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Harley Davidson to release an Electric Motorcycle

pics are online

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/harley-davidson-livewire-photos/

Harley-Davidson-Livewire-electric-motorcycle-06.jpg
 
byke said:
Wow. If legit, good for them. I hope it's real.
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It is. I work at the local dealership and we had an "official" thing come out on H-Dnet about it this morning. The short video clip of it riding was part of a 6+ minute one they had. The bike shown is not for sale and appears to be more of a design idea. They're bringing back the Road Glide for 2015 which is the big thing now, so I don't expect to see anything like this bike actually being a reality until the 2016 or 2017 model year.

From H-Dnet...

Tomorrow, June 19, Harley-Davidson will publically reveal details about a project that will inspire riders and non-riders alike to engage with Harley-Davidson and view the brand in a whole new light. Today is your opportunity to learn about this project.

It’s extremely important to keep this information CONFIDENTIAL until the public announcement June 19 at 7 a.m. Central Daylight Time. Once you see the information, we know it will be tempting to share details; however, it is more important than ever that the information contained in this communication not be disclosed publicly prior to June 19 at 7 a.m. Thank you for your discretion.

Additional details, including a Q&A document to address questions will be posted on h-dnet June 19. Watch for a news item directing you to the materials.
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Hmm. An unfinished project? They're gonna do a demo ride tour to see how much interest is really in the bike before they green light production. That's the smartest part going about this bike right now. Because a 50 mile range (their guess) sure as hell isn't smart.
 
CurveSurfer said:
I've never owned a H-D and their culture isn't for me, but...

In 2013:
HD sold 167,016 bikes in the US among 324,691 total new on-highway bikes sold in the US.

So >50% of all on-road bikes sold in the US in 2013 were H-Ds, and the proportion was the same in 2011 and 2012.

They are hardly the laughing stock of 90% of riders.
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you're forgetting the rest of the world. 90% may be a bit high, more like 80%

CurveSurfer said:
I don't think they get enough credit for continually BAND-ADING their bikes as they stay true to what their customers want: loping v-twins, classic cruiser styling, assembled in the USA.
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I fixed it for ya :)

I thought this was a joke at first. then this morning I see an article in the LA times. as read the article I discovered it is a joke.

second paragraph "which might not hit the market for several more years."
 
ircsmith said:
you're forgetting the rest of the world. 90% may be a bit high, more like 80%
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That's exactly what I was going to say.

As for this possible e-bike. I think it looks good for a Harley and as is typical with the brand, it will underperform.
 
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ircsmith said:
you're forgetting the rest of the world. 90% may be a bit high, more like 80%
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RightCoastBias said:
That's exactly what I was going to say.
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Already addressed this minor oversight back in post 25:

Lunch Box said:
Obviously there was some hyperbole in my stated figure. That said, it might come as news to you that there are a few motorcycles sold every year outside of the US. Additionally, there are motorcycles sold that are *gasp* not on-highway bikes. Factor these in and H-D is a wee bit lower than 50%, I would wager. :dunno
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some times the obvious needs repeating. :)
 
Agreed. Note that he also forgot to include Off-highway bikes, of which there are quite a few worldwide.


Edit: I am bummed that this appears to be a concept bike. We've all seen this countless times before with cars and bikes. A manufacturer will unveil a concept bike that gets folks all excited, but it never comes to fruition. I sincerely hope that this is more than a concept bike, but I am doubtful. :thumbdown
 
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Lunch Box said:
Edit: I am bummed that this appears to be a concept bike. We've all seen this countless times before with cars and bikes. A manufacturer will unveil a concept bike that gets folks all excited, but it never comes to fruition. I sincerely hope that this is more than a concept bike, but I am doubtful. :thumbdown
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I hear you. However, we don't usually see a manufacturer produce 15 working versions (fully street legal) of a concept and take them around the country for people to ride and evaluate. They may change the bike before its hits production but I would think they are committed to producing an electric bike.
 
On the plus side, how cool would it be to be the first guy to own a Harley that doesn't "mark its territory?" The downside is that it will likely just burn your house down instead.
 
Lunch Box said:
On the plus side, how cool would it be to be the first guy to own a Harley that doesn't "mark its territory?" The downside is that it will likely just burn your house down instead.
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:laughing
 
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