I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!!

You may or may not have heard that Harley Davidson has a plan to release 50 new models in the next 5 years and 100 in the next 10.  One or two of those new models are, for sure, going to be electric motorcycles.  They have made statements that their new electric bikes will be out by the 2020 model year (which would be next summer/fall). 

Also, recent reports indicate that that Harley has filed for trademark protection on the name “H-D Revelation” for batteries, chargers and powertrain.  It would not take a great leap to think that this could also be the name of the electric motorcycle. 

If you listen to the DawgHouse podcast you will know that I have issues with electric motorcycles.  Most of those issues are around range and luggage.  I have nearly a 90-mile (round trip) commute that includes crossing two mountain ranges. Tie that into the fact that I tend to be heavy on the throttle makes me concerned that without a 200 mile “normal conditions” range I might not make it home.  I also need saddlebag space to hold a backpack of “stuff” that I transport to and from work.  Both of those concerns would need to be filled before I would even consider an electric motorcycle.

But Harley is bringing something to electric game that other motorcycle manufacturers, with the exception of Honda, can’t. Harley Davidson has nearly 1000 dealership in the US to serve as recharging points.  I include Honda as they could leverage their car dealership in any electric recharge station count.

As yet, no real clues have come out on what the production model will spec out with or its appearance.  While it could be polished version of the prototype “LiveWire” Harley Davidson electric motorcycle (which I got to ride, click here for my post on the LiveWire) I would be disappointed if that were the case.  Disappointed unless there was the sport bike with the “LiveWire” look and a cruiser styled bike.  This is from my selfish POV, I could no longer ride a sport bike as a daily commuter.

At this point in time I would be surprised if the design(s) were not completed.  In order to meet the 2020 deadline they would now have to be in the process of building out the assembly line tool/robots/jigs etc.. 

So it true HD is going to bring an electric motorcycle to market.  That alone states that electric motorcycles are now legit! 

As for the rest of the 50 in 5, I am hoping that the recently trademarked name “Pan-American” is for a new touring class motorcycle with a V-4!