Exploring The Speed Of Harley's Electric Bike Revolution

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle is the company's fastest electric bike, reaching 60 mph in 3 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph. The LiveWire ONE is an upgraded version of the LiveWire, with improved speed and acceleration. Electric bikes have transformed commuting and outdoor adventures, offering speed, efficiency, and environmental benefits. The speed of an electric bike depends on factors such as motor power, terrain, rider weight, and legal restrictions. Harley-Davidson, known for its powerful engines and long-cruising capabilities, has expanded into the electric motorcycle market, offering new options for speed enthusiasts.

Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle

Harley-Davidson, a brand that has long been prized for its cruising capabilities, entered the electric motorcycle market with the launch of its first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, in 2019. The LiveWire, later refreshed as the cheaper and faster LiveWire ONE, features Harley-Davidson's custom, liquid-cooled Revelation engine.

The LiveWire ONE is an electric sport tourer that offers an experience of speed and sound. It puts out a claimed 100 hp and 84-86 ft.-lbs of torque from its low-slung motor. The 15.4 kWh battery can carry the bike for a claimed 95 miles of combined highway and city riding. Livewire claims the battery will charge up to 100% in 60 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger.

The LiveWire ONE has impressive speed and acceleration numbers, going from 0-60 mph in just three seconds and topping out at 110 mph. CycleWorld's testing of the Livewire ONE showed that it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is only a fraction of a second slower than the market. The LiveWire ONE's speed and acceleration numbers are even more impressive when you consider that Harley-Davidson motorcycles were never known for being fast.

The LiveWire ONE also offers a range of 55 mph, which is the combined range test result. This range, however, is not a single stat and actual distances should account for real-world factors such as speed, elevation, traffic, and the type of ride. The LiveWire ONE's Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock under braking.

Livewire's speed and acceleration claims

Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, has impressive speed and acceleration capabilities. The LiveWire ONE, an upgraded version of the LiveWire, is an electric sport tourer that offers a unique riding experience with its speed and sound.

The LiveWire motorcycle can reach a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h), and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, which CycleWorld testing confirmed as 3.1 seconds. This acceleration capability is further enhanced by the Revelation™ powertrain, which delivers linear and constant acceleration from 0, producing 100 horsepower and 84-86 ft. lbs. of torque.

The LiveWire's speed and acceleration have been put to the test by riders like Sean Kerr, who pushed the bike to its limits. In one instance, Kerr rode the LiveWire until the battery hit 0%, and the bike still covered the entire 110-mile distance and continued to function, demonstrating its impressive range. In another test, Kerr focused on the 0-60 mph acceleration, achieving it in 3.02 seconds, which is remarkably close to the manufacturer's claim of 3 seconds.

The LiveWire's speed capabilities are further highlighted by its ability to maintain performance even in less-than-optimal conditions. During Kerr's 0-60 mph test, the weather was cold and wet, which typically hinders acceleration. Despite these conditions, the LiveWire's performance was only marginally impacted, showcasing its ability to deliver on its speed claims regardless of the circumstances.

While Harley-Davidson motorcycles may not be primarily known for their speed, the LiveWire and LiveWire ONE have proven that electric power does not compromise performance. With its impressive acceleration and top speed, the LiveWire has revolutionized Harley-Davidson's offerings and shown that electric motorcycles can deliver an unforgettable riding experience.

Livewire's battery range

The LiveWire ONE electric motorcycle is Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle, later refreshed as the cheaper and faster LiveWire ONE. The LiveWire ONE has impressive speed and acceleration numbers, going from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds and topping out at 110 mph. The LiveWire's battery will carry the bike for a claimed 95 miles of combined highway and city riding, and can charge up to 100% in 60 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger.

The range of an electric motorcycle is not a single stat; actual distances should account for real-world factors such as speed, elevation, traffic, and terrain. For example, electric bikes will generally go slower on steep inclines and rough trails compared to flat, smooth roads. Motor power is a critical factor in determining an e-bike's maximum speed and overall performance. A 250W motor is best for city commuting, offering speeds of 15-20 mph, while a 750W or 1000W motor is designed for thrill-seekers, reaching speeds of up to 28 mph or more.

The LiveWire ONE's performance from the combined range test at 55 mph demonstrates how far you can go without recharging. The LiveWire ONE also features a Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) that operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock under braking.

The LiveWire ONE covered the entire 110-mile distance on a single charge and then kept going, even after hitting 0% battery. This hypermiling demonstration shows that the LiveWire ONE can exceed its claimed range and still function normally, providing an unforgettable ride experience that can't be found elsewhere.

Livewire's top speed

The LiveWire ONE is Harley-Davidson's first electric motorcycle, later refreshed as the cheaper and faster LiveWire ONE. The LiveWire ONE has an impressive speed and acceleration, going from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds and topping out at 110 mph. Sean Kerr of Bikes and Beards tested the LiveWire ONE and found that the 0-60 mph time was nearly bang on the manufacturer's rating, although the test was conducted in cold and wet conditions, which would have made the launch a bit slower than optimum.

The LiveWire ONE's speed and acceleration are made possible by its 15.4 kWh battery and low-slung motor, which puts out a claimed 100 hp and 84-86 ft-lbs of torque. The battery also boasts an impressive range, with a claimed 95 miles of combined highway and city riding on a single charge. In fact, Sean Kerr found that the LiveWire ONE was able to exceed this range, travelling 110 miles (177 km) on a single charge.

While Harley-Davidson motorcycles may not be known for their speed, the LiveWire ONE certainly delivers in this department. Its speed and performance have been revolutionary for the brand, delivering an unforgettable ride experience that can't be found elsewhere. The LiveWire ONE's speed and acceleration are further enhanced by its lightweight design and drag-inspired build, contributing to its impressive performance.

It's important to note that the top speed of the LiveWire ONE may be higher than initially thought. In a video reviewed by Electrek, the LiveWire ONE was ridden by a rider with the speedometer clocking 115 mph (185 km/h). While the footage is a bit shaky and hard to verify independently, it suggests that the LiveWire ONE may be capable of even greater speeds than its claimed top speed of 110 mph.

Electric bike speed influencers

The Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle is capable of reaching a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h) and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds. The LiveWire ONE, a cheaper and faster version of the LiveWire, claims to have the same acceleration but a higher top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h).

Several factors influence the speed of electric bikes, and understanding these factors can help riders optimise their performance and make informed choices when purchasing an electric bike. Here are some key factors that influence the speed of electric bikes:

• Motor Power: The motor's wattage is a critical factor in determining an e-bike's maximum speed. Motors with higher wattage tend to provide greater speed capabilities. For example, 250W motors typically offer speeds of 15-20 mph, while 500W motors can achieve 20-25 mph. More powerful motors, such as 750W or 1000W options, are designed for thrill-seekers and can reach speeds of 28 mph or more.
• Terrain: Electric bikes generally travel at slower speeds on steep inclines and rough trails compared to flat, smooth roads. The impact of terrain on speed can be mitigated to some extent by choosing an e-bike model designed for all-terrain performance, such as the Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0, which features a shock-absorbing design and an electric assistance system for handling various road conditions.
• Rider Weight: Heavier riders can impact the speed and performance of an electric bike. It's important to consider the payload capacity of the e-bike to ensure it can accommodate the rider's weight and maintain optimal speed performance.
• Legal Restrictions: E-bike regulations vary by country and region, and these legal restrictions can directly impact the allowable speed of electric bikes. For example, in the United States, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can reach up to 28 mph but require pedal assistance.
• Battery Performance: The quality and capacity of the battery can influence the speed and overall performance of an electric bike. A higher-capacity battery may provide more power and enable higher speeds, while a battery with faster charging capabilities can reduce downtime between rides.
• Aerodynamics and Design: The design of the electric bike can also impact its speed capabilities. Aerodynamic features and lightweight composite materials can reduce drag and improve overall speed performance, especially at higher velocities.

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