Hindsight of Livewire, the First Electric Bike by Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson kicked off with green-auto manufacturing through Livewire, the first electric motorcycle made by the company. Known for making robust motorcycles, Harley aligned itself to 21^th century concept of pro-environment automobiles. This Harley motorcycle is not for commercial production yet. The maker is offering an opportunity of test-driving the bike to enthusiasts in 30 of its dealerships. This is an innovative initiative to know the good and bad sides of the new product.

Livewire is a compact bike with a low comfortable seat that allows an easy reach to the bars. The get-up and functions are excellent. All the parts including the crinkle-finish aluminum frame and swingarm, the front mirror brackets, the LED headlight, the TFT LED dash, and the wheels are best-of -class. The display is on with the press of the switch on the right bar. There are two modes - Range or Power. The three-phase AC motor is of 74 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of peak torque. It is yet to be speculated whether the modest 74 horsepower and a maximum speed of 92 miles per hour will succeed in appealing the speed-crazy market. Although the motorcycle reaches 0 to 100km/hr in just 4 seconds. However, it has the common drawback of all the electric vehicles – its range. It can go only 85km in between charges.

The twin-piston front brake is efficient at stopping the bike. The steering is neutral but a little heavy. The motorcycle is equipped with 120/70-18 front and 180/55-17 rear size Michelin tires. These are specially designed for dusty and unsmooth road surfaces. The engine is silent but the close-knit gears make a sound like a jet plane taking off. This feature has been cleverly used by Harley as marketing gimmick. In the place of usual roar of a bike, the company proclaimed that it has a fighter jet engine's roar. The battery is a lithium-ion unit and takes three and half hour to charge.

Overall, riding this bike will be a cherished exercise. The styling is very contemporary and modern. It will not be redundant to say that with project Livewire, Harley Davidson has put it exorbitant R&D budget into good use. This shows the company’s strive to make products that will be consumer friendly. Although, such measures from company’s end has been evident from past projects like ‘Rushmore’ and ‘Street’. Harley has moved way ahead of its competitors in the market of electric bikes. If the market of electric bikes booms, the company can expand production in no time.