{"id":15313,"date":"2020-11-23T10:52:05","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T15:52:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/?p=15313"},"modified":"2020-11-23T10:52:05","modified_gmt":"2020-11-23T15:52:05","slug":"harley-davidson-livewire-road-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Harley Davidson LiveWire Road Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a20fb0fefdd7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a20fb0fefdd7\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Harley_Davidson_LiveWire_Road_Test\" >Harley Davidson LiveWire\u00a0Road Test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Power_and_Suspension\" >Power and Suspension<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#_Battery_and_its_Range\" >\u00a0Battery and its Range<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Brakes\" >Brakes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Electronic_Assistance\" >Electronic Assistance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Technologies\" >Technologies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Target_Customers\" >Target Customers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#The_strong_points\" >The strong points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Points_to_improve\" >Points to improve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/motorcycles-en\/harley-davidson-livewire-road-test\/#Here_is_the_full_specs_sheet\" >Here is the full specs sheet:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harley_Davidson_LiveWire_Road_Test\"><\/span>Harley Davidson LiveWire\u00a0Road Test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>People who know me are aware that I am a passionate about super sports motorcycles. You are probably curious about my experience with the <a href=\"https:\/\/carrierhd.ca\/moto-harley-davidson\/harley-davidson-livewire-2019\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harley Davidson LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em><\/a>. I was not sure if I were the right person to do this road test, but my curiosity about electric motorcycles was so strong that I could not turn down this opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>It was with an open mind and a huge desire to know more about this fierce little beast that I arrived at <a href=\"https:\/\/carrierhd.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Carrier Harley Davidson<\/em>, St-Hyacinthe<\/a> (Qc), to pick it up. The staff made me feel very welcome and instantly shared their passion for this unique bike: I was even more excited to give it a try.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15328&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_column_text]To describe my experience, I am going to talk about \u00a0power and suspension, battery and its range, brakes, electronic assistance, technology, target customers and, finally strengths and areas for improvement.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Power_and_Suspension\"><\/span>Power and Suspension<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I admit I liked its \u201cfuturistic cafe racer look\u201d, hands down: the <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> looks great. When I sat on it for the first time and started it &#8211; without hearing any noise, something special happened: I felt pulses under the seat, like heart beats. I thought, <em>this thing is alive<\/em>, and I found it more endearing. <em>Harley Davidson<\/em> installed an adjustable pulse, so that the rider knows the bike is running; this can also be disabled. The riding position is very comfortable. Two saddle height versions are available, 30 inches and 30.7 inches.<\/p>\n<p>The response of the throttle grip is really fast, we are still talking about 0 to 100\u00a0km\/h in 3.1 seconds (0-60\u00a0mph in 3 sec.)!\u00a0 In a closed circuit test, it reached a top speed of 184\u00a0km\/h. In order to extend the battery life, <em>Harley<\/em> had to put a power limit\u00a0 &#8211; it could offer us more power.\u00a0 The handling is surprising. During my two testing days on our bumpy roads, the bike was able to hold its course in a stable manner while sporty riding in curves on pavement filled with bumps.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> is equipped with <em>Show<\/em>a\u2019s 43mm <em>Big Piston<\/em> inverted forks with fully adjustable separate function.\u00a0 They use a fully adjustable <em>Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion<\/em> piggyback reservoir shock.\u00a0 No other bike in <em>Harley\u2019s<\/em> lineup is using this sport suspension. Its power and its handling left me pleasantly surprised. The <em>Livewire\u2019s Revelation<\/em> internal permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers a maximum power of 105 horsepower and a maximum torque of 116 ft\/lbs.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15290&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15292&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Battery_and_its_Range\"><\/span><strong>\u00a0Battery and its Range<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup> is liquid-cooled and features a clutchless single-speed transmission. The battery recharges while decelerating, using the engine brake. <em>Harley Davidson<\/em> claims its new electric toy has up to 235-kilometer range in the city. During my test, when the bike is fully charged, it indicates around 178\u00a0km of range, so charging by deceleration accounts for the additional range.<\/p>\n<p>If we do a mix of city and highway, the range is more around 152\u00a0km and if we have a sporty \/ aggressive riding style in the winding roads and highways, then the range will be more like 100\u00a0km. In short, the more aggressive you are on the throttle, more the range decreases. Its lithium-ion battery has a 24\u00a0kWh maximum capacity.<\/p>\n<p>The charge time is 12.5 hours (AC) with the original hook-up wire that plugs into a regular 110-volt outlet and is 1 hour with level 3 fast charging (DC). To charge it, it is simple: we lift the small panel on the false tank and the two connection points are there.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15296&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15295&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15294&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15288&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Brakes\"><\/span>Brakes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Another amazing fact about the <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> is its braking system.\u00a0 The 300\u00a0mm front discs with radially mounted 4-piston <em>Brembo<\/em> monoblock calipers are the highest end brakes on any of the bike\u2019s in <em>Harley<\/em>\u2019s line-up.\u00a0 A 260\u00a0mm floating disc with dual-piston caliper at the rear, not to mention the ABS system that comes standard, round out the brake system nicely.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15293&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electronic_Assistance\"><\/span>Electronic Assistance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This little electric beast is equipped with electronic traction assistance, as well as 7 different driving modes: road, rain, range, sport, and 3 customizable modes (A, B and C).[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15287&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Technologies\"><\/span>Technologies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> is <em>H-D Connect<\/em> compatible, which allows you to download an app (iOS or Android) and connect the motorcycle directly to the app.<\/strong>\u00a0The app allows riders to check various operations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Motorcycle status (battery status and available range, riding mode, riding stats)<\/li>\n<li>Enhanced security (bike location, if anyone is tampering with it, suspected stolen alert)<\/li>\n<li>Charging status and notifications (battery charging percentage, Level 3 charging station locations)<\/li>\n<li>Service reminders and notifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Target_Customers\"><\/span>Target Customers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You are wondering: who is the target audience for this bike? The base price starts at $37,250, with an additional $600 for color choices other than black. Well, it is Mr. and Mrs. Tesla who love luxury and electric toys, they are professionals looking for a trendy city vehicle without petroleum-based fuel.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_strong_points\"><\/span>The strong points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> \u00a0power and handling make it an attractive choice. It is an ideal city bike for short distances but has amazing potential for recreational rides. Its futuristic look will not leave you indifferent. \u00a0The bike attracted many people during my road test as I breezed by silently atop the well-adorned machine. The quality components, such as suspension and brakes, make the ride as enjoyable as it is lively.<\/p>\n<p>It has a unique and original look. Like some other electric vehicles, <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> owners can benefit from a $\u00a02\u00a0000 credit when registering their motorcycle in Quebec for a one-year period and can receive up to $\u00a05\u00a0000 credit if they install a smart charging station at home.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Points_to_improve\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; letter-spacing: 0px;\">Points to improve<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With all the excitement also come some points to improve. The<em> LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> is very pleasant to ride and it makes you want to go for long rides; the challenge, as you may have guessed, is its range and the underdeveloped network of level 3 fast charging stations. Of course, this motorcycle was designed for urban use, but when you ride it, its potential makes you want even more and that is where it gets complicated.<\/p>\n<p>You must plan your route according to fast-charging stations, as well as to schedule one-hour breaks for recharging. For <em>Harley Davidson\u2019s<\/em> regulars, the next point is probably not a negative point; for those who are not used to control the separate turn signals on each side of the handlebar, it can make a simple maneuver a little bit more complicated.\u00a0 The target market chosen by <em>Harley <\/em>is narrow (price) and I think they are missing out on the young and trendy customers who might be interested in this kind of electric bike.<\/p>\n<p>I would like to see offered by <em>Harley<\/em> an entry-level version of the <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> in order to capture younger riders.\u00a0 We know <em>Harley<\/em> is looking to break into this market. This bike has the potential to convert younger riders into <em>Harley Davidson<\/em> brand loyal customers; just not at the current price.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <em>LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup><\/em> has to be discovered; it is amazing and the rider will not feel indifferent, for sure. Its lack of battery life for long rides is the major area of improvement, but I have the feeling that <em>Harley Davidson<\/em> did not say its last word and is preparing a surprise.<\/p>\n<p>This motorcycle, designed for the city, hides a powerful beast that asks only to give its rider thrills, curve after curve. I really liked to have the opportunity to try this fierce and endearing little beast.\u00a0 As a sport bike enthusiast, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed riding this bike.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks again to <a href=\"https:\/\/carrierhd.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Carrier Harley-Davidson Sainte-Hyacinthe<\/strong><\/a> for the test ride!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/carrierhd.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/carrierhd.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/wp-theme-carrier-hd\/assets\/images\/logo-carrier-harley.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;15299&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_is_the_full_specs_sheet\"><\/span>Here is the full specs sheet:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>ENGINE<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Type: <em>Revelation<\/em> internal permanent magnet synchronous motor<\/li>\n<li>Maximum power: 105 HP<\/li>\n<li>Maximum torque: 116 ft\/pounds<\/li>\n<li>Cooling: Liquid<\/li>\n<li>Transmission: Clutchless single-speed<\/li>\n<li>Final drive: Belt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>BATTERY<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Type: Lithium-ion<\/li>\n<li>Maximum capacity: 24 kWh<\/li>\n<li>AC charge time: 12.5 hours<\/li>\n<li>DC fast charging time: 1.0 hours<\/li>\n<li>City range: 235\u00a0km\/ 146 miles<\/li>\n<li>Highway range: 113\u00a0km \u00e0 113\u00a0km\/h (70 miles at 70 mph)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>CHASSIS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable <em>SHOWA<\/em> Separate Function Forks \u2013 Big Piston 43\u00a0mm inverted fork; 4.5 inches<\/li>\n<li>Rear suspension; travel: Fully adjustable <em>SHOWA Balance Free Rear Cushion<\/em> piggyback reservoir shock; 4.5 inches<\/li>\n<li>Wheels: Split 5-spoke cast aluminum<\/li>\n<li>Front wheel: 3.50 x 17<\/li>\n<li>Rear wheel: 5.50 x 17<\/li>\n<li>Tires: Michelin Scorcher Sport<\/li>\n<li>Front tire: 120\/70 x 17<\/li>\n<li>Rear tire: 180\/55 x 17<\/li>\n<li>Front brake: 300\u00a0mm discs w\/ radially mounted Brembo 4-piston monoblock caliper<\/li>\n<li>Rear brake: 260\u00a0mm floating disc w\/ dual-piston caliper<\/li>\n<li>ABS: Standard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wheelbase: 1,490\u00a0mm\/ 58.7 inches<\/li>\n<li>Rake: 24.5 degrees<\/li>\n<li>Trail: 108\u00a0mm\/ 4.3 inches<\/li>\n<li>Seat height: 761\u00a0mm\/ 30.0 or 30.7 inches<\/li>\n<li>Curb weight: 249\u00a0kg\/ 549 pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2019 Harley LiveWire<sup>TM<\/sup> Colors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Orange Fuse<\/li>\n<li>Yellow Fuse<\/li>\n<li>Vivid Black<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2020 Harley LiveWire Price:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>From $37\u00a0250 MSRP<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Please contact <a href=\"https:\/\/carrierhd.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Carrier Harley Davidson<\/em><\/a> for additional information.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Harley Davidson LiveWire\u00a0Road Test People who know me are&hellip;","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":15341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1771],"tags":[2005,2775,2776,1858,2774,1847],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15313"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15313"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15313\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15313"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicksandmachines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}