Harley-Davidson’s Project LiveWire is an electric motorcycle

Have you heard of sound patenting? The first-ever sound patent to register successfully was the ‘lions roar’ at the opening of the MGM splash screen. The second was filed by Harley-Davidson. The ‘Potato Potato’ sound that is distinct to a common crankpin V-twin that Harley-Davidson employs was patented back in 1994, although withdrawn in 2000 after facing massive opposition from nine competitors. This just shows the dedication of the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer when it comes to how throaty and muscular their motorcycles sound. The sound of a Harley is practically tradition. So when H-D announced a potential foray into electric motorcycles, it not only comes as a shock (sorry) to us, but is a massive deviation from the core ideologies of the brand. But as Harold Wilson, former PM of Great Britain said — “He who rejects change is the architect of decay”.

Harley released a teaser video yesterday of what the upcoming electric bike would sound like. As the motorcycle zooms passed a signboard on route 66, there is none of the iconic thump that Harley V-twins are famous for. Instead, there is the signature whine from an electric motor as the motorcycle swooshes passed on the empty road. It’s closer to something you’d hear in a Transformers movie than a traditional V-twin rumble, and Harley has designed it as such. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Although details are scant at the moment regarding the performance figures and other specifications of the motorcycle, Harley has promised “a no-excuses riding experience”. While many Harley enthusiasts might consider electric power anathema to Harley and to the brands’ image, it’s great to see such a storied, traditional manufacturer embrace a technology of the future.

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For all those excited by the electric Harley, prepare for some dissapointment. The bike isn’t going into production any time soon. The electric bike is only meant to gauge consumer sentiment. Project LiveWire will journey across the US this year offering glimpses and test rides to enthusiastic customers, and will do a repeat performance in Canada and Europe next year.

An electric Harley… what next, an all-electric sports car? Wait, that already exists.