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Is the new LiveWire One electric Harley a good fit for RVers? No, that’s not a typo. You read that correctly. Harley-Davidson has engineered and released an electric motorcycle. In this day and age, electric vehicles are all the rave. From eBikes to electric Jeep Wranglers, it seems that manufacturers are rapidly trying to secure their foothold in the electric vehicle industry. The motorcycle industry is no different. In 2019, Harley-Davidson launched their very first all-electric motorcycle, the LiveWire. Shortly after in 2021, they relaunched the LiveWire with a significantly lower price tag and dubbed it, The LiveWire One.
Let’s jump in and take a closer look at the LiveWire One, an electric motorcycle by Harley-Davidson.
The original price tag on the 2019 model was $29,799. Although it was very popular for its performance and style, it never gained much traction because of the high price, and sales suffered as a result. To remedy that issue, the LiveWire One has a new, lower MSRP of $21,999.
Did Harley-Davidson Lose Its “Voice”?
There are certain brands on the market that get instant recognition. For instance, the Airstream travel trailer. When you see one of these iconic campers, there is no way you can mistake it for something else. With its shiny, polished, silver bullet-like exterior, you can spot one from a mile away.
The same hold true for Harley-Davidson with its unique sound. In fact, Harley-Davidson once attempted to trademark this sound before withdrawing the application later. However, when you hear the rumble of a Harley, you instantly know it’s a Harley. But what does the new electric version of this unmistakable motorcycle sound like? Does it still possess that low, bone rattling sound that many Harley owners describe as “Potato-potato-potato-potato”?
LiveWire One Specs
As you can see, the LiveWire One (LW-1) sounds nothing like a traditional Harley. I can’t imagine how they could begin to recreate that sound in an electric version. Although they missed the mark on the sound, the electric Harley makes up for it in performance. On a full charge, the LW-1 has a range of 146 miles and is equipped with a charger that can re-charge the batteries in about an hour.
To start, the LW-1 puts out 86 ft-lbs. of torque, coupled with 100 horsepower and a total weight of 562 pounds. There are four power modes that determine power output as well as throttle response and regenerative braking.
The four power modes of the LiveWire One are Sport, Road, Range, and Rain. Each mode carries its own performance output, depending on the riding conditions. In addition, these output presets are 100% customizable to fit your individual needs.
Power Modes Of The LiveWire One
Adjusting between the power modes is simple. The turn signal is a rocker switch which doubles as the power mode switch. By clicking on it, the mode changes and allows you to cycle through the four modes.
Sport Mode
In Sport mode, you will have the ability to go from 0-60 mph in just under three seconds. Since the LiveWire One doesn’t have a clutch, the one-speed just keeps going faster. In fact, LW-1 claims that the electric Harley can reach top speeds of up to 110 mph.
Road Mode
If you are looking to tune it down a bit, switch into Road mode. To make for a more relaxing, enjoyable ride, the regenerative braking is at a minimum. What this means is when you let off the throttle, the LiveWire One will freewheel more than it would it Sport mode.
Range Mode
To tune it down even further, in Range mode, power output is lower than Road mode. Regenerative braking is higher than in Sport mode which allows you to brake later when heading into a turn. Some riders claim this takes some getting used to because the LiveWire One slows down very quickly when the throttle is released.
Rain Mode
In Rain mode, regenerative braking, power, and throttle response are all set to the minimum settings. These lower settings provide a safer ride in wet conditions and keep the tires from skidding while braking.
Is The LiveWire One A Good Fit For RVers?
RVers and motorcycle enthusiasts have a lot in common. The most important is their sense of adventure and love of the open road. Many RV owners have already merged the two lifestyles as a way to get the best of both worlds.
Traveling in an RV is a great way to see the country. In addition, if you bring a motorcycle along, your adventures become almost limitless.
While eBikes are becoming more and more popular among RVers, there are additional benefits to bringing your motorcycle with you on a trip. The best one being the ability to explore places that you can’t get to in your RV, or are too far away for an eBike.
With a range of 146 miles, the LiveWire One may not offer the complete freedom you’re looking for. I mean, you can take those short trips into town to run errands, but you might be somewhat limited to where you can explore past that. The last thing you want is to run out of battery power while you’re cruising the back-country.
Taking A Motorcycle With You
Unless you plan to load a motorcycle in the bed of your truck, you will have to explore other options for carrying a bike with you on the road. The most popular option is the toy hauler.
Toy Hauler
Toy haulers are a great choice for RVing with one, or even two, motorcycles. These rigs will give you the needed space to set up a “base camp” with a residential feel. A toy hauler will have a dedicated space at the rear of the trailer for motorcycles, quads, or other even a golf cart.
These “garages” will often transform into sleeping quarters with bunks for when you need the additional space for friends. The ramp can also be used as a free-standing deck to sit on at the end of the day with an adult beverage.
Motorcycle Trailer
If the toy hauler doesn’t fit your needs, you might consider a motorcycle trailer. You can easily load your LiveWire One, or gas-powered Harley, and tow the trailer behind your RV. This is a favorite option to many RVers as they can use the trailer for other things as well.
If you are pulling a travel trailer, depending on your state, you may be able to triple-tow. Of course, many states have regulations and laws pertaining to triple-towing. Always check with the authorities before attempting this option.
Pay special attention to your GVWR and never exceed this weight rating.
Motorcycle Lift
The third option is using a motorcycle lift to carry your LW-1, or other motorcycle. These motorcycle lifts are easy attach to your Class A or Class C and are easily stored. Keep in mind, however, that there are other things to consider before taking this route.
The most important consideration is weight. Make sure you purchase a lift that can accommodate the weight of your motorcycle. At 562 pounds, the LiveWire One can be hauled with most any motorcycle lift.
Know which class of hitch is on your RV and ensure it can accept the male connector on the carrier.
If you will be towing a trailer or “toad”, make sure the motorcycle lift can accommodate a trailer.
Conclusion Of LiveWire One
Is the LiveWire One a good fit for RVers? That is a question that doesn’t have a definitive answer. There are several factors that go into a question like that. What are your individual needs as an RV owner? Does the price point justify the 146-mile range on a single charge? Further, if you are an avid Harley-Davidson fan, you might not enjoy the sound of the new electric version. In my humble opinion, you can get a lot more for your money by going with a gas-powered motorcycle for exploring past the campground.
What are your thoughts on the electric motorcycle from Harley? Is it something you would consider purchasing? Better yet, have you already purchased one? I would love to hear what you think. Leave us a comment in the section below and let us know.
