“ Even the ambient temperature can have an impact on the overall distance the bike will travel . It definitely requires a bit of a mental shift to adjust to this
Harley-Davidson completely reworked the frame and subframe for the production model . The result is the ability to carry a pillion thanks to the subframe redesign , while the frame itself has lost the rough finish of the prototype machines .
OUT AND OUT PERFORMANCE With the NZ press intro taking place on the track at Pukekohe Park , we really got the chance to put the performance aspects of the LiveWire to the test , which was something I was actually quite hesitant to do in Portland last year . A top speed of an indicated 184km / h was achieved on the test bikes well before the back straight chicane , though H-D says top speed is a true 177 , so we can assume this is a case of the speedo over-reading slightly as is the case with most vehicles . Surprisingly the factory-fit Michelin Scorcher tyres held on remarkably well on the track , but out on our road ride , I hammered the throttle on mid-corner to have the rear wheel break out and be caught by the traction control system . With typical sports-bike sizes of 120 / 70-ZR17 and 180 / 55-ZR17 , chucking a set of sportier tyres on once you ’ ve killed the factory rear hoop
should be no problem - just choose your poison . It ’ s a feat that probably won ’ t take long if you ride with the TCS disengaged most of the time and love to hammer on the throttle .
RANGE ANXIETY With continuously improving charging infrastructure here in NZ , the range of the LiveWire – stated at 235km urban and 160km highway / urban – isn ’ t high , but also isn ’ t a deal-breaker in my eyes . It is worth noting , however , that the range varies drastically depending on prevailing conditions and how you ride . If you hammer on the bike in Sport mode you will drain the battery quickly and drastically reduce your range . Even the ambient temperature can have an impact on the overall distance the bike will travel . It definitely requires a bit of a mental shift to adjust to this - something known in EV circles as ‘ range anxiety ’, but if you ’ re using the bike for short , fun jaunts ( as LiveWire was designed for ) it shouldn ’ t be an issue . Interestingly , Harley-Davidson recommends using the DC system for only one out of every four charges to maintain battery life ( the battery does , however , have a five-year
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