Harley-Davidson Releases Performance Numbers On The LiveWire

Harley-Davidson continues its carefully measured release of information about its LiveWire electric motorcycle, a few facts at the time. This time the information is coincident with the LiveWire’s appearance at the Geneva Auto show. According to Harley, it has tested the performance of a LiveWire in production trim, and can assert a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.0 seconds, and a 60-to-80-mph roll-on time of 1.9 seconds. That roll-on time is one of the quickest among motorcycles, spanking non-electrics, including a Suzuki Hayabusa or a Triumph Rocket III. This shows the benefit of electric motor’s instant, constant torque, and gearbox-less drive, much as Tesla performance models out-accelerate all but the most radical internal-combustion-powered hypercars.

Similarly, The Motor Company can confirm a 140-mile city range, and 88 miles of combined city and 70-mph highway range when tested to MIC test standards. While it’s still not giving battery size, this implies the unit is somewhat smaller than the 12.6 kWh of the Zero SR/F, which manages 82 miles on the same 70-mph MIC test, without the benefit of averaging in the MIC city range. The LiveWire is currently available for preorder and will be delivered to customers later this year.

Additionally, Harley announced it acquired StaCyc Inc., a California producer of electric two-wheelers for children, and showed a prototype of a lightweight, electric kid’s two-wheeler, based on StaCyc’s technology. StaCyc has previously sold more than 6,000 electric two-wheelers aimed at kids. The new Harley-Davidson version of the StaCyc’s 12- and 16-inch-wheel bikes will be available at H-D dealers in the third quarter of 2019. Harley noted in its press release that these products will “provide an entry point for the youngest riders to enjoy the thrill of riding.”