Zero is doing everything right, even targeting cheaper price points that Harley hasn't show interest in.
Harley has an opportunity to become a leader with electric motorcycles like they have with cruisers but aren't showing it so far.
I think its fine for Harley to position themselves as a premium electric offering, but they have to realize that's going to result in limited interest for launch. Maybe they only plan on building a few hundred of these for the first generation so they've had to increase the profits per unit.
Ultimately we don't know what plans Harley has so this might be a higher tier product that helps set the tone and expectations for cheaper and higher volume products.
Zero didn't even need to do this as many people are probably already leaning towards the SR over the Livewire in terms of value for the money. Who wouldn't want to spend half the money for nearly twice the range on the top end spec.
Since Harley wont win on price, they just need to focus on making the Livewire a more exciting and comfortable bike to ride. Weight distribution will go a long way in how these electric models work their way in and out of corners.
Reaching out to new demographics that have the money but not entirely convinced on getting a motorcycle will be one side of the battle.
If that's true we might see an increase in safety system to minimize common fears of riding.
I know there filed patents for AEB systems that may find their way into newer models. I just worry that those kinds of systems will end up doing more harm that good. They can be quite overbearing in cars.
Here's the first look at the new 2019 Zero SR/F streetfighter. 110hp and 140lbs-ft of toque with a top speed of 124mph. 0-60 is an estimated 3.3 seconds and the claimed range is 161 miles. Will start at $18,995 which is almost 30% less than the Livewire.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire vs. Zero SR/F: see which of these premium American electric motorcycles are better in this comparison.
SPOILER:
Neither bike is actually better than the other. Its just a personal choice, as electrek's verdict pointed out...
So what’s the verdict?
Like pretty much...
Around a year ago Curtiss started a crowdfunding campaign to build a flagship electric motorcycle. With $266k in working capital they've been hard at work on the Zeus and some new pictures of the prototype have recently surfaced. Its certainly a novel design, which wont come cheap as its...
This was touched on in another thread, but its now been confirmed that Ducati has almost finished development on their first electric bike. Looks like they will be relying on tech from Energica Motors which supplies all of the components to the E-MotoGP. A lot of brands seem to setting on...
