COMING SOON: 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire
The 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire has finally arrived on Australian shores, but can it save the historic American company?An electric Harley-Davidson was unthinkable not so long ago, but the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire has finally arrived in Australia, and it could be the start of a bold new era for the Milwaukee firm.
Powered by the new H-D Revelation electric powertrain, the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire is a first for the American motorcycle manufacturer, but Harley maintains the bike is designed to provide the ‘premium look and feel of a Harley-Davidson product’.
Harley claims the LiveWire can go 0-100km/h in 3 seconds, and 100-129km/h in 1.9 seconds. It also claims the electric powertrain will produce minimal vibration, heat and noise.
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To ensure the bike still provides sensation, the motor will produce a subtle pulsing of torque on start-up to notify the rider that the bike is on and ready to ride. It will cease during operation and resume when the bike comes to a stop again. Harley has also worked on creating a unique sound as the bike accelerates.
Priced at $49,995 ride-away, the LiveWire is not cheap, but to be fair, electric motorcycle technology in general isn’t cheap. And first impressions are that Harley hasn’t phoned this one in – the LiveWire has potential to be the best effort at an electric motorcycle from any brand to date.
Will it be capable?
The proof is in the pudding. While the claimed 235km city range (or 152km stop-and-go/highway range) isn’t perfect, it is still on the better side of electric motorcycle range. And when used with DC Fast Charge technology, the battery can charge to 100% in just 60 minutes.
In a bid to prove the LiveWire's mettle, H-D supplied Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman with a pair of adventure-modified LiveWire's for
. The results of the journey will be revealed in the show.
Go-Go Gadget
Elsewhere, the LiveWire is complete with Showa suspension, Brembo brakes and H-D branded Michelin tyres. It is also packed with technology including cornering ABS and traction control, drag-torque slip control, a 4.3-inch colour TFT screen, seven rider modes and full LED lighting.The bike comes in three colours, Yellow Fuse, Orange Fuse and Vivid Black. There is also a wide range of accessories available from the Harley catalogue.
The bikesales team is attending the Australian launch of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire this week, so stay tuned for the full review.
Head to www.harley-davidson.com.au or visit your local Harley dealer for more info.
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