Harley-Davidson has announced some specs and Canadian pricing for its upcoming LiveWire electric motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson first debuted its Livewire electric concept all the way back in 2014, taking early functioning prototypes to dealers across North America to gauge customer interest. Last summer, the Motor Company confirmed it would sell the Livewire in 2019, and today, it was unveiled at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show.
Here are the important numbers. First, the price: Harley-Davidson has set the Canadian MSRP at $37,250 for the LiveWire in 2019. Harley-Davidson did not announce peak output, but did say the bike will do 0-60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. There was no mention of highway range in the press release, but there was a mention of a 177-km urban riding range (regenerative braking capability means the bike puts energy back into the battery in stop-and-go city traffic, and flat-out highway riding will see less battery range). There was also no mention of weight, or recharge time.
There was also no solid date for Canadian availability, but the press release did say it would be sold here in 2019.
One LiveWire feature that Harley-Davidson made sure the CES showgoers heard about was H-D Connect, a connectivity service that uses LTE wireless technology to connect the LiveWire to the information superhighway via the Harley-Davidson app. As long as there’s sufficient cell signal, H-D Connect tells riders their motorcycle’s vital statistics (charge status, available range, charging station locations, service reminders), as well as alerting the owner if the motorcycle is being tampered with. There’s even GPS integration that tracks the motorcycle if it has been stolen.
The LiveWire also has traction control and ABS, controlled by an IMU sensor.
Riders worried about missing the stereotypical V-twin “potato-potato” also need not fear, as Harley-Davidson says the bike “is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed; this new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire™ motorcycle.” This audio comes from the driveline, and is not simply canned motor sound played over a speaker, as is available in the automotive world now. It’s worth pointing out the LiveWire has had a distinctive aural presence since the prototype days—here’s what it sounded like back in 2015.
Along with the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson also announced two other lightweight electric prototypes at the Las Vegas show today, but details on those machines are slim. One’s shaped sort of like a mountain bike, and the other is a scooteresque machine. Both feature removable battery packs, which the rider can take with them when the machine is parked, or swap out for fully-charged units. See the full MoCo press release under the photos below:
GALLERY
Check out all the pics that go with this story!
HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES LIVEWIRE™ MOTORCYCLE FULL SPECIFICATION, RANGE AND PRICING
LAS VEGAS (January 7, 2019) –Harley-Davidson, the company that has defined the motorcycle industry for the past 115 years, today showcased its next generation of two-wheeled transportation at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas unveiling the full product specification, connectivity and pricing for the first time. LiveWire™, Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, and the most connected motorcycle experience ever, will be available for delivery later this year.
The LiveWire™ motorcycle represents the future of Harley-Davidson, bringing high-performance electric propulsion, evocative design, and cellular connectivity to today’s rider. The first of a new portfolio of motorcycles that provides an all new two-wheel experience, the LiveWire™ motorcycle delivers thrilling acceleration, agile handling, premium materials and finishes, and a full suite of electronic rider aids and interfaces for a completely connected experience.
The performance of the LiveWire™ motorcycle will deliver an exhilarating ride for seasoned motorcyclists, while its clutch-free design also makes the experience for new riders easier than ever. The launch of the LiveWire™ model supports Harley-Davidson’s 2027 strategic objectives to reinvigorate its U.S. business, accelerate the pace of international growth, build the next generation of riders globally and establish the company as the leader in the electrification of two-wheeled transportation.
“We’re at a historic juncture of the evolution of transportation, and Harley-Davidson is at the forefront,” said Harley-Davidson 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.”
An all-new Riding Experience with Iconic Harley-Davidson Power
Accessible to new motorcyclists and a thrill for accomplished riders, the LiveWire™ motorcycle is the perfect combination of power, performance and technology. Features include:
● Amazing acceleration: from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds. The instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation™ electric powertrain can produce 100 percent of its rated torque the instant the throttle is twisted, and 100 percent of that torque is always available.
● Twist-and-go ease of use: Electric power requires no clutch and no gear shifting, greatly simplifying operation for new riders. All riders will appreciate the braking effect of the power regeneration mode as it adds charge to the battery, especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.
● H-D™ Connect Service: The LiveWire™ motorcycle is equipped with H-D™ Connect, which pairs motorcycle riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit coupled with connectivity and cloud services using the latest version of the Harley-Davidson™ App. This technology makes the LiveWire™ motorcycle the first North American mass-market cellular-connected electric motorcycle. With H-D Connect, data is collected and transferred to the app to provide information to the rider’s smartphone about:
○ Motorcycle status: Information available through H-D Connect includes battery charge status and available range from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. This allows the rider to remotely check the charge status including charge level and time to completion. Riders will be able to locate a charging station with ease thanks to an integrated location finder built into the H-D App.
○ Tamper alerts and vehicle location: H-D Connect indicates the location of the parked LiveWire™ motorcycle and alerts can be sent to the rider’s smartphone if the bike is tampered with or moved. GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind that the motorcycle’s location can be tracked (Requires law enforcement assistance. Available in select markets).
○ Service reminders and notifications: Reminders about upcoming vehicle service requirements and other vehicle care notifications will be provided to the rider through the H-D App. In addition, riders will receive automated service reminders.
● Performance and range optimized for the urban street-rider: With the ability to travel an estimated 110 miles of urban roads on a single charge.
● Handling and control: The LiveWire™ motorcycle chassis is designed to deliver agile handling for confident control on urban streets and a thrilling ride on curving backroads. The H-D Revelation™ powertrain sits low in the motorcycle to lower the center of gravity and help the motorcycle handle well at all speeds and make it easier to control when stopped. The motorcycle also features premium technology — Electronic Chassis Control is standard and features a cornering-enhanced Anti-lock Braking System and Traction Control. The systems are fully electronic and utilize the latest inertial measurement unit and ABS sensor technology.
● Distinctive Harley-Davidson sound, minimal vibration: The LiveWire™ motorcycle features the H-D Revelation™ electric powertrain which produces minimal vibration, heat, and noise, all of which enhance rider comfort. The LiveWire™ model is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed; this new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire™ motorcycle.
From Project LiveWire™ to LiveWire™ Motorcycle
The vision behind the production LiveWire™ motorcycle began with Project LiveWire, revealed as a prototype in 2014. Through a traveling demo program, Project LiveWire gave potential customers the opportunity to provide feedback on what they would want from a true Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle and shape the evolution of the motorcycle in keeping with the Motor Company’s customer-led approach. The response was very enthusiastic – and the production LiveWire™ motorcycle incorporates knowledge gained from the development of the prototypes, feedback from customer demos, further design progress at Harley-Davidson and the latest advanced technology.
LiveWire™ will go on sale in 2019 and will be priced at $37,250 CAD MSRP.
Harley-Davidson Reveals Two Groundbreaking Lightweight Electric Concepts at CES
Harley-Davidson, the company that has defined the motorcycle industry for the past 115 years, today revealed its next generation of two-wheeled transportation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Alongside the production 2020 Livewire™ motorcycle, these two concepts look towards a new electrified chapter of Harley-Davidson’s story that will continue with innovative approaches to transportation and technology, wrapped up in evocative styling and design.
As part of the push towards a different future, these concepts explore the potential of urban mobility and two-wheeled adoption. Both concepts bring Harley-Davidson’s expertise in expressive two-wheeled experiences and push boundaries in design and technology.
In 2018, Harley-Davidson’s More Roads announcement provided a vision that includes new products in additional motorcycle segments, broader access, and to strengthen our dealer network. These two concepts are proof positive of that vision, alongside the production 2020 LiveWire™, and point to a broad portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of mobility over the next several years and inspire new riders with new ways to ride.
Would I ride this bike, hell yea!
Would I own this bike, hell yea!
Would I pay $37,000 for this bike, HELL NO!!!!
The problem is the same for HD and the other bike manufacturers that faces Ford and their car-making friends. Three countries in Europe (Norway, Netherlands and France) have already stated by which year gasoline powered cars will not be allowed on their roads. It will not be more than a generation before that extends to ALL gasoline powered vehicles. The end is almost in sight. Canadian politicians will certainly do the same one day.
If HD and the Japanese bike manufacturers don’t produce and push Live Wire derivatives they will wake up one day and not be allowed to sell their products. It won’t be in my lifetime but it is certainly coming. Get used to it.
Still a Hardly Davidson. Hardly has any range.
1. The price.
2. The range. Gee I can get 75 km out of town before I start getting range anxiety. Lets face it, there aren’t too many quick chargers once you get away from the major highways. Its only use will be cruising to the local Tim Hortons…I mean Starbucks.
3. The weight.
4. I predict sales will sink like an anchor to the bottom of the Mariana Trench (not the group).
2 other HD electrics – https://h-dmediakit.com/us/news-articles/harley-davidson-electrifies-the-future-of-two-wheels-with-debut-of-new-concepts-and-livewire™-motorcycle-available-for-us-dealer-pre-order.html
My initial reaction at the price was the same as most people, but then I look at Tesla and how they started with a luxury, expensive, niche vehicle. Perhaps that was to build the cache of electric drive from being a wimpy contraption to something that people aspire to own. HD may take a bath on this model, but when they come out with more affordable options they will have associated their electric offerings with an expensive and exclusive image, and much like the Tesla Model3 people may be eager to get a piece of it. I’m no fan of HD bikes in general, but this one actually looks good compared to the still clunky look of Zero bikes. I’m not sure what to make of their dirtbike and scooter concepts though…
BMO Capital Markets analyst Gerrick Johnson provided a research note to Powersports Business following Harley-Davidson’s details about its LiveWire electric motorcycle, revealed at the CES show in Las Vegas. The motorcycle is expected to be released to dealers in August.
Johnson reports that the “biggest concern we have is the $30,000 price tag for the base model, which puts it beyond the reach of younger consumers (who we think would be most interested in an electric motorcycle).
“The motorcycle’s styling is attractive and performance and range specs are comparable to other electric motorcycles. But the biggest hurdle for LiveWire will be its base price of $29,799(USD). The ‘out the door’ MSRP will end up being well over $30,000 when options are factored in.
“A complaint we often hear from dealers is that HOG’s motorcycles are too expensive. LiveWire seems like a different chapter of the same story, and is likely too expensive to attract new riders.
“We’ve also heard that the cost for dealers to install the required charging stations as well other service changes (retraining technicians, new tools, etc) is prohibitive, running into six figures.
“Nevertheless, we expect pre-orders to be solid. We think there are enough high-earning Harley enthusiasts who will spend the $30,000 for the novelty or to be the first to have the newest toy. But we do not expect significant follow-through after the shine wears off.
“We have difficulty seeing the endeavor scaling to a profitable level. For example, based on data provided by Polk, Zero Motorcycles, the leader in electric motorcycles, sold only 750 bikes in the US over the last 12 months.
“HOG also announced two additional new electric prototypes; a dirt bike and a moped (available in 2022). These new models may help absorb development and overhead, but they also move HOG into segments in which it has no expertise or proper distribution channels to support.”
I remember my marketing class. The 1st thing I was told was all that matters is the target market. I would assume HD knows all about this and will be more happy to sell limited numbers to the wealthy types that can afford this machine.. You know the types that probably have 2+ other bikes, a toy car and and everything else I will never own. Who cares about the guys who have 1 bike that might be worth maybe $10k. I’d be more critical of the everyday machines climbing the price ladder out of their former target markets (1k Litre sportbikes for example) into unubtainium.
The price voids any progress on the subject.
Well, if you want one, wait a year. At that price they will be gathering dust on showroom floors by then and you can pick one up for cheap as the dealers will be glad to get rid of them.
The problem I see here is that because the technology evolves so quickly this bike will lose its value very fast, at 37K that’s a big deal.
Man, at only $37,250 each, I’ll take two. . . . NOT!
Its a start and I’m a little surprised I might be saying this about HD…. But nice to see a big brand stepping into electric this way. Go HD.
Wow, 37 grand?!
While I still think electric drive train vehicles will eventually be commonplace , at over $40k ( taxes and fees) I can’t believe Harley is serious about selling this model?
” Canadian MSRP at $37,250″
Lol – and this is part of HD’s plan for a big comeback?
Well…they only need to sell a few at that price.
That suggested retail price and low range makes Zero Motorcycles look like a bargain.
While not enough to justify the price difference, this is the first electric bike I have seen with fast DC level 3 charging. The short range isn’t as bad when you can charge the bike in minutes. This is a nice bike but out of my toy budget.
It makes a Chevrolet Bolt look like a bargain.