A Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycle set all-new records for elapsed time and top speed by an electric-powered production motorcycle on a drag racing course on September 4. Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider and three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion, Angelle Sampey stepped off her Harley-Davidson pilot the LiveWire bike to capture world record-breaking runs on the quarter and eighth-mile. She covered the eighth-mile distance in 7.017-seconds and the full quarter-mile course in 11.156 seconds at 110.35 mph. The 2020 LiveWire motorcycle’s top speed is limited to 110 mph.
The records were set during exhibition runs at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis. This is another great pass at a bold future In Harley-Davidson’s quest to lead the electrification of motorcycles.
“Let me tell you what’s amazing,” said Sampey. “That was the first time I rode the LiveWire. I could not wait to get it on the track. The LiveWire is so easy to ride. Just twist the throttle and go, and you really go!”
Sampey and her Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines teammates, Andrew Hines and Ed Krawiec, made a number of head-to-head drag race runs on stock LiveWire models. Sampey posted the quickest times. She is the winningest female in motorsports history with three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle championships (2000-2002) and 43 Pro Stock motorcycle wins.
LiveWire 101
The LiveWire is an all-new, all-electric model designed to offer riders a thrilling and high-performance motorcycling experience. It’s infused with a new level of technology. The LiveWire motorcycle rapidly accelerates with just a twist of the throttle. No clutch use or gear shifting required.
As Sampey proved at Indy, the instant torque provided by the H-D Revelation powertrain delivers exhilarating acceleration from a stop. The LiveWire motorcycle rushes from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 kph) in 3.0 seconds and 60 to 80 mph (100 to 129 kph) in 1.9 seconds. Because maximum torque is always on tap, roll-on acceleration for passing from any speed is outstanding. An optimized center of gravity, rigid aluminum frame, and premium adjustable suspension components give the LiveWire motorcycle dynamic handling. With up to 146 miles of range*, performance is optimized for the urban street-rider.
Bike of Revelations
The H-D Revelation electric powertrain produces minimal vibration, very little heat, and minimal sound. All of which enhance rider comfort and create a unique riding experience, even on the drag strip.
Licensed riders can take a complimentary test ride on the LiveWire motorcycle at select Authorized LiveWire Harley-Davidson dealerships in the United States, Australia, Canada and most European countries.
*Riding range estimates provided following SAE J2982 Riding Range Test Procedure and are based on expected performance of a fully-charged battery when operated under specified conditions. Actual range will vary depending on riding habits, ambient weather and equipment conditions.
