At first hope, then confirm: Harley-Davidson he chose EICMA for the debut of the final version of the LiveWire, his first bike 100% elettrica.
For me it was already leaving her bike to watch and observe more of the other. Ma, in fondo, I was hoping to arrive also some other surprise hit maybe another big player. instead, as far as I'm concerned, there's just been playing: The LiveWire is my queen of this salon 2018.
Because I think the LiveWire is the queen of EICMA 2018?
I believe it is for various reasons. The first is rather obvious: it is electric. I speak not by fanaticism, but because this is the first strong element of rupture. That will go down or not the idea, The LiveWire will go down in history as the first production motorcycle at high electrical performance of a great brand. If until now it was a matter between small niche companies born in the California undergrowth or in the Motor Valley of Emilia, Now the stakes are raised. It still seems incredible that it is the brand more tradition-bound to take such a step, but it is exactly what happened and – perhaps – He could not be otherwise. Only those who have roots so firmly planted in the history of motorsport can afford such momentum in the future.
For a long time there is expected that Japanese hyper-technological tirassero out of the hat and an electric motorcycle, instead, none of them wanted to take the risk of a possible flop. They are limited to a few scooters and a (nice) the trial bike. Tutto qui? Davvero? It is not inability, it is prudent.
Because, let us look into the eyes: the possibility that the LiveWire is a failure are greater than those that can be a success. Not so much for their demerits, on the contrary, As for un'impreparazione general structure and social fabric.
Yet it is beautiful and will become cool.
The style is unmistakably Harley despite being something completely different. There were bulky volumes to be masked, there was the absence of a V-Twin to weigh. It discharges? And the chrome? And the tank??
It not has been easy. To this I would say that the result is remarkable. The LiveWire is not harmonious as other bikes – American and not – but I like it, ha personalità, recognizability. It even has a sound that has been processed to have a growing and not be too… inconsistent.
Finally it turns to a completely different clientele for Harley-Davidson and this is also an effort mica laugh. When you are used to always talk to the same customers, with the same ingredients and messages, it is not obvious to be able to look away and be able to communicate.
I think the Americans have won the first battle of this challenge. The stated goal for the coming years is “More Roads To Harley-Davidson” which is translated: “we are looking for new harleysti, we can not think that the current model harleysta endure forever, we must expand the offer to other tastes”.
The LiveWire is “only” a motorcycle, but it has a significant responsibility, not only for the American brand, but for the entire motorcycle market. His resounding failure could signal the end of the electrical hopes, why so many are hoping it is just that.
If it proves successful, will open the doors to a market segment: for the 2022 Harley provides a full range of electric bikes from the founder that we admire in these photos.
Take the magnifying glass
However, what worries me a little’ LiveWire after the presentation of the EICMA, is that It has not been given yet no emphasis on performance that count on an electric bike today. There is no trace of data on autonomy, the actual capacity of the battery (called RESS). It is known that this is a lithium-ion (and I would see that it was not) and which is inserted into a die-cast aluminum casing and finned.
This lack of evidence, well… It shows that there are still important elements to be defined. Harley-Davidson promises to give more information in January, while the arrival previso is for August 2019 when it presented the range 2020.
For the rest there is an aluminum frame, adjustable Showa suspension, Brembo brakes with caliper Monoblock, ABS and traction control. The tires 17″ They have tread 120 and 180. The electronics consists of seven well driving modes, four of which already preset from the House and three customizable by the customer that will be able to play thanks to the TFT adjustable Touch display. Interesting, at last, that there is a chance to recharge the LiveWire with level outlets 1, Level 2 and 3 e DC Fast Charge. Harley-Davidson finally stresses that there will be a column in all dealerships.
Bravely Harley-Davidson embarked on this journey in 2014 showing the prototype LiveWire back when we thought the power was an oddity. It is here today to tell us that we believe before the others and It is ready to make the electric cool, something that until now was not possible.
For all these reasons, in my opinion, The LiveWire deserves the EICMA queen crown 2018.
It was not the only innovation worthy of note though! I picked up a small personal selection of bike that struck me most. See my selection of the best of EICMA 2018.
#RIDEMORE
