Harley-Davidson LiveWire ready for launch

Just ahead of next week's global launch the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, the company has revealed more details regarding the electric bike's rider assistance features and charging options.

The LiveWire will come with what Harley-Davidson terms as Reflex Defensive Rider Systems, a suite of rider aids that adjusts brake pressure or powertrain torque to prevent the motorcycle from losing grip when accelerating or braking.

At the core of the package is cornering ABS and cornering traction control, both of which utilise input from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to adjust settings to allow for varying angles of lean when cornering. The rider can select from three differing levels of traction control intervention.

Rear-wheel Lift Mitigation also utilises the IMU to prevent rear-wheel lift during heavy braking, while Front-wheel Lift Mitigation modulates the height and duration of any wheelies. It's tied to the traction control setting, with 'Rain' offering the most intervention and 'Sport' the least, while the traction system can be switched off altogether if desired for full rider control.

Finally, a Drag-Torque Slip Control System offers a similar function to a slipper clutch in a conventional motorcycle in that it manages rear wheel slip and wheel lock, but when due to regenerative braking rather than aggressive downshifts. In the LiveWire, this feature typically comes into play when decelerating on wet or slippery surfaces, and it functions at speeds of over 17km/h.

A choice of seven ride modes are available – four pre-set modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Range) complemented by a further three customisable modes. The pre-set modes deliver different combinations of performance characteristics and electronic intervention, altering output, braking regeneration (when the bike is rolling on a closed throttle), throttle response and traction control settings.

Harley-Davidson has also released futher details of the LiveWire's charging options. Each bike will come fitted with an on-board 'Level 1' charger that plugs into a standard household powerpoint, with an overnight charge sufficient for fully charging the bike's battery. The cord and plug are stored beneath the bike's seat.

The bike is also compatible with DC Fast Charge (DCFC) technology, which can fully charge the battery in 60 minutes or achieve an 80 per cent charge in 40 minutes. Harley-Davidson says that each dealership selling the LiveWire will be equipped with a DCFC charging station. The charging port is located under what would be the fuel cap on a traditional motorcycle.

Powering the show is Harley-Davidson's H-D Revelation permanent-magnet electric motor, producing 105hp and 116Nm of continuous torque. Harley says the bike can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and has a tested city range of 235km and a highway range of 158km. Regenerative braking not only brakes the bike on a closed throttle, it helps charge the battery too, thereby extending range.

The LiveWire represents a bold new era for Harley-Davidson, which in recent times has grappled with the issue of attracting new and younger riders. The company rode a wave of success in the 1980s and '90s thanks largely to Baby Boomers emulating the outlaw culture that gained traction in the US after the close of World War II, but with that demographic waning, H-D is seeking new and increasingly inventive ways to attract a younger clientele.

New models like the Street 500 are a key part of this transition, as is the LiveWire, which also serves as the biggest effort yet by a global volume-production manufacturer to bring an electric motorcycle to the masses.

Having recently signed an agreement with Chinese motorcycle heavyweight Qianjiang to produce sub-400cc models, Harley-Davidson finds itself at a pivotal point in its 116-year history, and it's going to be fascinating to watch how the company evolves in the years ahead.

While local pricing and availability is yet to be announced, the Harley-Davidson LiveWire is priced at US$29,799 plus on-road costs in the US (approximately A$42,700). The model will reach Australian showrooms next year.

Bikesales.com.au will bring you more information on the Harley-Davidson LiveWire following its international launch.