Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[protomech]

Harley is bringing its electric concept bike on a 30 city US tour starting monday. They have a new promo video up.



Basic stats:

* 74 hp longitudinal motor, 90 degree bevel gear give it the sound signature heard in the videos
* 0-60 in less than 4s
* electronically limited top speed of 95 mph
* excellent handling (for a H-D)
* 53 mile range (likely highway, city / suburban will be longer)
* 3.5 hour charge time from J1772

Equipment is unusual for a Harley. Glass cockpit, LED lighting, lightweight aluminum frame, USD forks. Motor controller was apparently developed with help from Mission Motors.

There are a couple of ride reports up already:

http://www.pe.com/articles/harley-696434-electric-livewire.html
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/19/harley-davidson-livewire-electric-motorcycle-first-ride-review-photos-video/
http://time.com/2899493/harley-davidsons-livewire-goes-electric/

The specs are pretty clearly aimed at Zero or Brammo instead of Mission Motorcycles, CRP, and Lightning, with a ~3 kW onboard charger and no DC fast-charging. H-D seems pretty clear to stress this is a concept only, but everything on the bike looks and feels production. If it shipped today it probably would be priced around $15-17k.

[Richard230]

I note that the instrument display in the CW video showed battery voltage as 300V.

[Justin Andrews]

IWould I be right in thinking that, that would make compatibility with ChaDemo and Telsa superchargers a lot easier.

[protomech]

Yes, it would make quick charging possible. No word of that now, but I expect it will be compatible with whatever they think will prevail in 2016.

H-D apparently enlisted Mission Motors for help with the motor and controller.

[Rhamphorhynchus]

So, the PE.com article says "Log on to ProjectLiveWire.com to register for a demo ride", but I can't see anywhere to sign up. Anyone see something I'm missing?

[protomech]

There's a signup link for email updates here:
https://project.harley-davidson.com/en_US/keep-me-posted

Or maybe they will add a signup link when they announce the tour locations.

SEE IT. HEAR IT. FEEL IT.
The Project LiveWire Experience begins a 30-city tour across America starting June 24th in New York City, where riders will be invited to take a historic ride. The first few stops have been announced below and the full 2014 US tour schedule will be announced in the next week.

[Rhamphorhynchus]

Aye, I signed up at that link. They're coming to my town next week, so I just wanted to make sure I hadn't missed something!

[Justin Andrews]

I hope they do a UK tour soon-ish, and actually bother to go outside of London...

[protomech]

Canada and Europe in 2015.

[protomech]

I updated my blog with a summary of specifications and tentative stops for the US tour.
http://protomech.wordpress.com/2014/06/20/harley-davidson-project-livewire/

[AustinSZF8.5]

Boo. Looks like Austin is one of the last stops. Maybe I'll plan a trip to visit family in Denver so I can catch it earlier.   

The investor video is an interesting watch. I laughed at the bit about "...more like an electric guitar than an electric car."

[Richard230]

Here is Motorcycle.com's take on the Livewire:

http://blog.motorcycle.com/2014/06/19/design/harley-davidson-reveals-project-livewire/?utm_source=mo06192014&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

[AustinSZF8.5]

I didn't think about this aspect - Zero could ride Harley's coat tails on this story. HD generates the press and the interest but doesn't yet have a bike to sell. Zero steps in to say, "Like the Livewire? Want one now? Have we got a deal for you..."

This from the AP:

http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/harley-davidson-introduces-electric-motorcycle/ngNxs/

[Rhamphorhynchus]

Riding the LiveWire on the tour is invitation only. See here: http://evmc2.wordpress.com/2014/06/21/hd-project-livewire-experience-tour-rides-are-invite-only/

[Richard230]

Here is a short ride review of the LiveWire by Susan Carpenter.  I note that she says the bike's range is about 30 miles when in "power" mode and H-D claims the LiveWire weighs 360 pounds.  Level 2 charging requires 3.5 hours to fully recharge. Top speed is at least 92mph (indicated). Otherwise no more new info:  http://www.autoblog.com/2014/06/26/harley-davidson-livewire-first-ride-review-video/