Harley Livewire auctioned for COVID-19 relief
Open to US residents only, the one-lot auction was for a Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle.
Being #500 of the 500 ‘First Strike’ launch editions produced, the LiveWire was already a special unit, but individualised touches added by Harley-Davidson made it a one-off.
Bespoke features included a unique paint scheme and graphics package created in-house by the Harley-Davidson styling and design team. The auctioned bike also featured a full array of carbon fibre H-D Genuine Parts and Accessories, including carbon fibre Speed Screen Blade, Tail Section Cowl and Tank Trim. The one-off LiveWire was also personally signed by members of the Davidson family.
“The Harley-Davidson design team created the custom paint and graphics on this motorcycle to accentuate the natural forms of the LiveWire,” said Jon Bekefy, general manager of brand marketing at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “It’s a very unique and stunning motorcycle that is truly one of a kind.”
As well the bike, the winning bidder would also score an “exclusive delivery experience” at Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee headquarters and a hosted archival tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered. Described as an unparalleled look at the heritage and future of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the delivery experience, factory and museum tour will be conducted when coronavirus restrictions allow.
“We are all affected by the current situation, and the impact it has on the most at-risk portions of society,” Bekefy added. “As a longtime partner of the United Way, and inspired by their continued resilience in this crisis, Harley-Davidson is honoured to have a part to play in the relief effort and to inspire our community about the open road ahead.”
Held online from 12 to 26 May, the one-lot auction saw a winning bid of US$48,000 (AU$72,330 approx.), including buyer’s premium. Above Bonhams’ pre-auction estimate, the final bid was great news for United Way Worldwide, who will use the money raised (minus taxes and fees) to support their COVID-19 Response Fund in the USA.
“When entire communities come together to support people in times of need, organizations like United Way are able to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “The funds raised by auctioning this customized motorcycle will allow us to better provide needed services for individuals and families recovering from COVID-19 and support our efforts to bring communities back stronger than before.”
