EPIC BATTLE - Harley-Davidson LiveWire VS Aussie SAVIC Motorcycles - Electric - My Thoughts

Will the Harley-Davidson Livewire be beaten on Aussie Soil by Savic Motorcycles?

When I own one of the largest, gas gussling motorcycles on the planet, you might be surprised the hear that I am ABSOLUTLEY passionate and excited about the Electric Motorcycle and Car revolution.

I first rode an electric motorcycle a few year ago when I met up with my mate Wes and I got to ride his Zero S Electric Bike. I have never felt anything like it. The silent torque as I accelerated, the outright speed the bike could achieve, and obviously the benefit it has to the environment.

This year Harley-Davidson, a brand that absolutely love, has bought it’s all new LIVEWIRE Electric Motorcycle to Australia. I’m yet to ride it, but by all reports its phenomenal to ride………BUT there is a catch………the price. We’ll go into that shortly.

In Australia there are a few manufacturers that might disrupt the local market In the Electric Motorcycle sector….. 2 of which I have chatted to, but again I’m yet to have the opportunity to ride their bikes.

FONZ MOTO are building amazing small style bike in the Scooter and small naked style category, achieving amazing 0-100 times, a 200km range per charge and some very funky designs and customisation options, especially on the NKD models.

Now something that is probably more in direct competition with the Harley-davidson LiveWire is the amazing Café/Street Fighter styled SAVIC MOTORCYCLES built in Melbourne , Victoria.
I saw this being unveiled in 2019 and it was jaw droppingly gorgeous. Sleek, muscular and very sexy.
Manufacturing for Savic Motorcycles have begun, however there has been no option as of yet to ride one to find out how good it really is.

Let’s look at some comparisons between the pair to get a better idea.
Basing this on the top spec Savic C-Series Alpha I’m just going to run through what I think are some of the primary specs for the Savic vs the Livewire
Starting with the predicted output of the Savic being 60kw and the Livewire 78kw
Torque will be 180Nm vs the Livewire 116Nm
Savic range is said to be 200km, Livewire testing shows between 158-235km.

But here is where the closeness changes significantly, PRICE.

The top spec Savic is $23,999 vs the Livewire at $49,995.

BIG DIFFERENCE RIGHT?

Now I’m not pretending to know which one is better, I’m certainly not an engineer, I’m a consumer of everything to do with motorcycles, I’m excited about the future of motorcycles whether it be electric or fossil fuels………but I do know that the Australian Built Savic Motorcycle seems to, on paper at least, match up well against the Harley-Davidson Live Wire, especially considering it’s almost half the price.

Let me know what you think of these 2 models, and as always, should I get the opportunity to ride any of these I will bring it to you as soon as I can.

#harleydavidson #electricmotorcycle #savic

Throttle Downunder is a group of like-minded motorcycle and car enthusiasts sharing their love for all things with a throttle.....Boats, Cars and Bikes.

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Rob Charlwood
P.O Box 4122
Bexley North, NSW. 2207

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[ThrottleDownunder]

Let me know what you think of these bikes. I'm excited by the future of motorcycles, what do you think?

[hughmac]

Savic Series C with the same power as the Live Wire and made in Australia for $24, 000 AUD, very affordable in my mind. Then I put my deposit down last year and have bike 5 booked. I have sat on the current build, and in person it looks fantastic, it has real presence and they are still developing options, like a pillion seat, seat profile and slightly higher bars. It will be fantastic to get on this bike later in 2021.

[sydneyadie]

More I look at that Savic the more I want one, looks the absolute business. Would love to see a test ride soon

[rohanmarriner]

Aussie made Savic all the way for me. Would like to see pillion seat and bigger/touring handle bars ) options. Curved wind shield would make more aerodynamic (potentially increase range) and comfort on freeways

[simonvenaglia]

I need one, will paint mine satin pearl black. Simplicity un-busy look is brilliant. I'd love to be a seller of these E-Motorcycles. They will go places if they don't get greedy. I've already designed a after market part. Can't wait to test ride one, at least.

[darrenwalsh]

Love the look of both the Livewire and the Savic. Either bike will appeal to many riders in the future, but as with most purchases in life it comes down to price. That being the case, Savic looks to be on a real winner here in my opinion. Good luck to them I say.

[RoadsOfOz]

The entry level Savic Omega with a price of $12990 is the one that I would be leaning towards. It may have the lower outputs and range, but I would be viewing this bike as a commuter and I can guarantee it would have more than enough power and torque to handle the daily commute. My only concern would be warranty and service locations.

[Aaronkt]

I have a Livewire that I have done about 4000km on it commuting to and from work, it’s working very well so far and in my opinion is great to ride.
Down side is the servicing seems to be the same as Harleys other bikes, I.E 8000km service intervals & same cost .
If Savic can get it right, battery management (thermal & charging) as well as service costs & customer support I think they will succeed.
Being able to schedule & manage charging would be a plus, Harley have a phone app but it doesn’t work in Australia.
I was ( & still am) tempted to buy a build slot and look forward to seeing one in person.

[OutbackOutlaw]

I’d go with Australian made if I was looking for an electric bike.

[jopaco]

Appearance wouldn't be an issue for me. I'd be thinking price, range & charge time.
That said is great to see us Aussies manufacturing something.

[BigBert]

How awesome that these things are being developed and built in Australia. Well done to all involved. I hope you get the chance to ride one Rob because I look forward to the review and see if these bikes sell well here. 😎🤙🏻 Cheers mate great video

[pietervoorwinden]

Is the savage motor bike also exported to Europe / more specifically, the Netherlands?

[ronmartens]

I met Michelle Narzares years ago at an electric show. I then bought the Fonzarellie. The first purpose higher battery capacity. Although 3 kilowatt and 46 amp hour 72 volt battery. I would have liked the xo1. Now I'm thinking the nkd model down the track.

[RandysRides]

I've been on electric for a few years now. My pic shows my electric Daymak EM2. Those Savic have fairly decent tech, but the cafe style doesn't work for me. I can't wait for the tech to improve range and charge time. Swappable batteries would be nice.

[nigelmorris]

Hey, great little vid. Ive owned close to 50 bikes and owned two zeros and like you, I'm super obsessed with electric motorcycles because i can see they are the future too. A few weeks ago, I upgraded to the HD Livewire and its next level. I love what Savic are trying to do but you missed the #1 difference between them - the HD has a 15.5kW battery and the Savic only has 11kWh. Real world, their 200km range is going to be at best doing that at 60kmh. On the freeway it'll be under 100km. I know this because my last Zero was 11.4kWh. Secondly, at 144V you cant fast charge a Savic. The Livewire runs at around 300V which means I can fast charge at growing number of DCFC stations popping up everywhere. This doesnt make it a purpose built long range tourer, but it does make touring possible - which Im getting ready to test on a number of long range trips! Im in Sydney too - and Id love to let you ride my Livewire so you can experience it first hand.

[hachewie]

Sorry I missed this love man. I’ve been super busy. Gig last night. Bowls all day today. Into a zone pairs semifinal next week. I’d love to try an electric bike. If they can get 200 km per charge, id be tempted.

[AussieKawiman]

Love the Savic, It seems to have the goods, Thanks for bringing these Aussie made bikes to our attention. Under half the price?? Wow these should sell like hotcakes..

[weighpride]

Great vid Rob!!! That’s the most quiet in a live chat we’ve all been 🤷🏻‍♀️. We were all so into watching!!!! (That has a different meaning for some 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️🤪)!!! I’d never heard of them and was great to learn about them!! 🥰👋👋👋

[LordMaraTHBD]

Really so right thoughs, that after all the cost marks that final difference in riders market.
Absolutly style as "autentic" CafeRacer heritage design, that I love.
Sad not selling SAVIC in Spain yet.

Good video, mate! GaaasssS!
...or... WattssS!✌😉👌

[Guvna]

I'm liking that savic. I'd get one.