Harley Davidson Livewire, Electric Motorcycles Going Mainstrem.

It may not be the same attention-grabbing roar we are used to, but Harley’s Livewire motorcycle has lots of other things going for it. 

The Livewire boasts a 74 horsepower motor. According to Popular Science the bike can go 53 miles between charges and takes just 3.5 hours to charge on a 220-volt outlet. And it can hit top speeds of 92 mph.  Although the company may be taking aim at a non-traditional demographic it is still trying to preserve the Harley Davidson experience.

Electric motorcycles are less intimidating for a novice rider, since they lack the distraction of a clutch and gears. Motorcycle makers, Harley included, are desperately trying to reach women and younger buyers who may lack the traditional rider’s bias toward gas-powered vehicles.  Harley’s marketing efforts definitely play up a youthful, hip appeal.

Harley-Davidson originally made it clear that Livewire was only a concept, but now the company confirms that it plans to bring its first electric bike to market. It’s not on sale yet but for the time being Harley plans to tour the bike to dealerships around the U.S. and solicit feedback from riders. Price details haven’t been disclosed.

See the bike in action below: