Photos: Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle

The LiveWire, a prototype all-electric motorcycle by Harley-Davidson, may be a warning to other manufacturers, start-ups and traditional companies with plans to design and market electric bikes.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

There’s no engine, no gearbox, no clutch and no exhaust pipe -- which means it’s almost silent but for a high-pitched jet engine whine that comes from the transfer of power from the huge electric motor to the composite belt that drives the rear wheel.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The gas-tank-shaped panels shroud the electronics. The lightweight aluminum “exo-skeleton” frame surrounds the battery.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A small dashboard reads out important information about charge and temperature, and the equally important information about speed.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

People get on this thinking golf cart, ‘ but they get off it thinking rocket ship, ‘ Harley designer Kirk Rasmussen says of the electric LiveWire.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The engine is said to produce 74 horsepower and 52 foot-pounds of torque.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The propulsion is outrageous: The LiveWire, in a straight line, pulls like a dragster.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)