Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?

Is the LiveWire going backwards instead of forwards?

By Brett Foote - April 7, 2021
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?
Did the 2021 LiveWire Really Get Heavier and Lose Power?

Wrong Way?

Harley-Davidson recently rolled out its new and refreshed 2021 lineup, which obviously got a ton of press. But one thing that a lot of folks aren't talking about is the fact that the electric LiveWire has received a few updates as well. Unfortunately, they aren't all great, as it seems that the bike has gained a bit of weight and lost a bit of power in the process.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

Up and Down

The news comes to us from Motorcycle.com, which recently got its hands on Harley's LiveWire certification filings in Australia. According to those documents, the 2021 LiveWire weighs in at 562 pounds and is rated to produce 75 kW (101 horsepower). 

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join the conversation about what's going on with the LiveWire right here in HDForums.com.

Minor Changes

Compared to the 2020 LiveWire, those numbers seem to be going backward. Last year, the bike reportedly weighed just 549 pounds and produced 78 kW (105 horsepower). But just how accurate are these filings, and can they be taken as gospel?

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join the conversation about what's going on with the LiveWire right here in HDForums.com.

Same Numbers

The LiveWire was conspicuously absent from Harley's 2021 update, and the manufacturer hasn't released too much information on the bike. However, at its official site, the EV is still listed as weighing 549 pounds and producing 105 horsepower as it did last year.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join the conversation about what's going on with the LiveWire right here in HDForums.com.

Tell Tale Sign?

Thus, we don't really know if anything has changed at all. Motorcycle.com speculates that if Harley has indeed upped the weight and cut the power of the LiveWire, it could be because it went with a bigger battery, which would obviously be a good thing for those looking for more range.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join the conversation about what's going on with the LiveWire right here in HDForums.com.

No Changes

At H-D's site, nothing has changed in that regard either, however. The LiveWire is still listed as having a 15.5 kWh battery pack that's good for up to 146 miles of range. With DC fast charging, it's still capable of charging to 100 percent in around an hour as well.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join the conversation about what's going on with the LiveWire right here in HDForums.com.

Wait and See

Personally, we're skeptical that Harley would rob the LiveWire of power and add weight, even in an effort to improve range. After all, MoCo is trying to sell more electric bikes, not less. But for now, we'll just have to wait and see if anything really changes.

Photos: Harley-Davidson

>>Join the conversation about what's going on with the LiveWire right here in HDForums.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section right here in the forum.

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