Harley-Davidson's LiveWire electric motorcycle is back in production
The company was tight-lipped about what went wrong, but it looks like it was an isolated charging issue.
Hey, remember when we learned Monday that Harley-Davidson had to stop production of its fancy new LiveWire electric motorcycle? Well, Harley-Davidson representatives confirmed to Roadshow on Friday that the production lines have started back up.
"After completing rigorous analysis this week, we have resumed LiveWire production and deliveries. Customers may continue riding their LiveWire [motorcycles] and are able to charge the motorcycle through all methods," a Harley-Davidson representative said in a statement. "Temporarily stopping LiveWire production allowed us to confirm that the nonstandard condition identified on one motorcycle was a singular occurrence. We take pride in our rigorous quality assurance measures and our drive to deliver the world's best motorcycles."
Reuters first reported on the LiveWire production stoppage on Monday, citing a "nonstandard condition" in the electric motorcycle and a problem in final quality checks.
A Harley-Davidson spokesperson said in a statement at the time that the problem required more testing and analysis, but the company didn't say what the "nonstandard condition" might be. The issue was serious enough to pause production and deliveries, though the company assured those who'd taken delivery of a LiveWire that the motorcycle was A-OK to ride.
The LiveWire was meant to kick off a new chapter at Harley-Davidson, which is looking to attract a new generation of motorcycle riders as its aging buyers begin to retire from the two-wheeled life. With plenty of tech, 105 horsepower and honest good looks, the LiveWire checks a lot of boxes. In our first ride, after a long time from concept to production, Editor-in-Chief Tim Stevens found the electric Harley LiveWire was well worth the wait.
Despite a push for new rides, Reuters additionally reported that the majority of LiveWire orders are from existing Harley-Davidson owners. At $29,799, the LiveWire is eye-wateringly expensive for a motorcycle.
Originally published Oct. 14.
Update Oct. 18: Adds comment from Harley-Davidson about restarting production.