IAB Report - Harley Davidson Project LiveWire electric cruiser unveiled

Harley Davidson have taken the wraps off their first ever electric motorcycle codenamed Project LiveWire. The Harley Davidson Project LiveWire is conceptualized to get customer insights and feedback on a possible future electric cruiser from the famed Milwaukee-based brand.

Starting next week, the company kick starts its Project LiveWire Experience Tour in the US which will move along the popular Route 66. During the Experience Tour, Harley will invite select customers to ride the bike and provide their feedback and expectations.

Except the fact that it is a fully electric motorcycle, Harley have not revealed any further details. The Project LiveWire has a futuristic take on Harley's design philosophy with an exposed chassis, monoshock rear suspension, LED head and taillights and a fully digital instrument console. The motorcycle prefers aluminium finish for the powertrain, mirrors and handlebar levers.

From the position of the handlebars and foot pegs, it can be observed that the electric motorcycle offers a riding stance of a power cruiser like the Ducati Diavel. The electric powertrain sits in the usual place of the IC engine and appears to transfer power via a toothed belt drive.

[Head to Youtube if you can't watch the video.]

The company says that motorcycle is designed to sound distinctly different from other electric bikes. Mark-Hans Richer, Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company likens the cruiser's sound to a "fighter jet on an aircraft carrier".

The Project LiveWire is not for sale and its long term retail possibility would be influenced by the feedback given by the customers during the experience tour which will expand into Canada and Europe in 2015.

The Livewire would be a very unique technology showcase for Harley-Davidson India at an event like the Auto Expo.

Harley Davidson Project LiveWire - Press Release

[Head to Slideshare if you can't view the press release.]