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Harley-Davidson introduces electric motorcycle
Tri-City Herald ^ | June 19, 2014 | By M.L. JOHNSON Associated Press

Posted on 06/19/2014 8:12:03 AM PDT by shotgun

Excerpt:

Harley-Davidson will unveil its first electric motorcycle next week, and President Matt Levatich said he expects the company known for its big touring bikes and iconic brand to become a leader in developing technology and standards for electric vehicles

Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/06/19/3026587/harley-davidson-introduces-electric.html?sp=/99/915/#storylink=cpy


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society
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To: shotgun

Motorcycles get such good fuel mileage I don’t see the advantage of an electric bike.


61 posted on 06/19/2014 2:11:27 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler (Conservatism is the political disposition of grown-ups.)
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To: Jeff Chandler
Motorcycles get such good fuel mileage I don’t see the advantage of an electric bike.

Might have something to do with selling California carbon credits to automakers. Since it is all electric, riders should be able to take them on HOV lanes.

62 posted on 06/19/2014 2:25:11 PM PDT by EVO X
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To: shotgun

I’m an old guy who remembers when Harley’s leaked as much Oil as British Sports Cars. They have vastly improved since the days of my ill spent Youth.

I was just being facetious. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around an Electric Harley. They should make it a Kick Start just to appease their audience.


63 posted on 06/19/2014 2:30:00 PM PDT by Kickass Conservative (Proud Antiobamunist since 2008...)
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To: EVO X

Ah, government interference in the market.


64 posted on 06/19/2014 3:11:29 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler (Conservatism is the political disposition of grown-ups.)
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To: shotgun

I ride 700 mile days. For that, the Electra-Glide with cruise and a back rest is perfect. I like it better than the Goldwing or Beemer 1600. My knees ache after 8 or 9 hours on bikes with rearward foot positions. For distances under 100 miles, a BSA Thunderbolt or a Ninja 250 do the job, albeit in a completely different fashion.


65 posted on 06/19/2014 8:19:48 PM PDT by FXRP
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To: KarlInOhio
>" Harleys would be fine if they could just fix the problem of riders needing to rev them at every stop sign or traffic light."

During the oil stain decades, reving was the only way to keep the crappy gear oil system pumping. Either rev it or rebuild it.

66 posted on 06/20/2014 12:31:21 AM PDT by rawcatslyentist (Jeremiah 50:32 "The arrogant one will stumble and fall ; / ?)
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To: shotgun

RIP HD? LOL!

I remember the last time they died...when they added electric starters.


67 posted on 06/20/2014 8:37:04 AM PDT by Lee'sGhost ("Just look at the flowers, Lizzie. Just look at the flowers.")
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To: Revelation 911

No kidding. 53 miles, then stop and charge for 3.5 hours, with 220 volt (meaning, you can’t just stop somewhere and charge it, unless you carry a step up converter around with you). Takes a lot of the fun and spontaneity out of riding. But I do imagine it is “doable” for those who just like to ride around a bit on Sundays.

Curious about other things, such as transmission (automatic? Can it even be manual?) and whether it has an auto-roll feature (it must if it is automatic). The Tesla has an auto roll feature that makes the car feel like a gas car does when you step off the brake. It actually comes in 2 speeds. You need to roll forward before you can pick up your feet, obviously. But maybe you just gas it, no clutch like an ATV or Trike?

It looks cool, and I think Harley Davidson has the right to try to market something in the sports category, something advanced etc... I know most purists don’t want those bikes. That’s why they bought Buell. It’s funny how even the fuel injection was ‘controversial’. I rented a Road King on Maui a few years ago (I ride an 2000 FXST and a newer Triumph T100) and actually liked the fuel injection though maybe it was just the scenery that got into my head.


68 posted on 06/20/2014 4:48:53 PM PDT by monkeyshine
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To: EVO X

Riders already get HOV lane access... and in between lanes too :-)


69 posted on 06/20/2014 4:50:48 PM PDT by monkeyshine
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To: monkeyshine
had a 84 sportster myself - pre evo - come to think of it - 54 miles was about my limit then with my kidneys lol - sold it in 94 as my arthritis started to become worse - wouldn't dare do it now - I'd be bedridden in stiffness the next day

though may just maybe one of those can am 3 wheelers might coax me back

70 posted on 06/23/2014 7:52:33 AM PDT by Revelation 911 (no more monkeys jumpin on the bed)
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To: Revelation 911

I saw a group of people zipping around town on those Can Am Spyders last Saturday night. Looked like they were having fun, definitely full of pep.


71 posted on 06/23/2014 12:52:45 PM PDT by monkeyshine
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To: LibWhacker

Wow! Them is some serious ape hangers. I’d rather do cafe bars.


72 posted on 06/23/2014 1:06:07 PM PDT by AFreeBird
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