2021 Harley-Davidson Livewire Adds Weight, Loses Power
Australian certification documents hint at bigger battery for Livewire
In between feedings for his newborn child, Motorcycle.com’s sleuth, Dennis Chung, has informed us that certification filings in Australia have given us a little bit more information about the 2021 Harley-Davidson Livewire. The first of the major manufacturers to produce a full-fledged electric motorcycle, the Livewire brings with it some cutting-edge technology and performance. Eventually, though, every motorcycle needs to get updated and the Livewire is no exception.
The Australian certification filing doesn’t necessarily tell us a great deal, but what it does tell us is pretty important: The weight has gone up and the power has gone down.
According to the 2020 filing, the Livewire is listed at 249 kg (549 lbs) and 78 kW (105 hp) at 11,000 rpm. The 2021 filing shows revised numbers of 255 kg (562 lbs) and 75 kW (101 hp) at 10,500 rpm.
That’s all we know so far, but while initial impressions about more weight and less power are obviously bad, the reason behind it could be significant: more range via a larger battery. When it comes to electrics, consumers are always looking for more range. Obviously, a bigger battery is one way to get there. With a bigger battery comes some extra pounds, but we’re guessing Livewire enthusiasts won’t be complaining too much about these new changes.
This is all speculation, of course. We don’t know a thing about other updates or changes made – and you know there will be more. Once more information is made available, we’ll be sure to post it here.
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Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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In Australia range is a huge issue so perhaps they are bringing out a version with higher range but less outright power specifically for us
I'm impressed that HD hasn't deep sixed the livewire completely.