Harley-Davidson has announced that a Harley-Davidson LiveWire 100% pure electric motorcycle set an all-new world record at a drag racing strip on 4th of September 2020. The World record was set by Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider and three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, Angelle Sampey. The record-setting run was set at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, during an exhibition run.
The record was set over a one-eighth mile and quarter-mile setting a ⅛ mile time of 7.017-seconds and the full ¼ mile course in just 11.156 seconds at 110.35 mph (177 kmph). It is important to note that the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle is electronically limited to 110 mph (177.02 kmph).
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire is powered by a Harley-Davidson Revelation electric powertrain featuring a permanent-magnet electric motor that makes 98 hp of power and 109.8 Nm of torque sending power to the rear wheel via a belt drive and the LiveWire can sprint from a standstill to 100 kmph in 3 seconds and 100 to 129 kmph in 1.9 seconds.
While the US-spec Harley-Davidson LiveWire claims to deliver 146 miles (235 km) per charge, according to the brand’s official Indian website the LiveWire returns a range of 225 km on a single charge. The difference in range is due to the battery capacity which is slightly smaller in capacity at 13.5 kWh.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire features highlights such as a 10.9-cm colour TFT touchscreen dashboard with connectivity features, Electronic Chassis control, Drag-Torque Slip control, riding modes, 6-axis IMU etc. Other hardware includes – multispoke alloy wheels, fully adjustable Showa upside-down front fork suspension, fully adjustable rear monoshock, twin disc brakes with radially mounted callipers on the front and a single rotor unit on the rear.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire starts at USD 27,799 in the United States market.
In other news, Harley-Davidson is planning to launch a new entry-level motorcycle targeted towards the emerging market. The new motorcycle is speculated to be powered by a 338cc parallel-twin engine and is likely to be built in conjunction with China-based auto major Qianjiang Motors.