Harley-Davidson’s electric LiveWire motorcycle has hit a short circuit with production stopped for a “nonstandard condition” involving the home charger.
The company has asked owners only to charge their bikes with the DC fast charger supplied at some HD dealerships.
LIveWires on DC fast chargers
There is no other information from the company.
Even though it doesn’t arrive in Australia until late next year, we asked Harley-Davidson Australia for comment and received an unusual stoney silence.
Which leaves us speculating.
The strongest possibility is that the home chargers overheat which could cause a fire.
Electric vehicle and charger fires can be caused by short-circuits, power surges, impact, excessive discharge or overheating.
They also cause special concerns for fire fighters.
Lithium batteries are obviously made with lithium which is highly flammable and stored in mineral oil.
Tesla goes up in flames
While it is not toxic, it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue and a dazed feeling.
Electric vehicle and battery fires can also release sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide, copper and cobalt.
Fire fighters can’t douse the flames with water as the high voltage can cause an electric shock or electrocution.
Instead, they have to disconnect the power supply (usually an orange plug) and contain the fire to let it burn itself out.
LiveWire short circuit
Riding the LiveWire in Orgeon
This short circuit to Harley’s electric motorcycle program follows a month delay in deliveries to US dealerships where it has created a lot of interest, but not a lot of sales.
Buyers are apparently baulking at the $US29,990 price (about $A44,000).
Some dealers are even rejecting the expensive DC fast-charger installation which is a requirement of being able to sell the bike.
PR exercise
So Harley has two major PR exercises going at the moment to rescue the LiveWire.
Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor are currently shooting Long Way Up from the bottom to the top of the Americas, riding LiveWire motorcycles.
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire bikes for the trip
And now HD has brought in Hollywood action star Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman and Khal Drogo to test ride the bike.
“Harley wanted me to test one of the new LiveWires, I was kind of like ehhh. I like the idea of it but I wanted to hear it,” says Jason who is more at home on pushrod fuel burners.
A Harley-Davidson signed by Pope Francis is the holy highlight of the Bonham’s Autumn Stafford sale in the UK on 19-20 October 2019.
The 2016 Custom Cycle “White Unique” is estimated to fetch up to $A180,000 when it is offered for sale on 20 October, 2019, with all proceeds to be donated to charity.
White Unique was created at the suggestion of Dr Thomas Draxler, founder of the Jesus Bikers group in Austria, as a fundraising vehicle, to be donated to the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio), the official support for Catholic overseas missions.
White Unique
Bavarian-based Harley Davidson dealer, Würzburg Village, supplied the Softail and collaborated with the Jesus Bikers on its customisation.
As the name suggests, the machine is finished in pearlescent white, with Chicano (Mexican American) style detailing, numerous gold-plated components, a Dorne wreath ornament, a sunken cross and Pope Francis’ signature on the tank.
The Harley Davidson was unveiled to the public in Würzburg on 29 June 2019 before being accompanied by the Jesus Bikers to the Vatican, via Assisi, where the ‘Pope Bike’ was handed over to the Vatican at a ceremony with His Holiness in St Peter’s Square on 7 July.
Holy bikes
Holy Softail
The holy Harley is the latest in a short succession of holy motorcycles and cars donated to the Papacy and sold on for charity.
RDRS affects chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology, basically providing a safer, more enjoyable riding experience for just $500 more than last year.
What makes it “Special” is the big 114-cube Milwaukee Eight engine with a whopping 163Nm of torque.
Despite all that thump, there is no clunk on start-up. In fact, it is a refined mill married to a finessed transmission where neutral is no longer difficult to find.
What also makes it Special is the step up in rider-aid technology.
Their RDRS features cornering-enhanced traction control, cornering ABS, linked brakes, tyre pressure monitors,a slipper clutch (Drag-torque Slip Control System) to prevent rear-wheel lock-ups on aggressive downshifts and even assistance to prevent you rolling backward on hill starts!
The suite of rider controls combine to provide more confidence, especially in wet or slippery road conditions.
But they don’t get in the way of your enjoyment.
In fact, you don’t really know they are there until you need them.
On a couple of my exploratory rides through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, I ended up on dirt roads and was glad to feel the engine falter as the back wheel lost traction.
It’s a soft intervention that allows a little bit of wheel spin, but not out of control.
If the conditions get extra slippery or the roads are wet, simply toggle the left switch block traction control (TC) button to bring up the blue cloud and rain symbol on the dashboard. This totally eliminates any wheel spin.
Step up to cornering aids
I also accidentally discovered the joys of Harley’s step up to cornering-enhanced linked braking and traction controls on the tight and twisty Bellthorpe Range Rd.
I came around a blind corner a little too eagerly only to find a peacock strutting its stuff across the gravelly road.
My right foot was not perched ready over the rear brake to tuck the bike into a tighter line, so I grabbed the front brake, instead.
Normally this would stand the bike up and point me directly at the peacock. But because the brakes are linked and “enhanced” for cornering, it allowed me to steer around the strutting bird.
The sprinkling of gravel also activated the Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS).
While no amount of electronic rider aids is a replacement for a step up in skill levels, it does save your bacon when a bit of inattention and bad luck could otherwise have dire results.
As for the Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), it’s actually quite handy at the traffic lights.
All you do is add a bit of extra brake lever pressure when you come to a stop and it will hold the bike and allow you to relax at the lights without having to hang on to the brakes.
It lets go as soon as you let out the clutch or activate the throttle for a smooth and faultless hillstart. That’s reassuring when you are on a steep incline with a full load and a pillion!
Infotainment
I’m not a big fan of built-in infotainment systems where the music is inaudible at anything over 80km/h.
However, the integrated BOOM! Box GTS infotainment system on this bike works well.
I love the fact that the bike asks you if you would like to guided to the nearest service station if you are low on fuel or tyre pressure.
It has a TFT display with edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass that is touch sensitive, even with gloves and in the wet.
You can also control all functions from the two handlebar toggle switches.
For an extra $300 (approx) you can fit a wireless interface module that adds Apple CarPlay for access to some of your iPhone apps.
Or you can press the speech button to activate Siri and tell the system what to do.
HD OneConnect app
Next year, Aussie buyers will also have access to Harley’s subscription-based OneConnect app that alerts the owner to tampering or theft and provides real-time tracking.
Handling
Suspension was updated the previous year.
It comes with Showa Dual-Bending Valve forks with bigger pistons for improved damping that takes away that “jackhammer” affect through the grips while retaining a sharp and light steering feel.
At the back, Harley moved from air shocks to emulsion shocks with 15-30% more preload adjustment using a single hand-adjustable knob behind the left pannier.
Ride quality is firm, but not harsh.
However, the rear shock is a bit short for bumpy roads and heavy loads, although I never got it to bottom out.
Aero
The first hint of summer arrived just in time for my test.
It’s always going to be hot sitting on top of massive V-twin behind a “barn door” fairing.
However, Harley has advanced the ignition, dropped the rear header down from the exhaust port and moved the catalytic converter rearwards to make it cooler for the rider.
It still gets hot in slow traffic and your pillion’s right leg cops a lot of the hot air that has been moved backwards.
Unfortunately, even the short sporty windscreen blocks a lot of cooling air.
Yet it also creates a bit of turbulence around the top of my helmet.
I’m 183cm, so shorter riders might find it ok. You can also buy taller screens.
I added a windscreen extension which reduced the turbulence but also diverted cooling air.
Conclusion
This torque monster delivers plenty of raw grunt, but with finesse.
It will also provide a step up in comfort and safety on long trips, thanks to its suite of hi-tech rider aids.
PRICING 5
VIVID BLACK $A39,250 ($NZ42,250)
ENGINE
ENGINE2Milwaukee-Eight™ 114
BORE102 mm
STROKE114 mm
DISPLACEMENT1,868 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO10.5:1
FUEL SYSTEMElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
EXHAUSTBlack, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH2,425 mm
SEAT HEIGHT, UNLADEN690 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE125 mm
RAKE (STEERING HEAD) (DEG)26
TRAIL173 mm
WHEELBASE1,625 mm
TYRES, FRONT SPECIFICATION130/60B19 61H
TYRES, REAR SPECIFICATION180/55B18 80H
FUEL CAPACITY22.7 l
OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER)4.9 l
WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED359 kg
WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER375 kg
LUGGAGE CAPACITY -VOLUME0.071 m3
PERFORMANCE
ENGINE TORQUE TESTING METHODEC 134/2014
ENGINE TORQUE3163 Nm
ENGINE TORQUE (RPM)3,000
LEAN ANGLE, RIGHT (DEG.)32
LEAN ANGLE, LEFT (DEG.)31
DRIVETRAIN
PRIMARY DRIVEChain, 34/46 ratio
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 1ST9.593
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 2ND6.65
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 3RD4.938
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 4TH4
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 5TH3.407
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 6TH2.875
CHASSIS
WHEELS, FRONT TYPE6Gloss Black Prodigy
WHEELS, REAR TYPEGloss Black Prodigy
BRAKES, CALIPER TYPE32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear
GAUGESGauges styled to complement each vehicle. Display features odometer, trip A, trip B, range to empty and gear indicator; and larger tell-tale indicators.
INFOTAINMENT
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMBoom!™ Box GTS
TYPEFull Colour TFT
WATTS PER CHANNEL25
SPEAKERS2
SPEAKER SIZE6.5 inch BOOM standard
HEADSET SPECIFICATIONS (IF EQUIPPED)16-64 ohms
FMStandard
SD CARD, FLASH DRIVE AND MP3 – VIA USB CONNECTIONSupported
LANGUAGESEnglish (US/UK), German, Spanish(Mexico/Spain), French (Canada/France), Italian, Portuguese(Portugal/Brazil), Russian, Czech, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese
HANDS-FREE MOBILE PHONE – VIA BLUETOOTHStandard
VOICE RECOGNITION LANGUAGES: PHONE FUNCTIONS ONLYEnglish (US/UK), German, Spanish(Mexico/Spain), French (Canada/France), Italian, Portuguese(Portugal/Brazil), Russian, Czech, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese
VOICE RECOGNITION LANGUAGES: TUNER/MEDIA/NAVIGATIONEnglish (US/UK), German, Spanish(Mexico/Spain), French (Canada/France), Italian, Portuguese(Portugal/Brazil), Russian, Czech, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese
VEHICLE INFORMATION SCREEN (AIR TEMPERATURE, OIL PRESSURE AND EITMS)Standard
TEXT-TO-SPEECH (TTS) LANGUAGESEnglish (US/UK), German, Spanish(Mexico/Spain), French (Canada/France), Italian, Portuguese(Portugal/Brazil), Russian, Czech, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese
With its aggressive knuckles-to-the-wind riding position, 114-cube Milwaukee-Eight engine and sharpened steering, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S really does mean business.
And Harley-Davidson Australia will be hoping it means lost of business as did the original, short-lived 2016 Low Rider S with its 110-cube Screamin’ Eagle engine.
That was a twin-shock Dyna. Now it’s part of the updated Softail family with a stiffer and lighter frame and improved handling.
Price is now $A27,995 ($NZ29,995), up from $25,995 in 2016 when it had a 110 engine and $3500 more than the standard Low Rider.
Standard Low Rider
Apart from the extra cubes — and there is no replacement for displacement, right? — riders get a cruiser that looks the business. That is, if Sons of Anarchy business is your business! That little headlight fairing, aggressive mid-control riding position, blacked-out finishes and solo seat is very SAMCRO.
Harley calls it the “SoCal West Coast” look, but we all know they are going for that popular SAMCRO style.
It’s knuckles to the wind for Jax with the 2.5cm (one-inch) diameter motocross-style handlebars mounted on 10cm (four-inch) straight risers.
The Low Rider S powertrain, primary cover and tank console are finished in Wrinkle Black, the derby cover, intake, and lower rocker covers are Gloss Black, the mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black and the forks, triple-clamp, riser and handlebar, and rear fender supports are Matte Black. Even the LED layback tail lamps have a smoked lenses.
It sits on very tasty bronze cast-aluminium wheels and comes in Vivid Black and Barracuda Silver.
Harley flew me to Sydney for the media launch which was truncated by wet weather to a half-day ride from Manly about 30km to Akuna Bay in Ku-ring-Gai National Park with about 40km of riding along West Head Rd for photos.
It was just enough to get an introductory feel for the Low Rider S. A longer review will come in the next month.
The business end
The business end of this bike is the 114 M8 engine.
While the counterbalanced 107 M8 is a refined and sophisticated engine that feels like two hippos bouncing on a trampoline, this has more thump, more grunt and a little more “character” — like two elephants on a trampoline!
It pulls from low down in the rev range and surprisingly revs out without losing a lot of puff.
Yet for all that mechanical thump, it feels smooth, doesn’t jolt when switched on and clicks into first gear without a lot of clunk.
Clutch pull is fairly heavy, so you will be glad at every set of lights that neutral is quite easy to find.
Low Rider S media launch (Image: Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography)
Click through the gears and it rides around town in fourth. It will even go into sixth as low as 80km/h with enough roll-on acceleration for overtaking without changing down.
At the end of the day, I suspect you’ll return decent figures of around 5-5.5L/100km.
Handling upgrade
To harness the extra oomph of the 114 M8, Harley has swapped out the traditional telescopic forks for inverted 43mm Showa forks with a steeper 28-degree rake compared with 30 on the standard and 32 on the older Dyna.
This set-up sharpens the steering so you feel more connected to the road with lighter and more precise turn-in.
Yet on the joyously swooping corners of West Head Rd, it still feels balanced and stable thanks to the 19-inch front wheel and long 1615mm wheelbase.
You also have the ability to safely correct your line mid-corner and dodge those water run-off lurking around blind corners.
Together with the underseat single coil-over monoshock hydraulically adjustable for preload, it should have reasonable ride even though it’s a short 11cm spring.
I couldn’t tell because the roads were all fairly smooth.
As we rode back and forth along West Head Rd, my confidence grew and the bike complied with extra throttle in an exciting, but reassuring way.
The Michelin Scorcher tyres have plenty of grip, even across the wet and dry patchy surface.
As the speed climbed, so did the turbulence from the sporty fairing. Either no fairing or the optional larger fairing might be better.
As it is, there is a blank behind the fairing that is bland and ugly. Perhaps Harley should decorate it with another bar-and-shield logo!
The analogue speedo and tacho dials sit on top of the tank and are angled toward the rider for a reasonably clear view.
However, the accompanying LCD screen is a little small and difficult to read in bright sunshine.
All the info is available via the usual toggle on the left switchblock.
Target market
The target market market for this bike is obviously not ageing Baby Boomers like me.
I found the riding position more like a yoga position with my knees sitting high and akimbo which put pressure on my dodgy hip nerve.
Even though I’m 183cm (6’) tall, it is still a bit of a reach to the bars.
The overall effect is like sitting on a potty while holding on to the towel rail.
Not very comfortable for the duration of the expected 380km from the 18.9-litre fuel tank.
That’s a strange tank size for this “coastal cruiser”.
While I often criticise modern bikes for having small tanks, this is one that could have got away with less fuel capacity.
At least the solo low 690mm saddle is very comfortable with an extra hump of lower back support.
All the same, I would probably go for the optional forward controls to ease the hip pressure and make it easier to flick the side stand up.
They might also improve the already generous (for a cruiser) 33.1-degree lean angle.
However, I’m not the target market for this bike.
Harley is targeting a younger, hipper (no pun intended), more nimble and supple rider who is genuinely excited by the SAMCRO looks and the 155Nm of elephantine grunt.
But not too young as they might not be able to afford it!
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Ride-away price: $A27,995 ($NZ29,995)
Engine: MilwaukeeEight 114 (1868cc) V-twin
Power: N/A
Torque: 155Nm
Bore x stroke: 102x114mm Compression: 10.5:1 Length: 2355mm
Harley-Davidson boss Matt Levatich (above) has called on motorcycle journalists to help the industry’s future by not just explaining the product but telling readers what it’s like to ride.
As Harley and the motorcycle industry slump through trade wars, ageing riders, tough finance and a lack of interest among millennials, the finger of blame has been pointed at everyone from manufacturers all the way down to dealers and customers.
This is the first time motoring journalists have been included.
Boss Hog
Matt was talking to a bunch of “motor noters” at the recent media launch of the Low Rider S in Sydney.
MBW at the Low Rider S media launch (Image: Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography)
“What we need to do as an industry — and I would include all of you in this request — is start leaning into what it’s like to ride,” the company president and CEO told us.
“Why should people ride? What is it that people get from riding? Why is it worth the trip?
“Because it’s hard: It takes a lot of energy, it takes a lot of commitment, it takes a lot of time and it costs a fair bit of money before you actually realise all the things you get from riding.”
The boss Hog says many in the industry, including journalists, have forgotten what it’s like to learn how to ride because we learnt so long ago.
“It’s intimidating, it’s hard, it’s challenging, but it’s an achievement,” he says.
“We need to help people understand why riding is worth the trip and what’s on the other side of becoming a great rider.
“What is the feeling? What’s the transcendent moments you have on a motorcycle that you never have in any other part of your life?
“If we can all collectively start to do that we’re gonna … start to light up people who might be on the outside looking in and wondering why.
“Start thinking about how you talk about what it means to be a rider, not just about what it means to have a great product to ride.
“If we all do that, we will all be stronger as an industry and we will all have a great future.
Quick visit
Matt was only in town a couple of days and was limited to talks to staff, dealers and two media agencies; sadly not us.
We were not allowed to ask any questions, so after his talk I rushed up to ask a quick question before the minders could lead their boss away to safety.
Shame he didn’t talk about Ewan and Charley’s adventure because that could inspire many future riders just as their first two Long Way instalments inspired thousands of adventure riders.
Last week we confirmed that their third travel documentary, Long Way Up, from Tierra del Fuego, South America, to Los Angeles would feature the electric bikes.
Now Instagram photos and ADV Pulse show the bikes are equipped with wire wheels and dual-sport tyres for the many kilometres of unpaved road ahead.
It must be cold, because they also have handlebar gauntlets to keep the chill off their hands.
We wonder how that cold will affect the LiveWire’s 150km of highway range.
Other modifications for the trip include: windscreens, engine guards, highway pegs, bash plates, auxiliary lights, saddlebags and fender bags.
They also seem to have removed the rear guard and plate holder.
They are being supported by two electric Rivian R1T pick-up trucks which have 650km of range.
Charley and Ewan are also supported by two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD vans and a Ford F350 pickup truck, so we suspect they are carrying DC fast chargers with them.
Mobile DC fast chargers at work
Harley claims their Fast Charge (DCFC) technology will recharge a flat battery to 80% in 40 minutes and full in 60 minutes.
The trip may just do for electric motorcycles, particularly the LiveWire, what Long Way Round and Long Way Down did for adventure riding and the BMW GS range.
Long time coming
The long-awaited third Ewan and Charley travel documentary has been a long time coming.
Charley has been telling us they have been planning their Long Way Up America trip for about 10 years.
The problem has been that Ewan has been so busy with Hollywood movies he could not afford a few months off.
There was also the fact that Ewan is ambassador for Moto Guzzi and Charley is ambassador for Triumph.
The pair rode BMWs in their 2004 Long Way Round and 2007 Long Way Down.
Charley told us last year that Ewan’s relationship with Moto Guzzi would not necessarily foil their plans:
We’ve been talking about it a long time and if the stars align we will do something like a Long Way up from Tierra Del Fuego to Alaska in the next couple of years. It really is close now. Ewan’s always had a loose relationship with Moto Guzzi so there’s no conflict there.
But rather than Moto Guzzi and Triumph, the pair have opted for the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire.
While it was thought they would go all the way to Alaska, Charley recently said the ride would go from Argentina to LA.
Maybe they don’t want to cover the same territory through Canada and Alaska that they did in the Long Way Round.
Long Way Back
It’s been a long time between trips for Ewan and Charley.
From 14 April 2004 to 29 July 2004, they rode across Europe and the USA in Long Way Round and from 12 May to 4 August 2007 they rode from the top of Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa for Long Way Down.
With Ewan becoming increasingly busy with Hollywood movies, Charley squeezed in the 2006 Dakar rally for his series, Race to Dakar, and has produced several other travel shows.
Indian Motorcycle has increased engine capacity to up the ante over Harley-Davidson with select Thunderstroke models now having a 116 engine, replacing the 111 (1818cc).
Actually it’s 115ci (1884cc), but it’s still a 20% power boost over the 111.
The “116” was previously an aftermarket upgrade big bore kit, but is now standard in the Springfield Dark Horse, plus all Chieftain and Roadmaster models.
2020 Chieftain Elite
It features a new high-flow cylinder head with 168Nm of torque.
The engine capacity move leapfrogs Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 (1868cc) engine which is available in select models, such as the new Low Rider S. (We will road test it at the Australian media launch in Sydney next week, attended by Harley boss Matt Levatich.)
However, it’s still short of Harley’s CVO models with the Milwaukee Eight 117-cube (1923cc).
Indian Motorcycle Australia and New Zealand marketing manager Chris Gale says the price difference for the same model in the table above is for two-tone or metallic paint options over the single or standard paint.
The Thunder Stroke 116 features rear-cylinder deactivation to keep riders cooler when sitting for long spells at the traffic lights.
Harley had the feature some time ago but dropped it.
RideCommand update
2020 Roadmaster Dark Horse RideCommand Infotainment system
Indian has also revamped their very comprehensive RideCommand infotainment system and app.
It now features a quad-core processor which they claim will make it faster to load and respond.
New features include “Google-like” predictive destination search capabilities and customisable 18cm touchscreen.
Roadmaster Dark Horse
Roadmaster Dark Horse
The Roadmaster Dark Horse features a streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags, 19-inch front wheel with an open fender, an extended reach Rogue gunfighter seat, blacked-out engine and matte paint.
Springfield Dark Horse
Springfield Dark Horse
This is similar in style to the 2020 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse launched at Daytona Bike Week.
It features slammed saddlebags, Rogue seat, 12-inch mini apes and blacked-out finishes.
Chieftain Elite
2020 Chieftain Elite
The big tourer gets a streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags and PowerBand Audio Plus system.
It comes in a two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Candy paint with matching motor highlights and badging, Precision Machined Elite wheels, Pinnacle Mirrors, Select Rider Floorboards, and a Flare Windshield.
Chief
Chief Dark Horse
Even though they don’t get the engine capacity upgrade, Chief Dark Horse and Chief Vintage now have the same chassis as the Springfield and Springfield Dark Horse to improve handling.
They also now have adjustable rear suspension and a 17-inch front wheel.
Roadmaster
Roadmaster
Indian says the 2020 Roadmaster is lighter but don’t quote figures.
The top box has also been redesigned.
Colours
Chief Dark Horse: Thunder Black Smoke
Chief Vintage: Thunder Black; Willow Green over Ivory Cream
Springfield: Thunder Black; Burgundy Metallic over Titanium Metallic
Springfield Dark Horse: Thunder Black Smoke; Sagebrush Smoke; White Smoke
Chieftain Dark Horse: Thunder Black Smoke; Ruby Smoke; Titanium Smoke
Chieftain Dark Horse
Chieftain Limited: Thunder Black Pearl; Radar Blue; Thunder Black Pearl with graphics package
Chieftain Elite: Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Red Candy
Roadmaster: Thunder Black; Burgundy Metallic; Pearl White over Titanium Metallic with black Pinstripe; Titanium Smoke over Thunder Black Smoke with silver pinstripe
Roadmaster Dark Horse: Thunder Black Smoke; White Smoke; Ruby Smoke
Chieftain Limited
Accessories
Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust in black or chrome;
Stage 1 Oval Slip-On Muffler Kit and Stage 1 Performance Air Intake (4 power increase on 111 and 8% on 116);
Stage 2 Performance Cams (13% horsepower increase on 111);
Thunder Stroke 116 Stage 2 Performance Kit includes cams, higher flowing fuel injectors and throttle body (17% horsepower boost when paired with both Stage 1 accessories);
Thunder Stroke 116 Stage 3 Big Bore Kit (20% more horsepower);
Headdress Passenger Floorboards;
Headdress Rider Floorboards;
12” Quick Release Passenger Sissy Bar;
Passenger Backrest Pad; and
12-inch Ape Hanger Handlebars for Chief and Springfield models.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are expected to do their third travel documentary, Long Way Up, from South America to Los Angeles on Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles.
They are also expected to be supported by electric Rivian R1T pick-up trucks which are likely to carry DC fast chargers.
Mobile DC fast chargers at work
South American press have already spotted the trucks and speculated on the Long Way Up electric adventure.
While attending a recent electric grand prix race in Rome, Ewan said:
In twenty years we will not use fuel, everything will be plugged in.
If they are planning to ride from the bottom of South America, possibly as far as Alaska, it should take some time on electric bikes.
The Rivian truck has 650km of range, but the LiveWire only has 150km of highway range and 235km of city range.
Rivian electric pick-up truck
Charging times will certainly make it a long trip.
However, the trip may just do for electric motorcycles, particularly the LiveWire, what Long Way Round and Long Way Down did for adventure riding and the BMW GS range.
Long time coming
The long-awaited third Ewan and Charley travel documentary has been a long time coming.
Charley has been telling us they have been planning their Long Way Up America trip for about 10 years.
The problem has been that Ewan has been so busy with Hollywood movies he could not afford a few months off.
There was also the fact that Ewan is ambassador for Moto Guzzi and Charley is ambassador for Triumph.
The pair rode BMWs in their 2004 Long Way Round and 2007 Long Way Down.
Charley told us last year that Ewan’s relationship with Moto Guzzi would not necessarily foil their plans:
We’ve been talking about it a long time and if the stars align we will do something like a Long Way up from Tierra Del Fuego to Alaska in the next couple of years. It really is close now. Ewan’s always had a loose relationship with Moto Guzzi so there’s no conflict there.
But rather than Moto Guzzi and Triumph, it appears the pair have opted for the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire.
While it was thought they would go all the way to Alaska, Charley recently said the ride would go from Argentina to LA.
Maybe they don’t want to cover the same territory through Canada and Alaska that they did in the Long Way Round.
Long Way Back
It’s been a long time between trips for Ewan and Charley.
From 14 April 2004 to 29 July 2004, they rode across Europe and the USA in Long Way Round and from 12 May to 4 August 2007 they rode from the top of Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa for Long Way Down.
With Ewan becoming increasingly busy with Hollywood movies, Charley squeezed in the 2006 Dakar rally for his series, Race to Dakar, and has produced several other travel shows.
Elvis Presley’s last motorcycle, a 1972 1200cc FLH Electra Glide, has sold for $US800,000 (about $A1.2m), failing to beat an Aussie bike’s auction record.
Kruse GWS Auctions had expected the Elvis bike set auction records, believing it was worth as much as $A3m.
However, it was sold at almost a quarter of that value.
That means the auction record remains with an Australian-owned 1951 Vincent Black Lightning aptly sold on Australia Day 2018.
There were 22 bids for the “King’s” bike, his last before he died in 1977, aged just 42.
Elvis bought the customised FLH full dresser in California on 11 August 1976 and shipped it to his home at Graceland, Memphis.
He barely rode the bike, clocking up just 202km in less than a year before he sold it to a local Harley dealership 90 days before he died.
Elvis often gave away his favourite “toys” after a short time of enjoyment, substantiating his lifelong charitable nature.
The immaculately preserved Harley includes a number of custom features, with Presley choosing a black and blue two-tone paint job, stitched leather seat and chrome accents.
Incredibly, the bike was still registered in Presley’s name and has been on show at the Murdo South Dakota Pioneer Auto Museum for over 30 years.
The motorcycle has been housed in a glass museum quality display for its entire stay at the museum and guests have never been allowed to touch it.
Gold Coast Harley-Davidson has won top honours in the 2019 Australian and New Zealand Custom King category after winning the Harley-Davidson custom motorcycle build-off competition, Battle of the Kings as one of five finalists.
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Gold Coast Harley-Davidson- “Hollister Riot”
From the 26 participating dealerships across Australia and New Zealand, the five finalists were selected by the general public. Each finalist was judged and scored against three categories – character, styling and x-factor – by the carefully selected Battle of the Kings Judging panel made up of experienced industry professionals and ambassadors.
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Gold Coast Harley-Davidson- “Hollister Riot”
Using a Softail Slim as the base model, Gold Coast Harley-Davidson entered their custom motorcycle into the CHOP category – one of three new design categories implemented for the 2019 build off – to create a masterpiece that pays respect to the old Panheads and Knuckleheads of past years.
The springer front end stands out as a main feature of the build, with custom bars, an original style muffler from a 1930’s Harley-Davidson and a custom made 2-1 exhaust setup with old school ribbing and a chain and sprocket.
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Gold Coast Harley-Davidson- “Hollister Riot”
The Milwaukee-Eight engine has the most identifiable heads since the Shovelhead and were a key feature in the build alongside an original style Solo Saddle seat slimmed down and a paint scheme that pays respects to Harley race bikes of the 1940’s, completing the vintage look.
The custom build named “Hollister Riot” is a reference to the Hollister Riot of 1947 at the AMA Sanctioned Gypsy Tour Motorcycle Rally in the town of Hollister California, where Harley-Davidson enthusiasts gathered to party hard while the number 16 is a reference to Jimmy Chan, who made history with his three consecutive wins of the Springfield Mile and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.
Steve Schilling – Dealer Principal from Gold Coast H-D
“It is absolutely fantastic to win, as the competition was very strong, so to take out the ANZ Battle of the Kings Crown is a credit to the team involved from Gold Coast Harley-Davidson as well as those who assisted with the build, photos and video. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to represent ANZ and with the fierce international competition, we know it will be tough to win. I have seen the U.S.A. finalists here in Milwaukee at the 2019 Harley-Davidson Dealer Show and to have ‘Hollister Riot’ in the same category is a credit to our team.”
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Gold Coast Harley-Davidson
Nathan Hindmarsh – Battle of the Kings Judge
“Once again these builds have amazed me. The creativity and attention to detail has blown me away. Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s competition.”
Gold Coast Harley-Davidson will now go on to represent ANZ against other International Winners. Four winners will be selected via online voting from International markets, meeting the U.S.A winner at the EICMA in Milan, Italy to battle it out for Global Custom King title on center stage.
The Winner of the 2019 Global Battle of the Kings Competition will be announced this November.
Keith Waddell – ANZ Marketing Manager
“Another fantastic year for the competition, with even more amazing custom motorcycles which generated record amounts of public engagement and excitement. The three style categories, Dirt, Race and Chop showcased the versatility and creativity of our dealers when it comes to creating world class custom builds. However, there can only be one winner and we couldn’t be happier to have Hollister Riot from Gold Coast Harley-Davidson represent Australian and New Zealand with their modern twist on the ageless heritage of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.”
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Rolling Thunder
Public voting to nominate your favourite international finalist opens on 2nd September. For more information on the Battle of the Kings competition visit www.h-d.com/BattleOfTheKings (link) and for all the information on the models used and genuine Harley-Davidson parts and accessories visit www.h-d.com.au (link).
Australian Finalists:
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Rolling Thunder
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ BUILDER Rolling Thunder
Battle of the Kings 2019
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Sunshine Coast
Battle of the Kings 2019
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Sunshine Coast
Battle of the Kings 2019
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Sunshine Coast
Battle of the Kings 2019
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Sunshine Coast
Battle of the Kings 2019
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Sunshine Coast
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Morgan & Wacker Harley-Davidson
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Morgan Wacker
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Morgan & Wacker Harley-Davidson
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Morgan Wacker
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Morgan & Wacker Harley-Davidson
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Morgan Wacker
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Rolling Thunder
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ CAROUSEL Rolling Thunder
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ CAROUSEL Rolling Thunder
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Rolling Thunder
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ CAROUSEL Rolling Thunder
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Rolling Thunder
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ BUILDER Rolling Thunder
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ Adelaide Bike Works
Battle of the Kings 2019 – Rolling Thunder
Battle of The Kings Harley Davidson AU NZ BUILDER Rolling Thunder
