Harley-Davidson unveils $30,000 ‘twist-and-go’ electric motorcycle that hits 110 miles per hour

Harley-Davidson showed off its first ever electric motorcycle at CES 2019 in Las Vegas.

The ‘twist-and-go’ bike ditches the traditional shifters and chirps out a turbine-like whir in lieu of the characteristic rumble – but with its ease of use, swift acceleration, and agile handling, the firm is hoping to win over new riders and long-time Harley owners alike.

Called LiveWire, Harley’s first EV can hit a top speed of around 110 miles per hour and achieves a range of 110 miles of mixed urban and highway driving. The bike can go from 0 to 60mph in 3.5 seconds, Harley-Davidson says.

Pre-orders for the $29,799 vehicle are now open in the US, and it should begin shipping by fall 2019.

 

Harley-Davidson showed off its first ever electric motorcycle at CES 2019 in Las Vegas. The ‘twist-and-go’ bike ditches the traditional shifters and chirps out a turbine-like whir in lieu of the characteristic rumble

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE? 

According to Harley-Davidson, the LiveWire bike allows for three charging options, relying on either a compatible charging station or a household outlet + on-board charger

The three charging options are:

  • Level 1 (standard household outlet): 13 miles range per hour of charged. 
  • Level 2: LiveWire connected to a Level 2 charger, 13 miles / hour
  • Level 3 (DC Fast Charge): 192 miles range per hour charged 

LiveWire will also launch in Canada and most of Europe later this year, Harley-Davidson says.

The firm demonstrated its new motorcycle at the Panasonic booth at CES, using the Magic Leap augmented reality headset to create an immersive experience on the show-floor.

Even at a quick glance, Harley’s latest motorcycle is a standout from its previous models.

‘Because it’s all-electric, it’s twist-and-go,’ Paul James, Director of Motorcycle Product Planning at Harley-Davidson, told Dailymail.com at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

‘There’s no transmission, there are no shifters, no clutch – it’s very easy to ride.’

LiveWire is equipped with a full suite of electronic lateral aids, with a slew of sensors and programmable touch controls.

With its ease of use, swift acceleration, and agile handling, the firm is hoping to win over new riders and long-time Harley owners alike. Called LiveWire, Harley’s first EV can hit a top speed of around 110 miles per hour and achieves a range of 110 miles of mixed urban and highway driving

With its ease of use, swift acceleration, and agile handling, the firm is hoping to win over new riders and long-time Harley owners alike. Called LiveWire, Harley’s first EV can hit a top speed of around 110 miles per hour and achieves a range of 110 miles of mixed urban and highway driving

Harley says its electric powertrain will produce a ‘new signature Harley-Davidson sound,’ with minimal vibration, heat, and noise

Harley says its electric powertrain will produce a ‘new signature Harley-Davidson sound,’ with minimal vibration, heat, and noise

It also has cellular connectivity, making it the first mass market motorcycle in North America with the capability.

This means it can alert the owner if the bike has been tampered with or moved. It also has built-in GPS for location tracking.

While it’s easy to see how the sleek EV bike might attract new riders, the motorcycle will be a drastic change for those who have grown accustomed to the traditional Harley-Davidson style.

But, the firm says it’s so far been well received.

‘We’ve seen some [resistance], but at the same time, we did so many lab demos – you get a lot of positive feedback too,’ James told Dailymail.com.

LiveWire is equipped with a full suite of electronic lateral aids, with a slew of sensors and programmable touch controls

The firm demonstrated its new motorcycle at the Panasonic booth at CES, using the Magic Leap augmented reality headset to create an immersive experience on the show-floor

LiveWire is equipped with a full suite of electronic lateral aids, with a slew of sensors and programmable touch controls. The firm demonstrated its new motorcycle at the Panasonic booth at CES, using the Magic Leap augmented reality headset to create an immersive experience on the show-floor

‘Because it’s all-electric, it’s twist-and-go,’ Paul James, Director of Motorcycle Product Planning at Harley-Davidson, told Dailymail.com on the show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center. ‘There’s no transmission, there are no shifters, no clutch – it’s very easy to ride’

‘Because it’s all-electric, it’s twist-and-go,’ Paul James, Director of Motorcycle Product Planning at Harley-Davidson, told Dailymail.com on the show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center. ‘There’s no transmission, there are no shifters, no clutch – it’s very easy to ride’

LiveWire also has cellular connectivity, making it the first mass market motorcycle in North America with the capability. This means it can alert the owner if the bike has been tampered with or moved. It also has built-in GPS for location tracking

LiveWire also has cellular connectivity, making it the first mass market motorcycle in North America with the capability. This means it can alert the owner if the bike has been tampered with or moved. It also has built-in GPS for location tracking

‘Many of them are like “You know, it may not be the bike for me, but I get why Harley is doing it.” 

‘Others are saying, “You know what, I’d love to have that in my garage too, alongside my traditional bike.”’

‘So, I think in the first years we’re going to have first-time Harley owners that have never ridden a motorcycle before, we’re going to have a lot of current Harley riders as well,’ James says.

As for the sound, Harley says its electric powertrain will produce a ‘new signature Harley-Davidson sound,’ with minimal vibration, heat, and noise.

‘We’re at a historic juncture in the evolution of mobility, and Harley-Davidson is at the forefront,’ said Harley-Davidson President and CEO, Matt Levatich.

‘Innovation that moves the body and soul has always been at the heart of our brand, and this next chapter in our history is about creating products and opportunities for existing and aspiring riders of all ages and walks of life.’

Harley-Davidson also showed off showed off two new concept electric bikes at the Las Vegas tech show.

AT A GLANCE: HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S LIVEWIRE BIKE

Harley-Davidson’s latest motorcycle is a standout from its previous models. 

Called LiveWire, the EV can hit a top speed of around 110 miles per hour and achieves a range of 110 miles of mixed urban and highway driving. 

LiveWire is equipped with a full suite of electronic lateral aids, with a slew of sensors and programmable touch controls.

It also has cellular connectivity, making it the first mass market motorcycle in North America with the capability.

This means it can alert the owner if the bike has been tampered with or moved. It also has built-in GPS for location tracking.

The ‘twist-and-go’ bike ditches the traditional shifters and chirps out a turbine-like whir in lieu of the characteristic rumble. The company is hoping this will usher in a ‘new signature Harley-Davidson sound,’ with minimal vibration, heat, and noise.

Pre-orders for the $29, 799 vehicle are now open in the US, and it should begin shipping by fall 2019.

LiveWire will also launch in Canada and most of Europe later this year, Harley-Davidson says. 

 

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