Harley-Davidson has released the full specifications
of its first all-electric motorcycle Harley-Davidson LiveWire. The
Milwaukee-based brand which is known for its signature V-twin engines had
unveiled the Harley-Davidson LiveWire prototype back in 2014.
Possibly the most radical change the brand to its
line-up in 111 years, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire will have a range of up to
235 km (claimed). The bike can be charged with DC Fast Charge technology and
can be juiced up from 0 to 80% in just 40 minutes. A full charge takes just an
hour! The battery is a massive 15.5 kWh unit. However, a standard AC powered
wall-charger will take 12.5 hours to fully charge the battery.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is powered by an
all-electric motor which can produce 103 PS of maximum power. Yes, that makes
it the most powerful Harley ever! However, the torque output of 116 Nm has left
us slightly disappointed. Harley-Davidsons are all about torque, and with an
electric powerplant, they could have done so much better. However, the
motorcycle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds, and that's an
impressive performance figure considering the 249 kg kerb weight.
The LiveWire is designed to produce a mechanical
signature Harley Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed, a sound that
represents the smooth, electric power as well. The motorcycle is suspended on
43 mm upside-down fully adjustable Showa Separate Function Big Piston Fork
upfront. Rear gets a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion-lite monoshock which is fully
adjustable. Brakes in the Harley-Davidson LiveWire include Harley-Davidson
Monoblock 4 piston radially-mounted callipers over twin 300 mm discs in the
front. The rear wheel gets a floating rotor over a 260 mm disc.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire features the Reflex
Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) safety suite that includes a Cornering Enhanced
Anti-lock Braking System (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System
(C-TCS) and Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS). Other highlights include a
4.3 inch TFT display, 7 riding modes and all-LED lighting.
Deliveries of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire will
begin in August 2019 for the global market. In the USA, its prices start at
start at US$ 29,799. The EV will initially be retailed through
select dealers in the United States, Canada and most European countries. The
company plans to take the LiveWire to other markets in 2020 and 2021, but it
has not confirmed the Indian launch yet.
