Project Livewire

[Firstfour_imp]

Now for something completely different:

http://project.harley-davidson.com/en_US

"The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound." "The sound is a distinct part of the thrill," said Richer. "Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire's unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market."

It will be interesting to see how that goes over.

[ThomWill_imp]

I have been watching the prices on electrics (Specifically the Zeros) and if Harley starts to sell a good number of these it should wash down the overall price point of these things and increase the number of public charging stations.

[HikerToo_imp]

Hmm...if wanted to go that way, and try an electric, I'm thinking HD would have a better chance of being around in 10 years to support their product, the Zero company...who knows how strong it is? 98% of my rides are under 60 miles anyway. could work.

[the Ferret]

The new breed of Harley riders..no more potato, potato, potato, now it will be whirr whirr whirr

Surprising move by the Motor Company

[shdwghst457_imp]

I think Zero as a concept is neat, but the bikes don't "look right" for me. Give me an electric CB with the same performance and we'll talk!
That said, having looked at the Livewire page, I kind of like it. Much more so than the Zero.

I've talked to someone at Zero before about a test ride. I told them about my 'favorite' dealership's policy about not allowing them, and they pointed me to a dealership in Austin that sells many Zeros (Zeroes?). I plan on riding one when I'm up there next.

[Rocky_imp]

If they're not careful with that design it's going to start looking like those dreaded Japanese motorcycles
I have nothing against H-D; I just don't have any interest in them.

[shdwghst457_imp]

It kind of reminds me of that Confederate Hellcat with the way the seat is designed. And given that it's a Harley, it will probably cost a good amount like the Hellcat too!

[Cormanus]

I reckon it's a great innovation. Go Harley. I think it's a pity the ad on the website has the bike being ridden into the back of a truck and driven away.

The thing that puts me off electric vehicles is the down time while they charge. If I could get a full day's ride or they could recharge in 20 minutes max, they'll become a serious option.

[shdwghst457_imp]

They're not for touring, certainly. I'm big believer in electric power; I own some Tesla stock due to my love of the Model S, and my electric R/C car can go about 70MPH and do 1 to 2 backflips from a standstill, but the downside is I can only do a few runs before I have to go charge again. I think the Model S would be brilliant for driving to work and back though. On a real drive-heavy day for me I'm still coming in under 150 miles, so it wouldn't affect me too badly. Sometimes I forget to charge my phone at night though, and it would be a bummer to do the same thing for my transportation...

Can't come to work today boss, didn't charge the car!

[Tortuga_imp]

Funnily enough, electric bikes are quite a good proposition I places like London as they cost jack cuss to run and are exempt from all the expensive penalties fossil fuel driven vehicles are subject to.

Big bikes, I'll keep my CB1100 thanks, local scoot...I might consider an electric scooter.

I might buy myself a Yamaha Ec-03 for Xmas.