[faster and faster] - Harley-Davidson's Project LiveWire gets underway, first Harley

[Ninjette Newsbot]

According to Harley, their first electric bike will offer a "visceral riding experience, with tyre-shredding acceleration." Hmmm...

Harley-Davidson have kicked off with their new Project LiveWire, under which they are developing their first electric motorcycle with inputs from selected customers across the US. The project has been undertaken to understand what riders would expect from a battery-powered Harley, and based on insights gathered from this project, H-D will soon build their first electric motorcycle. "Harley-Davidson has reinvented itself many times in our history, with customers leading us every step of the way. Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history," says Matt Levatich, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson.

While the LiveWire project will first start in the US, it will soon expand to include Canada and parts of Europe as well. "Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car. It’s an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand," says Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson. "The sound is a distinct part of the thrill. Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market," he adds, claiming that the Harley electric bike offers a "visceral riding experience, with tyre-shredding acceleration!"

Well, while we're not too excited about electric motorcycles in general, we do suppose they are the inevitable future. And if nothing else, we admire Harley for taking the initiative to start development of their first electric bike in earnest, before the Japanese and Europeans have started work on theirs. Not bad at all.
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