Iconic motorcycle brand Harley Davidson has unleashed its first all-electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, on the Australian and New Zealand markets.
The “exhilarating and evocative” LiveWire is now available for pre-order via selected dealerships for $A49,995 or $NZ53,995, the company announced this week.
In typical Harley Davidson fashion, the motorcycle brand emphasises the thrilling performance of the LiveWire, which powered by Harley Davidson’s “H-D Revelation” electric powertrain, takes advantage of its instant torque to propel riders from a standing start to 100km/hr in three extremely quick seconds.
“The LiveWire motorcycle radically alters many of the sensations that have previously defined motorcycling,” it said in a statement.
“The H-D Revelation powertrain delivers extreme power in a seamless rush while the simplicity of operation allows the rider to focus more completely on the real thrill of motorcycling – the dynamic sensations of acceleration and motion.”
For the circa $50,000 price, riders get 158km riding range using the European WMTC rating, and although Harley Davidson does not specify battery size or charging rate, it says that the LiveWire will recharge from 0-80% charge in 40 minutes on a DC fast charger.
With a “twist-and-go” electric start up replacing the usual clutch ignition, Harley Davidson says riders will appreciate a smooth experience on the seat as well as the regenerative effects of braking on the battery.
The LiveWire features an aluminium frame, high-performance mono-shock rear suspension and separate function front fork-big piston suspension that “matches the performance and adjustability of the rear shock and delivers exceptional low-speed damping control,” according to the bike maker.
These are complimented by Brembo® Monoblock front brake calipers grip dual 300 mm-diameter rotors for “crisp braking performance” and co-branded H-D®/Michelin® Scorcher Sport tyres that are 180mm wide on the back and 120mm wide on the front.
Rider assist features include anti-lock braking, enhanced traction control for corners and slip control to ensure a safe and confident ride.
Stylewise, Harley Davidson says it has kept with its usual design language – a focus on the motor. The battery is encase in aluminium with stylised “cooling fins”, while the rear fender curves away to give way to the high “wasp-like” tail.
The LiveWire will be available in either orange or yellow, or “vivid” black, and a range of accessories will be available at launch including two-up seat and tail section, speed screen blade, decorative trim, hand and foot controls and a motorcycle cover with a charging cord port.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.