Harley-Davidson gives new meaning to ‘Electra Glide’

Initially this means select consumers across the US will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson’s first-ever electric motorcycle.

While not immediately for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed to gain insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Project LiveWire Experience invites customers to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the motorcycle. Even those who don’t yet ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience.

A US tour this year – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davids on dealerships this year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the US and expand into Canada and Europe.

This exciting new ride blends the company’s styling heritage with the latest technology to deliver a new expression of the Harley-Davidson look, sound and feel.

The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound.

“The sound is a distinct part of the thrill,” said Harley-Davidson senior vice president Mark-Hans Richer. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market.”

Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour.

“We offer a no excuses riding experience in everything we do and we are led by what our customers tell us matters most,” said Richer. “Because electric vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, we are excited to learn more from riders through the Project LiveWire Experience to fully understand the definition of success in this market as the technology continues to evolve.”

As riding in the great outdoors is one of the best elements of motorcycling, sustainability remains a core strategic focus at Harley-Davidson.

“Preserving the riding environment is important to all of us,” said Harley-Davidson president Matt Levatich. “Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come. As a company that has seen success for 111 years, we think in generational terms about our great riding environments for the next 111 years.”

Fans can learn more about Project LiveWire at projectlivewire.com. Harley-Davidson also invites anyone who is interested in the possibilities of the future to follow and engage with the company on its social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.