[Junko]

Could the Livewire be a launching point for a new range of electric bikes from HD? Consider Zero, they sell several differently packaged bikes to satisfy different market segments, could we not see HD behave the same way?

Big lumbering cruisers, VROD esque muscle bikes, sportier roadsters like the Livewire? Would be interesting to see...

 

[Hawkman]

I think that makes sense long term, but I'm sure that right now HD is keeping its expectations humble. First they have to take this concept to people and see what they think, and then eventually come out with a production version. If the first production model does well then they will have a good base to go on and build some other electric models.

 

[L!VE]

I think this will happen but just that it won't happen for a long time. However I do believe when we reach to a point that these types of bikes are just as practical for a massive range of riders and speak well to a lot of their needs, then we will really see it expand. To start it might be best that they stick one bike and do it well, very well.

 

[Junko]

electric bobbers? Electric scooters are alredy popular in the city, electric bikes to be the same?

 

[Yusef]

I was thinking about Harley making different weights of electric bikes, but I'm not sure that's really possible right now. Most of the weight comes from the batteries used. Bigger batteries will give more range, but also more weight. So its more about battery engineering instead of just reducing weight, or creating different weight classes of electric bikes. I think that is the big challenge they are facing right now.

 

[L!VE]

that's what i was thinking too, plus to make the bike lighter for one would be an issue already. seems like they're stuck for now.

 

[Junko]

Not necessarily true, its about the power density of the batteries. A Lith-ion battery has more power density than a conventional lead acid for instance. Graphene has more power density than lith-ion.

 

[L!VE]

Not necessarily true, its about the power density of the batteries. A Lith-ion battery has more power density than a conventional lead acid for instance. Graphene has more power density than lith-ion.

that is true, li-on packs so much more of a punch.

 

[Junko]

Thats where this gets interesting, because story goes that harley built the bike to show what an electic bike could be in 5 years. Livewire is much more svelte than the Zero or Bimota yet it lacks on range. So what that says is that Harley went for the aesthetic and handling aspects over the hardcore realworld stuff. Those things can come later but yo have to excite people with form!

 

[Yusef]

SO it is a forward looking bike that is constrained by contemporary technology. If the actual livewire comes out in 5 years, it will be very interesting to see how close the production livewire is to this concept.

 

[L!VE]

SO it is a forward looking bike that is constrained by contemporary technology. If the actual livewire comes out in 5 years, it will be very interesting to see how close the production livewire is to this concept.

that it will but if it's that far out then maybe they will change it more for the times and make it look what would be considered forward looking in those times.

 

[roadking]

5 year out is a long time
at least they got their foot in the door with these concepts
even better that they're going across the nation showing it off.

 

[Junko]

i dont think its fair to say the harley is constrained by contemporary technology. For one its actually constrained by tomorrows technology as its not here yet. That and its a cost thing...

 

[L!VE]

it's also a matter of timing depending on the technology

 

[Hawkman]

i dont think its fair to say the harley is constrained by contemporary technology. For one its actually constrained by tomorrows technology as its not here yet. That and its a cost thing...

I feel like we are getting into semantics here. A barrier for Harley is both the capabilities of batteries and electric engines now, and also their price. Maybe the technology is there but its too expensive. but even then, that says something about the production process for creating those essential parts. Over the time the technology should get better and it should also reduce in price as there is more production infrastructure and advancements in production processes.

 

[L!VE]

^ true