Harley-Davidson updates LiveWire electric motorcycle specs, boosts range

Harley-Davidson’s new LiveWire premium electric motorcycle will begin deliveries this fall. Ahead of production, the company has now released more finalized specs including better range than originally expected.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire specs updated

Harley-Davidson is showing off its new LiveWire electric motorcycle at the Geneva Motor Show.

Along with bringing its two new light electric bike and scooter concepts to Geneva, the company is also sharing new details about the LiveWire.

Previously, the range of the LiveWire was listed as 110 miles (177 km) in the city.

But now Harley-Davidson has updated the production verified numbers. The new city range has been verified at 140 miles (225 km).

Additionally, the company has now disclosed a mixed range rating for highway and city riding of 88 miles (142 km).

Those range estimates were provided using the SAE J2982 Riding Range Test Procedure.

LiveWire Level 3 DC Fast Charging rates

In addition to the new range figures, Harley-Davidson also provided an update on the LiveWire’s charging options.

For those needing the quickest recharge, the LiveWire accepts Standard DC Fast Charging.

That should fill the battery from 0-80% in 40 minutes or 0-100% in 60 minutes.

One common complaint about the Harley-Davidson LiveWire has been its lower range compared to other electric motorcycles. As one of the few electric motorcycles capable of Level 3 charging, the LiveWire will at least be able to charge up quickly, even if it requires more stops on longer rides.

And Harley-Davidson also ensures that all dealers who carry the LiveWire will also have Level 3 chargers on site.

New acceleration figures

Harley-Davidson updated the acceleration figures on the LiveWire as well.

Previously we knew that the bike could accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 3.0 seconds.

Now the company has given a bit more information, revealing that the next 60-80 mph (97-129 km) journey should take just 1.9 seconds. That means riders should be able to break pretty much any highway speed limit in 4 seconds and change.

LiveWire’s motor and battery casing

Electrek’s Take

I’m glad to see that range number bumping up. I think 88 miles of mixed range isn’t amazing, but it’s certainly better than what I was expecting when the previous city range estimate was 110 miles. The new 140 miles of city range is actually fairly sufficient for most riders, in my opinion. I’m not saying it fits the $29,979 price, but I think its enough battery for most urban riders.

Zero and Lightning will both be a smidge higher on the range, but how far can you really go in a city? The LiveWire’s premium price means it’s likely to live in a garage for most riders, not street parking outside an apartment building. So overnight charging is always option for many riders.

But what bothers me is that we’re still left with a number of questions. How big is the battery? How much motor power are we talking about? How much torque?

Harley-Davidson hasn’t spilled the beans on these details yet. But with deliveries of the LiveWire inching ever closer, we hope to learn more soon.

In the meantime, Harley-Davidson isn’t getting any breathing room in the market. Competitors are on its heels with their own rival motorcycles. Two California companies, Zero and Lighting, both have new models this year that are priced below the LiveWire while offering comparatively higher speeds and ranges. Will the LiveWire be able to compete on its innovative tech, premium components and all-American legacy? Time will tell.