Harley Livewire road test

[RetroSeattle_imp]

I test rode a Harley Livewire this weekend and I must say I am really impressed. Harley has done something really brave here and taken a hard left turn in an attempt to appeal to the "I don't want to dress up like a pirate" crowd. The engineering and design are first rate and owe nothing to the traditionalists. The riding position is very VFR-like and the riding experience is wonderful. It feels really fast in a way that is totally useable. There was a very big crowd at the ride event in Seattle and everybody was uniformly impressed. There were no pirates to be seen, though, which makes me think that the traditional Harley crowd may be less than impressed.

However, I think the electric bike manufacturers are all missing the correct answer, at least in the near term. Until the breakthrough comes in battery chemistry (10 years, 20 years?), I think the best solution would be an all electric bike with a 60 HP motor and a small battery pack for a 10-20 mile range, and a small very efficient internal combustion generator motor (maybe 15 horsepower) capable of putting out enough juice to sustain a 60MPH cruising speed. That way you get the best of everything, with that smooth simple electric drive train, and a good long range.

[the Ferret]

Neat! I looked for it at theHarley tent at Indy but they didn't have one there. Did you ride it on that roller thingy or out on the road.

Such a dichotomy. On one hand they drop MV and Buell so they can concentrate on their " core customers" then they bring out two small displacement water cooled bikes and an electric bike. Makes you scratch your head, but I'm glad to see them coming into the 21 st century. Now when will they make a decent/ competitive standard or sport tourer for those Americans that would like to ride something other than their standard fare?

[HikerToo_imp]

PC World mag did a write up on their test ride experience too, and were also impressed with its finish.

[Lord Popgun]

Retro,

You're pretty much talking a hybrid, right? Personally, I think you are on the right track until they get the battery technology a lot better. And cheaper.

[The Spaceman_imp]

Retro, you might want to pick up a copy of this months Cycle World. Cameron proposed the solution you mentioned, basically an Eagle i-Thrust solution (Top Gear) with a generator, batteries, and an electric motor. The big benefit would be an incredibly smooth and controlled power delivery, and the IC engine operating at top efficiency at all times.

Personally I don't think we're 20, or even 10 years away from usable batteries. To me its more about cost than performance, and today 90% of the cost is manufacturing, not materials. Look to computers for the reference in lower cost.

[redbirds_imp]

I read the write up in Cycle World. They were impressed with the quality of the prototype and felt that HD had out done the current electric bike makers. Perhaps HD will make a production model if enough interest is shown.

I cannot help but think what a great bike this would be with a modern liquid cooled engine.

Good to see new, well thought out products at The Motor Company.

[RetroSeattle_imp]

I got a pre-ride briefing on the simulator (in the picture) and then took a 5 mile ride on the streets of Bellevue, east of Seattle. They had a lead rider take groups of five at a time around, and let us get a good feel for the performance of the bike.

[the Ferret]

That is so cool you got to ride it on the street. Color me green with envy.