Electric tractor...

http://www.cnet.com/news/apocalypse-growl-harley-davidson-to-make-electric-motorcycle/

Discuss...

Sounds like: I kind of like it.

As long as it leaks oil, is obnoxiously loud, and uses yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices, it should sell.

It's the end of the world as we knew it.

This is supposedly the bike: I'd heard nothing about this until yesterday. From what little I can see, it looks quite interesting.

Can't vouch for the accuracy, but here are some numbers on the beastie:

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=harley+livewire&d=207645705605&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=dg9Z9jxMNUOtzXH9oOD4zb7_N2atSeU0

"it looks quite interesting"

the bike, or the red head

wbjones wrote: "it looks quite interesting" the bike, or the red head

What bike?

Found the official Harley page on this bike:

http://project.harley-davidson.com/en_US

In reply to foxtrapper:

Looks too much like a streetfighter and won't make enough noise with the throttle pinned WOT sitting at stoplights for it to attract any current harley owners....Also, wtf is harley's infatuation with the belt drive?

Oh I agree the typical Harley crowd will reject this bike. The boards already have the screams about lack of noise and the like.

But this really opens the company up to a far wider demographic that has typically ignored Harley, and visa-versa. Harley kinda opened the door with the vrod, and then the two midsized bikes, and now this electric bike. Their image of only making big heavy pigs is being solidly changed, and their market should expand as a result.

As for belts, no Harley expert an I. Though belts are smoother and quieter and take less maintenance than a chain. I've got no complaints about mine.

why is the title of this thread "electric tractor"?

bravenrace wrote: why is the title of this thread "electric tractor"?

Good question. Most tractors run much better than a Harley.

I thought about titling it "Electric Paintshaker" but thought it would be too confusing.

This is actually pretty neat and therefore it will be dead within two years. Harley people won't buy it for the obvious reasons and Non-Harley people won't buy it because it's a Harley.

As silent as a bicycle and as fast as a motorcycle, sounds like a dangerous combination, although I would enjoy because I hear people on their motorcycles revving and being loud every day and night.

singleslammer wrote: This is actually pretty neat and therefore it will be dead within two years. Harley people won't buy it for the obvious reasons and Non-Harley people won't buy it because it's a Harley.

Nailed it in one. The sport bike crowd won't set foot in a Harley dealership. The Harley crowd doesn't buy sport bikes. They would be better off making a liquor cycle. At least the DUI Harley guys would have something to ride when they get out of jail.

In reply to Toyman01:

YES, harley brand 49cc scooters........

In reply to yamaha:

You joke, but thats already been a thing.

Zero and Brammo have already been selling similar electric motorcycles for a few years now. I like the idea - these days, most of my riding is well within the range of an EV, and I don't care about making noise anymore. They cost too much for me, though.

stuart in mn wrote: Zero and Brammo have already been selling similar electric motorcycles for a few years now. I like the idea - these days, most of my riding is well within the range of an EV, and I don't care about making noise anymore. They cost too much for me, though.

The two things that will work in Harley's favor is that they have a huge dealer network and ass loads of cash. I haven't a clue where to get a Zero.

One of the guys in our club is a Zero dealer, I'm pretty sure he's the only one in the province.

singleslammer wrote: This is actually pretty neat and therefore it will be dead within two years. Harley people won't buy it for the obvious reasons and Non-Harley people won't buy it because it's a Harley.

It's a shame that H-D doesn't have another brand in house, that attracts new, non traditional H-D customers, maybe one that is known for innovative and off- beat sporty bikes.

In reply to HappyAndy:

Ural?

I went with a friend to the local H-D stealership because she needed some small part. In the very back of the sales floor was a Ural Patrol, all by itself, shoved into a corner. While my friend wandered around, looking at all of the overpriced accessories, I hopped onto the Ural. I sat there for a good 15 minutes and NOBODY acknowledged me or the bike at all. I got the feeling that it was like an unwanted stepchild.

Every time I look at that bike I think it would be perfect as a 500cc single.

...which, IMHO, Harley could actually market easier.

And HappyAndy, yeah, I loved the Buell hint.