Harley-Davidson's electric motorcycle

[nhmaf]

Doesn't say "potato-potato", but I'll bet they still try to copyright the sound of it.


I don't think that the usual H-D crowd at the tire-burnout pit will get too excited about it, though..

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/19/harley-davidson-livewire-electric-motorcycle-first-ride-review-photos-video/

[Ed Miller]

I'd like to try it.

[disco51]

I'll give them props for trying some completely off the charts from their core base.  Obviously they are feeling out the reaction to the bike, before they commit.
I'd try one out.
Wonder what the price would have to be for it be a success...

[Luca]

You gotta love that they got it to make some extra noise... but did they get it to leak oil?  

Seriously though, the quality of their test bikes it top notch, and I think it's one of the better looking electric machines out there.

[nhmaf]

IF gear noise is the next cool thing - then our airheads will become even more desirable!

Actually my Kawasaki Concours has a similar gear-whine to this bike's sound, as it also has an extra 90 degree jackshaft to convert the  normally chain/sprocket drive of the ZX-9/10 into the enclosed shaft drive that it uses.

[k_enn]

With a range of 53 miles   (  http://www.wired.com/2014/06/harley-davidson-livewire/ )  -  isn't that about what current Harleys get from a tank of gas?    [smiley=grin.gif]

[montmil]

H-D will need to develop an entire new line of "electric" clothing and gear. Latigo fringe and chaps ain't gonna cut it on an electric two-wheeler.

"Yes Ma'am. Please step this way to our new HD Hipster Boutique."  "May I offer you an espresso?"

[nhmaf]

I imagine that someone will come up with an accessory Lithium battery pack to play a stereo sound sample of an exhaust note at 110 dB -- otherwise this bike willl never fly with the "loud pipes save lives" gang.

But, kudos to H-D for stepping into the water of a different market segment, and one which generally has alot more spending money to play with.

[wilcom]

With a range of 53 miles

Jeez.......... My Milwaukee  cordless will go that far.

[steve hawkins]

They will be the 'must have' accessory for the 'green and rich' along with their Prius's....Hollywood will be awash with them.

Segways are sooooo yesterday

Rev. light

[nhmaf]

I'd say that this is doing pretty well for a prototype, and one can barely get past 100 miles with Sportster tank.    Given some more time to refine things, I'm sure that they could do better.   Not sure if they are even using regenerative braking on the rear wheel to extend battery capacity on this prototype.

52 pound feet of torque may not sound like a huge amount either, but it is right there as soon as you twist the "go" button with no need to rev up to a powerband, so it should be a good around-town scooter, particularly for rich, newbie riders, I think.