Electric Harley test rides: A Good Time.

[2weelz]

I had to go to the dealership early on Saturday to get on a list. There doesn't seem to be any way to get on in advance of the event. When the tour comes, you gotta get there in person and sign up. Get to a dealer as far in advance as you can... the Harley main site updates the schedule from time to time. They don't let out all the dates from the beginning.

They handle sweet. They are 436 lbs, but don't feel that much heavier than a pregen 250. The acceleration is like nothing I've ever felt before, it wanted to pull me off the back...that was in the low power, energy saving setting. If Harley had been making gas bikes that handled like this, they would have a much wider appeal. I couldn't believe it was a Harley. I also test rode an 07 Ninja 650 and an 08 ninjette, thinking I might want to trade my pregen. That Harley was by far my favorite ride of the day. BTW, keeping the pregen. I'm used to her.

If you get a chance to ride at the LiveWire Tour (Portland is next at this date), I'd encourage it. If and when they go into production, unless you're rich, you'll never own one, so might as well ride a game-changing piece of history (maybe) while you can. You only go out for a few minutes but it is a great few minutes. Read all the legal stuff though. You might just walk away. You basically say, even if the thing explodes underneath me, even if the Harley folks kill me through negligence, I, my heirs, and assigns are just going to roll over and die. You might just decide to walk away, and I wouldn't blame you. I've seen releases before, but this was the scariest I've ever signed.

The funny thing is, the local event rode right where I drive my shuttle all day for Microsoft, driving as carefully and non-aggressively as possible. My job is to be uber-safe, damn the schedule. The ride was way faster than I would ever go on those same roads in my day-to-day (though my customers might wish otherwise). It was a hoot.

[capt_bugaloo]

I've read quite a few reviews of the Livewire. It sounds like a bike I would want to own as a commuter or for around town - the range is pretty limited. Still, if I can afford one when (if) they come out...

[LittleRedNinjette]

I'd be surprised if it becomes a production bike. I love how the engineered the motor to have a specific sound. Classic HD.

And if it does make it to production it will be as overpriced as the rest of their bikes.