Many experts believe that the motorcycle industry is in trouble. A few weeks ago, we discussed this very issue as professionals gathered at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in order to discuss the industry’s fate. Harley-Davidson has become a big player in the fate of motorcycle riding. The legendary company has been going through its own changes as it tries to reignite the market. Now, this spirit of change may force Harley to finally release a motorcycle it has been developing for years, but will it be too little too late?
Has the Livewire Gotten a Release Date?
As a microcosm of the motorcycle industry, Harley-Davidson is looked at as a pillar of motorcycling. However, in 2017, the company has fallen onto hard times. Worldwide, sales dropped by 6.7 percent compared to 2016, and here in the U.S., sales dropped 8.5 percent. These numbers have only galvanized Harley’s efforts to reach a new audience, and electric motorcycles may be the company’s next step.
Harley says that within 18 months, the company will be selling electric motorcycles. This exciting news has many wondering what bike Harley could be releasing, considering its long-running Project Livewire. The Livewire is a product concept bike built by Harley to show it could enter the electric vehicle market. Test rides have been conducted all over the country to generally positive feedback, and the Livewire had a Cameo in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. But the program is now pretty long in the tooth.
The 7-kWh battery used in the Livewire is now behind the times as far as technology goes, and fans have been teased with the potential release of the Livewire for so many years that its release could be a disappointment for many. This has left many to speculate that Harley may release an electric motorcycle that we haven’t seen before, so the company can stay current with the latest technology.
With Harley-Davidson’s legendary status, and an extensive worldwide dealership network, this could be the kick in the pants that electric motorcycles need to become mainstream. Rumors of the new Harley EV are starting to circulate, and with the potential for using Tesla’s charging network, Harley EV users could find that range is one of their few worries.
Will new Harley owners pass up the used market in order to buy one of these brand new EV’s? The motorcycling attorneys at Metier Law Firm are excited to find out. Ride on Colorado!