Posted on 11/12/2019 1:13:10 PM PST by Red Badger
Harley-Davidson hasn’t been shy when it comes to talking about its ambitious electric bicycle goals. In fact, Harley-Davidson electric bicycles are a big part of the More Roads to Harley Davidson plan.
But what H-D hasn’t done is show off its electric bicycles in public. Instead, they’ve only shown us renderings and pictures. Until today that is, when Harley-Davidson included the first three H-D electric bicycle prototypes in its sprawling display at the EICMA 2019 Milan Motorcycle Show.
The three electric bicycles were front and center at the vast H-D booth, though they were surrounded by a glass barrier to keep people like me from copping a feel.
Even so, we’re able to glean a lot of info from the prototypes on display.
Harley-Davidson electric bicycles seen with high-end components
We first published an exclusive leak regarding the pricing structure of the H-D e-bikes last month. At the time, we learned from a dealer that the Harley-Davidson e-bikes would range in price from $2,500 to $5,000. That would certainly put them in the premium category of e-bikes.
And now we’re getting a better look at why the bikes might command such high prices. And no, it isn’t just because of the bar and shield logo.
The prototypes were displayed with H-D’s proprietary mid-drive motor connected via belt-drive to an internally geared rear hub. One of the prototypes even sported an automatic shifting Enviolo continuously variable transmission, a component only found on premium electric bicycles.
All three Harley-Davidson electric bicycles also feature high-end hydraulic disc brakes clamping down on what appears to be massive 203 mm rotors.
Such components are normally reserved for higher end mountain bikes, and their inclusion on H-D’s e-bikes indicates that the company isn’t here to mess around with budget-minded, $600 e-bikes.
Other interesting design features include taillights that are built into the frame of the bike, though they appear to be mounted fairly low on the bike at the rear of the dropouts. And I’m not 100% positive on this, but I believe the border around the H-D logo on the headset of the bikes is also an LED light, which would function as a headlight in this case.
The battery appears to be a removable unit with a key lock built into the shell of the mid-drive motor. However, the battery case itself looked to be rather small, perhaps indicating a lower capacity battery. However, it’s hard to tell how deep the battery extends into the motor case. And it’s also quite possible that there’s no battery in the case at all, especially considering the early prototype nature of these e-bikes. LiveWire received prominent display as well
The Harley-Davidson electric bicycles weren’t the only electric vehicles on show. Nearby were a set of four prominently displayed LiveWire electric motorcycles.
There were also two more LiveWire bikes set up on dynos to give people the experience of revving an electric Harley. I decided to skip that experience since I’ve been fortunate enough to already track test a LiveWire electric motorcycle on a Formula E race track.
And while we’re on the subject of Harley-Davidson’s E-things, we might as well include the whole family. Harley had its pint-sized electric balance bikes on display as well for the young riders. And before you say H-D ain’t woke, check out their little pink one designed to get girls riding early!
What do you think of Harley’s e-bikes? Let us know the comments below!
Basically i use my 36vdc 20” elec bike for short little trips down to the pool or 711. The 48vdc 26” bike needs new batteries and im broke. Both have banana seats and high handlebars. Very cool bikes. Former was a childs bmx and latter a schwinn cruiser.
I had one!.................
Very cool, but for $2500, I would expect at least front suspension.
You guys don’t expect a FReeper with a name like mine to not reply a lot on a thread like this??? haha
I would never buy that HD e-bike. It’s UGLY and looks VERY uncomfortable. I loath the hunched over bike-riding configuration.
My e-bikes are very comfy. You sit up straight and comfy. And people notice when you go flying down the street silently without moving your legs.
When I ride to 711, my e-bike gets more attention than the big fat motorcycle that rides up. Not that I care, just sayin.
The e-bike prices are RIDICULOUS. You can make your own for like $500 and a donor bicycle. Both of my donors were free. Sis gave me the 20” and I found the 26” Schwinn cruiser on the side of the road.
Goodwill usually has good used bikes............cheap!..........
It also needs to go "potato-potato-potato" when idling, or no deal.
You just need to think outside the box:
Bike inside Giant Human Hamster Ball = Waterproof Transportation!
They better put some artificial sound to it. The idea that these electric vehicles can be right on your tail and you don’t hear a damn thing....It’s a killer.
high-end hydraulic disc brakes
= = =
How about electronic braking to recharge the batts.
That could significantly increase the range of a charge.
Or, push to the top of Pike’s Peak, and fly down, recharging enough to solve ALL the CO emissions and Fossil Fuel problems. Just need a really long extension cord.
Ebike has allowed us to go to a one car household. A huge savings.
but, does it say potato, potato, potato at traffic lights?
Nope, it’s mute!............................
Maybe I will get around to getting the long sitting CB750K running.
I’ve got the parts and harness bookmarked. Too many other budget items recently.
“Over the five years I have had the ebike I have put just shy of 9,000 miles on it”
Are you still on your first battery. If so then that’s impressive.
a simple playing card and clothes pin works. Biodegradable too.
Did AMF buy Harley again?
The vagrant camps in my town are a good "source" of cheap bikes and parts
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