The Harley-Davidson Livewire brings about a revolutionary transition in the manufacturer’s history, up until Livewire’s release Harley-Davidson was not known for being the most innovative motorcycle manufacturer on the block. But that has all changed with their first introduction into the electric motorcycle offerings. Knowing full well the expectations of their customers and new customers alike Harley took on the task of creating a motorcycle that would be well-rounded, technologically advanced, and suited to the masses. Something one could argue Harley-Davidson has failed to do in the past. We are here to tell you, enthusiastically, that Harley-Davidson has gone above and beyond any of the industry’s expectations of them. This bike is an entirely different realm for the company and they knocked it out of the park.

The Livewire’s performance figures are staggering, with 0-60mph times of 3.5 seconds or less and a top speed of over 110 mph, it’s safe to say this may be one of the fastest Harley’s to date. Not only does the bike perform more closely to a sportbike than a Harley it also has better efficiency, which for all you millennial riders this will really tickle your fancy. Harley-Davidson claims a full charge will get you over 110 miles. Considering the competition at the moment these figures put Harley and their Livewire at the top of the segment.

Harley-Davidson did not stop there, they have a fully capable onboard electronic system with the ability to monitor the bike’s and your performance. Along with security monitoring and the ability to send notifications to the owner’s mobile device, this system will have you stepping away from your motorcycle with a level of comfort that few manufacturers are currently able to offer.

Despite Harley-Davidson pricing the Livewire at a sizzling MSRP of $30,000 we at Hardtail believe innovation often comes at a cost especially in the beginning. Very similar to how we saw Tesla first introduce their cars at what some would consider an inconceivable price point. Fast forward 10 years after this innovation has become mainstream, now the end consumer is lucky enough to enjoy competitive pricing and all the features of the electric segment. Despite the hefty price tag now, one can only assume as time moves forward we will see drastic price drops in the electric motorcycle sector, and equally as impressive performance improvements. Electric manufacturers have merely chipped the tip of the ice burg with battery and motor technologies. Large manufacturers like Harley-Davidson are exactly what the electric motorcycle sector needs to push forwards, and gain the traction and momentum it so desperately needs.

Harley-Davidson and their Livewire team did not stop there, under the 2020 “rewire” restructuring plan they have outlined plans to grow their electrification support alongside the growth of the Livewire brand. With plans to introduce installation across America, it is only a matter of time before we see this segment become as readily available as the current electric car industry.

With the looming electrification of just about everything under the sun, we see Livewire as being one of Harley-Davidson’s smartest moves in the companies recent history. For too long the company has held onto the coattails of a passing generation expecting them to be carried into the future despite their customer base dropping like flies. If Livewire is a sign of what is to come for Harley-Davidson and the Livewire team then the future can not come fast enough.