Livewire Downunder

We weren’t the first to throw a leg over the LiveWire but we were the first bunch to ride them on Australian roads.

- Mick Withers

When Harley-Davidson launch a new rolling chassis or engine, they generally bung on a good do. Covid-bloody-19 reduced the LiveWire launch to a real bare-bones ride with NSW-based bike journos along with people who already understand and speak EV like natives.

The first time H-D let journos loose on LiveWires was a few years ago in Asia. The feedback was directly related to the preconceived attitude to EV (which I found out means Electric Vehicle).

Let’s get one thing out on the table: Harley-Davidson will continue to build and sell motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines. The introduction of the LiveWire is not the start of the end of life as we know it. The people running around with pitchforks claiming the end of the world is nigh sound the same as the conspiracy theorists who were up in arms when the M8, Twin Cam and Evolution engines, monoshock Softails, Dynas and Street 500s were released. Harley-Davidson offer six different platforms for one simple reason: Every single one of you wants something different. Even if you and your mate both buy the same Softail, give it six minutes and they’ll be different.

The LiveWire is just another option. It’s not for everyone, but neither is a Freewheeler.

Buell fanatics will find more familiarity than a Road Glide rider will. If we all wanted the same thing, the Motor Company would offer a single model, and places that sell food wouldn’t need a menu.

YEAH, BUT …

You’re 100% right; it looks nothing like any other Harley. Sounds nothing like any other model, either. Even sitting on it doesn’t bring up any Harley related memories. This is a whole new experience with a H-D logo.