The Harley-Davidson Livewire electric motorcycle has blitzed the dragstrip to set new world records for eighth-mile and quarter-mile runs at 7.017seconds and 11.156 seconds, respectively.
The Harley-Davidson Livewire electric motorcycle has set a world record at the EV Racing Exhibition at the Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, during the exhibition runs at the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA U.S. Nationals.
The Livewire, which is powered by a 104.5bhp and 116Nm permanent magnet electric motor, blazed the dragstrip with world record-breaking runs for the quarter- and eighth-mile. The eighth-mile distance was covered in 7.017seconds, while the quarter-mile was blitzed in 11.156 seconds at 176.56km/h, even though the motorcycle’s top speed is limited to 176km/h. The motorcycle used for the runs was a stock unit. The Livewire’s 0 – 100km/h time is rated at 3.0 seconds, and it can accelerate very quickly even at high speeds – it can go from 100km/h to 129km/h in just 1.9 seconds.
Part of its success is down to the fact that an electric motor can produce maximum torque instantly from the moment you hit the throttle, as it does not have to build up the revs like an internal combustion engine. And then there’s the fact that there is no need for shifting gears in an EV during acceleration.
The other part of the world-record-setting success was down to the rider who piloted it into the history books. Angelle Sampey, who is a three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion and a Harley-Davidson™ Screamin’ Eagle™/Vance & Hines rider, achieved the feat while her Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines teammates, Andrew Hines and Ed Krawiec, made a number of head-to-head drag race runs.
'Let me tell you what’s amazing. 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!' said Sampey.
Also read - Harley Davidson Livewire: All you need to know
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