Now that the car industry is seemingly edging towards an all-electric future, what fate awaits the motorcycle market? First, it seems the transition to electric cars is inevitable, with governments imposing timelines to ban gasoline, diesel, or hybrid cars in the future. For instance, the UK brought forward its plans forward from 2040 to 2035. But until now, motorcycles seem to have evaded such restrictive legislation. Regardless, startups like Zero Motorcycles, Sur-Ron, Energica, and NIU are adding their range of electric motorcycles to the market. But they could only hope to see growth in sales similar to that of their four-wheeled counterparts. Perhaps, the entry of traditional motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, KTM, Yamaha, etc., will spur a rush to get the eco motorcycle market going.
Harley-Davidson announced its intent to go electric in 2014 with the Project LiveWire, which featured thirty-three demo electric bikes that would undergo testing worldwide. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle company went to work on the feedback, and four years later, the production model debuted at the 2018 Milan Motorcycle Show and went on sale in 2019. Did the H-D LiveWire merit the hype that followed its release? Well, here are ten reasons why the Harley-Davidson LiveWire deserves more respect.
10 Expensive Yet Awesome
The 2021 LiveWire is an expensive motorcycle, starting at $21,999. This is about $8,000 less than the sticker price it debuted with, and while it offers a more attractive entry point, it is still quite unreachable for many buyers. After all, it is a Harley, and H-D is a premium brand whose average price of $20,338 is substantially more expensive than most competitors.
So that price isn't a surprise going by the branding and reality of electric motorcycles in 2022, and if you can look past the figures, you have a lovely bike at hand.
9 Has The Legendary Harley-Davidson Build Quality
Regardless of your opinion about Harley-Davidson, you can't deny that they for sure know their way around building motorcycles, something they've done since 1903. They are arguably the most traditional manufacturer, and it is awesome to see them among the first brands to embrace the electric age.
It is evident they have poured their heart into the development of the LiveWire since announcing the project in 2014. You can only expect the bike to come with the high-quality build that the brand is synonymous with. And with fewer moving parts expected to break often, it might end up being the best in the lineup yet.
8 The Revelation Electric Motor
The famous V-Twin has remained the mainstay heartbeat of Harley motorcycles for decades. But the brand's future is no longer in the hands of the screaming Eagle Milwaukee eight engine. The Revelation electric motor in the LiveWire might foreshadow a new dawn for the American brand. The magnetic turbine motor produces 105hp and 84lb-ft of torque delivered instantly, making the LiveWire effortlessly quick.
Also, the motor generates a haptic pulse, a subtle feature that can be dialed up or down to remind you that you are still riding a Harley. It gets activated in propulsion mode.
7 Instant Torque Delivery
It will undoubtedly take a while to get used to a bike without a clutch or gear lever. But soon enough, you start engaging with the quiet moments on the electric LiveWire. You hear a little whine when accelerating and under engine braking. But perhaps the power delivery will intrigue you more than anything.
The Livewire has a seamless throttle experience where all the power is available immediately. Forget the days of building the power up through revs and gears. This bike provides a truly unique riding experience that every gearhead should experience.
6 Comfortable And Controllable Ride Experience
While all the power is always available whenever needed, throttle response is crisp and provides instantaneous power. The delivery is smooth and easy to control whether you want to speed out of corners or move at a slow pace in traffic. The regen-mode also adds more engine braking, so you don't have to go too hard on the brakes all the time.
On ergonomics, the Livewire features an upright riding position, which is perfect for a commute. The seat is just 31 inches off the ground, so it won't be a problem grounding both feet when you come to a standstill.
5 Impeccable Fit And Finish
Harley did a great job fitting their gas-powered bikes' influence on the Livewire. At first look, it isn't much different from a traditional bike. They seem to have found a way to leverage their experience and built a bike that performs like the best electric motorcycles currently in the market. The attention to detail is undeniable and is what you'd expect from a premium motorcycle.
The Livewire is a thing of beauty and proof that electric motorcycles can be both fun and lust-worthy. Also, the bike comes with some features you won't find from the industry-leading rivals, like the keyless operation and Level 3 DC Fast Charging.
4 Arguably The Most Luxurious Electric Motorcycle On The Market
The market isn't awash with electric motorcycle options, at least not yet, and that is why the Livewire is easily the most luxurious electric motorcycle money can buy right now. It is a bike for would-be customers who already own other luxury items like smart homes, a Tesla, or a four-wheel drive EV.
Harley openly markets the bike to the demography of well-off customers who have no issue going against the status quo. You won't be just paying a premium for the Harley-Davidson badge, since you get a well-built bike with nice exclusive goodies for a genuine premium feel. It also has enough power and comfort to serve a wide range of riding needs.
3 Capable Sports Naked Electric Option
The ergonomics of the LiveWire are similar to those of a typical naked bike, upright in a slightly forward-leaning position. Sporty enough without getting too aggressive. It will face direct competition from the Zero SR/F, which is equally fast, similar-sized but with different riding experiences. The SR/F has a sportier feel, while the LiveWire offers more real-world range, speed, and sound.
With the changing times, the Livewire offers a great option as a capable sports naked bike of the future. If you suddenly develop a conscience for the environment while popping wheelies on your gasoline super hooligan, then the LiveWire can be a good start.
2 Sufficient Range For City Riding
Many avoid EVs due to fear of running out of juice in the middle of a highway or on deserted roads. But the battery technology has advanced so much that EVs are coming with a range good enough for long trips. The Harley-Davidson Livewire doesn't ship with continent crossing range, but it is sufficient for the daily commute and the random weekend ride to the back roads without a hint of range anxiety.
The bike comes with a claimed range of 146 miles from its high-voltage battery. Although, if you ride hard, you won't come close to that figure. But you can charge on any public Level 3 DC charge station and get from empty to 80% in 40 minutes, or a full charge in an hour.
1 Faultless Electronics
The LiveWire customization options don't come close to what you get on Zero motorcycles. It's only fair, seeing the former has been producing electric motorcycles much longer, so their tech has had time to evolve. But the LiveWire isn't a bare-knuckle type of bike, as it features some pretty decent electronics.
Electronics on the LiveWire are borderline faultless and include state-of-the-art traction control, anti-wheelie control, ABS cornering bank-angle logic, and the Reflex defensive rider system. The touch screen display is also intuitive and customizable.