By now, we're all well aware
that fueling cars and bikes with electricity is the way of the future,
but if there's one brand that you'd imagine would vehemently oppose this
change, it's America's own Harley-Davidson. Its customers are
synonymously free-spirited "easy riders" – a far cry from Google
Glass-wearing tech geeks — called to duty by the thunder from the V-twin
engines. And yet here's Project LiveWire, the first ever all-electric
Harley-Davidson motorcycle – proof that even the most traditional of
brands cannot ignore the revolution.
Harley knows that it takes more
than just a legendary name to sustain a company, and like many, it seeks
a younger demographic to fill its voids. That's not to say the electric
LiveWire turns its back on the company's loyal customers, rather it
offers something entirely different: "We see this as a bike for more
urban areas," Jeff Richlen, Chief Engineer of Harley-Davidson new
products told Yahoo Autos. "It's something that's appealing to people
that perhaps haven't considered a Harley before, but it still retains
our core DNA."
LiveWire is powered by a 55-kW
electric motor that produces 75 hp. Mix that with its 52 lb.-ft. of
instant torque and it'll hit 60 mph in under four seconds. Regen braking
on the rear captures electricity to recharge the battery during
deceleration, with total range topping out at around 53 miles.
nice one
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