Tag Archives: Harley

MY 19.5 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard | $34,495

2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

Harley-Davidson has released a new MY 19.5 touring model dubbed the Electra Glide Standard.

Somewhat reminiscent of the Street Glide, with its batwing fairing and standardhard panniers, the Electra Glide Standard does boast a lot more chrome than the current Street Glide Special in Harley Australia’s catalogue.

Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

At $34,495 Ride Away though the Electra Glide Standard comes in more than $4000 cheaper than the current Street Glide Special. Some of that price disparity comes via the fact that for $38,750 the 2019 Street Glide Special ships with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 (1870cc), while the new Electra Glide Standard runs the 1745cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.

The cockpit on the Electra Glide Standard has a cubby hole below the instrumentation where the Street Glide’s Infotainment and bluetooth systems would normally reside.

Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard Cockpit
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

The pricing is line-ball with Harley’s iconic Road King, which is also powered by the 107 engine, but the Electra Glide Standard is only set-up for single rider touring and offers slightly less lean angle than the Road King.


H-D’s Vice President of Styling and Design, Brad Richards

“To express the stripped-back essence of the Electra Glide Standard, we focused on finishes that were simple, timeless, and fundamental to the Harley-Davidson’s touring line. Chrome was added to key components and complimented by polished and blacked out parts, for example. The rocker, cam, and derby covers are finished with chrome to emphasize the V-Twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. In addition, they add a dose of nostalgia that draws a through-line all the way back to the first Electra Glide.”

Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

Electra Glide Standard features all the latest ride and handling technology of Harley-Davidson’s Touring line such as standard electronic cruise control, hand-adjustable rear shock absorbers, 49 mm dual-bending valve front forks and Reflex Linked Brembo Brakes with standard ABS.

Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard Brakes
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
  • Engine – 1745cc Milwaukee-Eight 107
  • Torque – 150 Nm at 3,250 rpm
  • Bore x Stroke – 100 x 111 mm
  • Compression Ratio – 10.0:1
  • Induction – Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
  • Exhaust – Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
  • Rake / Trail – 26-degrees / 170 mm
  • Lean Angle – 31-degrees (L), 29-degrees (R)
  • Wheelbase 1625 mm
  • Tyres – 130/80-17 (F), 180/65-16 (R)
  • Brakes – 320mm dual discs with fixed four-piston calipers (F), single at rear
  • Seat Height – 680 mm
  • Ground Clearance – 120 mm
  • Wet Weight – 372 kg
  • Ride Away Pricing – $34,495 (optional paint colours command a premium)

Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard Rear
2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

Source: MCNews.com.au

Harley riders show intimacy to the brand

Despite slowing sales and a war of words with President Trump, Harley-Davidson riders still seem to love the brand, according to a biennial report on brand intimacy.

Harley was sixth in the MBLM Brand Intimacy Report on more than 400 brands behind Disney, Apple, Amazon, Chevrolet and Netflix.

However, the love seems to be waning as Harley was ranked third in the 2015 report and fourth in 2017.

Brand intimacy is defined as “leveraging and strengthening the emotional bonds between a person and a brand”.

MBLM and Praxis Research Partners interviewed 6200 consumers in the US (3000), Mexico (2000), and the United Arab Emirates (1200) for the report.

IntimacyIron Run HOG rallies leasing

Harley was second in the automotive sector behind Chevrolet, while BMW (cars and bikes) was 18th overall and Honda (cars, bikes, etc) was 23rd.

Interestingly, the intimacy survey found that Harley riders are viewing it more as a nostalgia brand and less of an indulgence brand than they did in 2017.

It also found that 21% of Harley owners could not live without the brand and 10% said they would be prepared to pay more for their motorbikes!

That’s interesting considering the company reported a 6.1% drop in sales last year to 228,051.

It also comes after almost two years of chiding by President Trump for moving some of its production offshore.

Harley says Trump’s trade wars increase their costs of raw steel and aluminium and resulted in higher tariffs for their products in some overseas markets.

They claim these two factors wiped out their 2018 profits.

It may also have cost them a loss of intimacy by their followers, many of whom may also be Trump supporters.

Will riders really boycott Harley-Davidson? Trump intimacy
Bikers for Trump

Aussie survey

This comes after Harley rated third in a customer satisfaction survey released last year by Australian ratings business Canstar Blue.

Triumph was the most satisfying motorcycle brand in the market, according to about 700 surveyed riders.

It was the second year in a row that Triumph topped the annual motorcycle survey won by Yamaha in 2016 and Harley-Davidson in the first year of ratings in 2015.

The ratings compare motorcycle brands on factors including reliability, style, handling, comfort, value for money, point-of-sale service, technology features and overall satisfaction.

Triumph was followed by Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and BMW.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Battle looms on big electric motorcycles

The big electric motorcycle battle is looming this year between Harley-Davidson with its expensive LiveWire and Zero Motorcycles who are launching a new “effortlessly powerful” naked bike.

But Australia will be at least another year or more behind. Harley-Davidson Australia won’t introduce the LiveWire, predicted to cost more than $40,000, until 2020. Zero Motorcycles pulled the plug on Australia in 2017 with no hint of a return just yet.

Big battle

Harley electric LiveWire battle
Harley LiveWire

Other motorcycle manufacturers have electric models in the pipeline and there is a myriad of startup electric motorcycle companies.

However, the focus this year will be on the big battle between Harley and Zero.

Harley is one of the biggest road bike manufacturers in the world and Zero is the biggest electric motorcycle company.

LiveWire V SR/F

The LiveWire is clearly aimed at the top end of the market with premium components and a price tag to match.

Zero’s new naked bike will be launched on February 25, 2019.

Even though it’s called the SR/F which sounds like a version of the SR model, Zero’s recent teaser Tweet says it is “an entirely new platform”.

Big electric motorcycle battle looms

“More than a new model, SR/F is an entirely new platform. The SR/F provides an effortlessly powerful experience in the naked street bike category,” Zero Tweeted.

It was accompanied by the above teaser photo of the LED headlight.

When Zero pulled the plug on Australian imports, their fleet ( Zero S, SR, DS, DSR, FX and FXS) ranged in price from $18,000 to $25,000 on the road. 

2017 Zero motorcycles have increased range 360km hit battle
2017 Zero motorcycles

Undoubtedly the SR/F will cost a lot less than the Harley LiveWire which will be available for sale in North America and Europe in the third quarter of this year for $US29,799 ($A41,699) plus on-road costs.

That is about the same price Americans pay for a top-of-the-line Ultra Limited tourer with luggage, infotainment and all the bells and whistles. (In Australia, an Ultra Limited costs $A40,995 ride away.)

Expensive electrics

That’s still not as much as the world’s fastest electric motorcycle, the 351km/h Lightning Motorcycle LS-218 at $US38,888 (about $A51,150).

And it’s way short of the Curtiss electric motorcycles coming this year.

Their Zeus Bobber and Cafe will each cost $US60,000 (about $A83,000, £46,845, €53,000) with a holding deposit of $US6000.

The aluminium and carbon bikes have 140kW of power, 196Nm of torque and maximum range of 450km although they don’t indicate how that was achieved.

They are scheduled for delivery in 2020.

Meanwhile, we will be watching the battle between Harley and Zero for the hearts and minds of the early adopters of electric motorcycle technology.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson Livewire likely to be around 44k AUD

Harley overnight dropped detailed specs and pricing on their first EV, the LiveWire Electric motorcycle which the company is touting as the most connected motorcycle experience ever.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Livewire

The LiveWire motorcycle represents Harleys high performance entry into the musktopian electric future. The first of a new portfolio of motorcycles slated to deliver an “all new motorcycle experience”.

When the LiveWire debuts in showrooms there’s no doubt it’ll be the coolest looking machine in the Harley line up. That old school roots style supercharger mock-up hanging out of its belly marries some hot-rod styling to what will most certainly be Harley’s hottest rod!

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Livewire

Harley are claiming a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5-seconds and during my brief taste of an early LiveWire prototype some years ago in Malaysia, I belive that the LiveWire will be the fastest machine Harley has ever produced for mainstream consumption.

With a claimed range of 177 kilometres the LiveWire should also prove practical enough to use as everyday transport for most consumers.

I expect there will also be a myriad of bolt on accessories to vajazzle that rather boring looking battery pack in its guts, which isn’t dripping in chrome and polished aluminium like a conventional Harley.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Livewire

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is set to hit showrooms in the US priced at $29,799. Given how current Australian pricing extrapolates to other comparably priced models in the current Harley range, our best guesstimate is that the LiveWire will be priced somewhere around $44,000 AUD. There is no official word from Harley Australia on that score, that number is only educated supposition on our part. ABS and Traction Control will be standard.

While American customers will be able to get their LiveWire shortly, Australian motorcyclists will have to wait until ‘Late 2020’ to get their hands on one. What are the bets that somebody can’t wait, and will import their own LiveWire in from America ahead of the Australian release…?

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Livewire

Some of the reason for the delay of the Australian launch could be the work required to successfully integrate and adpat Harley’s new Connect Service to Australia.

The LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with H-D Connect, which pairs motorcycle riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit coupled with connectivity and cloud services using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App. This technology makes the LiveWire motorcycle the first North American mass-market cellular-connected electric motorcycle.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Livewire

Information available through H-D Connect includes battery charge status and available range from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. This allows the rider to remotely check the charge status including charge level and time to completion. Riders will be able to locate a charging station with ease thanks to an integrated location finder built into the H-D App.

H-D Connect indicates the location of the parked LiveWire motorcycle and alerts can be sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is tampered with or moved. GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind that the motorcycle’s location can be tracked. This feature will be available in America but it is unclear if Australian regulators will co-operate enough for this feature to be lawfully activated in our market.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Livewire

Source: MCNews.com.au

Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts shown at CES

Alongside the further details announced on the LiveWire model overnight, Harley-Davidson also revealed two new concepts in its next generation of two-wheeled transportation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Harley Davidson Ebike Concepts
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts

These two concepts are a nod towards a new electrified chapter of Harley-Davidson’s story that will continue with innovative approaches to transportation and technology, wrapped up in evocative styling and design.

Harley Davidson Ebike Concepts
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts

While I don’t think either of these designs really pushes any boundaries visually, I do see this as a justified attempt for the brand to gradually align itself to the kimchi & kale generation.

Harley Davidson Ebike Concepts
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts

Kudos to Harley for becoming a little more environmentally and socially aware as they look towards a future of trying to win new young customers on to their iconic brand.

Harley Davidson Ebike Concepts
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts

Harley Davidson Ebike Concepts
Harley-Davidson E-Bike concepts

Source: MCNews.com.au

Harley-Davidson electric bicycle and scooter concepts

Harley-Davidson has revealed electric bicycle and electric scooter (above) concepts at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas over night.

Harley electric LiveWire
Electric bicycle

They also revealed the price and more specifications for their LiveWire sports bike which will be available in some countries later this year and Australia late in 2020. Click here for more details.

Harley electric LiveWire
LiveWire

The electric bicycle and scooter concepts were revealed in July last year as artwork when Harley announced its bold new plans for the next four years.

Harley electric LiveWire
Electric motorcycle artwork and concepts for and electric bicycle and scooter

Those bold plans included an adventure bike and a new family of liquid-cooled models.

harley pan america politics season raven electric bicycle
Pan America

Now, the company has revealed working concepts models of the bicycle and scooter to “explore the potential of urban mobility and two-wheeled adoption”.

The concepts are part of the company’s planned “broad portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of mobility over the next several years and inspire new riders with new ways to ride”.

There are no names nor specs for the electric bicycle and scooter as they are only prototypes.

Electric bicycle

Their electric mountain bike is similar to many ebikes coming out of Europe and China with pedal assist. Harley electric LiveWire

But the scooter prototype is something totally different.

It also seems to feature an LED headlight that is just a hollow ring.Harley electric LiveWire

It has inverted forks, no visible rear suspension, large tyres and belt drive.Harley electric LiveWire

There is no word on when these concepts will become production models.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson reveals electric LiveWire price

The Harley-Davidson electric LiveWire motorcycle will cost about $A40,000 when it is released in Australia late in 2020 with range of about 177km.

It will be available for sale in North America and Europe in the third quarter of this year for $US29,799 ($A41,699) plus on-road costs.

That is about the same price Americans pay for a top-of-the-line Ultra Limited tourer with luggage, infotainment and all the bells and whistles. (In Australia, an Ultra Limited costs $A40,995 ride away.)

That’s not as much as the world’s fastest electric motorcycle, the 351km/h Lightning Motorcycle LS-218 at $US38,888 (about $A51,150).

Lightning electric motorcycle fast electric LiveWire
Lightning record-holding electric race bike

The LiveWire price and more specifications were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas over night. They also revealed artwork for two smaller electric motorcycles, plus concepts of an electric bicycle and scooter.

Click here to read more.

Harley electric LiveWire
Electric motorcycle artwork and concepts for and electric bicycle and scooter

Electric LiveWire details

Most of the electric LiveWire details have already been revealed in Milwuakee during the company’s 115th birthday celebrations. Click here for details.

They include premium components such as Brembo brakes with cornering ABS, fully adjustable Showa suspension, Michelin sport tyres and traction control.Harley electric LiveWire

But the magic specification for an electric bike is range and while Zero electric motorcycles offer up to 360km of range with a special battery, the Harley will manage just 177km.

There were few other details about the bike such as battery size, charging times, power and top speed. that’s probably because the battery may change yet again before launch.

However, they did say it would accelerate to 100km/h in “under 3.5 seconds”, which is okay, but not as quick as most sportsbikes.

It has a twist-and-go throttle with no gears or clutch lever like most scooters and unlike the Brammo electric bike, later known as the Victory Empulse.

ConnectivityHarley electric LiveWire

The other new details are that the LiveWire comes with H-D Connect that pairs the rider and bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit.

It connects with your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App.

The app sends battery data to the app about range and will even guide the rider to the nearest charging station.

It includes tamper alerts if someone tries to steal the bike and a location device to track it if it’s been stolen. This is only available “in some markets” so it is yet to be seen if it works in Australia.

There are also service reminders and notifications.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson’s First Electric Motorcycle Coming

Contributed post

Harley-Davidson recently unveiled its first ever electric motorcycle during the EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori) or otherwise known as the Milan Motorcycle Show. This event was held from November 8 to November 11 and it was here where motorcycle manufacturers, whether they be giants in the industry or ambitious startups, show off their best and upcoming electric motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and mopeds.

However, like anyone who knows how to play the game well, Harley-Davidson did not show their cards during the event. Despite showing off their upcoming electric motorcycle, they kept mum about important specs such as the motorcycle’s effective range, speed, and charging rate.

What Was Its Prototype?

Harley Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
Harley Davidson LiveWire prototype

The electric motorcycle was based on a prototype codenamed “LiveWire”, which was first put on public display in June 2014. The electric motorcycle was then commented on by a Fox Sports reporter as being “the most radical departure in the 111-year history of the brand.”

And it was rightfully said to be so, as the general public have always known Harley-Davidson for its loud, heavy and, of course, expensive motorcycles. The LiveWire prototype looks far sportier and more futuristic than any other Harley-Davidson motorcycle before it and this is a valiant attempt at attracting a wider customer base.

What Exactly Is The New Harley-Davidson Electric Motorcycle?

Electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire leads parade smart desert charging
LiveWire unveiled in Milwaukee

The motorcycle company’s first ever electric motorcycle is going to retain its prototype’s codename, but that’s about where the similarities end. The final retail product looks much more refined than its prototype (which was already in itself a futuristic-looking motorcycle relative to most Harleys).

While Harley-Davidson have yet to reveal the technical specifications of LiveWire, we can at least get a point of reference from the prototype. The LiveWire prototype could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. As far as effective range goes, it was capable of traveling up to around 55 miles. Though, it’s important to note that this result is under the presumption that the electric motorcycle is in “economy mode”.

What Makes This Electric Bike A Harley?

Despite the overhauled aesthetics and functional design, the LiveWire still stays true to tradition where it truly matters most. And no, I’m not talking about the hefty price tag that comes with every Harley bike. There isn’t even an official price for this electric motorcycle.

I’m referring to the loudness of the motorcycle. Because, well, if it isn’t loud and shiny, it’s probably not a Harley. The LiveWire is built uniquely so that its drivetrain creates a whirring sound, something that sounds like a jet turbine.

And that, my friends, is where the LiveWire stays true to Harley-Davidson tradition.

LiveWire is being released next year around the world will arrive in Australia and New Zealand in late 2020.

As you can already tell, the market is shifting. Newer models are being built with the environment in mind. And that’s a good thing. The one thing, however, that will never change, is the fact that no matter how fancy your vehicle gets, the responsibility that comes with owning and riding a vehicle will never be replaced.

Always adhere to traffic rules. And even if you do, there are many cases where it might be someone else who causes an accident. Luckily, a seasoned motorcycle and car accident attorney is not difficult to find.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Bangkok HD | 2018 Battle of the Kings Grand Champions

Bangkok Harley-Davidson claims 2018 Battle of the Kings title


Thailand dealership Bangkok Harley-Davidson have become Grand Champions of the 2018 Battle of the Kings international custom bike build-off competition, with the title announce at this year’s EICMA, in Milan.

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob won BotK 2018

Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ is a simple and contemporary interpretation of the classic chopper, based on a 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob. This was the first year that Thailand had been included in the competition which makes the Bangkok Harley-Davidson team’s achievement even more impressive.

Battle of the Kings is a custom build-off competition held throughout the Harley-Davidson dealership network. For the 2018 competition over 300 dealers from more than 30 countries entered, aiming to take out the grand title.

Battle of the Kings ANZ Winner Adelaide HD
Adelaide Harley-Davidson’s Roadster-based “Back to the Track”

The three grand finalists selected to be displayed on the Harley-Davidson stand at EICMA included Adelaide Harley-Davidson, with their Roadster-based “Back to the Track”, Bologna Harley-Davidson’s “Farm Machine” and this year’s Thailand winner, Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s “The Prince”.

The task of selecting the winner fell to a seven-strong team from the Harley-Davidson Styling and Design division, led by Vice President of Styling and Design Brad Richards.

Brad Richards – HD Vice President of Styling and Design

“It was so close, deciding the winner. In the end the clean lines and beautiful engineering of ‘The Prince’ took it – but it was only by one single vote. This really demonstrates what is possible – and what are dealerships are capable of delivering. A huge congratulations to the team at Bangkok Harley-Davidson, particularly as this is their first time in the competition.”

Battle of the Kings Italy Finalist
Bologna Harley-Davidson’s “Farm Machine”

Announcing the winner at EICMA and presenting representatives from the winning dealership with the 2018 Battle of the Kings trophy was Director of International Marketing, Steve Lambert

Steve Lambert – HD Director of International Marketing

“Battle of the Kings is a phenomenal display of the custom expertise available in Harley-Davidson dealerships around the world, and with over 300 entries from 30 countries this year’s competition has been the most amazing yet. We had three fantastic finalists, each very different, all built to the same basic competition rules. When you look at the diversity of entries from around the world it’s an incredible modern-day example of our custom heritage. Huge congratulations to all of the finalists, and especially to the team at Bangkok Harley-Davidson. What a fantastic achievement!”

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob

The Prince – Custom Street Bob

The team at Bangkok Harley-Davidson chose the Street Bob to reflect a nostalgic image while benefiting from modern day technology. The back-to-the-70s Chopper look was achieved by chopping off the front and rear fenders and incorporating parts from other motorcycles within the Harley-Davidson range such as the fuel tank from the 48 and handlebar from the Roadster.

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob

The 21-inch front and 16-inch rear custom-made five-spoke wheels enhance the sloping profile of the bike while rerouting the brake line, fuel line and wiring loom tidied up the look. The Gold on Black theme was used to reflect a black leather jacket and chopper theme, with golden crown fuel cap and tyre valve caps playing to the nickname of the bike, “the Prince”.

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob

Up close, the engine is highlighted by gold powder coating the pushrod tubes, rocker box inserts and air cleaner mesh. These parts are chrome-plated prior to powder coating to achieve the shining effect. The seat is reshaped and re-skinned in natural hide with yellow-thread-stitching for that golden effect.

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob

Brass Collection derby cover and timing cover were used to de-chrome the bike, while floating-disc brakes and black levers, anodized foot pegs and handgrip create modern and powerful look. The end result? A stunning, one-off Street Bob fit for the crown.

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob

Battle of the Kings 2019 kicks off – USA included

As one Custom King is crowned it is time for next year’s competition to formally kick-off. For 2019 Battle of the Kings will be bigger than ever, as for the first time the USA enters the running to compete for the crown.

Battle of the Kings Global Winner Bangkok HD DSC
Bangkok Harley-Davidson’s ‘The Prince’ Custom Street Bob

Source: MCNews.com.au

Harley-Davidson LiveWire set for 2020 Australian release

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Harley-Davidson has been working on electric motorcycles for a long time now, and MCNews.com.au had a brief ride on a LiveWire prototype in Malaysia almost four years ago. The machine had plenty of get up and go, and due to straight cut gears in the transmission system it even sounded pretty good. 

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Since then Harley have not only continued electric motorcycle development by themselves, but have also partnered with other companies. The most promising partnership came about early this year with Harley making an investment in cutting-edge San Francisco based electric motorcycle maker Alta. Alas, that partnership must have ended in tears as Harley exited the agreement six months later.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

A now seemingly production ready Harley-Davidson LiveWire made its European debut at a press conference held at the EICMA show in Milan this week with confirmation that the LiveWire will go on sale next year in many markets. Australia and New Zealand are currently slated for a 2020 release. 

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Propelled by the immediate torque of an all-electric motor, Harley claim;

‘LiveWire motorcycle is capable of astounding acceleration with just a twist of the throttle – no clutching or gear shifting required.’

‘A low centre of gravity, rigid aluminum frame and premium adjustable suspension components give the LiveWire dynamic handling.’

‘Performance and range are optimised for the urban street-rider.’

That last sentence suggests that it will be primarily designed as a short range commuter machine, as one would expect as we all wait for battery technology to become compact enough for a touring machine. 

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The LiveWire motorcycle is powered by a permanent magnet electric motor that produces instant torque the moment that throttle is twisted resulting in incredible acceleration performance for a thrilling ride.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The motor is located low in the motorcycle to lower the center of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds as well as making it easy to control when stationary.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The LiveWire model is designed to produce a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed – a new sound that represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Powertrain performance is maximised by a chassis designed to deliver nimble, agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads. Combining the powertrain as a stressed member within the aluminium frame to increase rigidity, the LiveWire features high-performance fully adjustable Showa suspension.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The Showa BFRC-lite (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) mono-shock rear suspension is complimented by Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) up front, balanced to match the performance and adjustability of the rear shock and deliver exceptional low-speed damping control – ideal for composed control in typical urban riding conditions.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

To improve the control and performance of the motorcycle further, LiveWire is fitted with Brembo Monoblock front brake calipers gripping dual 300 mm-diameter discs to deliver outstanding power with a crisp feel for confident braking performance.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Confidence when riding is enhanced with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) – both of which are standard features on the LiveWire model – and co-branded H-D/Michelin Scorcher tyres (180mm rear/120mm front).

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The rider can also tailor the performance of LiveWire with seven selectable riding modes – four of which are set as standard from the factory and a further three modes that can be defined by the user.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

A colour touch screen TFT display (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast) located above the handlebar offers the rider a wide range of information on a screen that’s bright and easy to read. The display unit is tilt-adjustable to afford most riders a perfect viewing angle. The TFT screen also allows the rider to access the interface for Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, music and more.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The LiveWire motorcycle features a RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System, or the main battery) composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminum housing. The LiveWire motorcycle is also equipped with a small 12-volt lithium-ion battery that powers the lights, controls, horn and instrument display. Charging can be completed using an on-board Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard household outlet with a power cord that stores below the motorcycle seat.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

LiveWire can also be charged with a Level 2 and Level 3, or DC Fast Charge (DCFC), through a SAE J1772 connector, (USA), or CCS2 – IEC type 2 charging connector in international markets. All Harley-Davidson dealers who sell the LiveWire motorcycle will offer a public charging station.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The LiveWire’s style is just as stunning as the performance and follows a key Harley-Davidson styling dictum: the focus is on the motor. Just as the V-Twin engine is the most eye-catching element – the crown jewel – of every previous Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the electric motor is the first-look focus of the LiveWire motorcycle. Its bright case and mechanical, muscular shape is meant to convey the power it contains.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

In addition, the cast-aluminum case for the RESS has been styled with functional cooling fins the bodywork, finished utilizing advanced paint technology to give the look of anodized metal, flows from a battery cover through to a high, wasp-like contoured tail section, with a rear fender that hugs the wheel so tightly that is almost disappears from sight.

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The all-new Harley-Davidson LiveWire will be on sale in select markets next year. For Australia and New Zealand Livewire will be released in late 2020. 

Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson LiveWire