Harley-Davidson follows the electric vehicle trend. The company unveiled its very first motorcycle powered by electricity. While the bike promises to reduce emissions in big cities and make the world a better place, fans of the brand are not happy with this decision.
The electric Harley was introduced this week and it is referred to as Project LiveWire. From a general point of view, the machine looks pretty impressive and its design is, in a way, futuristic. The bike will be entirely powered by electricity. For that purpose, it will rely on batteries. According to Harley-Davidson, it can be easily recharged through electrical outlets and that the processes will require only a few hours. The company plans to create docking stations in different parts of the U.S. at some point in the future.
All of that sounds great and it shows that technology is developing at a fast pace and that it is finding a good use almost everywhere. However, not all Harley-Davidson fans were thrilled about the electric motorcycle. The web was flooded with comments which often expressed mixed reactions. Some devoted bike fans approve of the way the new Harley looks. They like its lines and sporty shapes. On the other hand, they are quite skeptical about the fact that it is battery-powered. It appears that common fear has rooted among the Harley online community that the electric motorcycle will not offer the trademark roar of the brand’s bikes. Nevertheless, from Harley-Davidson were quick to deny. The company explained that the motorcycle will offer a new and unique sound. However, it also assured the new roar will appeal even more to fans since it will resemble the sound made by aircraft carrier.
Electric car owners, however, are a bit more open-minded towards the electric Harley. They are welcoming the idea of Harley-Davidson to join their own ranks and to promote eco-friendly lifestyle.
But Harley-Davidson has probably expected such a polarization of consumers’ opinion. That is maybe why it has decided not to release the bike on the market yet. Instead the company will take the motorcycle on a tour across the U.S. and later Europe and Canada. In that way it will give fans a chance to try out Project LiveWire and see it in a more positive light. If things go well, the electric Harley may find its way to the U.S. mass market. But for that to happen, motorcycle enthusiast need to see that the bike can still roar and not just hum.
