The new Harley-Davidson LiveWire ONE marks a pivotal moment for the iconic American motorcycle maker as their first-ever battery powered model. Introduced for 2020 and now entering its second generation for 2023, the LiveWire ONE pioneers Harley‘s ambitious push into electric without sacrificing the brand‘s soul or performance.
With silent operation, futuristic styling and smartphone connectivity that appeals to young riders plus the prestige of the Harley badge, the LiveWire ONE could convert even old school enthusiasts hesitant about EVs. Let‘s examine if this $23K electric motorcycle truly earns the Bar & Shield badge.
Harley Breaks New Ground with LiveWire EV Program
Harley-Davidson sold its first motorcycle prototype in 1903. It would be 117 years until the historic brand added legitimate battery electric offerings to its iconic lineup anchored by loud, rumbling V-twin engines.
Why the extended wait? Likely a combination of factors – limited electric powertrain tech, lack of customer demand, and no competitive pressure. But with upstarts like Zero Motorcycles showcasing the performance potential of electric motorcycles, Harley could no longer dismiss the coming wave.
Here‘s a timeline of Harley‘s strategic shift into electric vehicles:
- 2014: LiveWire electric concept model first unveiled
- 2018: Confirmed focus on electrification after sales struggle
- 2019: Production LiveWire launched with limited availability
- 2021: Formed LiveWire as a separate electric division
- 2022: LiveWire division spins off into independent company with plans to go public
Clearly Harley-Davidson now aims to be a leader not follower when it comes to electric, investing proper resources both in talent and manufacturing capability.
The LiveWire ONE, formerly just called the LiveWire, enters its second generation for the 2023 model year as the current halo product. A smaller, cheaper LiveWire DEL MAR targeted at urban riders also joins the portfolio.
But this is only just the start – with the dedicated LiveWire entity combined with support from the main Harley umbrella, expect an accelerated roadmap of additional electric two-wheelers spanning various riding purposes and price points so more riders can electrify.
Introducing the 2023 Harley-Davidson LiveWire ONE
The LiveWire ONE exemplifies Harley-Davidson‘s new stylistic direction – angular and aggressive like a stealth fighter jet yet finished with premium fit and finishes.
Gone are the traditional front teardrop fuel tank and twin exhaust pipes, replaced by a narrow chassis profile powered by an electric motor mounted low and centered between the battery in the "fuel tank" cavity and gearbox below the flat seat.
It may rob the LiveWire ONE of signature Harley V-twin sound but the silent operation compounds the bike‘s mysterious, batmobile-like vibe. Let‘s examine the key technical details:
Powertrain
- Permanent magnetic electric motor named Revelation®
- 78 kW (105 hp) peak power
- 86 ft-lbs of instant torque
- Liquid-cooling with internal circulating coolant
Battery and Range Estimates
- 15.4 kWh lithium-ion battery capacity
- 140+ mile max range when sticking to urban streets
- 70+ mile range for continuous 70 mph highway riding
- 11kW AC home charging adds 13 miles range per hour
- DC fast charging (0-80%) in 40 minutes enables longer trips
Ride Dynamics
- 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.0 seconds
- Top speed capped at 110 mph
- 43mm inverted front forks, rear monoshock absorber
- Michelin Scorcher tires with sport bike tread pattern
- 320mm brake discs, radially mounted calipers
Chassis and Components
- Cast aluminum frame with steel rear subframe
- Fully adjustable SHOWA suspension components
- Low 30.7 inch seat height accessible for most riders
- 560 lb curb weight delivers 82 hp per ton power-to-weight ratio
Besides performance, the LiveWire ONE packs useful features expected on premium motorcycles plus some unique extras tailored specifically for electric:
- 4.3 inch TFT touchscreen display with Bluetooth smartphone integration
- Five selectable ride modes: Sport, Road, Rain, Range, Custom
- Haptic pulse motor for simulated vibration feedback
- Tilting H-D badge activates charging status display
- Remote operation and security via mobile app
Riding Impressions Confirm Thrilling Harley Pedigree
Most motorcycle reviews praise the LiveWire ONE‘s fierce acceleration – whether shooting from downtown stoplights or chasing supercars down highway on-ramps, the electric powertrain outputs tremendous torque the moment you twist the throttle, throwing heads back into helmets with face-stretching G-forces.
The dash from 0 to 60 mph arrives in a blink at just 3.0 seconds – quicker than almost all production motorcycles including top tier superbikes from Europe. Power climbs steadily towards its capped 110 mph top speed for racing traffic or just enjoying empty winding backroads.
Handling proves stable and precise thanks to premium adjustable suspension components and sticky sport touring tires. Slow speed maneuvering does require some adaptation coming from heavier gas powered Hogs but the low center of gravity soon bolsters confidence.
Braking performance matches the LiveWire ONE‘s fierce acceleration courtesy of ABS-enhanced, radially mounted front calipers actuating oversize brake discs with additional regenerative braking pitching in.
While sacrificing iconic Harley V-twin rumble, the whisper quiet electric motor enhances the modern, stealth-fighter styling. Harley understanding riders still expect some sensation of power pulsing through the chassis so they designed in haptic feedback.
Seating accommodates a wide range of riders with a relaxed standard posture and just 30.7 inch seat height. All critical controls and screens stay with easy view.
For $23K, the LiveWire ONE demands a premium but stacks up nicely to European superbikes costing even far more when adding their extensive options. And compared to other electric motorcycles, nothing else replicates Harley‘s imposing style and prestige.
LiveWire Ownership Cost Analysis Over 5 Years
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire ONE carries an MSRP starting at $22,799 USD for the Vivid Black colorway, extending up to $23,299 for premium paint options. What about ongoing ownership costs though? Let‘s run some projections.
Purchase Price
- Base Model MSRP: $22,799
- Premium Colorway: +$500
- Set Aside Battery Replacement Fund: +$2,500
Operating Costs Over 5 Years
- Electricity (100 mi/week at 10¢/kWh): $2,600
- Two Battery Replacements: $5,000
- Tires (replaced every 10k mi): $1,200
- Insurance/Registration Fees: $3,500
- Public Charging Network Subscriptions: $500
Total Cost of Ownership: $35,600 over 5 years
For comparison, a similarly priced gas-powered touring motorcycle averaged over 5 years tallying gas costs, oil changes, tune ups, and maintenance totals around $43,000.
Factoring in potential electric vehicle tax incentives around $7,500 cuts the LiveWire ONE‘s overall cost down to $28,100, notably cheaper than a conventional Harley.
Who is the Harley LiveWire ONE For?
The limited range and premium pricing of the first generation LiveWire restricted its appeal mostly to diehard Harley fans or early EV adopters. But for the second generation LiveWire ONE, usability and affordability both improve to court more typical motorcycle shoppers.
The LiveWire ONE makes the most sense for:
- Younger urban riders wanting quick, green city transport with style
- Performance seekers craving neck-snapping acceleration in a unique package
- Harley loyalists seeking evolution from air-cooled to electric
- Commuters needing reliable transportation with some excitement
- Tech-focused riders attracted to cutting edge components
Its acceleration and tech outweigh the regression in range and acoustic character for riders craving innovation over tradition. The LiveWire ONE separates from the vintage pack as a true modern Harley.
What Comes Next for Harley‘s EV Program?
Harley-Davidson aims for 50% of sales from electric models by 2030 as the whole portfolio transitions from gas to battery-powered.
To achieve that, expansion must occur across multiple fronts:
1. Improved Battery Tech
- Ongoing improvements to range, charging speed, durability
2. Additional Models - Expand into new segments beyond sport bike like adventure, touring
- Smaller bikes to appeal globally
3. Lower Costs - Drive down MSRP through scaling production
- Improve manufacturing efficiency
4. Mainstream Adoption - Alleviate anxiety around serviceability, range, sound
- Build out charging infrastructure
While the LiveWire ONE kicks off the revolution, its $23K price tag remains restrictive to wider adoption. Harley must apply its manufacturing prowess to achieve economies of scale that reduce EV sticker prices.
But by separating LiveWire as a dedicated division, Harley-Davidson can focus investment solely into electrification rather than spread resources across dying gas-powered models relied on by its loyal boomer demographic.
The silent transformation has begun. As battery tech catches up, expect electric Harleys to herald the next chapter where thundering V-twins fade into nostalgia.
