Harley Davidson unveiled a preliminary model for sale of the electric bicycle “LiveWire”, which is the first manufacturer of the same manufacturer at EICMA (Milan Show) currently underway.
It was the moment after the prototype was released in 2014. It will be the first trial as mass-produced commercial sports model for two wheels. Therefore, We decided to predict what kind of model based on Harley’s presentation.
First of all, it is the appearance but basically it seems that there was no significant change from the prototype published in 2014, and it was said that it was its aged version.
Acceleration is terrible but good at city riding
According to the release, you can enjoy tremendous acceleration from the moment the throttle is opened by the torque characteristic unique to the electric motor.
Clutch operation and gear shift are unnecessary, and the motor is mounted at a low position of the motorcycle body and low center of gravity is realized. It is equipped with a high rigidity aluminum frame and a full adjustable suspension made by SHOWA, making it easy to handle in dynamic speeds in all speed ranges.
The expression “performance is optimized especially for street riders in urban areas” is also interesting and may be a hint to understand the characteristics of this model.
Moreover, “LiveWire” seems to be sound tuned so that pitch and volume increase according to speed. In the movie published on the official website, you will hear sensual sound while motor.
We also want to pay attention to the fact that a new element of “Enjoy Sound” has been added, which has been largely ignored in previous EVs.
Sporty running around the legs
When looking a bit more finely, the suspension is made of SHOWA. The front is equipped with SFF-BP (separate function fork-big piston) and the rear is equipped with a mono shock type BFRC – lite (balance free rear cushion – light).
Brembo monoblock calipers and φ300mm disks are equipped with double as front brake. It is easy to imagine that it is a model that stuck with running, including ABS and a traction control system (TCS) as standard equipment, including the latest specifications.
In addition, the tire adopted “Michelin Scorcher (rear 180 mm / front 120 mm)” dedicated to Harley jointly developed with Michelin, seems to realize sports performance and comfortable ride.
Seven modes can be selected
The maximum output was unpublished but it was announced as 74 ps at the time of the prototype. As for the characteristics of the electric motor, it is possible that the speed of entry will surpass that of gasoline-powered vehicles of the same class.
Power characteristics can also be selected from seven riding modes, four of which are standardized at the factory and three modes can be adjusted by the user.
The full-color TFT display placed on the handle bar is the latest touch panel type capable of tilt adjustment. Moreover, it is possible to enjoy navigation and music etc. by Bluetooth connection with smartphone etc.
Charging from household outlet
Regarding the power source to be concerned, RESS (rechargeable energy storage system) composed of lithium ion battery surrounded by a finned cast aluminum housing placed in the motorcycle body center is mounted.
Besides this, it also features a small 12V lithium-ion battery that supplies power to lights and displays.
It is a mechanism that you can use the on-board type Level 1 charger to connect from the standard household outlet using the power cord stored under the car seat. “LiveWire” can be charged with level 2 and level 3 or DC fast charge (DCFC) via SAE J 1772 connector (USA) or international standard CCS 2-IEC type 2 charging connector.
In addition, all Harley dealers selling “LiveWire” claim to provide a public charging station. It is unpublished about what will happen about charging environment in Japan.
High quality finish
Regarding the style as well Harley ‘s sticking commitment can be seen. Like the V Twin engine, which is also the most eye-catching part in Harley. LiveWire uses an electric motor as an appealing point on the exterior.
Design that considers the visual effect, such as looking up in the motorcycle body where black cylindrical shining silver case which is a symbol of power is raised out black body is fresh.
Furthermore, RESS is also stored in a cast aluminum case and styled with cooling fins, etc. It is characterized by a functional and high quality finish visually. We think that it is a cool design that expressed futuristic, neo-retro feeling, and EV likeness as well.
It may be easier to get on with ordinary
Although detailed specifications are not announced yet, at first glance the frame shape is a diamond type composed of aluminum tubes, and the foot is also a combination of an inverted fork and a linkless type of monotonic shock.
The usual swing arm also adopts the Harley traditional belt drive and the clutch & shift pedal is nothing but the operation system such as pipe handle, accelerator and brake seems to be the same as a normal motorcycle, such as EV. It is an impression that it is made to orthodox overall as a whole except for it.
That means that the power feel is different, handling may be more familiar to us than normal.
“LiveWire” is scheduled to be released next year, and prices and detailed specs etc. are scheduled to be released in January 2019. We do not know the timing and prices to introduce to Japan, but I’d like to wait for expectations.
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