Electrifying Numbers for the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Wired Road

Feeling unplugged from Harley-Davidson's LiveWire news? Get current with the latest specs on the Motor Company's amped-up offering rolling out for Fall 2019. Positioned to be the cornerstone of the 'More Roads' campaign, the LiveWire is set to be a polarizing next-generation bike. With competitive products already on the market, and a shocking MSRP of $29,799, is the LiveWire destined for a short-circuit?

Optimistic Numbers

Part of the More Roads goal is to connect with “two-million new riders by 2027.” Sometimes referred to as the 'smartphone generation,' the LiveWire's sticker price might make it financially inaccessible to these prospective customers. Yet, executives at Harley Davidson remain resolute. CEO Matt Levatich stated that “With LiveWire, we’re setting the standard with a no excuses electric Harley-Davidson.”

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Samsung Revolution

Dubbed 'Revolution,' the LiveWire’s motor is backed by a 15.5 kWh massive, high-voltage Samsung lithium-ion battery. The motor is slung in a cast-aluminum frame and wrapped in a finned housing that functions as a heat-sink. The Revolution produces a healthy 105 horsepower with 86 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, a stock 2019 Sportster Iron 1200 produces around 70 horsepower and torque.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Regenerative Coast

While coasting off-throttle, the LiveWire harvests power as the motor acts as a generator. Referred to as the RESS, or 'Rechargeable Energy Storage System,' the unit is partly concealed under a 'faux' gas tank that houses the charging port. An additional twelve volt lithium-ion accessory battery is used for start-up and key fob recognition. To assist cooling, air scoops on the bodywork direct air to the upper part of the motor.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Full Charge

The LiveWire's range has been the subject of critical discussion. Harley-Davidson claims 146 city miles and ninety-five highway miles. The bike's high-voltage battery is charged in two ways. Through an SAE J1772 connector, a 120-volt household outlet results in thirteen miles for each hour of charging, and it takes an hour at a Level 3 DC Fast Charge to get a full charge.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Free Ride

Perhaps even more relevant than charge time is the crucial question of charging accessibility. Harley-Davidson has committed to a strong network of charging stations, starting with 150 ChargePoint stations at US dealerships that are carrying the LiveWire. American customers will get free charging at participating dealers for the first two years, and 500 kW of free charging service at Electrify America DCFC charging stations.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Neophyte Rider

Unlike a four-stroke engine, the LiveWire's torque is ready the instant the throttle is twisted. The electric powertrain requires no clutch or gear shifting, and the instant torque makes for screaming-fast acceleration. While the lack of gears might be a key selling point for new riders, the 0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds and 60–80 mph in 1.9 seconds might be a reason to reconsider for the neophyte rider.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Ride Mode

The LiveWire is the first Harley-Davidson to be equipped with a full set of electronic rider aids and ride modes — many of which are customizable. Riding aids include Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Braking and a Traction Control System. The riding modes include Sport, Road, Range, and Rain. Providing a specific combination of power, regeneration, throttle response, and traction control, the versatile modes can be changed any time — riding or stopped.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

H-D Connect

The LiveWire comes packed with the latest connectivity technology and a super-sharp, tilt-adjustable 4.3-inch color touchscreen display. Smartphones and wireless headsets can be connected via Bluetooth allowing riders to listen to music and accept calls. H-D Connect links the owner and their LiveWire via Cloud technology. Providing information such as turn-by-turn navigation, ride planning, and dealer locations, H-D Connect is free for the first year, but will then require a subscription.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Premium Halo

Ben McKinley recently described the LiveWire as a “halo” motorcycle. As the manager of industrial design and electric vehicles at Harley-Davidson, McKinley stated that “the EV bikes that follow will be thousands [of dollars] cheaper.” For now, the numbers that really matter are sales. If positive, the most enduring U.S. motorcycle maker might get the reputation of quiet and clean — quite the opposite of today's image.

>>Join the conversation about the LiveWire right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com