Harley-Davidson 'Livewire' Review

Review: Harley-Davidson Livewire

There is a lot to be said about the Livewire in more ways than merely the fact that it is an electric motorcycle.

First impressions were “oh my goodness, what is this machine and how did it come back from the future?”

Once familiarised with the controls, which didn’t take too long considering there is no clutch lever, starter motor or even an engine! 

The bike was ‘energised’ via the power on switch, along with the brake being applied, you can hear a slight clicking noise as well as the engine giving a very slight ‘pulsing’ to make you aware that it is live and ready to ride.

Once moving, it is incredibly well balanced and you immediately feel in control. The temptation to go for the clutch lever and also to find the gear shifter is not there is slightly disconcerting and takes some time to lose this thought pattern.

The brakes are incredibly effective (compared to my Dyna) and pull up to a standstill in no time at all.
This braking is accentuated by the ‘regenerative braking’ from the electric motors. This is amplified by selecting different drive modes (e.g. extreme braking effect in Sport mode and Rain mode has significantly less) This would equate to engine braking by dropping a gear to assist deceleration.

Regarding acceleration, it has to be said, it is phenomenal in most modes but Sport mode is insane. Because an electric motor delivers linear acceleration without any drag or time lost while changing gears, it is smooth and relentless in delivering the power up to a neck-breaking level.

Again, the Modes can easily be altered by the Mode button on the hand controls and viewed on the electronic display panel.

The only thing that is missing is the thumping V-twin engine sound, but it is substituted for a futuristic noise, somewhat similar to something from Star Wars.

The display panel also displays the charge rate and remaining mileage until a recharge is needed.

Other vital readings from the bike are also displayed here although the font size is rather small for some items.

Ride comfort is quite satisfactory but more a street stance than a cruiser, so again took a lot of getting used to coming from the Street Bob.

The bars tip your weight over the front more so which gives good balance and handling in bends.
The suspension is more than adequate in handling most road conditions and the weight is down low so slow speed manoeuvres is precise and light in traffic.

To summarise - it is a fantastic leap in the current future of electric bikes and one which Harley-Davidson has embraced the technology and positioned the Livewire in the marketplace for anyone who wants green credentials and a huge amount of fun at the same time.
If I had the money I would definitely get one!