Harley-Davidson started out by attaching motor bikes to their cars. The first model they produced was the serial model one. When it spun off a new brand dedicated to e bikes, what else could it be called?
I was looking forward to an ebike with Harley swagger. I thought it would be a brawling cruiser or a superlight bike. Harley has made some sporty motorcycles in the past. Harley made a light SUV instead of a fun bike. The Harley version of the Honda CR-V is called the Serial 1.
It is business time.
The first serial.
The riding position is upright. This bike is not a sporty corner-carver. You could probably tell that from the included fender and cargo rack. The small rack is good for carrying pannier bags, but the fender did a good job protecting me from road spray.
Not every ebike comes with one, but there is a nice but increasingly standard light under the handlebars. There are two taillamps on the rear frame. They look cool, but they sit too low. The high taillight of bikes should make traffic see them more easily. It's easy for drivers and other cyclists to miss the two tiny LEDs.
There is a tiny storage compartment in the down tube that can hold an Abus Bordo folding lock. Even though folding locks are my least favorite type of bike lock, it's a nice touch.
Freespinning.
The first serial.
The Rush/Cty model is a class 2 ebike with an electric motor that cuts out at 20 miles per hour. There are advantages to using rubber belts over metal chains. They're quieter and smoother. There's less clanking and shock transmitted through the pedals to your feet, and they're less likely to pop off during a ride. You're less likely to cake a pant leg in dirty grease if you don't have to lubricate a rubber belt.
