When you think of Harley Davidson, you think of loud machines, you think of rockers, you think of cool guys in leather gear, you think of drinking binges, you think of rocker gang brawls, you think of cool rides, you think of endless expanses, you think of freedom, you think of buddies, and you always hear the roar of the machines and the chugging and banging of the engine that can already be heard from afar. In this respect, the quiet whispering of the new LiveWire is more reminiscent of academics and nerds, of satchels filled with books and nickel glasses, but never of Harley, which seasoned bikers will probably have to get used to, if they ever want to get used to it at all.
At Harley-Davidson's EICMA press conference in Milan, the new LiveWire made its European debut. During the presentation, Marc McAllister, Vice President of Product Planning and Portfolio, already revealed some details about Harley-Davidson's first electrically powered two-wheeler, which will be followed by other e-vehicles.
On July 30, 2018, Harley-Davidson confirmed that the LiveWire will be launched during 2019. The announcement was made as part of the "More Roads to Harley-Davidson" strategic offensive, which aims to appeal to a new generation of motorcyclists around the globe. By expanding the company's capabilities in terms of products, brand and dealer network, the Company aims to inspire an even greater number of potential motorcyclists within a short period of time while enabling sustainable growth for the future. Harley-Davidson aims to become a leading supplier in the field of electrically powered motorcycles and is making targeted investments in this technology. The company looks forward to electric mobility with great expectations and intends to offer a portfolio that includes several electrically powered vehicles by 2022.
The vision behind the LiveWire production motorcycle began with Project Live-Wire in the form of e-prototypes unveiled in 2014 to determine the potential of an electrically powered Harley-Davidson. Based on an intensive development process as well as the experience gained during the "Project LiveWire" demo tour around the globe, the production version of the LiveWire now offers the rider a novel and dynamic motorcycle experience. Thanks to the high and immediate torque of the electric motor, the machine achieves extremely impressive riding performance - without having to use the clutch or shift gears.
to have to change. A low center of gravity, a stiff alloy frame and high-quality, fully adjustable chassis components give it dynamic handling.
Power
The LiveWire is powered by a permanent magnet electric motor that generates its high torque from the first wheel revolution - resulting in amazing acceleration and a fascinating driving experience. To lower the center of gravity and thus optimize the machine's handling on the one hand and facilitate maneuvering on the other, the motor has been positioned low in the vehicle. The LiveWire produces a novel sound whose pitch and volume increase with increasing speed, perfectly reflecting its smoothly onset power.
Landing gear
The engine's performance is underlined by a chassis designed for agile handling m urban environments and on winding roads beyond the city. To increase rigidity, the engine acts as a supporting element of the chassis. Harley-Davidson combined the light alloy frame with high-quality, fully adjustable suspension components from Showa. A Showa BFRC-lite (Balance Free Rear Cushion Light) mono-shock operates at the rear wheel. The front wheel is supported by a Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork - Big Piston).
upside-down fork, which is perfectly matched to the suspension strut and offers, among other things, excellent damping characteristics at low speeds, which benefits vehicle control in typical urban driving situations. To ensure very good braking performance with a clear pressure point, the LiveWire is equipped with Brembo monobloc front brake calipers acting on two 300-millimeter brake discs. The machine also comes standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a traction control system (TCS). It rolls on 180 millimeter (rear) and 120 millimeter (front) wide Harley-Davidson/Michelin Scorcher tires. The rider can adjust the bike's performance to his or her individual preferences with the help of seven riding modes. Four of these are preset at the factory, while the remaining three can be
can be freely defined by the owner.
Technology
An easy-to-read TFT display designed as a color touchscreen with high and high-contrast reproduction quality provides the driver with a wide range of information. The display unit is tilt-adjustable so that he can select the optimum angle for his stature. The display also allows him to access the interface for Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, music and other features. The LiveWire's main battery is a RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a cast aluminum housing with cooling fins. On-board power supply functions such as lighting, horn and display are provided by a separate,
compact 12-volt lithium-ion battery. Charging can be accomplished with an integrated Level 1 charger that connects to a household outlet with a power cord housed under the seat. In addition, the LiveWire can be charged (Level 2, Level 3, or DC Fast Charge (DCFC) charging) via a CCS2 IEC Type 2 charging plug (USA: SAE-J1772 plug). Customers will find a charging station at all Harley-Davidson dealers that sell the LiveWire.
Style
The LiveWire's style is as stunning as its performance, and follows an important Harley-Davidson design dictum: the focus is on the engine. Just as the VTwin is considered the most eye-catching element of all previous Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the LiveWire's electric motor draws all eyes to it. Its bright housing and mechanical, powerful design are intended to convey the power bundled within. The designers created the cast aluminum housing for the RESS with functional cooling fins. The look of anodized metal contrasts with dark-toned surfaces, and the silhouette is characterized by a slim rear end and a fender positioned close above the rear wheel. The new Harley-Davidson LiveWire will be available for sale next year. More details on pricing and ordering procedures will be released in January 2019. Information can also be found at Harley-Davidson.com.
English 
Deutsch