Harley-Davidson unveils its first electric motorcycle: "Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier"
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Innovation, meet heritage. Harley-Davidson unveiled its first electric motorcycle in its 111-year history on Thursday, June 19th -- and pledged the environmentally-friendly bike will have plenty of edge, including a powerful-sounding engine. It's Project LiveWire.
Harley-Davidson says the bike offers a visceral riding experience with "tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound."
For Harley's President and Chief Operating Officer, Matt Levatich, it's a day which is more than a century in the making.
"Project LiveWire is Harley-Davidson's first, electric motorcycle investment, and the investment is to build a 'no excuses,' electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle," said Levatich.
“The sound is a distinct part of the thrill,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market.”
The bike runs on batteries that can be recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet. The company plans to eventually establish "docking stations" around the country. Another big difference from other standard bikes -- this bike does not gear shift.
Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour.
Harley enthusiast Keith Klover was visiting Suburban Motors in Thiensville on Thursday. He says he's open to the idea of his next motorcycle having a special squeal.
"I don't care what fuels it. And if it's good for the environment, on top of it, well, even a better bonus yet," said Klover.
Suburban manager Todd Berlin said he's be happy to have an electric Harley in his shop.
"Harley's still my bread and butter, gas-burning. But, you know, we have customers that we are selling these to," said Berlin.
Just to be clear -- Project LiveWire is not yet for sale. Harley plans to incorporate consumer feedback into the final version of the bike.
A 2014 U.S. tour – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships now through the end of the year.
Fans can learn more about Project LiveWire, as well as specific dates and locations for Project LiveWire Experience stops at projectlivewire.com.
Harley-Davidson also invites anyone who is interested in the possibilities of the future to follow and engage with the company on its social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Harley-Davidson Museum's "Bike Night" -- and the Project LiveWire reveal on Thursday night, June 26th.
The bike will be available at the Harley-Davidson Museum June 27-29.