HARLEY-DAVIDSON’s First Electric Sports Motorcycle “LiveWire” Debuts in Japan!

201204_sagawa_01.jpg Columns

Debut in Japan at Harley Rakugo

On December 3, Harley-Davidson's first electric sports motorcycle for the Japanese market, LiveWire, was unveiled to the media at Kanda Myoujin in Tokyo. Following the opening of "Harley Rakugo" by Rakugo comedian Kichisho Tachikawa, the Japanese version of the Livewire was unveiled for the first time in Japan.

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At the presentation, Harley-Davidson Japan representatives gave detailed explanations of the Japanese version of the vehicle, and then the actual vehicle was displayed on the grounds with the temple in the background, as well as "Harley Rakugo" and the gallant figure of Livewire for the public to see. The ceremony to dedicate a commemorative ema (votive tablet) as a safety prayer was held in a spectacular manner.

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Basic specs, such as 100km/h in 3 seconds, are the same as the European and American specs.

Livewire is the world's first mass-produced electric sports motorcycle, and the Japanese model is the first to be introduced in Asia.

It is powered by a fully electric, high-performance electric motor with a maximum output of 105ps, powered by a 15.5kWh high voltage lithium-ion battery (RESS), which delivers 100% of the torque from zero to 100km/h in about 3 seconds. No need to operate the clutch or shift gears, just use the throttle to achieve a free and easy ride.

Advanced safety systems such as seven ride modes operated by a TFT touch panel, ABS, and traction control for cornering are standard. A regenerative braking system recharges when decelerating, while also providing a natural engine braking feel.

Supports level 3 fast charging, which is widely used in Japan

The Japanese version of the model is basically the same as the model that has been available in Europe and the US since late last year. Unique features of the Japanese version include support for two charging options, including CHAdeMO, the international standard for Level 3 quick charging, which is widely used in Japan.

A normal charge (J1772), which is designed for use at home with the included charging cable, can be fully charged in about 12.5 hours, and a Chademo standard charger, which is being introduced at highway SAs and shopping malls, can charge the battery to 80% in about 40 minutes and to 100% full in about 60 minutes. The same is true for the cruising range, which is up to 235km on a full charge, or 153km including city and highway driving.

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The battery has a five-year warranty with no mileage limit. The vehicle itself is also covered by a three-year warranty. In order to ride the Livewire on public roads in Japan, a large motorcycle license or an AT license is required. No vehicle inspection is required.

I saw the future firsthand in Livewire, which I first rode in the US last summer.

The black and orange color scheme of the livewire sitting in front of me matched the color of the temple well, and I thought it blended in with the traditional Japanese landscape, not to mention the city.

I personally rode the Livewire at the International Media Test Ride held in Portland, USA last summer, and was thrilled by the unique sound of the motor's high-frequency roar as it spins and rises, combined with the noise of the drive train. I remember that. The driving feel was impressive in terms of perfection, including handling.

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The home engineers and designers involved in the development of the motorcycle were young and full of enthusiasm for starting something new. It was a vision of the future of motorcycles that was different from gasoline motorcycles. It was very emotional to think that this dream machine was finally going to make its domestic debut.

According to Harley's people, the Japanese version of the motorcycle has actually undergone some minor changes that are not visible to the eye. No details have been released, but in any case, it's been over a year since then, so we'd like to think that the Japanese version will be even more complete.

Deliveries will begin in February of next year at 3.5 million yen in Japan

The Japanese model will be available in two colors, Orange Fuse and Vivid Black, at a suggested retail price of 3,493,600 yen (including tax), and pre-orders will be available from December 3. Delivery is scheduled for February to March 2021.

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The actual motorcycle will be on display at Kanda Myoujin until December 6, and from December 11, the Japanese model will be sequentially displayed at authorized dealers nationwide.

See HARLEY-DAVIDSON Moto Index Page

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