2019 Harley-Davidson LiveWire launch review

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is nothing like any conventional motorcycle, except it has two wheels. And a seat and headlight. Yet, it is one of the most notable bikes I’ve ever ridden. And for a variety of reasons…

At this point I have to say I only had around 100 kays seat time on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire. Enough to form an impression – enough to take a peek at what H-D has planned for their future. Not enough to offer a concrete opinion.

Is it a good electric bike? I don’t know, I’ve never ridden an electric bike so I don’t have another to compare it against.

Is it a good bike to ride? Yes, absolutely. It’s a showcase for the future that silences anyone who says that Harley-Davidson is a technological dinosaur.

The Revelation electric motor generates the equivalent of 105hp and 117Nm of torque – from zero revs. The Harley-Davidson LiveWire has a twist and go throttle, no clutch or gearbox and enough grunt to accelerate to 100km/h in under three seconds. That is fast, by any measure!

H-D claims a top speed of 180kmh, and I saw 150km/h on the speedo several times. The point worth repeating here, though, is the unlimited rush of smooth, smooth power. It’s an extraordinary sensation.

The on-road weight is 249kg – virtually identical to a Sportster but carried much lower in the frame.

Harley-Davidson claims the LiveWire will run for 235km in the city and 152 on the open road at 110km/h off a full charge. Charging is via a cable that comes with the bike and is stored under the seat. That setup requires 10-12 hours for a full charge, but a DC charger at a Harley-Davidson dealer reduces that time to just 60 minutes.

For me, that is a problem. The standard charger takes too long and the DC chargers are located only at 250 authorised LiveWire dealers worldwide.

At the time of writing this article, Harley-Davidson Australia is yet to announce its Australia/NZ dealers, or how many there will be. The LiveWire can be charged off other roadside EV chargers as well but it’s anyone’s guess how difficult that will be in the future – in Australia anyway.

The battery is rated at 15.5kWh and comes with a five-year warranty. The LiveWire is fully assembled in York, Pennsylvania right next to the M8 Big Twin production line.

So, back to the riding. Even though Harley-Davidson is trumpeting the tech aspect, for me, the best thing about this bike is riding it.

The cast alloy frame spars, which incorporate the swingarm mounts, are bolted to a heavily finned battery pack, along with a hefty cast alloy steering head. The front end comprises a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork made by Showa with Big Piston technology.

This is a serious motorcycle fork which contributes much to the handling prowess. The adjustable rear shock also comes from Showa play its part in what is easily the best suspension provided on a production model H-D ever.

Twin radial-mount Brembo calipers up front grab onto 300mm floating rotors and, combined with regenerative braking, the stopping power is enormous. This thing slows down so fast it can catch you out as you approach a corner, particularly slower ones, meaning you have to re-calculate the entry line.

Seventeen-inch Michelin Scorcher tyres round out a top-quality handling package.

Corner acceleration is a brain bender. The Harley-Davidson LiveWire has full torque delivery from the moment you twist the throttle, which allows you to rocket out of the turns. And that initially leads you to feather the power a little. But there is no need to.

H-D’s new Reflex Defensive Rider System is, according to the company, “designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking”.

Which is another way of saying it will assist you to not crash your very expensive motorcycle.

H-D goes on to explain that Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of the motorcycle.

Rear Wheel Lift Mitigation (or anti-stoppie mode) utilises C-ABS sensors to manage
rear wheel lift during heavy braking.

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) keeps the rear wheel from spinning when accelerating, especially in wet weather. C-TCS is tailored for cornering based on lean angle and each of four ride modes has a specific level.

C-TCS also activates Front Wheel Lift Mitigation (which is future speak for anti-wheelie mode).

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) prevents rear wheel slip and rear wheel lock due to regenerative braking. The DSCS functions over 17km/h and works with the ABS to balance motorcycle deceleration and rider control down to the wire…

There are seven ride modes that control the performance and level of electronic intervention. Four modes are pre-programmed and three are programmable by the rider.

Each ride mode has a specific combination of power, regeneration, throttle response and traction control. The rider can change ride modes at any time while riding the motorcycle or when stopped.

Sport mode delivers the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response on tap.

Related:
Harley-Davidson LiveWire ready for launch

Road mode delivers balanced performance with a blend of technology for daily use with ABS and traction control intervention that offers peace of mind. It feels similar to a conventionally powered motorcycle.

Range mode offers smooth response to throttle input with a high level of regeneration to get the most riding distance out of a battery charge.

Rain mode offers restrained acceleration and limited regeneration to give greater confidence when riding in inclement weather.

It has great power, a great chassis and is great to ride, but is limited in application. It is also beautifully built and has a quality feel about it that exudes Harley-Davidson – even if it doesn’t look like one.

Or sound like one either, for that matter. LiveWire has a shrill whine when riding which increases as you twist the throttle. I’m still undecided on the noise. As an electric it probably doesn’t need any soundtrack at all.

This bike is a product of the 21st century where the progress of vehicle electrification is ongoing but still flawed.

The biggest challenge the LiveWire faces is recharging and riding range. When it can recharge the battery 100 per cent while in motion then it will overtake and succeed current ICE motorcycles (internal combustion engines).

Priced at $49,995 in Oz it’s an expensive but very capable commuter and a clear look at Harley’s future.

For traditional riders, like me, who love their Big Twins, it is more of an impressive enigma than a true alternative to the OHV motors we love. LiveWire raises more questions than it answers, but kudos to the Motor Company for building it.

Local availability is still to be announced.

MOTOR AND CHARGING
Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Cooling: Water
Battery: Lithium Ion 12.8V
Charging: Onboard DC to DC
Charge range: City 235km; highway 113km, combined 152km

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 105hp
Claimed maximum torque: 117Nm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Single speed
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Cast aluminium
Front suspension: 43mm Showa upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 114mm travel
Rear suspension: Showa shock, fully adjustable, 114mm travel
Front brake: 300mm discs with Brembo radial mount four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Disc with twin-piston caliper
Wheels: Five-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres: Michelin Scorcher Sport – 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Trail: 108mm
Rake: 24.5 degrees
Claimed on-road weight: 249kg
Seat height: 760mm
Wheelbase: 1490mm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $49,995
Local availability: October, 2020
Local distributor: Harley-Davidson Australia
Warranty: TBA