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july 16, 2019 - Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson LiveWire equipped with ride-enhancing technology

The Harley-Davidson® LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with a full suite of electronic rider aids and interfaces designed to allow the owner to create a personalized and fully connected riding experience. Those features include the following:

 

H-D™ Connect Cellular Connectivity

The #LiveWire motorcycle is equipped with H-D Connect service technology that provides cellular connectivity that can link a #LiveWire owner with their motorcycle through their smart phone using the latest version of the free Harley-Davidson App. The H-D App is available in the iOS and Android app stores and core functions (turn-by-turn directions, ride planning, dealer and event locations) of the app are included with the free download. H-D Connect transmits key vehicle health information through the H-D App and provides the owner with the reassurance of being able to remotely monitor their motorcycle’s security, including tamper alerts on the H-D App and stolen-vehicle assistance.

H-D Connect utilizes a cellular telematics control unit (TCU) that functions as an LTE-enabled modem connecting #LiveWire motorcycles to the cloud. The H-D Connect service will be offered for a one-year free trial period after the purchase of a new #LiveWire motorcycle and available with a subscription charge following the initial free period. H-D Connect will be available beginning in Fall 2019 in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and most EU countries. In late August 2020, service will be available in Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Japan. Subscription details can be found on H-D.com/connect.

Motorcycle status: With H-D Connect and the H-D App, the #LiveWire motorcycle owner will be able to check key vehicle health information on the H-D App at any time and from any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. Information available through H-D Connect includes high-voltage battery charge status, available range and 12-volt battery charge status. For example, as the #LiveWire motorcycle is charging, the owner can check the charge status, including charge level and time to completion, without having to be near the motorcycle.

Tamper alerts and stolen vehicle tracking service: To ensure that an owner’s bike is safe and secure, H-D connect indicates the location of the parked motorcycle on a map in the Harley-Davidson App at any time and in any location where sufficient cellular signal is available. H-D Connect will send an alert to the owner’s phone if the security system is activated because the motorcycle has been bumped or is being tampered with. Another alert will be sent to the owner’s phone if the motorcycle is moved out of the geo-fenced area, and GPS-enabled stolen-vehicle tracking provides peace of mind should the owner need to locate their motorcycle.

Service reminders and notifications: Automated reminders about upcoming vehicle service requirements and other vehicle care notifications will be provided to the rider through the H-D App, which will also offer a Charge Station Location Finder.

 

Color Touchscreen

A 4.3-inch color TFT touchscreen (thin-film-transistor, a type of liquid-crystal display noted for high image quality and contrast) located above the handlebar offers the rider a wide range of information on a display that’s bright and easy to read. The display unit is tilt-adjustable to afford most riders an optimal viewing angle and the screen brightness adjusts automatically. The touchscreen only functions when the motorcycle is not moving but many of the display options can be changed using the hand control joysticks while riding.

  • A speedometer, range and high-voltage battery status (percent remaining) are always displayed, as required by motor vehicle regulations.
  • The screen display can be customized with several rider-selectable “widgets.” Some include:
    • A power meter that indicates how much of the available power is being used as the motorcycle is being ridden
    • Ride Mode indicator (displays which mode is active)
    • Charging status (showing time remaining to full charge)
    • Alert information keyed to the tell-tale warning lights (turn signals, ABS active, Traction Control active, Check Engine/Battery Overheat, etc.)
    • Active Bluetooth® connection and available functions
  • The #LiveWire motorcycle offers Bluetooth® connectivity for use with a smartphone and a wireless headset through the touchscreen. The rider can listen to music files stored on the smartphone, accept incoming calls, and hear turn-by-turn navigation instructions provided by the Harley-Davidson App. Music file and incoming call information is displayed on the screen. The rider can control music and phone functions with the joystick hand controls.
  • Tell-tale lights or indicators are located on each side of the display frame: Turn signals, high/low beam headlamp, ABS active, traction control active, fault warning.

 

Reflex™ Defensive Rider Systems

The #LiveWire model is equipped with Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), a collection of technology designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The systems are designed to aid the rider in controlling the vehicle while accelerating and braking in a straight line or while in a turn. A rider may find the systems most helpful when riding in adverse road conditions and in urgent situations. The systems are electronic and utilize the latest chassis control, electronic brake control and powertrain technology.

Disclaimer: Available traction is determined by the road/tire interface. The systems bundled into the RDRS are only able to adjust brake pressure or powertrain torque in an attempt to keep the forces at the tire from exceeding available grip. These technologies do not have the ability to increase grip, or to intervene when the rider has not made a brake or throttle application (e.g. coasting through a corner with the clutch disengaged). RDRS is not a system to directly influence vehicle direction. This is a key difference between motorcycle RDRS and #automotive Stability Control. The rider is ultimately responsible for steering and path corrections.

Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)
ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock. Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of the motorcycle. The brake pressure required to limit wheel slip when cornering is typically lower than the pressure required under straight line operation. Rear-wheel Lift Mitigation utilizes the C-ABS sensors and the six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to manage rear-wheel lift during heavy braking and further balance deceleration and rider control.

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)
Traction control is designed to keep the rear wheel from “spinning out” when the motorcycle is accelerating, and enhances rider control and confidence, especially in wet weather. The Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration when going straight or cornering. C-TCS can improve rider confidence when available traction is compromised by wet weather, a sudden unanticipated change in the surface, or when riding on an unpaved road. The action of C-TCS is also tailored when cornering based on lean angle. Each pre-programed ride mode has a specific level of C-TCS. In the customizable ride modes, the rider can select from three levels of C-TCS intervention. With the exception of Rain mode, the rider can deactivate C-TCS when stopped. C-TCS can be re-activated with the push of a button on the left-hand control when the motorcycle is stopped or underway.

C-TCS is also designed to support Front-Wheel Lift Mitigation to reduce the height and duration of front-wheel lift (wheelie). The height and duration of front-wheel lift is tied to the rider-selected C-TCS mode, with Rain being the most-restrictive and Sport being the least-restrictive. Front-Wheel Lift Mitigation is turned off when C-TCS is turned off.

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS)
Drag-Torque Slip Control (DSCS) is designed to manage rear-wheel slip and prevent rear-wheel lock due to regenerative braking, which typically occurs when the rider decelerates on wet or slippery road surfaces. DSCS functions at speeds over 10 mph (about 17 kph) and works in concert with the ABS system to balance motorcycle deceleration and rider control. DSCS is integral to rear wheel ABS performance.

 

Ride Modes

The #LiveWire model offers seven selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle and the level of electronic intervention. Four of the modes are pre-programmed and three are customizable by the owner. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power (which dictates the maximum rate of acceleration), regeneration (felt as a braking effect when off-throttle), throttle response, and traction control settings.

The rider uses the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode, and the active mode may be displayed as a widget symbol on the color touchscreen. The rider can change ride modes at any time, while riding the motorcycle or when stopped.

  • Sport Mode: Delivers the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response on tap. Traction control is set to its lowest level of intervention, and regeneration offers a significant off-throttle braking effect. Sport Mode maximizes the rider connection to the motorcycle for a direct and visceral performance riding experience.
  • Road Mode: Delivers balanced performance with an intuitive blend of technology for daily use, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) intervention that offers peace of mind. In Road Mode, the #LiveWire motorcycle response will feel more similar to an ICE-powered (Internal Combustion Engine) motorcycle.
  • Range Mode: Offers a blend of settings that results in smooth and judicious response to throttle input with a high level of regeneration to get the most riding distance out of a battery charge.
  • Rain Mode: This mode offers restrained acceleration and limited regeneration with higher levels of electronic intervention to give the rider greater confidence when riding in the rain or when traction is otherwise limited. The Rain Mode is also an appropriate setting for riders to use as they become familiar with an electric motorcycle, and to build riding confidence.

    Note: The rider may choose to turn off the Traction Control System (TCS) when the motorcycle is stopped. When TCS is turned off, it will not be active in Sport, Road or Range Mode. TCS is a default in Rain Mode, however, and will be active whenever Rain Mode is selected. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is always active and may not be turned off by the rider.
  • Custom Modes: With the motorcycle off, the rider can create up to three #custom Modes, displayed as A, B and C on the touchscreen mode widget. #custom Modes allow the rider to select their own combined preference of Power, Regeneration, Throttle Response and Traction Control levels within specific ranges. Power, Regeneration and Throttle Response can be adjusted from 0 to 100 percent in 1 percent increments, and Traction Control can be set to Low, Medium or High intervention. So, for example, the rider could create a mode with 100 percent power and throttle response (as is pre-programmed Sport Mode) but with a lower level of Regeneration than is offered in the pre-programmed Sport Mode. The rider can create a #custom Mode tailored to personal preference or for use in special circumstances, such as track days.