Harley-Davidson LiveWire: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist

Why is the Harley-Davidson LiveWire a bikesales BOTY finalist?

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is a 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist as much for what it represents, as much for what it actually is.

This is a bold play by a major and historic motorcycle manufacturer to embrace the future, and give us a glimpse today of just what will be possible tomorrow.

The electrification of global transport systems is coming. And while to date the motorcycle industry has lagged the passenger car industry due largely to the constraints of the available battery technology (and mainly that technology’s cost, weight and range), the e-transport evolution is gaining pace.

Where other brands have adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach, Harley-Davidson has come out swinging with a volume-production electric motorcycle that is not just a pioneer, but also incredibly good, from its handling and performance to its finish and features. And all this from a brand most readily associated with traditional cruisers and tourers...

Harley-Davidson is trying like mad to reinvent itself for the modern age, looking at all sorts of new directions its core market might view as heresy. But, as it has with fellow 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist, the Pan America, in the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson has shown it has both the resources and the will to actively reshape its future.

Yes, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire is expensive and its effective range is still modest, at under 200km in real-world usage (and appreciably less when charging hard). But the quality of its finish, its sublime sportsbike handling, and the primal bliss afforded by near-instant maximum torque as soon as you twist the throttle, make for a heady concoction any rider can appreciate. As a window to the future, the LiveWire is one thrilling proposition...

Who will the Harley-Davidson LiveWire appeal to?

Undeniably, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire is a niche model. With Australia’s recharging infrastructure in its infancy, an eye-watering price tag, and a functional range that demands meticulous trip planning, this is strictly the preserve of cashed-up early adopters.

And as is the case for many Harley-Davidson models, wallflowers need not apply. When planning your next ride, factor in plenty of time standing next to the LiveWire, fielding all manner of questions from curious onlookers. You’ll become a Harley-Davidson PR specialist and e-mobility ambassador in no time!

How much does the Harley-Davidson LiveWire cost?

At $49,995 ride away, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire doesn’t come cheap. That’s the price you pay for leading the charge, for being at the spearhead of high-performance electric motorcycle ownership.

Then again, you won’t be shelling out for petrol anymore either, although you’ll be looking at a pretty lengthy period to recoup that return on investment. And who knows what an example of the Motor Co’s very first electric bike will be worth in years to come?

What have we already said about the Harley-Davidson LiveWire?

Very few recent new models have triggered debate and polarised opinion like the Harley-Davidson LiveWire. Some elements of the ‘Big Twin’ Harley faithful hate it; others hold it up as a symbol of the Milwaukee-based firm’s ability to ‘pivot’ and tap into new trends.

Here’s what bikesales tester Sam Charlwood had to say after attending the Australian media launch in September 2020...

“The LiveWire sets a formidable foundation for Harley to begin its own electric revolution,” he said.

“It does what any bona fide Harley-Davidson ought to do. It makes a statement – a fun, proven and environmentally conscious one at that.”

Meanwhile bikesales editor Dylan Ruddy, who tested the LiveWire in July, was similarly impressed.

“The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is like no other motorcycle I’ve ridden before,” he said.

“It is fast, agile, and super high-tech. Sure, it may not be the most practical machine at this particular time, but if this is what the future looks like, then I for one am very excited.”

Harley-Davidson LiveWire at a glance:
Price: $49,995 ride away
Engine: Permanent magnetic synchronous motor with lithium-ion battery
Output: 105hp (76kW)/117Nm
Transmission: Single speed direct
Weight: 251kg
Seat height: 780mm
Range: City 235km, combined 158km

Related reading:
2021 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Review
2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Launch Review
Harley-Davidson spin-off reveals LiveWire One electric motorcycle
Harley-Davidson LiveWire ready for launch