Harley Davidson Project LiveWire Electric Motorcycle at EICMA 2014

Today in Milan, a packed house of media elbowed into Harley-Davidson's EICMA stand for an official press conference. To my surprise, the company announced their vision for electric motorcycles in Europe: Project LiveWire.

News of the LiveWire prototype broke earlier this summer in New York but with this Europe launch at EICMA (the largest motorcycle event in Europe) Harley seems to be making a pronounced commitment to electrical innovation.

Hand-made or assembled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, about 22 LiveWire motorcycles toured US dealerships in two demo fleets over July and August 2014. The idea was to gain feedback from riders and the customers liked it!

This launch signals availability of the LiveWire prototype for select riders to test in Europe. However, I was told by one of the Harley techs that the machine photographed here is the only machine currently in Europe.

LiveWire is called a "prototype" but it looks like Harley is just taking time to test the market and catch up to current market bench marks set my Zero Motorcycles and other sector leaders.

Aesthetically, LiveWire is a break for Harley. I personally love the modern look, but light-electric it is not; yet. The body is mean metal and steel. The front end and headlight look futuristic. The dash is simple and clean and the position of the mirrors is a unique design touch (although, it's not clear how useful they'll be there).

By the excitement and energy at the press conference, people are looking forward to seeing more from Project LiveWire. It will be very interesting to also see the possibilities for accessories and after market customization.

LiveWire Specs

Not really the secret rocket ship prototype reported in the LA Time in June 2014, the LiveWire machine revealed today weighs in at 200 lbs. It can reach a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h) with 50 to 70 miles (85 - 112 km/h) of range, requiring a minimum charge of 2 hours.

There are no gears to shift, just open the throttle for an acceleration of 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in 4-5 seconds.

Powered by 3-phase AC election induction motor, LiveWire produces 74 hp (55kW) and about 8000 rpm. The main battery takes the space of the entire front end and a second 12v battery powers the dash.

The sound

The sound promised "fighter jet on an aircraft carrier" as stated in the June 2014 press release but unfortunately organizers would not turn the engine over despite pleads to do so by media.

!!:eicma2014