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!
The guy who had the office across from mine had at least one like yours.
No prize winners but running.
My wheels are rusted and I am not sure about replacements in that area. The rest I can figure out.
Or stop or accelerate well either.
Cannot mess with the precious traditionalists. It is the "look" that matters.
They get to use the bike path and get discounts on the ferry.
I’ll stick to my old Shovel.
Overpriced? Check. Underperforming? Check.
Yep. It’s a Harley.
I don’t understand the point. Get an inexpensive motorcycle if you don’t care about exercise and an inexpensive bike if you do care about exercise.
I had one of those, too!
take a look at Ariel bikes
I am not fan of electric vehicles - but some are more interesting than others
Yes. 48Volt. I am getting approx half the distance as when new. I am planning on a new one this spring. About $500 for a new replacement. Also reduced range in the cold now.
I had one of those; same year and model too. It was my first street bike. Up till then I had dirt bikes. The last one was street legal.
I could see having and using one of these e-bikes for certain people and situations like inner city or suburbia where no more than 5 or 6 miles away was the destination and then the bike could be made very secure like chaining it to a guard station or something.
I’m a buyer for the bicycle. At my age my ego no longer demands an Electra Glide.
What year?
“I could see having and using one of these e-bikes for certain people and situations like inner city or suburbia...”
It’d be a great toy but I wouldn’t ride it to the beach (4 hr trip).
1981.
Even as it sits in the garage sort of apart, it gets compliments.
We have two, His and Hers, Yamaha 650’s, a ‘03 (hers) and an ‘04 (mine).....and a ‘04 Suzuki 800 she rides ......
Used to have his and hers Honda Goldwings, but they are too much to handle now...............
I dream of one day doing a barn-find of a 1950’s era HD.................
It’s all about the branding and social status.................
Oh...how the mighty have fallen.
Gotta be PC for the Millenial crowds that are staying away in droves..................
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.