The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is an electric motorcycle prototype and the company’s first electric vehicle. Styling was compared to that of former Harley sport bike subsidiary, Buell Motorcycles. The Hollywood Reporter said that an electric Harley-Davidson could become a status symbol like the Tesla Model S, and noted that the new Harley had been placed in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Road & Track posted spy shots from the set, and reported that Harley would gauge the reception by the film’s audience as a sort of global market test of the product concept. Continue reading for more comprehensive review and additional information.
Unusually for an electric motorcycle, the motor is mounted longitudinally, under the frame. A bevel gear changes the direction of rotation 90° to drive a gilmer belt that turns the rear wheel. The same bevel gear gives the drivetrain a unique whirring sound, compared to the sound of a jet turbine. Technical specifications include: a cast aluminum frame and swingarm, LED headlight, aongitudinal three-phase AC motor/bevel gear/belt drive that generates 74hp / 52 lb-ft of torque, 7 kWh battery, and a direct drive powertrain good for a 0-60 mph of under 4 seconds.
