Harley-Davidson Will Go All-Electric, Says CEO

Jalopnik ^ | 2023-01-18 | José Rodríguez Jr.

[Salman]

Harley-Davidson is planning to phase out motorcycles powered by its storied internal combustion engines, and will slowly but surely transform into an all-electric brand. Harley CEO Jochen Zeitz tells Dezeen that after 120 years of being famous for its big gas-powered models, electrification is the logical next step. That is, if the company plans on sticking around for another 120 years.

Harley-Davidson’s EV transition “needs to happen,” according to its CEO, and not just on a small scale with a brand like LiveWire. No, we’re talking H-D dealers selling EVs exclusively, although it isn’t going to happen overnight.

...

[libertylover]

That’s crazy. That putt-putt-putt-putter-putt sound is what Harley riders want.

[wardaddy]

CEO is a professional

A German leftist woke CEO with a knack for turning around companies

However he’s obviously completely unaware of what the Harley brand actualy means to it’s aficionados but

[Eleutheria5]

Hell’s Angels just loves them some electric bikes. They’re switching./s

[crusty old prospector]

I bet the insurance was high.

[CivilWarBrewing]

I don't ride a Harley but one of the ONLY redeeming things about a Harley IS THE POWERFULLY LOUD RUMBLE IT MAKES.

Who the hell is going to buy a QUIET Harley, snowflake TESLA OWNERS? They will have to have a SOUND GENERATOR in lieu of combustion exhaust output or else HARLEY-DAVIDSON UP A CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE.

I'm guessing only about 5-10% of current HD owners would by an electric one, but perhaps HD plans to change it's target demographic to fat, single lesbian fembot lefty females.

[Vaduz]

Harley-Davidson’s just became more valuable get as many as you can.

[left that other site]

I have a 1993 FXR Superglide that runs on High-Test.

Been Riding for 50 Years.

[martin_fierro]

Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list
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[Secret Agent Man]

Harley will cease to exist as a profitable company. Get your money out of their stocks now.

[left that other site]

Well I guess I won’t be trading “up” my FXR.

[DouglasKC]

Idiots.

[nicollo]

Why that is not considered noise pollution is beyond me

My understanding is that the excess HD noise was originally the result of poor engineering/build quality, but it became a signature of the brand, so in later, better-built models a slight misfire was designed-in to maintain it.

[Elsie]

That’ll fix the leaky oil problems.

[Elsie]

The market is already crowded.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=electric+scooter&ia=web

[Elsie]

I shudda read ahead.

[Elsie]

...I know a lot of Harley Riders and none I know would even consider an electric bike.

Will they make a tricycle model?

[Poser]

“Harley-Davidson golf carts.”

Harley made golf carts in the 70s. I had a 2 stroke, 150cc, three wheel model. Once I removed the governor, it was quite fast. It was an AMF product with a Harley name plate.

I have owned 9 Harleys. I currently ride a 2007 FLHTCI (Electra-Glide Classic). If you are into comfort and don’t race on public roads, the Harleys are fabulous.

The whole idea that they will all be electric is ridiculous. The current crop made since the 80s will last at least 50 years if properly maintained. I sold my 1948 FLH in 2015 when I retired and moved to Florida. It will still be running in 2048.

[Dead Corpse]

This would be as phenomenally stupid as Smith and Wesson switching over to nothing but pepper spray and tasers.

[Elsie]

Biker babe without her leathers.

[Dead Corpse]

Hi Martin, can you add me to the list... I’ve broken out of my cage again and am rejoining those who Ride.