Harley-Davidson unveils its first electric motorcycle

US-based iconic cult bike maker Harley-Davidson today unveiled its first electric motorcycle, Project LiveWire.
While not for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purpose of getting an insight into rider expectations from an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the company said in a statement.
The company said starting next week select consumers across the US will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson's first-ever electric motorcycle.
Commenting on the move, Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and Chief Operating Officer Matt Levatich said: "Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history."

Levatich said in the last few years, Harley-Davidson has broadened its reach to serve an increasingly diverse society as well as reinvented our approach to product development and manufacturing.
"This has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore touring bikes, Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 models and this reveal of Project LiveWire," he added.

A 2014 US tour will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the US and expand into Canada and Europe, the statement said.
This new bike blends the company's styling heritage with the latest technology to deliver a new expression of the signature Harley-Davidson look, sound and feel, it said.

Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour, the company said.