[Zephyr]

Harley has already given us a preview of what the Livewire is going to look like when production begins, but they now dropped a video teaser. First reports were that it would sound something like a jet engine under heavy acceleration, but things seem to have been toned down a bit. While it was never going to sound like a Harley, I do wonder how open riders will be to the Jetsons like whine. https://youtu.be/KeBkakN8TKM

 

[Juiced]

Purists aren't likely going to be impressed by it, but I think this kind of revolution is exactly what HD needs. I've never really believed that loud exhausts provide much an improvement to safety, so I think that argument is a waste of time. Welcome to the 21st century HD.

 

[Zephyr]

Just from the comments on the video alone, you can see how many loyalists take issue with the lack of exhaust note. I just don't know what they expect, as Harleys traditional models just aren't hitting the numbers they used to. You can bet we will see some aftermarket sound generators.

 

[eHD]

Just from the comments on the video alone, you can see how many loyalists take issue with the lack of exhaust note. I just don't know what they expect, as Harleys traditional models just aren't hitting the numbers they used to. You can bet we will see some aftermarket sound generators.

The traditional Harley crowd as we've known it are well into their 50's and 60's. The new generation of Harley riders are 25-40 that bring a completely different mindset. Not to mention all the other markets Harley can get into. There will be no shortage of Livewire buyers.

 

[Juiced]

I agree. Harley didn't develop the Livewire to appease loyalists. Its meant to bring newcomers to the brand who have no interest in their large, heavy traditional cruisers.

 

[Zephyr]

It's going to be tough to bring in new blood, with its premium price point. There are a lot of other fantastic toys you can buy with $30k.

 

[eHD]

Riders that prefer traditional bikes have a lot of options anyways. The used market is flush with bikes and parts that will hold up for another solid 15-20 years.
As demographics change so do brands like Harley, catering to millennial buyers are priority #1 and they don't care about V-Twins

 

[AlfonsoR]

I remember hearing that the Livewire sounded like a jet engine and they've come close with the production model. I think it'll be nice to have a bike that runs silent at idle.

 

[eHD]

I remember hearing that the Livewire sounded like a jet engine and they've come close with the production model. I think it'll be nice to have a bike that runs silent at idle.

Its the last hope we have for restoring some sense of character in electric powered vehicles and this hypercar is an example of how intense they can get

.

 

[Juiced]

It would be neat if there was some sort of way to configure a simulated exhaust note, allowing owners to chose from a bunch of different pre-set options. I've already seen these kinds of systems being used in Tesla's to make them sound like a V8 lol.

 

[eHD]

It would be neat if there was some sort of way to configure a simulated exhaust note, allowing owners to chose from a bunch of different pre-set options. I've already seen these kinds of systems being used in Tesla's to make them sound like a V8 lol.

I'm completely against that and most people for and against electrics would as well. If you want a v-twin, just buy a v-twin. If you want next-gen go electric.

 

[Zephyr]

I've seen sound generators for Tesla's that allow you to simulate different exhaust notes. I believe the reason why the Livewire sounds the way it does, is because Harley recognized there may be some safety implications from a bike that runs completely silent.

 

[Bobby77]

Here's another cool video of what the LiveWire sounds like. This was taken from the LiveWire's debut in India.

 

[eHD]

I assume India will be a key market, a lot of fun bikes have been going that way in recent years.

 

[Bobby77]

I assume India will be a key market, a lot of fun bikes have been going that way in recent years.

It makes sense, form my understanding the market there is constantly growing.

 

[eHD]

Its also easier to convince a fresh market to try the Livewire than in the U.S. where people have been used to traditional powertrains.

 

[Bobby77]

Its also easier to convince a fresh market to try the Livewire than in the U.S. where people have been used to traditional powertrains.

Very true, there aren't the same biases in India compared to a lot of Harley-Davidson owners and fans.

 

[eHD]

Very true, there aren't the same biases in India compared to a lot of Harley-Davidson owners and fans.

That too. Hopefully all goes well in India. If so it might mean more options on the Livewire in future model years.