Harley-Davidson LiveWire is Davidson’s electric motorcycle is the company’s first electric vehicle. With a stated 105 horsepower (78 kW) motor, Harley-Davidson claims a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h).
The LiveWire, which debuted in 2019, is aimed at a different demographic than their iconic V-twin-powered motorcycles.
Harley Davidson Livewire 101: Everything that you need to know
| Starting Price: | $29,799 |
| Units sold in the US: | 400 |
| Range (miles): | 146 miles** |
| Vehicle Class: | Electric vehicle |
| Zero to 60 mph: | 3 Seconds |
| Horsepower: | 105 HP / x78 kW |
| Battery: | Samsung SDI |
| Drive (FWD, RWD, AWD): | Standard |
| Weight (lbs): | 249kg |
| Basic Warranty: | 24 months |
| Battery Warranty: | 5-Year |
Harley Davidson Livewire Specifications:
Harley-Davidson unveiled the LiveWire – its first electric production motorbike – pricing and pre-order availability earlier this year, and at $29,799, it’s an expensive motorcycle; it’s more expensive than Harley’s entire Touring range.
Nonetheless, the American motorcycle manufacturer released LiveWire’s characteristics at an international press ride in Oregon, USA. Is there enough here to justify the price tag?
- The electric Harley is quieter than imagined, producing 105 horsepower and 116 Nm of torque, which is enough to propel the bike from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in under three seconds.
- When Harley-IPMSM Davidson made their motor, they called it the “Revelation.” It could be used on other models in the future like the Milwaukee Eight is used on many V-twin Harleys.
- Harley-Davidson has installed a RESS system on the LiveWire (Rechargeable Energy Storage System). This is a battery system similar to those seen on hybrid electric vehicles, and it has a capacity of 15.5 kWh on this motorcycle (of which 13.6kWh is usable).
- Charging took a lengthy time – 12.5 hours to be precise — using an ordinary AC wall connection.
- Harley-Davidson, on the other hand, says that the DC fast-charging option can complete the task in less than an hour.
- The LiveWire is stated to have a city range of 235 kilometers, a highway range of 113 kilometers, and a total range of 152 kilometers on a single charge.
- The LiveWire also includes the Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Forks – Big Piston) fully adjustable USD fork. Showa’s rear mono-shock, the BFRC-lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion lite), is also fully adjustable. Both suspension ends have 115mm of travel.
- Meanwhile, a 300mm front disc and a 260mm rear disc provide braking power.
- Additionally, it features regenerative braking and a drag torque-slip control system (integrated into the traction control system) that ensures that the rear tire maintains contact with the road surface during braking.
- On the LiveWire, the front and rear Michelin Scorcher tires are 120/70 ZR17 and 180/55 ZR17, respectively.
- The LiveWire is no exception to the norm that electric motorcycles are not very lightweight. Despite being much larger in size, it weighs the same as most large ADVs at 249kg. However, by Harley standards, this is a light motorcycle.
- Additionally, LiveWire’s package includes a 4.3-inch TFT display that can connect to a smartphone through Bluetooth to provide entertainment capabilities such as turn-by-turn navigation, phone, music, and speech recognition.
- Additionally, the device can assist you in locating your motorcycle and the nearest charging station, as well as setting up geofencing and displaying battery and bike data. Among the technological features on the bike are a 6-axis IMU-assisted ABS and traction control system, as well as seven rider modes – Sport, Road, Rain, Range, and three custom settings.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is a sign of the industry’s big shift to electric bikes, and it’s certainly worth mentioning, especially since it comes from a company with such a long heritage of petrol-powered pounding V-twins. However, it will be some time before the repercussions of this transition are noticed in India, as the brand has stated that LiveWire will not be launched in the nation anytime soon. However, this is only the first of many, and in the next year or two, we can expect to see more electric Harleys with lower performance (and lower prices to match) appear.
Is The Harley Livewire Automatic?
The automatic transmission provides a wide range of speeds while operating the engine in a more comfortable setting.
Because the automatic transmission is the least common type of motorcycle transmission, it’s natural to suppose that automatic transmission motorcycles differ significantly from manual transmission motorcycles.
Automatic transmission motorcycles are commonly referred to as scooters, while certain sports bikes feature specialized automatic transmissions. Automatic motorcycle gears are commonly referred to as a twist-and-go system since they can shift between the gears without a visible signal.
The vast majority of Harley-Davidson owners prefer manual transmissions and the shifting that entails.
Others, like inexperienced riders and persons with impairments, prefer the automatic transmission since it is less confusing.
With the exception of the new LiveWire, Harley-Davidson does not manufacture any motorcycles with automatic transmissions. According to popular belief, Harley-Davidson isn’t prepared to deal with the additional costs of fitting gearboxes and other automatic-transmission systems to their motorcycles.
How To Charge Harley Livewire?
With its new all-electric LiveWire motorcycle, Harley-Davidson is venturing into the realm of electric vehicles, boasting a 15.5 kWh battery with a range of 146 miles. The LiveWire is ideal for city commuters and Harley aficionados alike, as it has a longer range than many other electric motorcycles and supports DC rapid charging. The design deviates from the traditional Harley-Davidson image, indicating that the corporation is preparing for the future of mobility—electricity.
Harley Davidson LiveWire charging at home
You can easily ensure that your LiveWire has enough range by charging it at home before you leave in the morning or at any time whenever you want to take a ride. You can charge by using a Level 1 charger or upgrading to a Level 2 charger, such as ChargePoint Home. Level 2 charging is the same pace as Level 1 charging because the LiveWire was built for rapid charging, but a smart Level 2 charger will still allow you to schedule and track all of your charging as well as create charging reminders.
Tip: If you don’t live in a single-family house, the ChargePoint app can help you set up EV charging in your apartment or condo, as well as locate charging stations throughout town.
How to charge the Harley Davidson LiveWire at work or around town?
Along with charging at home, one of the greatest methods to guarantee you stay charged and ready for your ride home is to charge at work (plus any side trips). Employees can charge their electric vehicles at several workplaces. If your employer does not yet have this capability, make sure to inquire; you may soon be able to charge your LiveWire at work.
Charging in public places is very convenient, especially as more public sites add charging stations every day. Stores, restaurants, and other businesses where you spend time are recognizing the value of EV charging, and the ChargePoint app makes it simple to locate stations near you. Simply tap your phone to unlock the universal J1772 connector and plug it into your LiveWire to begin refilling when you arrive at a station.
What is the cost of charging the Harley Davidson LiveWire?
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire will cost $1.91 to drive 100 miles and $2.79 to drive the entire range of 146 miles—but you won’t have to worry about that for a while, owing to the two years of free charging at any ChargePoint station available to LiveWire riders. You can still use the ChargePoint app to hunt for free charging after two years. Remember to check the app for the most up-to-date price information, as station owners can change their costs at any time.
The cost of charging at home is determined by how frequently you charge and the cost of electricity in your area. Use our EV savings calculator to see how much money you can save with the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, and don’t forget about the incentives and special EV rate plans available when you buy an EV or a home charger.
Harley-Davidson is phasing out their loud, chromed-out motorcycles in favor of a new generation of electrified Harleys. Other two-wheeled electric vehicles, such as an electric scooter and dirt bike, are in the works, but the LiveWire is the most anticipated and practical model on the horizon for Harley-Davidson. If the Harley-Davidson LiveWire has piqued your interest, don’t forget to sign up for ChargePoint for two years of free fast charging on the world’s largest EV charging network.
Harley Davidson Livewire Top Speed?
Harley-Davidson LiveWire has set a new record for elapsed time and highest speed for an electric-powered production motorcycle.
Angelle Sampey, a three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion and Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider, stepped off her Harley-Davidson FXDR competition motorcycle to pilot the LiveWire bike to set world records on the quarter and eighth-mile, covering the eighth-mile distance in 7.017 seconds and the full quarter-mile course in just 11.156 seconds at 110.35 mph. LiveWire’s top speed is limited to 110 mph.
The marks were set during exhibition runs at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis during the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals.
“Let me tell you something great,” Sampey remarked. “I couldn’t wait to get on the track the first time I rode the LiveWire,” Sampey remarked. Riding the LiveWire is quite simple. Tilt the throttle and you’re off!”
Andrew Hines and Ed Krawiec, both of Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines, competed in a number of head-to-head drag races on standard LiveWire bikes, with Sampey earning the fastest times. Sampey has won the Pro Stock Motorcycle title three times (2000-2002) and has a total of 43 wins.
This Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorbike is an all-electric model that is capable of quick acceleration thanks to its electric drivetrain, which eliminates the need for clutching or gear shifting. This allows it to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in three seconds and from 100 to 129 kilometers per hour in 1.9 seconds. Roll-on acceleration for passing from any speed is excellent since maximal torque is always available. The LiveWire also has a low center of gravity, an aluminum frame, and adjustable suspension components.
Harley Davidson Livewire Battery
On its LiveWire electric motorcycle, Harley-Davidson has installed Samsung SID battery packs.
“Project Livewire,” the motorcycle manufacturer’s first all-electric motorcycle, began in 2014, and after four years of collaboration with Samsung SDI, the LiveWire Motorcycle was born. The square form battery supplied by Samsung SDI was praised by Harley Davidson for its robust structure and creative and stable pack design technology.
In 2014, Harley-Davidson staged a driving event, and after obtaining VOCs from riders to increase mileage, the company initiated full-scale electric motorbike development. The range has improved to 110 miles thanks to ongoing technical collaboration with Samsung SDI, virtually doubling the previous model’s single-charge mileage of 60 miles (approximately 97 km)
Conclusion
The LiveWire is Harley-Davidson’s first electric production motorcycle. Charging took 12.5 hours – using an ordinary AC wall connection. The bike can go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in under three seconds. At $29,799, it’s more expensive than Harley’s entire Touring range. The LiveWire has a 15.5 kWh battery with a range of 146 miles and supports DC rapid charging.
You can charge the Harley-Davidson LiveWire at home or on the go. Charging in public places is very convenient, especially as more public sites add charging stations every day. The ChargePoint app makes it easy to locate stations near you and find free charging.
LiveWire has set a new record for elapsed time and highest speed for an electric-powered production motorcycle. The top speed of the 2020 LiveWire motorcycle is limited to 110 mph. Use our EV savings calculator to see how much money you can save with the LiveWire. LiveWire is the company’s first all-electric motorcycle. The bike can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in three seconds and from 100 to 129 km/h in 1.9 seconds. LiveWire electric motorbike has Samsung SID battery packs.