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Driving report Harley-Davidson LiveWire production bike

Electric harley really bangs

This electric Harley from Milwaukee bangs in a way that has never been seen in the world of lazy shaking irons. Speed, gear selection, clutching – all a thing of the past. We drove the first production version of the E-Harley and are reporting. It will be available from September 2019 from 32,995 euros.

The signs of mobility are increasingly pointing to electric. That straight Harley-Davidson – believed to be a safe refuge for eternal yesteryear – as the first large-scale motorcycle manufacturer to advance with power and claim to leadership, can safely be considered a sensation.

Whereby: this is not entirely surprising: In 2014, the prototype “Project Livewire” was launched, a test balloon that happily pounded around the world to get a feel for the general weather situation in terms of electric Harley. And that doesn’t seem so bad, because now we’re in Portland and facing the production version of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric bike.

Electric Harley with 105 PS and 114 Nm

The global field study resulted in a few adjustments: 74 HP and 70 Newton meters have now become 105 HP and 114 Nm. The battery has never been quantified, but has also gained in capacity with 15.5 kilowatt hours. The weight also went up: instead of 210, 249 kilograms are now specified, which in Harley terms is still considered almost slim.

But one number has also gotten smaller, and that is extremely pleasing: Instead of 3.5 hours, a full charge using the DCFC (DC Fast Charge) fast charger only takes 60 minutes. In 40 minutes there is 80 percent battery capacity. Of course, it takes a little longer at home. There is a range of around 20 kilometers per hour. Fortunately, every Harley dealer that sells LiveWire will have a quick charger. In the first year, use is even free of charge, after which a subscription model is required.

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Harley-Davidson LiveWire with the latest equipment

The line, which is downright compact and stocky for Harley standards, has only been designed in detail. Details that for the most part please and still convey a touch of typical Milwaukee rusticity, for example if you take a closer look at the routing of the indicator cables or the gap dimensions in the tank fairing. Otherwise only good and nice looking goods on the electric Harley: Brembo monobloc pliers, fully adjustable Showa spring elements, high-resolution color TFT with touchscreen, plus the latest electronics with adjustable traction control, wheelie control, ABS and driving modes, thanks to 6 – Axis IMU even sensitive to tilting.

Whoever sows the wind on the throttle, reaps the storm

No exaggerated effort, as the first driving impression shows, because this heavy metal from Milwaukee pops in a way that has not yet been known in the world of lazy shaking irons. The motor pushes forward with an immediacy that only the power of electricity can do, always and everywhere. Speed, gear selection, clutching: you no longer have to worry about any of these things. Whoever sows the wind on the throttle, reaps the storm, and in the finest performance. The throttle response is absolutely trouble-free in each of the four driving modes.

Harley-davidson

Show what you’ve got: The electric motor has a whopping 105 hp and is built in lengthways for the sake of appearance.

In the absence of a noise level, you often don’t notice how fast you are driving before the curve suddenly appears in front of you. What is enough for a moderate sweat on many Harleys is more of a cause for joy with the Harley-Davidson LiveWire: The Brembos reliably catch the load, even if the first bite is a bit tame, then it goes into the radius without much effort. Neutral, trustworthy and much easier than 250 kilos would suggest.

Criticism only at a high level

No critic? Yes, but at an astonishingly high level: the chassis reacts to short bumps in a somewhat rustic manner and swings slightly after an ambitious driving style. A few turns and clicks of the fully adjustable hardware should at least contain the latter. Fortunately, the dubious choice of tires is not a circumstance to live with. Although the Michelin scorchers have been specially retuned, the core is still a wooden tire unnecessarily trimmed for mileage, which lacks the feeling of being leaned against and transparent feedback. The compact ergonomics are successful, and the front wheel cover is full, unfortunately the strongly contoured saddle hardly allows space for light gymnastics, which the Harley-Davidson LiveWire encourages.

Harley-davidson

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire comes with a modern TFT touchscreen screen.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire from 32,995 euros

Once you have taken care of these details, you hold a driving dynamics package between your hands that can not only keep up with the recently ammunitioned electric motorcycles from Zero and Energica, but also with sporty naked bikes from the combustion world. Also in terms of range: even the very brisk exit resulted in around 100 miles, i.e. a good 160 kilometers. Harley speaks of up to almost 240 kilometers in pure city operation.

The price announcement is as usual hearty: 32,995 euros is also an announcement in view of the not cheap electric competition. If you are not deterred by this, you will find what you are looking for in the future at your trusted Harley dealer from September 2019. Other models based on the now called “Revelation” electric drive are to follow soon.

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