So now that initial shock has worn off it dawned on me just exactly what the Livewire is about.
Its about market domination.
I honestly believe that if harley can build a bike that pretty with capabilities equal or superior to the ZERO bikes they will have the segment completely sewn up before any rivalries are allowed to establish themselves. Consider HD's position in the cruiser market, sure there are rivals that build competent bikes but they're relatively irrelevant, HD is the standard. Now if they can establish that type of dominance at this stage of the life cycle they can enjoy domination long term.
ZERO dealers are few and far between keeping purchase and service highly localized, the Japanese are not even close to entering the electric bike segment, well kind of but nothing as production ready as the Livewire.
If they can leverage their dealer network by outfitting them with charging stations, they already have a HUGE advantage over the competition...
Its about market domination.
I honestly believe that if harley can build a bike that pretty with capabilities equal or superior to the ZERO bikes they will have the segment completely sewn up before any rivalries are allowed to establish themselves. Consider HD's position in the cruiser market, sure there are rivals that build competent bikes but they're relatively irrelevant, HD is the standard. Now if they can establish that type of dominance at this stage of the life cycle they can enjoy domination long term.
ZERO dealers are few and far between keeping purchase and service highly localized, the Japanese are not even close to entering the electric bike segment, well kind of but nothing as production ready as the Livewire.
If they can leverage their dealer network by outfitting them with charging stations, they already have a HUGE advantage over the competition...