Harley-Davidson reveals project Livewire.

The gas guzzler has now become your friendly neighborhood bike maker! US based iconic motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has revealed Project LiveWire – the first Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle.

Select consumers across the United States will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike. This will help the company shape the future of Harley-Davidson’s first-ever electric motorcycle. Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purpose of getting insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Thus, at this point, no commercial angle is being looked into. Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour.

Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company stated that America at its best has always been about reinvention. And this holds even true for Harley-Davidson which has reinvented itself many times in its history, with of course its customers leading it every step of the way, he added.

Customers are being invited to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the story of the motorcycle. Even those who don’t get to ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience.

A 2014 U.S. Tour,  with a journey down Route 66, will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the U.S. And expand into Canada and Europe.

Levatich said in the last few years the company has broadened its reach to serve an increasingly diverse society, as well as reinvented its approach to product development and manufacturing. This, he said, has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore touring bikes, Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 models.

Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car, stated Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. He said  it is more of an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric.

Richer added that the sound of the motorcycle is a distinct part of the thrill. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. The project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market,” he said.

Source: Harley-Davidson.