The LiveWire and other electrically powered concept bikes at the Geneva International Motor Show Geneva

(06.03.2019) - At the International Motor Show in Geneva, Harley-Davidson is presenting the eagerly awaited LiveWire for the 2020 model year as well as three lightweight, electric bikes for the first time in Europe powered concept vehicles. The US company announced that the LiveWire will be available for pre-order from April. Delivery will take place in most European countries and Canada in the fourth quarter of 2019. The electrically powered motorcycle can already be ordered in the USA.

Harley-Davidson confirmed the following technical information about the LiveWire in Geneva:

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (96.56 km/h): 3.0 seconds
60 (96.56 km/h) to 80 mph (128.75 km/h): 1.9 seconds
Range: 140 miles (225 kilometers) in the city or 88 miles (142 kilometers) in the combined stop-and-go and highway cycle (measured in "MIC City" and "MIC Combined (70 mph)" tests*)
Battery charging time ( DC fast charge): from 0 to 80 percent in 40 minutes or from 0 to 100 percent in 60 minutes

In addition to LiveWire, Harley-Davidson in Geneva is showing two lightweight, electric concept vehicles that were first shown at CES in Las Vegas in January, and a prototype of a Harley-Davidson electric bike for children. The latter is based on a vehicle from StaCyc, Inc., which was recently acquired by Harley-Davidson, and it expands Harley-Davidson's e-portfolio to include electric two-wheelers for children aged 3 and over and weighing less than 34 kg.

“The LiveWire is our first highlight in the new era of electric drives,” explains Marc McAllister, Vice President Product Planning and Portfolio. “But as one of the leading companies in the electrification of motorcycles, we feel obliged to offer a complete range of e-two-wheelers. Both the next generation – the very youngest riders – and ambitious adult bikers who are looking for a first-class and powerful EV experience should find what they are looking for at Harley-Davidson.”

The portfolio of electric two-wheelers is an essential part of the More Roads to Harley-Davidson strategic initiative, which aims to create new products in additional segments, expand access to the brand for new customers and strengthen the global dealer network. 

A new and dynamic driving experience

The LiveWire will delight long-time drivers as well as beginners and returnees. It forms an ideal synthesis of power, performance and technology and is characterized by the following features:

Performance and range optimized for the urban driver: The high-performance battery ensures a range of 140 miles (225 kilometers) in the city or 88 miles (142 kilometers) in the combined stop-and-go and highway cycle (measured with the “J2982 Riding Range Test Procedure MIC City and MIC Combined (70 mph)"*. The LiveWire can be charged via a CCS2 IEC Type 2 charging plug (USA: SAE J1772 plug) (Level 2, Level 3 - or DC Fast Charge (DCFC) charging processes). At all Harley-Davidson dealers that sell the LiveWire, customers will find a DCFC charging station. Using this fast charging, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in just 40 minutes charge from 0 to 100 percent in 60 minutes.
Amazing acceleration: The LiveWire accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96.56 km/h) in 3.0 seconds and maintains a pull of 60 (96.56 km/h) to 80 mph (128.75 km/h) in 1.9 seconds. The torque generated by the HD Revelation electric drive train is fully available from the first wheel revolution and can be accessed in full at any time.
The top speed is 177 km/h (110 mph). Twist and go: The electric drive requires neither clutch nor gearbox, which makes operation much easier for less experienced bikers. All drivers will appreciate the braking effect of the recuperation, which recharges the battery - especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.

Handling: The LiveWire is equipped with an Electronic Chassis Control (ECC) system that uses cornering ABS, traction control (TCS) and launch control (DSCS) to perfectly adjust the braking forces on the front and rear wheels as well as the torque on the rear wheel coordinated so that the rider maintains optimal control of the motorcycle under all operating conditions.
The fully electronic systems feature the latest six-axis motion (IMU) and ABS sensor technology. HD Connect: Depending on the market, the LiveWire is equipped with HD Connect, which connects connectivity and cloud services to the Harley-Davidson app via the LTE standard cellular network.
HD Connect collects vehicle data and transfers it to the app to provide the driver with various information. Motorcycle status: Information available via HD Connect includes current battery charge level and available range. When charging the battery, the time until it is fully charged is displayed. Thanks to the location finder integrated into the app, the location of the nearest charging station is easy to determine.

Tampering warning and vehicle tracking: HD Connect shows the location of the parked LiveWire.
If unauthorized persons tamper with the motorcycle or move it, the driver will receive a corresponding message. GPS-based tracking provides the assurance that the location of a stolen vehicle can be traced.** Service reminders and notifications: The HD app provides the driver with service appointment reminders and other vehicle-related information.
High-quality chassis components: A fully adjustable Showa BFRC (Balance Free Rear Cushion Light) mono-shock works on the rear wheel. The front wheel is guided by a Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston) upside-down fork, which is perfectly coordinated with the shock absorber and, among other things, offers excellent damping properties at low speeds, which benefits vehicle control in typical urban driving situations.

To ensure very good braking performance with a clear pressure point, the LiveWire is equipped with Brembo monoblock front brake calipers, which act on two 300 millimeter brake discs.
Distinctive sound and minimal vibration: To increase driving comfort, the HD Revelation electric powertrain ensures a minimum of vibration, heat and noise. Instead, the LiveWire produces a new, signature Harley-Davidson sound as soon as it starts moving. He represents the gentle, electrical power of the machine.

The recommended retail price for the LiveWire is 32,995 euros in Germany and 33,390 euros in Austria. 

* The range estimate, determined using the SAE J2982 range test procedure, is based on expected performance with a fully charged battery and when operating under specific conditions. Actual range may vary depending on driving habits, weather conditions and other factors.  

**Requires assistance from authorities; available in select markets.