[Juiced]

If you have an interest in the Livewire chances are you've heard of Zero Motorcycles. They are currently the segment leader with their naked street bikes and have recently updated the capabilities of their top end SR model. This model is putting out 70hp and 116lb-ft of torque. Range and charging times vary depending on use, but its been estimated that the bike is capable of around 100 miles at highway speeds and 200 within the city. You're going to have to pay a premium for this tech however, as fully equipped your looking at $16,495.

https://youtu.be/zb0cdLiM0mc

 

[Zephyr]

If a relatively new motorcycle company is able to hit these kinds of benchmarks, then Harley shouldn't have any difficulty in delivering the same kind of power output and range. While the cost of these newer electric bikes is a bit steep you need to also factor in that they basically require zero (no pun intended) maintenance.

 

[eHD]

Harley can easily have the upper hand even when coming to market a bit late with the Livewire. However if sales of this Zero goes by well it should provide Harley with much needed insight on sales to plan and adjust their course as needed.

 

[Juiced]

The main issue that companies like Zero face, is that they are relatively unknown and these electric models are very pricey. People who are looking to spend this kind of money on a bike will probably be much more comfortable doing so on an established brand.

 

[eHD]

The main issue that companies like Zero face, is that they are relatively unknown and these electric models are very pricey. People who are looking to spend this kind of money on a bike will probably be much more comfortable doing so on an established brand.

Emerging even among stiff competition is very possible. It might come at the cost of say giving free bikes to fleet managers but long term benefits are worth it.

 

[Zephyr]

Even Victory Motorcycles has introduced an electric sports bike, which is a bit odd considering they traditionally only build cruisers. But yet again pricing is a big barrier as the Empulse TT is said to start around $19,999.

 

[eHD]

Victory will be worth considering if their track record for refinement also holds true this time around. On top of being not as common as Harleys

 

[Juiced]

Interest in electric bikes is still going to be fairly niche for as long as we see starting MSRP's around $20k. I would imagine that similar to the hierarchy we see with EV's that we will start to see lower range, entry level options.

 

[eHD]

In Harley's home market that will be the case but not so much in countries with growing wealth like China.

 

[Zephyr]

Harley being forced to move production overseas isn't going to help with the affordability of their newer models. There are also going to need to ensure there aren't supply issues relating to replacement parts.

 

[eHD]

In the past there has been a bidding war to own HD and if that holds true the next time around, it might change that for the better.

 

[Juiced]

Moving overseas what the exact way they hoped to keep pricing competitive. I don't know what sort of tariffs may be placed on them, but its still much cheaper than trying to manufacture in the U.S with the inflated costs of steel.

 

[eHD]

Moving overseas what the exact way they hoped to keep pricing competitive. I don't know what sort of tariffs may be placed on them, but its still much cheaper than trying to manufacture in the U.S with the inflated costs of steel.

From a consumer demand perspective, HD will see better grow in other parts of the world that are getting rid of cars at faster rates.
European cities and even now leading countries like China are leading that change. North America might be slower in that progression for now.

 

[Zephyr]

Far more people in Europe also use their bikes as their primary method of transportation. Not sure how viable something like the Livewire could be for daily use, but I'm sure we will get some first impressions soon.

 

[eHD]

At $30k its just a matter of being sold to wealthier clients and you can bet they'll ride these around regular commutes.