Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire Electric Motorcycle Makes European Debut, Additional Details Announced
After unveiling its all-new LiveWire electric motorcycle at its 115th anniversary celebration over Labor Day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson brought the bike to Milan, Italy, for the recent EICMA show and the bike’s European debut. Harley notably announced new details concerning the bike, which is set for a 2019 release. Harley-Davidson notes it’s also working to release a complete electric lineup by 2022.
For The Urban Street Rider
Unveiled in 2014 as a prototype, the LiveWire promises a “high-performance” experience that’s propelled by “immediate torque,” “astounding acceleration with just a twist of throttle” (no clutching or gear shifting needed), a low center of gravity, rigid aluminum frame, and “premium adjustable suspension components” that enables dynamic handling, according to Harley-Davidson. Overall, Harley bills the bike’s performance and range as “optimized for the urban street rider.”
The LiveWire draws power from a permanent magnet electric motor that’s situated low in its frame, which enhances handling and control, Harley says. Further, Harley designed the bike so that it generates an audible tone that “increases in pitch and volume with speed” to create a “new sound” representative of the LiveWire’s “smooth, electric power.”
At Your Fingertips
Besides a main RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) battery integrating lithium-ion cells in a finned, cast-aluminum housing, the LiveWire includes a smaller 12-volt lithium-ion battery to power the lights, controls, horn, and instrument display. Charging options include an onboard Level 1 charger that plugs into standard outlets.
Elsewhere, owners can look forward to a fully adjustable Showa BFRC-lite (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) mono-shock rear suspension, Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) front suspension, Brembo Monoblock front brake calipers working with dual 300 mm-diameter discs, cornering-enhanced ABS brakes, a Traction Control System, a color touchscreen above the handlebar, and seven selectable riding modes. Four riding modes come standard, while owners can configure the other three.
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Source: Harley-Davidson