The editor of City Bike seems to think that is a possibility. In the November issue of the monthly newspaper, in the "News, Clues and Rumors" section on page 4, there is mention that Keith Wandell of H-D commented that the company is working on smaller and lighter motorcycle models aimed at the new generation of customers. He comments that these buyers may be interested in battery-electric motorcycles, which are clean, quiet and easy to operate (now that would be a change in direction for Harley).
The editor then mentions that in May of this year a large market-research event involving 150 riders and an unnamed manufacturer was held at the old Alameda Navel Air Station. Everyone who participated signed a non-disclosure agreement, and then rode some kind of "alternative-powered" test motorcycle, back-to-back with a Suzuki 650cc Gladius. The editor mentions that an unnamed source has disclosed to City Bike that the event was indeed put on by Harley-Davidson, with a battery-electric H-D motorcycle used for testing. The editor can not confirm this information, especially as the event was originated by a third party and they comment that an electric Harley seems ludicrous, given the company's recent stance on getting back to "core customers". However the newspaper's "News, Clues and Rumors" section says that it is not easily surprised when things go topsy-turvy.
