[RideApart] - Is Harley-Davidson Ready to Flip the Switch on the LiveWire?

Ninjette Newsbot · May 10th, 2017, 11:13 PM

Is Harley-Davidson Ready to Flip the Switch on the LiveWire?

From our sister site Insideevs.com come photos and a video clip of the Harley-Davidson Livewire, a proof-of-concept sportbike to be available for test rides at dealerships. The images show a compact roadster with what appears to be a cast alloy perimeter frame, belt drive, low-rise handlebar and a Star Wars-style front turnsignal and rearview mirror assembly.

The Harley spokesmen want it known that it’s not a stealth machine. “This will not be silent,” says Chief Engineer Jeff Richlen. Styling Manager Kirk Rasmussen likens the sound to a jet turbine.*The LiveWire was teased a few years back, and has obviously been through considerable engineering and design stages for it to even be able to be put it into showrooms for test rides like the one in the video below.

Production models can’t be far off, and the two key factors in the marketplace, price and range, will definitely determine its future.The Cycle World test rider featured in the video had very little time on the bike, and not much to say beyond that it was an exciting development. Man, it would be fun to at least try it out.

“We’re excited about our future,” said Harley VP Bill Davidson, great grandson of founder William A.*“We actually showed a prototype of the electric LiveWire [a few years ago] and that project is alive and well. We don’t know yet when we’re going to introduce it but it is progressing well and we will eventually introduce it.””

Davidson was not forthcoming about the potential model range for Harley electrics, and the company has always kept future products close to the vest. But, judging by the images in the InsideEVs.com artcle, the Livewire isn’t just a cobby prototype, and may well see production within a year. Or so. Maybe.

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VaFish · May 11th, 2017, 05:47 AM

Watching the video, that sound put a smile on my face.

CaliGrrl · May 11th, 2017, 10:00 AM

hey, that's pretty cool! My hubby has an electric bike, a Victory (was Brammo before Victory bought them) and he really likes it.

VaFish · May 12th, 2017, 07:34 AM

The electric bikes have gotten enough range that I could use one for commuting, but their price still needs to come down before I will buy one.

I've test ridden the Zero electric bikes. I enjoyed it, but it felt soulless and too quiet. But the sound of that Harley in the video is awesome.

May 10th, 2017, 11:13 PM	#1
Ninjette Newsbot All the news that's fit to excerpt Name: newsie Location: who knows? Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): only digital replicas Posts: Too much.	[RideApart] - Is Harley-Davidson Ready to Flip the Switch on the LiveWire? Is Harley-Davidson Ready to Flip the Switch on the LiveWire? From our sister site Insideevs.com come photos and a video clip of the Harley-Davidson Livewire, a proof-of-concept sportbike to be available for test rides at dealerships. The images show a compact roadster with what appears to be a cast alloy perimeter frame, belt drive, low-rise handlebar and a Star Wars-style front turnsignal and rearview mirror assembly. The Harley spokesmen want it known that it’s not a stealth machine. “This will not be silent,” says Chief Engineer Jeff Richlen. Styling Manager Kirk Rasmussen likens the sound to a jet turbine.The LiveWire was teased a few years back, and has obviously been through considerable engineering and design stages for it to even be able to be put it into showrooms for test rides like the one in the video below. Production models can’t be far off, and the two key factors in the marketplace, price and range, will definitely determine its future.The Cycle World test rider featured in the video had very little time on the bike, and not much to say beyond that it was an exciting development. Man, it would be fun to at least try it out. “We’re excited about our future,” said Harley VP Bill Davidson, great grandson of founder William A.“We actually showed a prototype of the electric LiveWire [a few years ago] and that project is alive and well. We don’t know yet when we’re going to introduce it but it is progressing well and we will eventually introduce it.”” Davidson was not forthcoming about the potential model range for Harley electrics, and the company has always kept future products close to the vest. But, judging by the images in the InsideEVs.com artcle, the Livewire isn’t just a cobby prototype, and may well see production within a year. Or so. Maybe. More from RideApart: Don't Judge a Book by its Cover - The Story of a Shabby Looking Thai Guy Ride Red - Honda Brings CB650F to the States Moto Co-Op Teaches Wrenching, Custom Skills Video of the Day - Michigan Vacation Ride Video V-Twins For Everyone - Harley Teams With Eagle Rider Related Stories Motul Partners With Standard Motorcycle Co-Op Swiss Gearheads Hold Big Elektro Fun Day Furion Crowdfunds Hybrid Motorcycle Click here for full story... __________________________________________________ I'm a bot. I don't need no stinkin' signature...

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May 11th, 2017, 05:47 AM	#2
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	Watching the video, that sound put a smile on my face.

May 11th, 2017, 10:00 AM	#3
CaliGrrl ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kerry Location: Ventura, CA Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16	hey, that's pretty cool! My hubby has an electric bike, a Victory (was Brammo before Victory bought them) and he really likes it.

May 12th, 2017, 07:34 AM	#4
VaFish ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Tom Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250, 2019 Harley Ultra Classic, 2001 Suzuki SV650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '16	The electric bikes have gotten enough range that I could use one for commuting, but their price still needs to come down before I will buy one. I've test ridden the Zero electric bikes. I enjoyed it, but it felt soulless and too quiet. But the sound of that Harley in the video is awesome.