Posted on 06/19/2014 1:19:10 PM PDT by kingattax
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson has introduced its first electric motorcycle, a sleek, futuristic bike that sounds like a jet airplane taking off and can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.
The bike isn't in production yet. Instead, the public will get its first look at handmade demonstration models at an invitation-only event Monday in New York. The company will then take the models on the road for riders to try and provide feedback. Harley will use the information to refine the bike, which might not hit the market for several more years.
The venture is a risk for Harley because there's currently almost no market for full-size electric motorcycles. The millions of two-wheeled electric vehicles sold each year are almost exclusively scooters and low-powered bikes that appeal to Chinese commuters. But those focused on electric vehicle development say Harley has the marketing power to create demand, and its efforts to lower costs, build charging stations and improve technology will help everyone involved.
"It does validate what we've been doing; it adds additional credibility to it. It is certainly going to draw more people's attention to electric motorcycles. The marketing horsepower of Harley-Davidson is going to be able to do things for us that we can't do on our own," said Scot Harden, vice president of global marketing at Zero Motorcycles, the top seller of full-size, high-powered electric bikes
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
To be debuted on Sons of Anarchy, next season...
Jax is gonna love it
P I N G
What’s that movie with the rider in flames
They’ll need some pretty big playing cards in the spokes to make all the noise that Harley riders want.
You mean the Electra Glide was a false name?
Ghost Rider. :-)
In stead of leaking oil, it will burst into flames.
What’re they gonna do for the rumble? Put baseball cards in the spokes?
What is the range? What is the recharge time?
OK Read the article. 130 miles, hour recharge. Makes a cross country ride a pain.
How gay
Does it come with a paint can shaker and a leaking can of oil?
Naw...
Each one comes with an MP3 player and speakers, and plays a recording of a real Harley when you open the throttle.
I still think they have seriously missed a trick on the personal watercraft. You have Yamaha and other ricers... I want something that looks like a see doo and sounds like my Sporty w/screaming eagles
Speaking of more noise, how are Harley riders and other operators of loud motorcycles exempt from tickets for excessive noise that would surely draw a ticket for a car?
Moped?
” sounds like a jet airplane taking off “
Won’t sell. Have to add back-firing sound effects, a vibrator and leaking oil tank to make it a real Harley.
Vincent actually built one of the first personal water craft.
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