by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com
Motorcycle.com can confirm that the first LiveWire-branded electric motorcycle from Harley-Davidson will be called the LiveWire One. The information comes to us via Vehicle Identification Number deciphering information Harley-Davidson submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We expect the 2021 LiveWire One will be revealed on July 8. [Updated with some clarity about the claimed horsepower output]
The VIN filing confirms that the LiveWire One will claim a peak output of 101 bhp (that’s brake horsepower). By comparison, the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire (which we’ll henceforth call by its model code, “ELW”, to avoid confusion) was previously listed in VIN filings at 70 bhp. We believe this was the measured continuous output rather than a peak output, which Harley-Davidson has claimed to be 105 hp. As we previously reported, Australian certification documents suggest the 2021 ELW will see its peak power drop from 105 hp to 101 hp, matching what the VIN filing indicates.
The LiveWire One will go by the model code LW1, and the internal vehicle code “XB”, making it distinct from the ELW and its internal vehicle code “XA”, and further confirming its status as Harley-Davidson’s second electric motorcycle. The VIN information also confirms the LiveWire One will be considered a 2021 model.
In retrospect, the LiveWire One name doesn’t come as a real surprise. The company’s first ever motorcycle was called the Model 1, and Harley-Davidson went back to that theme for its Serial 1 electric bicycle brand. Interestingly, “One” is spelled out for the LiveWire instead of being a number.
Apart from the name and its claimed brake horsepower output, we don’t know very much about the LiveWire One. The name may suggest something more classically styled, but on the other hand, one of the reasons for spinning off LiveWire into its own brand is to create some separation from Harley-Davidson’s heritage.
Harley-Davidson previously stated it would reveal the first LiveWire-branded model on July 8. The bike was supposed to make its first public debut on July 9 at the International Motorcycle Show at FivePoint Amphitheater Irvine, Calif., but the venue has since pulled out, deciding to only host musical concerts through 2021. Harley-Davidson hasn’t announced an alternate date, but we suspect the LiveWire One will be at the next IMS stop, July 16-18 in Sonoma, Calif.
