Harley-Davidson Tests Reaction to Electric Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson Inc. is testing consumer interest in an all-electric powered version of its iconic motorcycles.

The Project LiveWire prototype bike will begin a 30-city tour across the U.S. next week, starting in New York City. The Milwaukee-based company plans next year to extend the tour in the U.S. and expand it into Canada and Europe.

Consumers will get a chance to ride the LiveWire bike or get a feel for it with the Jumpstart Demo simulator.

Harley-Davidson concedes that an electric bike is a sharp departure from the raucousness of its iconic V-Twin-powered "hogs." The company cautions traditionalists that LiveWire is simply another exploration of how the brand might expand its customer base.

The prototype is styled like a racing bike with aggressive rake and short tail. Its longitudinally mounted electric motor is encased in a housing designed to evoke a top fuel dragster's supercharger. The bike is equipped with a video display in lieu of the usual instrumentation and appears to be fitted with an all-LED lighting system.

Harley-Davidson has provided no details about the bike's powertrain or range. But it promises "tire-shredding acceleration" and an unusual jet turbine-like sound.

The company describes the electric bike as a concept whose chances of going into production will be heavily determined by feedback collected during the demonstration tour.