You might remember a few months back when we wrote about the newest contender in the electric motorcycle game.  Harley-Davidson, the biggest name in the motorcycle industry, had just released its first electric motorcycle, the 2020 LiveWire.  Now after less than two months, the motorcycle giant has stopped production on this new bike. When news of this story first broke, it became apparent that competing in the e-motorcycle business isn’t as easy as you might think.

What Went Wrong?

Harley-Davidson revealed that the reason they pulled the LiveWire off the shelves was due to a glitch in the charging system.  Basically, the LiveWire’s batteries aren’t charging properly from standard home wall outlets. This is unfortunate for riders who were looking for the eco friendly convenience of charging their new bike right at their house.  Harley-Davidson recommends that LiveWire customers go to their local dealership to charge their bikes on a more robust professional charging system.

Are They Still Safe To Ride?

Thankfully, this charging hiccup isn’t extended to performance and doesn’t pose a safety hazard.  So, if you purchased one of these electric motorcycles right out of the gate you can still ride it without worry while the quality team at Harley-Davidson sorts out the issue.  That at least is encouraging news for LiveWire owners who may have been worried they had just dropped 30 grand on a broken bike.

Are Electric Motorcycles Worth It Anymore?

It’s safe to say, Harley’s first dip into making these eco friendly motorcycles has had a bumpy start.  If this is your first experience with electric motorcycles, we hope it hasn’t soured you on the idea of e-bikes altogether.  If you’re still itching for a vehicle that can skip the gas pumps and help the environment, there are other options. The best place to start is by looking to an established brand like Zero Motorcycles.

Stick with Zero Electric Motorcycles

Zero has been on the e-motorcycle scene since the beginning.  Since they opened their doors in 2006, Zero has pioneered the way and is largely responsible for the steady growth we’ve seen in this industry.  They offer a number of models that have been routinely tested and improved over the years. Check out a couple of Zero’s latest models like the 2020 Zero SR/F and the 2020 Zero DSR Black Forest edition that have already received great reviews.

Moto Z is your local supplier of Zero Motorcycles in Buffalo, NY. If you’d like to see these magnificent machines in action drop by our shop for a test drive. Our expert staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns you might have about going electric in the wake of the recent Harley-Davidson debacle.