KIWI RIDER 08 2019 VOL.1 | Page 46

POWER PLAY FOR THE KIDS Not only did Harley-Davidson have the LiveWire and its two latest electric concepts on show, but the company also had two diminutive EVs on hand for us to check out. Dubbed the Iron 12 and Iron 16, the two mini electrics from Harley are the result of a little badge engineering following the company’s buyout of Stacyc electric bikes earlier this year. Designed for use by small children and including easily removable battery packs and geofencing controls, the little bikes are set to launch in the US alongside the LiveWire priced between $600-$1000 US. Sadly for us, there is currently no word on whether they will make it down here for Kiwi kids to enjoy, but I know I definitely want an Iron 12 for my little Sprocket. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit in my suitcase for the trip home… 46 KIWI RIDER Powering the LiveWire is a 15.5kWh battery which is positioned at the centre of the bike. In fact, the majority of the bike is visually taken up by the battery. Interestingly, Harley still uses a standard bike battery for powering the accessories, which is located just in front of the rear wheel, allowing for all the power from the main lithium-ion battery to go to the motor. The motor itself – dubbed the “Revelation” by Harley – runs along the base of the bike and produces 106hp (78kW) and 116Nm, both from zero rpm. That’s right, it makes peak power and torque immediately. Power is sent to the belt final drive via a bevel system which in turn gives the LiveWire a unique sound. That sound, which is best described as similar to a jet turbine engine, becomes apparent when the bike is under acceleration – and getting heavy on the throttle was hard to resist with the bike reaching 100km/h in a fraction over 3-seconds. As your speed increases so does the whine from the bike right up until you hit the bike’s top speed of 177km/h. If you’re on the team claiming that LiveWire is too quiet for urban riding and won’t get noticed, that sound is reasonably noticeable, and let’s not forget the LiveWire is equipped with a handy horn (most bikes have ‘em don’t ya know?) which is also useful for alerting other road users to your presence. Unlike traditional Harley’s, which for obvious reasons are quite clearly ‘on’ once you’ve pushed the starter, the electric LiveWire isn’t quite so clearly switched on. As such, Harley developed a special haptic feedback system which is emitted by the bike to physically signal the rider that the bike is on. It only works at a standstill (if you’re moving it should be pretty clear the bike is on) and essentially is the result of the electric motor producing a subtle pulsing of torque, kind of like a heartbeat, which is designed to let the rider know the bike has come to life and is ready to ride. It is a weird sensation when you first notice it but you quickly come to appreciate it. Other indications that the LiveWire is ready to ride is the sides of the TFT dash will illuminate green as a visual cue.