Why Harley-Davidsons Livewire is the two-wheeled Tesla

The legendary motorcycle brand has built a machine that is second to none and eliminates one of the motorcycle’s biggest problems.

Harley-Davidsons are known for their loud exhaust sound, but their newest machine is a lot different from anything they’ve built before.

1. This is Tesla’s two-wheeled cousin

Tesla wasn’t the first company to build an electric car.

But it was the first company to bring a fast, attractive, high-quality electric machine to drivers around the world. Harley-Davidson’s Livewire is the two-wheeled equivalent of Tesla’s Model S and combines thrilling performance with sharp looks and techno-cool that lesser-known and less powerful electric bikes cannot compete with. It’s nothing like a regular Harley, which is why LiveWire will break out and become a brand in its own right.

2. It’s not cheap

Electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than gasoline ones, and the Livewire is no exception. At $ 49,995, the Livewire costs way more than an entry-level Harley, about $ 10,000 more than Ducati’s MotoGP-inspired Panigale V4S, and almost as much as a four-door Nissan Leaf electric car. Aside from the electric motor, it has better hardware than a regular American-made V-Twin, including Brembo brakes, Michelin tires, and sporty Showa adjustable suspension. Cheaper models are on the way, and bargain hunters might consider low-mileage dealer demonstrators that can be spotted online for around $ 35,000.

3. Or particularly practical

The Livewire combines a 78 kW electric motor with a 15.5 kWh battery and offers a range of 200 km in the city, where ebb and flow of tides recharge the battery. Cruising the freeway is returning closer to 150 kilometers, which is bad news for people who like long days on the road. Charging at home requires patience, because the device needs a range of around 20 kilometers per hour. Public fast charging stations that charge the Livewire from almost empty to 80 percent in around 40 minutes are better.

4. But have fun driving

Swing one leg over the Harley and you’ll find a relaxed, if upright riding position and a clear digital dashboard. The big difference between Livewire and regular bikes is that there is no clutch lever or gear stick – you just turn it on, turn the gas and off you go.

The LiveWire’s motor is responsive and effortless, offering a seamless advance on competing big-bore sport bikes. Hold on tight and it will hit 100 km / h in three seconds, which makes it more than fast enough for the cut and thrust of city traffic. While heavier than most bikes of this size, the LiveWire’s low center of gravity helps change direction with more agility than you’d expect from Milwaukee bikes.

5. Although something is missing

Just as a silent but deadly Tesla cannot keep up with the instinctive fire and brimstone of red-blooded V8 muscle cars, the Livewire falls short of the emotional thrill of the best motorcycles. The rumbling exhaust, the creepy induction roar and the crucial gear changes of normal motorcycles are missing, short-lived enthusiasts. Limitations on charging times and infrastructure also undermine the freedom of thousands of drivers.

That means this Harley drives, stops and turns better than many other motorcycles. It feels special in its own way, perfect for urban missions that showcase its point-and-shoot strengths.

Harley-Davidson Livewire

Price: $ 49,995 ride

Motor: Electric, 78kW / 116Nm

Battery: 15.5 kWh, CCS type 2 charger

Warranty: 2 years (bike) 5 years (battery)

Safety: driving modes, ABS, traction control

Performance: 0-100km / h in 3.0s, 177km / h

Range: approx. 200km (city)