Harley-Davidson Introduces Electric Motorcycle!

[daveinva]

Wow, did NOT expect this from Harley, at least not this soon:

http://www.myfoxny.com/story/25817399/harley-davidson-introduces-electric-motorcycle

My thoughts:
1. Awesome!
2. Definitely a *completely* different audience to appeal to than the traditional HD riders. Electric bikes aren't touring bikes (yet), so these are still short-hop fun bikes. Given how HD is increasingly marketing to young, urban riders, an electric bike makes sense for the crowd.
3. No loud pipes! :clap:

Anyway... now I ***really*** wonder if BRP is thinking of an electric Spyder. I want my Tron-model RS! ray:

 

[Bob Denman]

It's a nice-looking package; but they haven't really told us much about it yet...:thumbup:

http://www.businessweek.com/news/20...u-dot-s-dot-as-harley-tests-no-exhaust-demand

Time wil tell...

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I think Honda has an electric bike.

 

[Chupaca]

Very nice..!!

there are others already out there but it will be a different crowd. There is something about an internal combustion engine under you that makes ryding it so much fun. Having an electric motor which your only need is to charge the battery and checking the speedo to know your running just does not interest me. They are getting very good and may whizz buy us soon good looking etc....:2thumbs:

 

[bluestratos]

Wow, they will have to play a recording of loud pipes now!

 

[daveinva]

there are others already out there but it will be a different crowd. There is something about an internal combustion engine under you that makes ryding it so much fun. Having an electric motor which your only need is to charge the battery and checking the speedo to know your running just does not interest me. They are getting very good and may whizz buy us soon good looking etc....:2thumbs:

I won't slag electric bikes for the simple reason that what makes them ride so differently than ICE bikes is part of their appeal. It's like, I can love bikes AND Spyders, my heart can love ICE bikes AND electrics, too!

Always looking for new ways to have fun! (and spend $$$... and more $$$... and more $$$... sigh :joke

BTW, as Bob noted, they're only testing them now, so it may be years, if ever, until HD puts out an electric bike for sale. Given HD's penchant for vaporware (leaning reverse trike, anyone?), I won't be shocked if they never sell an electric bike.

That said, the more competition, the merrier. I love the Zero and Brammo bikes, but HD can bring a LOT more resources to bear against the challenge of improving range and charging speed. Personally, I'm hoping one (or all) of these manufacturers signs a deal with Tesla at some point in order to leverage the same national charging network that Tesla is (slowly) building. The sooner there is a "standard," the better it will be for EV development.

 

[DJFaninTN]

it's not for me but more power to them. speaking of power ... while this may all look good you do realize that energy cost are going through the roof. what looks great today may not be such a great deal tomorrow, especially when we are closing down more power plants :banghead:.

 

[bullant12]

According to the article, the range is 53 miles per charge (as of in development).

So much for long rides...:sour:

 

[Bob Denman]

I won't slag electric bikes for the simple reason that what makes them ride so differently than ICE bikes is part of their appeal. QUOTE]
...It's not Internal Combustion. :shocked:
it's...
:2thumbs:

Could you seriously imagine a bunch of "Hawgsters" sitting at Mahogany Ridge"; discussing voltages? :yikes:

 

[jcthorne]

I just think its great to see a mainstream bike manufacturer get into this. Will move it along much more quickly. Yes, range is an issue but can be solved with $$. Lithium Ion batteries are expensive.

I'd buy an electric version Spyder RT if it had 100 plus mile range and similar performance in a heartbeat.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

San Jose Police go with electric bikes! http://news.yahoo.com/video/sjsu-police-officers-switch-electric-020100480.html

 

[qasamm]

This is exciting. Batteries are getting smaller, safer and cheaper all the time. The more companies explore EV technology the better for everyone. I think HD has a chance to get this to market before the hybrid Spyder we were teased with a few years ago!

 

[Dan_Ashley]

I wonder if they will offer an option to create "Official HD Pipe" through the speakers on the bike. Just wondering.

 

[Bob Denman]

Let me paly "Devil's Adovcate" here for a moment...

Our powergrid could never support a large increase in the use of electric vehicles; at least not without some VERY substantive improvements and additions to it.

:shocked: Sorry...

 

[jerpinoy]

Progressive developments are always a winners. Tesla cars are good example. Clean tech are the future for all of us especially for our kids grandkids. Pros and cons should be evaluated and backed with evidence. I'm glad HD are heading toward progressive developments its the right thing to do.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Let me paly "Devil's Adovcate" here for a moment...

Our powergrid could never support a large increase in the use of electric vehicles; at least not without some VERY substantive improvements and additions to it.

:shocked: Sorry...

The grid is designed to deliver max output through the day, and has lots of extra capacity at night. So, if vehicles are charged at night, then it will be good. Lower cost to the consumer and improved revenues to the power companies with no attendant increases in fixed costs.

 

[ARtraveler]

The subject will bear watching IMO.

A mainstream motorcycle manufacturer doing R & D with public input--sounds like a good start.

There are many hurdles to overcome and I for one am not ready to jump on an electric cycle.

The project is up and running. Anyone know what is happening with the BRP hybrid that everyone thought was pretty cool?

 

[Bob Denman]

The grid is designed to deliver max output through the day, and has lots of extra capacity at night. So, if vehicles are charged at night, then it will be good. Lower cost to the consumer and improved revenues to the power companies with no attendant increases in fixed costs.

But that's kind of assuming that NONE of the E-Vehicles get plugged in at work, in preparation for the trip home... :shocked:

 

[jwulf74]

EV's are mainly Coal Powered... some natural gas and nuclear...wind and hydroelectric are only a small amount. Just as much or worse pollution due to electricity production and the toxic batteries will have to go somewhere once they die. I just don't see them as practical or more environmentally friendly. Hybrids are OK as you can keep going on gas when needed.

Having said that, the HD EV would still be fun to go back and forth to work on.

 

[jcthorne]

Let me paly "Devil's Adovcate" here for a moment...

Our powergrid could never support a large increase in the use of electric vehicles; at least not without some VERY substantive improvements and additions to it.

:shocked: Sorry...

Actually, yes it can. I'll explain. Almost all current electric vehicles are being equipped with smart charging ports where there is a data link between the vehicle CPU and the charger. The smart chargers have the ability to ask for off peak power availability or to stop charging during peak events. This means that they will charge during times when the grid is lightly loaded, like at night and early morning hours. This tech is already in place, not some future idea. Most of these smart chargers have the ability to override if you really need a charge 'right now' but most folks dont, just have it charged by morning.

Until our vehicle fleet changes to FAR higher percentage of electric use, the grid will really not be a problem. By then we will be able to increase the capacity of our infrastructure to support as it will be a slowly climbing target and able to project.