The first electric Harley-Davidson on sale since 2019. What will he be like?

Four years after the first showconcept, the famous company Harley-Davidson has finally unveiled its electric motorcycle. The announcement took place at the EICMA Motor Show, held in Italy. Almost ready for mass production, the electric bike was called Harley-Davidson LiveWire. Orders for the new product will begin to be accepted from next year. For a company such as Harley-Davidson, famous primarily for its traditional fuel-powered motorcycles, the transition to electrification is a very big step, but at the same time, it can attract new interest in the brand and replenish its portfolio with new models.

The company is going to stimulate sales of new itemsinstall at all the dealerships who will be involved in the sale of the electric bike, charging stations of the 2nd level (generates 7 kW of power, working from a current of 30A and a voltage of 240 volts).

About the price of a motorcycle, as well as about its modifications andUnfortunately, at the time of the presentation, the company did not say anything about the power reserves. However, it is known that the motorcycle will operate on the basis of a permanent magnet electric motor, which will be located at the lowest point of the vehicle frame to reduce the center of gravity, which will contribute to better handling at different speeds, as well as braking.

LiveWire will get two batteries. The core will consist of lithium-ion cells enclosed in a cast aluminum casing. An additional 12-volt battery will be used to power the headlights, digital controls, a beep, and the instrument display.

The bike can be charged using chargersdevices of the 1st level (endowed with alternating current up to 16A, have a voltage of 120 V and can give a maximum of 1.92 kW of power). The charging socket is located under the motorcycle seat. For faster charging, support is provided for charging stations of the 2nd and 3rd level, as well as the DC Fast Charge (DCFC), SAE J1772 (for the USA), and CCS2 - IEC type 2 standards for the international market.

LiveWire will offer seven riding modes, three ofwhich can be configured manually. Basically, these modes relate to the high-tech Shows suspension settings. In addition, the motorcycle is equipped with a customizable color digital display located above the steering wheel. You can connect to it via Bluetooth, controlling navigation, music and other functions.

Since the motorcycle is electric, it is understandablebusiness, does not have the famous "Harley" exhaust sound. To correct this assumption, Harley-Davidson equipped the electric bike with speakers, from which a characteristic “growl” will be heard with a set of speeds. This is also done for the sake of security. Silent electric vehicles can create an even higher level of danger for those pedestrians who simply can not hear them. The company adds that the new sound "represents the smooth electric power of a LiveWire motorcycle."

Among other things, the use ofBrembo Monoblock brake calipers and 300 mm double brake discs. The electric bike is also equipped with anti-lock and anti-slip systems, which are already included in the standard package.

Harley-Davidson reports that additional information about the LiveWire electric motorcycle will appear closer to the beginning of pre-orders for the new product, which will begin to be accepted in January 2019.

How do you like the novelty? Share your impressions in our Telegram chat.