Harley-Davidson Shows Off Its First Electric, and Almost Silent Motorcycle

[engine]

One thing about a Harley, you can hear it well before it arrives. Surely, the sound is one of the reasons for owning a H-D!

Iconic motorbike manufacturer Harley-Davidson has revealed its first electric motorcycle.

The bike will not go on general sale, instead the firm will select customers from the US to ride it and provide feedback

The bike - dubbed Project LiveWire - will travel down the US's Route 66 visiting more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships between now and the end of the year.Harley-Davidson Shows Off Its First Electric Motorcycle [bbc.co.uk]

Here's the official video [youtube.com...]

[not2easy]

That specific Harley sound is factory tuned, called "potato-potato", maybe enough HD fans are so deaf they won't notice the silence?

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

Motor cycles need to make noise, don't they?

[engine]

There's the safety aspect which concerns me. A high powered vehicle running almost silently is a risk particularly for pedestrians. That applies to all electric vehicles, of course.

Would a H-D owner want one of these? I doubt it, but it may appeal to a whole new audience and potential customers.

I've driven an electrically powered vehicle and I can confirm they are no slouch. That exciting performance aspect often wins people over to the concept.

[phranque]

the exciting performance aspect of an electric motor is the high torque available at low speeds.
this is similar to the H-D v-twin's performance profile.

[tangor]

I'm just thinking of a 250lb battery on a 14lb frame with a 2 hour endurance and a top speed governor. And the price, of course! :)

As a first electric from HD, however, it does not look too shabby!

[iamlost]

But what about the 'genuine' H-D oil stain?