Harley-Davidson LiveWire ® Charity Auction at Bonhams for United Way Worldwide for COVID-19 Recovery Fund
Uncharted times call for unique responses, and the Harley-Davidson’s design team has done just that. In collaboration with Harley-Davidson, Bonhams is delighted to offer this very special edition LiveWire ® : custom-painted, loaded with carbon fiber accessories and signed by the Davidson family.
The auction will take place online at bonhams.com with opening bids accepted from Tuesday May 12th at 10am (EST) until Tuesday May 26th at 4pm (EST). All proceeds of the auction will be donated to United Way’s Worldwide COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund, with Bonhams waiving auction fees.
“Everyone at Bonhams is a proud supporter of the United Way, and we share the mission of this auction to aid those on the frontlines and those who are affected by this crisis,” said Eric Minoff, the Senior Specialist of Motorcars and Motorcycles at Bonhams New York.
“We are honored to be working with Harley-Davidson to auction a truly remarkable piece of motorcycling history for such good cause.”
The LiveWire offered at auction is a never-to-be-replicated version of Harley-Davidson’s first production electric motorcycle. The yet-to-be-built custom LiveWire will feature a one- off paint scheme and unique graphics package designed by the Harley-Davidson design team especially for this charity auction. The LiveWire also features a full array of carbon fiber Genuine Parts and Accessories, including carbon fiber Speed Screen Blade, Tail Section Cowl, and Tank Trim. The LiveWire will be signed by members of the Davidson family.
In addition, the winning bidder and their guest will take part in an exclusive delivery experience and “behind-the-scenes” Harley-Davidson tour. This private, hosted experience will include a tour of the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center and an archival tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum, in what is an unparalleled look at the heritage and future of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
“We are all affected by the current situation, and the impact it has on those most at risk,” said Jon Bekefy, general manager of brand marketing at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “As a longtime partner of the United Way, and inspired by their continued resilience in this crisis, Harley-Davidson is honored to play a small part in the relief effort to inspire our community around the world about the open road ahead.”
To mark the historical significance of the motorcycle, the LiveWire that will be auctioned is #500 of 500 “First Strike” edition LiveWires. These are specially numbered versions created to celebrate the first 500 units produced of Harley-Davidson’s first production electric motorcycle.
“The Harley-Davidson design team created the custom paint and graphics on this motorcycle to accentuate the natural forms of the LiveWire,” said Bekefy. “It’s a stunning motorcycle that is truly one of a kind.”
This auction is available for participants from around the world. However, the motorcycle can only be registered and retained in the US.
THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON LIVEWIRE
The LiveWire represents the future of Harley-Davidson, bringing high-performance electric propulsion, evocative design, and cellular connectivity to today’s rider. Leading in the electrification of the sport of motorcycling is part of Harley-Davidson’s comprehensive More Roads plan focused on new products, broader access and stronger dealers.
LiveWire is one of many new products designed to unlock new markets and new segments and build the next generation of riders globally.
With styling inspired by Harley’s gasoline-powered machines while looking towards the future, the LiveWire receives its propulsion from the all-electric H-D Revelation™ powertrain. Without having to worry about shifting gears, a twist of the throttle will hustle the LiveWire from 0-60mph in less than three seconds. The LiveWire’s high-voltage battery provides 146 miles of urban range. A rigid aluminium frame and premium adjustable suspension components, combined with an optimized center of gravity, deliver a comfortable ride and precise handling.
United Way Worldwide will be the beneficiary of the auction, with funds being donated to its COVID-19 Fund in the U.S. United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 8.1 million donors worldwide and $4.8 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately funded non-profit. United Way is engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, non-profits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org .