Harley-Davidson

Harley Doles Out New LiveWire Range And Power Specs

Latest figures on the electric bike’s acceleration and charging info from The Motor Company

March 7, 2019

Drip, drip, drip, drip….
The slow release of details from Harley-Davidson about its hugely anticipated, much-buzzed-about but short-on-specifics electric bike, LiveWire, continued this week as The Motor Company revealed more numbers. This time, however, Harley is giving us more concrete and verifiable data on things like acceleration, range, and charging capability.

The updated production specs come from the Geneva International Motor Show, where H-D is displaying the 2020 LiveWire alongside several lightweight EV concepts. At the same time, The Motor Company announced that European preorders for LiveWire will open in April (check it out) with deliveries expected by the fourth quarter of 2019 in most European countries. Preorders for the US have been open since January.

But the big news is the verified performance info for LiveWire, so here goes:

LiveWire will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and 60 to 80 mph in 1.9 seconds, numbers that make it one of the quickest bikes out there and certainly superior to ICE motorcycles, thanks to the instant, always-on torque from the H-D Revelation electric powertrain. Top speed will be limited to 110 mph.Harley-Davidson

The LiveWire’s high-voltage battery will have a city range of 140 miles (225 kilometers), or 88 miles (142 kilometers) of combined stop-and-go and highway range, as measured using the MIC City and MIC Combined (70 mph) tests. Those numbers are better than the initial numbers announced last January. Of course, actual range will vary according to riding habits, temps, and other variables.Harley-Davidson

Also encouraging is that LiveWire will come with Standard DC Fast Charge technology, which provides a 0–80 percent of battery charge in 40 minutes or 0–100 percent in 60 minutes. You can use the onboard Level 1 charger and power cord to connect to any standard household outlet and get a full charge overnight. For faster juicing, visit any public Level 3 DC Fast Charge station. A DC Fast Charge (DCFC) can charge the LiveWire motorcycle through an SAE J1772 connector (CCS2 IEC Type 2 charging connector in European and other international markets). All Harley dealers who sell the LiveWire will also have a public DCFC charging station.Harley-Davidson

Meanwhile, we’re already aware of the fact that LiveWire’s electric powertrain requires no clutch and no gear shifting, making it an easier nut to crack for new riders. The added bonus of the power regeneration mode means it can add charge to the battery, especially in stop-and-go urban traffic.Harley-Davidson

More not-new-news is that the LiveWire comes equipped with an Electronic Chassis Control (ECC) system that works with the cornering-enhanced Antilock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) to manage front and rear brake torque as well as motor torque to the rear wheel for better control and performance. The six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) and ABS sensor technology is some of the best tech currently available.Harley-Davidson

Harley says its H-D Connect Service will be available in certain markets to pair LiveWire riders with their bikes through an LTE-enabled Telematics Control Unit using the Harley-Davidson mobile app. H-D Connect is meant to push motorcycle status info to the rider’s smartphone so they’ll see stuff like battery charge status and available range (provided there’s a sufficient cell signal). Charging station locations can also be seen in the H-D app, as well as tamper alerts and vehicle location. Riders will be able to configure reminders about upcoming service requirements too.Harley-Davidson

We also know that all this new tech is paired with premium performance components like a fully adjustable Showa BFRC (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) monoshock rear suspension and the Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function front Fork-Big Piston) for exceptional low-speed damping control. The brakes are robust too, with Brembo Monoblock front calipers to grip dual 300mm rotors.Harley-Davidson

Yes, you will hear a sound (and see a new color option). The LiveWire model is set up to produce a new signature tone as it accelerates and gains speed—just don’t expect any kind of old-school rumble.Harley-Davidson