TechOfficeJason Momoa Transforms Vintage Harleys into Electric Classics — Now Available to All
'The Best Thing We've Ever Made': Jason Momoa's Electric Harley Revolution
In a groundbreaking fusion of Hollywood glamour and sustainable technology, Jason Momoa has transformed his collection of century-old Harley-Davidson motorcycles into stunning electric classics. The actor, known for his roles in Game of Thrones, Aquaman, and Conan the Barbarian, has partnered with an innovative company to create "drop-in" conversion kits that allow motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide to electrify their vintage rides.
The Vision Behind the Electric Revolution
"This is the best thing we've ever made," Momoa exclaimed during the recent unveiling of his electrified fleet. The project represents a bold statement in preserving the aesthetic appeal of classic motorcycles while embracing the environmental benefits of electric propulsion.
Momoa's passion for vintage motorcycles spans decades. His collection includes several Harley-Davidsons from the early 1900s—machines that represent the golden age of American motorcycling. Rather than let these historic pieces sit idle in museums or private collections, Momoa saw an opportunity to give them new life through modern technology.
The Collaborative Effort
The project was born from a collaboration between Momoa's company, Pride of the Crew, and an undisclosed engineering firm specializing in electric vehicle conversions. The partnership aimed to create a solution that would maintain the authentic look and feel of vintage motorcycles while eliminating their environmental impact.
"We didn't want to create something that looked like a futuristic motorcycle," explained Momoa. "We wanted to keep the soul of these machines—their curves, their sound, their presence—but make them sustainable for the future."
Technical Innovation: The Conversion Process
The conversion process represents a remarkable achievement in engineering, seamlessly integrating modern electric powertrains into century-old motorcycle frames. The "drop-in" design allows for installation without major structural modifications to the original bikes.
Key Components of the Electric Conversion
- Custom Battery Pack: Lithium-ion batteries designed to fit within the original motorcycle's frame, preserving the authentic silhouette
- Electric Motor: High-torque motor that delivers comparable or superior performance to the original engines
- Regenerative Braking: System that recaptures energy during deceleration, extending range
- Motor Controller: Advanced electronics that provide smooth acceleration and regenerative braking
- Charging System: Compatible with standard charging stations and home charging solutions
Preserving Authenticity
One of the most remarkable aspects of the conversion is how it maintains the visual authenticity of the vintage motorcycles. The batteries are cleverly concealed within the original fuel tanks and frames, while the electric motor is housed in a casing that mimics the appearance of the original engines.
"From ten feet away, you wouldn't know these are electric," Momoa noted. "But when you ride them, you experience the future of motorcycling."
Drop-In Conversion Kits: Bringing Electric Power to the Masses
Following the success of Momoa's personal conversions, the partnership has developed consumer-grade drop-in conversion kits that can be installed on a wide range of vintage Harley-Davidson models from 1903 to 1985.
Available Kit Options
| Kit Model | Compatible Years | Power Output | Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Standard | 1936-1985 | 15 kW | 60-80 miles | $12,999 |
| Vintage Classic | 1920-1935 | 12 kW | 50-70 miles | $15,999 |
| Antique Legend | 1903-1919 | 8 kW | 40-60 miles | $19,999 |
Installation Process
The conversion kits are designed for professional installation by certified technicians, with the process typically taking 3-5 days depending on the model. The company has established a network of authorized installers across North America, Europe, and Australia, with plans to expand to Asia in the coming year.
"We've made the installation process as straightforward as possible," said the project's lead engineer. "Our technicians can remove the original engine and transmission, install the electric powertrain, and integrate the electronics without modifying the bike's structural integrity."
Performance Comparison: Electric vs. Original
While purists might question whether electric conversions can match the visceral experience of riding a classic Harley-Davidson with its iconic V-twin engine, the performance data suggests otherwise.
Performance Metrics
| Metric | Original 1942 Harley-Davidson UL | Electric Conversion | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-30 mph | 4.2 seconds | 2.8 seconds | +33% faster |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 95 mph | +12% faster |
| 120 miles | 70 miles | -42% range | |
| Torque | 72 ft-lbs | 110 ft-lbs | |
| Maintenance |
Riding Experience
Perhaps the most significant improvement is the riding experience itself. The electric conversions offer instant torque delivery, eliminating the need for gear-shifting while maintaining the classic riding posture and handlebar position that defines the Harley-Davidson experience.
"The silence is striking at first," Momoa shared. "But then you notice the acceleration—it's like nothing you've ever felt on a vintage bike. And the maintenance—there's virtually none. You just ride."
Environmental Impact: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future
The environmental benefits of these electric conversions are substantial. By electrifying vintage motorcycles, the project prevents the production of new vehicles while eliminating emissions from existing classic bikes.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
According to the project's environmental impact assessment, converting a single vintage Harley-Davidson to electric power prevents approximately 2.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually compared to running the original bike. This calculation includes the manufacturing emissions of the conversion kit, which are offset within the first year of operation.
"We're not just creating cool electric bikes," Momoa emphasized. "We're giving people a way to preserve the history and culture of motorcycling while reducing our environmental impact. It's about having your cake and eating it too."
Sustainable Manufacturing
The conversion kits are manufactured using sustainable practices, with the battery cells sourced from suppliers committed to ethical mining practices and recycling programs. The company has also implemented a take-back program for used battery components, ensuring that 95% of each battery can be recycled or repurposed.
Market Analysis: Positioning in the EV Landscape
The electric motorcycle market has seen significant growth in recent years, with major manufacturers like Harley-Davidson itself introducing the LiveWire electric model. However, the Momoa-backed conversion kits occupy a unique niche by targeting vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who want to preserve the aesthetic of their classic bikes while embracing modern technology.
Target Audience
The primary market for these conversion kits consists of:
- Vintage motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts
- Environmentally conscious riders who love classic designs
- Motorcycle restoration shops seeking to diversify their offerings
- Celebrities and influencers looking for unique, sustainable transportation
Competitive Landscape
While other companies offer electric motorcycle conversions, the Momoa-backed project distinguishes itself through its focus on authenticity and its "drop-in" design that preserves the original motorcycle's appearance. Competitors typically require more extensive modifications or create entirely new electric motorcycles that only resemble vintage bikes in appearance.
Future Outlook: Expanding the Electric Revolution
The success of Momoa's electric Harley conversions has opened new possibilities for preserving other vintage vehicles. The company is already developing similar conversion kits for classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s, with plans to unveil these at next year's automotive technology shows.
Technological Advancements
Future iterations of the conversion kits will likely feature improved battery technology, with the company actively researching solid-state batteries that could double the range while reducing weight. Additionally, they're exploring the integration of smart features that would allow riders to monitor battery health, track performance metrics, and even share riding data through a dedicated mobile app.
Global Expansion
Currently, the conversion kits are available in North America, Europe, and Australia, but the company has ambitious expansion plans. By 2025, they aim to establish distribution networks in Japan, India, and Brazil—countries with rich motorcycle cultures and growing environmental awareness.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Classic Motorcycling
Jason Momoa's electric Harley-Davidson conversions represent more than just a technological innovation—they symbolize a harmonious blend of past and future, preservation and progress. By making these "drop-in" conversion kits available to the public, Momoa and his partners have created a pathway for motorcycle enthusiasts to embrace sustainability without sacrificing the aesthetic and cultural significance of their beloved vintage machines.
"This isn't just about electric motorcycles," Momoa concluded. "It's about showing that we can honor our history while building a better future. These bikes tell a story—they tell where we've been and where we're going. And that's a story worth riding."
As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, innovations like these offer hope that we can preserve our cultural heritage while reducing our ecological footprint. For motorcycle enthusiasts, the electric conversion kits represent the best of both worlds—the timeless appeal of classic design combined with the clean, efficient performance of modern electric technology.
‘The best thing we’ve ever made’: Jason Momoa turns his 100-year-old Harleys into new electric classics — and you can buy the same ‘drop-in’ conversion kits https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/the-best-thing-weve-ever-made-jason-momoa-turns-his-100-year-old-harleys-into-new-electric-classics-and-you-can-buy-the-same-drop-in-conversion-kits ‘The best thing we’ve ever made’: Jason Momoa turns his 100-year-old Harleys into new electric classics — and you can buy the same ‘drop-in’ conversion kits https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/the-best-thing-weve-ever-made-jason-momoa-turns-his-100-year-old-harleys-into-new-electric-classics-and-you-can-buy-the-same-drop-in-conversion-kits
