The Livewire is Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle

We don’t normally do motorcycles on TopGear.com, but every now and then something quite interesting comes along that forces us to make an exception. Today’s something is the Harley-Davidson Livewire, the brand’s first all-electric motorcycle. And boy, doesn’t it look good.

Based on a 2014 concept and set to go on sale early next year, details remain relatively scant. We don’t have performance figures, for example, but Harley promises “incredible acceleration performance” from the permanent magnet electric motor, which is mounted low and used as a stressed member in the bike’s construction. 

Power is drawn from a lithium-ion battery (the lights, horn, TFT display and so on are powered by a separate 12-volt supply) which can be recharged from a standard household plug socket, or a commercial fast-charger. Harley says dealers who’ve signed up to sell the Livewire will have DC fast-chargers installed, too.

Read More (...)