Even if utilities such as scooters seem the most suitable for electric propulsion, “real” motorcycles also find their account, compensating for a limited range by thrills. Two American novelties are headlining, with a pure player and an ultra-traditional brand. Harley facing Zero: the electric motorcycle poster of the year.
Harley Davidson Livewire et Zero SR/S
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In the field of electric motorcycles, it is impossible not to draw a parallel with the world of the automobile. Thus, the Californian Zero Motorcycles is irremediably thinking of Tesla : pure player electric and precursor, it arrives with fully mature models like this sporty-GT SR / S very design when the market begins to take off and the acceptance of such machines in the biker public is a little greater. An already delicate path in the world of motorcycles, very attached to the roaring of engines, while what about the arrival of an electric model at the very traditional Harley-Davidson?
Clever, the Milwaukee manufacturer has chosen to anticipate the inexorable change of paradigm, especially in the city with zero emissions centers that are spreading at high speed. Goodbye V-Twin to show off in front of the café terraces, place a spectacular roadster muscular with performances that make people talk. So much for the context.
Harley Livewire and Zero SR / S Specifications
| Harley Livewire | Zero SR/S | |
|---|---|---|
| Power (hp) | 105 | 110 |
| Couple (Nm) | 116 | 190 |
| Battery (kWh) | 15,5 | 14,4 |
| Minimum charging time | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Average autonomy (km) | 158 | 198 |
| 0 to 100 km / h (s) | 3 | 3,2 |
| Max speed (km / h) | 180 | 200 |
| Motorcycle side sockets | Combo CCS | Type-2 |
| Weight (kg) | 251 | 229 |
| starting price | 33 900 € | 21 720 € |
Design: different personalities
All honor, the Harley LiveWire has been so talked about since the presentation of its first prototypes years ago (2014!) That its silhouette is known as the white wolf in the motorcycle world. Even the black sheep for some, too refractory … It is a small roadster stocky, compact and aggressive, very stylish and which pushes the attention to detail far.
Its all-chrome Revelation engine is very visible, its visible frame suggests great rigidity, its cantilever saddle promises great sensations, with an unusual driving position for an HD. In short, she imposes and plays the showers, especially in the orange color of our test frame and its details are very neat.
Harley Davidson Livewire
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In front of it, the Zero Motorcycle SR / S would play almost a low profile. However, this streamlined derivative of the SR / F offers a very neat, harmonious and modern design. Obviously, the fairing no longer hides its entrails and who does not pay attention could take it for a thermal model, without knowing that the copper-colored cylindrical block in front of its rear wheel is its Z-Force electric motor. A commitment to classicism for this model more designed for daily use with its protection.
But make no mistake, she also plays sportsmanship, with its aggressive LED light rail, sporty and tapered proportions. For those who prefer roadsters, a version without fairing is available, the SR / F. Raw strength or more subtle sportiness, they already display very different personalities from the first glance.
Zero SR/S
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Battery: autonomy against fast charging
With 198 km on average (219 km with the additional battery option of 3.6 kWh) against 158, the Zero offers a greater range of action than the Harley, while their batteries are of fairly similar capacities (14.4 and 15.5 kWh respectively). But that’s not the only factor, battery management is crucial and in this area Zero benefits from years of valuable experience. Engine, aerodynamics and mass are all criteria that also influence autonomy. Clearly, with a fairing and 20 pounds less on the scale, the Californian is putting some advantages on its side.
As for the load, it’s a bit more complicated. For the Zero, it all depends on the version you choose, because as an option, an additional 6 kW charger can charge the battery in 1 hour (from 0 to 95%, 1.5 hours for a full charge). On a domestic socket, you will have to wait 4h30 for a full charge (for about ten hours for its competitor). The Harley is the only one of the two capable of direct current charging and this allows it to go from 0 to 80% charge in just 40 minutes (60 minutes to reach 100%).
Harley Davidson Livewire Taken
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Taking the Zero SR / S
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It is also necessary to have an adequate charger. In this area, the LiveWire is at an advantage, even if the SR / S does not stand out, especially in its version with optional 6 kW charger.
Equal power does not mean identical sensations
At equal power, different sensations! It’s a paradox: the SR / S develops practically the same power as the LiveWire and, moreover, its engine torque is much higher (190 Nm against 116). However, it’s the Harley that gives the handlebars the strongest sensations, to pull on the endless arm as soon as the handle of the ” gas “… On paper, however, the accelerations”canonesques »From 0 to 100 are very close, around 3 s, which is what is capable of doing a Tesla Model S in one of her Ludicrous modes of which she has the secret. Simply, the Harley gives more the impression of brute force, without confusing or being tricky, as long as you keep a cool head of course, and that’s not the easiest …
Harmey Davidson Livewire
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Fortunately, our two rivals are under close surveillance of electronic systems which constantly finely temper the inclinations of these energetic motors, especially in the wet where frankly, with this weight and torque immediately available, only a Grand Prix driver would know how to modulate his driving so precisely.
Both machines have angle sensors on board to manage acceleration and braking, adjustable traction control, ABS… so many guardian angels to have more fun (and be a good pilot!). At top speed, which is not the point of such an electric machine, two choices here: 180 at HD and 200 km / h at Zero. But at these speeds, the autonomy melts like asundaeunder the sun.
Zero SR/S
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Lots of fun riding
In electric, the question of noise always comes up and on a motorcycle, it is all the more crucial the better you hear the sound emissions of your machine. Or his silence. The Zero produces a slight whistle coming from its drive belt which is not very flattering while the Harley is more neutral. She also stands out when stationary with a cool idea: a kind of heartbeat that is felt physically.
Harley Davidson Livewire
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With a stroke of gas like on a scooter, without a clutch or gearbox, our two rivals spin at high speed V. With great ease of handling, they are easy to handle and accessible, the larger size of the Zero maybe just making it a little more impressive. Here are two very homogeneous motorcycles, mature in their design that will give a lot of pleasure to their handlebars..
In both cases, different programs allow you to adjust the power and the level of regeneration, to choose according to the mood of the moment, the autonomy to be preserved or the type of road. They can also be personalized. In confidence, we never tire of immediate reminders which in an instant let a passed car vanish in the mirrors. Be careful not to let the permit points fade away, as the speeds reached instantly are impressive! Predictably, the comfort distilled by the Harley is firmer than that of the Zero with a more road vocation , but it is still very acceptable for a walk or daily commute.
On the edge display side, the SR / S is worse off than the LiveWire, with its simple screen, but easily readable, while HD offers a touchscreen and joystick control and more informationincluding valuable navigation information that can be relayed via Bluetooth with a headset fitted with integrated headphones.
Livewire screen
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SR / S screen
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Both offer connected apps to remotely see the charge level and remaining range and to accurately record your driving session (torque requested, angles reached, etc.) and share it. Updates to the Zero are done over the air – doesn’t that remind you of another Californian brand?
50% more at Harley
In the financial field, there is no photo here: the Harley being billed more than 50% more than its US counterpart, which is itself among the most expensive petrol motorcycles… No rational questions here, we are in a world ofearly adopterswho will not choose such models for the savings they can make with them. Of course, government or local aid can reduce the bill a little and with use, “full»Electric are very interesting, but it will take, miles (and therefore a hell of a lot of recharges) before finding any advantage. No, here, it is about feelings, convictions even crushes.
Two different personalities
The era of the electric motorcycle is only at its dawn, but with these two models, here is something to be happy about what is looming. At the Harley, raw sensations and a form of exclusivity, at the Zero more GT capabilities and a less stratospheric price. Two personalities to try before deciding: it is undoubtedly the heart that will speak, and is not this what we expect from a motorcycle, even electric?
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