Taking a major departure from its very traditional
V-twin motorcycle line up is Harley-Davidson (H-D) with release on
specifications for its first electric motorcycle, the 2019 Harley-Davidson
Livewire. First shown as a prototype in 2014, the Livewire will go on sale in
January 2019, the first of a range of H-D electric motorcycles (e-bike) by
2022.
Using a permanent magnet electric motor that
produces torque from zero rpm – H-D neglected to announce any performance
numbers – Livewire is said to handle well at all speeds with performance and
range targetted at the urban street rider. Electrical power is stored in
lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminum housing.
A separate 12-Volt lithium-ion battery provides
power for lights, controls, horn and instrument display. Charging is done via
the on-board Level 1 charger located below the seat or a Level 2 or 3 DC Fast
Charge (DCFC) charger.
Styling on Livewire is rather more like a motorcycle
than the traditional H-D cruiser, with lines mimicking H-D’s Sportster range.
Suspension and braking is brought into the modern era with adjustable Showa
SFF-BP front forks, Showa BFRC monoshock and Brembo radial-mounted Monobloc
front brakes clamping 300 mm diameter twin discs.
Standard on the 2019 Harley-Davidson Livewire
electric motorcycle is a touchscreen full-colour TFT-LCD display which is
tilt-adjustable for optimal viewing angle that comes with Bluetooth
connectivity. Also standard equipment on Livewire is ABS and traction control
with seven riding modes – four factory settings and three custom modes.
