

The gear set between the motor and the drive belt has been designed to produce a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed, producing an exciting aural response to speed and acceleration. 

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Do I need special charging equipment to own a LiveWire™ motorcycle?

No you do not. Use the onboard Level 1 charger and power cord to connect to any standard household outlet and get a full charge overnight. For a faster charge, visit any public Level 3 DC Fast Charge station.  

How long will it take to charge a LiveWire™ motorcycle?

Standard DC Fast Charge technology which provides a 0-80% of battery charge in 40 minutes or 0-100% in 60 minutes

Nationwide Charging Network

 

 

DC Fast Chargers

 

Level 1 Chargers

 

 

What is the expected range before it needs to charge again?

Short answer: Up to 146 miles of range.
The performance and range has been optimized for the urban rider. The high-voltage battery 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**.
The LiveWire™ motorcycle features a high voltage battery that produces incredible acceleration. It means plenty of range and torque on tap for unlocking the city.

*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.

How fast does it go?

From 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and 60-80 in 1.9 seconds. The instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation™ electric powertrain can produce 100 percent of its rated torque once the throttle is twisted, and 100 percent of that torque is always available. Top speed is 110mph.

What is H-D Connect Service?

Meet the world's most connected motorcycle experience. With cellular telematics connectivity powered by Panasonic®, you can connect remotely through your smart phone using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App. Check 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 H-D Connect Service will not be available in all markets. 

 

 

 Can I ride the LiveWire™ motorcycle in the rain?

The LiveWire™ motorcycle may be ridden in any weather condition. 

Are your technicians qualified to service these motorcycles?

Yes, we expect to have three technicians who have achieved their certification in performing Harley-Davidson Authorized Service on the EV. 

Are customers able to demo?

Bikes are available for demo.

Is financing available for LiveWire™ bikes?

Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) will assist customers in their financing needs for the LiveWire™. In fact, all HDFS programs and promotions will be available on Electric vehicle models including First Time buyer, military and rider training graduate promotions.

Does the LiveWire™ motorcycle require any special maintenance?

No. The LiveWire™ motorcycle is convenient to own because many of the routine maintenance items required of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) are eliminated: no engine oil to change, no spark plugs or air filters or primary drive to service, and no maintenance issues associated with ethanol gasoline and off-season storage. The LiveWire™ motorcycle drive belt tension will need occasional adjustment, and there is a small amount of lubricant in the gear case that needs to be changed. Tires and brake pads remain consumable.

What are the main benefits of an EV motorcycle?LiveWire Handling

  • Quick acceleration - EVs deliver instant torque and, in some vehicles, thrilling acceleration
  • Easy to ride - “Twist and Go”, no-clutch operation and no shifting required in stop & go traffic
  • Quiet comfort - With a quiet electric motor and no need for a gearbox, EVs generate extremely low noise, vibration and harshness compared to Internal Combustion Engine vehicles
  • Low operating cost - Uses low-cost electrical current to charge and requires little maintenance, e.g., brake life is longer due to regenerative braking
  • Reduced emissions - EVs generate little to no harmful emissions in operation

 

Will Harley-Davidson offer additional electric motorcycles?

The intention for the all-new LiveWire™ motorcycle is to be followed by an exciting portfolio of two-wheeled electric vehicles.  

What is the difference between LiveWire™ and Project LiveWire?

Project LiveWire was a prototype model that Harley-Davidson Motor Company created in 2014. Several units were manufactured. They were loaded up on a semi-truck and taken to demo events around the world. After allowing real riders to test out the motorcycle, feedback was collected on people's experience as well as expectations of charge time, range and price. This feedback was used to further refine the development and production of the Harley-Davidson electric line up of motorcycles. 

Is Project LiveWire the electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle?

Not exactly. Project LiveWire is a prototype developed in 2014 that was used to collect feedback about what motorcycle enthusiasts wanted to see in an electric motorcycle. The electric Harley-Davidson models to come are being built and developed based on that prototyping project.

Can I still ride the Project LiveWire motorcycle?

Unfortunately Project LiveWire has concluded and test rides of the prototype are no longer available.

News Articles About the Electric Harley-Davidson Motorcycle: 

Videos of Electric Concepts

Jack Mitrani Electric Concept Ride | Harley-Davidson

 

 

Jacko Strong Electric Concept Ride | Harley-Davidson

 

Videos of LiveWire

Formula E NYC E-Prix | Harley-Davidson

 

 
LiveWire X Formula E NYC E-Prix | Harley-Davidson
 
From Project LiveWire to LiveWire | Harley-Davidson

 

Designing Transit That Works - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson

 

 

 

Designing for Heritage Brands - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson

 

 

 

Electric Vehicle Design Constraints - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson

 

 

 

Designing New Products - Masters of Design | Harley-Davidson

 

 

 

Envision Virgin Racing Partnership | Harley-Davidson

 

 

2020 LiveWire

 
Harley-Davidson LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Test Ride - Cycle World
 
Jay Leno's Garage: Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire - Jay Leno's Garage

 

10 Reasons Why Electric Motorcycles Are Awesome

 

 

Harley-Davidson Invests in Alta Motors; Companies Will Collaborate on Future Electric Motorcycle Product Development

Collaboration Will Advance Application of EV Motorcycle Technology and Expand Electric Motorcycle Marketplace Combining Instant Torque and Quick Acceleration with Intuitive and Dynamic Motorcycle Design Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced today that it has made an equity investment in Alta Motors, a leader and innovator in lightweight electric vehicles, and that the two companies will collaborate on electric motorcycle technology and new product development.

livewire development and production“Earlier this year, as part of our 10-year strategy, we reiterated our commitment to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, in part, by aggressively investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology,” said Harley-Davidson President and CEO Matt Levatich. “Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles.”

Harley-Davidson has already announced the planned launch of its first electric motorcycle, informed by Project LiveWire™. That motorcycle is on track for release in 2019.

Read more.

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Cycle World Interview, Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson President and CEO

So we talk about look, sound, and feel. First of all the LiveWire sounds cool, but there are all the other sounds. When we did the early press stuff, I was out at that airstrip in Southern California [the closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station]. I was riding side by side with a journalist and we were having a conversation at 70 mph like you and I are now. We got excited about the product and then we commissioned 33 of them at quite a lot of money because we needed to see what customers thought.matt-leviatich-1-saviero

First of all, we had to put a no-excuses electric motorcycle in their hands because everyone is thinking what I was thinking: golf cart, probably anemic. To a person, 12,000 people said, “It's done, I want it now. You guys nailed it. Why can't I buy one?” And there were practical reasons why. Cost. Range at the time. We could have met range requirements by making the battery bigger but it wouldn't have been that product, it would have been a heavier product, a wider product.

Why is all this important? The biggest thing that it demonstrated to us is that the customers are much more willing to see innovative and progressing things from Harley than probably we are allowing ourselves to do. Through our history there are a number of examples of different things we have done that maybe they were successful or maybe they weren't, but they seem to sit in everybody's memory as authentic, credible things that Harley did that we can do again.

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I remember riding LiveWire at the launch in June of 2014 in lower Manhattan. Being in lower Manhattan with messenger bikes and pedestrians and taxis and potholes and stoplights and it was like a ballet experience. But no heat, no clutch; twist and go, perfectly balanced. Perfect motor control. It was freedom in an urban setting which, you know, on a Street Glide, I have enough skill to be able to do that. And you think about the doors that LiveWire opens to people in urban environments. It's exciting to us because it's a great motorcycle and it enables a different awesome ride. That goes back to your question: What constraints do we have as a brand and company? There are financial constraints and so forth, but we feel like we have way more permission from riders globally than we probably give ourselves internally.

Read more.