Is this what an Electric Harley Road King Would look Like?
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire got us imagining how an electric touring bike might look if the MoCo decided to make one.
The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has been actively trying to market to a younger audience as of late, and the addition of the iconic motorcycle company’s first-ever electric model is the prime example of this shift in marketing philosophy. Whether or not the LiveWire electric bike will prove to be a successful venture remains to be seen. But if a full-electric lineup is in Harley’s future, we can’t help but think about the possibility of having battery-powered versions of the significantly more substantial touring models.
In that light, we decided to put two and two together and create an illustration of a hypothetical electric Harley-Davidson Road King. Now, when it comes to these bad boys, we think it is safe to assume that the classic proportions will be maintained in the electric version. After all, the ergonomic design of Harley-Davidson’s touring models is second to none, and perfection really shouldn’t be messed with.
It should go without saying that there will be no exhaust pipe… Sure, it sounds weird, but not as weird as a quiet Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The batteries, electric motor, and drivetrain components would live where the conventional engine typically sits. And if the look of the LiveWire is anything to go by, it is safe to say that the internals of the electric system aren’t anything to proudly display in beautiful chrome. We suspect the power unit will be covered, looking seamless and slick.
And it should go without saying that there will be no exhaust pipe… Sure, it sounds weird, but not as weird as a quiet Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The classic saddlebags would, of course, be present, and to round out the look of the electric motorcycle, we think a bit of a facelift to help make these battery-driven machines more recognizable is called for. We imagine that would include an updated headlight and turn signal lights, as well as a redesigned fuel tank because, well… there is no fuel in that tank.
We would expect the range on a full charge to be around the 150-mile mark. The whole idea of having to stop a couple of hours into a road trip to recharge may not sound ideal, but considering how quickly fast-charging technology is developing, an 80% recharge on your battery could be done within a quick restroom stop. The lack of a pair of nice and loud pipes aside, we have to admit, an electric Harley-Davidson Road King would be an even more powerful and perhaps more comfortable Road King. Plus, you wouldn’t have to pay for gas.
Story and illustration for Harley-Davidson Forums by Pouria
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