News 8 Jan 2019

Production details emerge of Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Revolutionary electric motorcycle due for 2020 Australian arrival.

harley davidson livewire australia

Image: Supplied.

Initially unveiled in late July 2018, Harley-Davidson has now released details of it production LiveWire electric motorcycle that will make its way onto the market in the coming years.

Boasting powerful acceleration capable of from 0 to 60mph (96.5kph) in under 3.5 seconds, the instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation electric powertrain can produce 100 percent of its rated torque the instant the throttle is twisted, and 100 percent of that torque is always available.

Electric power requires no clutch and no gear shifting, greatly simplifying operation for new riders. All riders will appreciate the braking effect of the power regeneration mode as it adds charge to the battery, especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.

The LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with H-D Connect, which pairs motorcycle riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit coupled with connectivity and cloud services using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson App.

This technology makes the LiveWire motorcycle the first North American mass-market cellular-connected electric motorcycle. With H-D Connect, data is collected and transferred to the app to provide information to the rider’s smartphone about the motorcycle’s status, providing information on battery charge status and available range from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available.

This allows the rider to remotely check the charge status including charge level and time to completion. Riders will be able to locate a charging station with ease thanks to an integrated location finder built into the H-D App.

H-D Connect indicates the location of the parked LiveWire motorcycle and alerts can be sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is tampered with or moved. GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind that the motorcycle’s location can be tracked. Reminders about upcoming vehicle service requirements and other vehicle care notifications will be provided to the rider through the H-D App. In addition, riders will receive automated service reminders.

The bike has the ability to travel an estimated 110 miles (177 kilometres) of urban roads on a single charge, while its chassis is designed to deliver agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads.

The H-D Revelation powertrain sits low in the motorcycle to lower the centre of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds and make it easier to control when stopped. The motorcycle also features premium technology – Electronic Chassis Control is standard and features a cornering-enhanced Anti-lock Braking System and Traction Control. The systems are fully electronic and utilse the latest inertial measurement unit and ABS sensor technology.

The electric engine produces minimal vibration, heat, and noise, all of which enhance rider comfort. The LiveWire model is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed; this new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.

The all-new Harley-Davidson LiveWire Motorcycle will be on sale in only select markets this year. For Australia and New Zealand markets, the Livewire will be released in late 2020.

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