All-Electric Harley-Davidson Can Be Ordered Now

With the powertrain sitting lower in the frame than a traditional V-twin, the LiveWire also promises more agile handling, aided by standard anti-lock brakes and traction control. For better or worse, it won't vibrate or make the same kind of noise as Harley's burbling internal-combustion engines, but it "is designed to produce a new signature Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed."

HDMC estimates the LiveWire will go for 110 miles in between charges (based on urban use), and it's expected to be able to plug in to a standard household 110-volt outlet, an upgraded (European-standard) 220-volt outlet, or a specially installed quick-charger.

As you might expect of a cutting-edge electric vehicle (but probably less from a Harley), the LiveWire also boasts a full range of connectivity features to inform riders of their bike's battery-charge level and alert their smartphone if someone's messing with their ride.

Intrigued? Pre-ordering is now open for delivery starting next fall, with prices starting at $29,799, making it less expensive than four-wheeled electric vehicles like theChevy Bolt(which starts at $36,620) orTesla Model 3(priced from $35,950) – but more than other, similarly sized, conventionally powered Harleys, and closer to the price of a larger cruiser.

What's more is that you can be sure that the LiveWire won't be the last or the only electric motorcycle that Harley-Davidson will offer. Though it didn't release much in the way of details, it's showcasing a couple more two-wheeled electric vehicles at CES – one taking the form of an off-roader and another closer to an urban scooter.

The bigger question as far as we're concerned, though, is what kind of monstrous electric powertrain the Motor Company might fit into one of its bigger cruisers, choppers, or even trikes in the years ahead.