Actor Jason Momoa Turns 1920s Harleys Into Electric Hybrids

Three Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the 1920s are roaring back to life with a modern twist that preserves their vintage soul while adding zero-emission capabilities.

Actor Jason Momoa teamed up with UK-based conversion specialist Electrogenic to electrify his collection of classic rides, transforming three 100-year-old Harleys into plug-in hybrids. The project, featured in Season 2 of his HBO series On The Roam, also includes two rare electric Land Rovers and an off-grid camping trailer.

The motorcycle conversions tackle a common classic vehicle dilemma: how to enjoy vintage machines without sacrificing modern performance or environmental responsibility. Two of the bikes, a 1924 and 1927 Harley-Davidson Model JD, keep their original engines but now pair them with electric motors that riders can switch on with a simple toggle.

The third bike, a 1921 Model FD with a seized engine, runs purely on electric power. Each motorcycle received a 15-horsepower hub motor producing 190 pound-feet of torque, significantly outperforming the originals while maintaining their authentic appearance.

The electric systems hide inside period-correct leather panniers that house removable 2.7 kWh battery packs. These charge in just 2.5 hours from a standard outlet and deliver over 50 miles of electric-only range.

Safety improvements came along for the ride. Modern disc brakes replaced the original band-style rear brakes, addressing a genuine concern for machines built before front brakes even existed.

"I can have a full conversation with my friend, just going through the mountains, cruising on this old 1920s bike, and totally feeling it's a 1920s bike," Momoa said. "It's just a really beautiful experience."

The Ripple Effect

Electrogenic designed every conversion to be completely reversible, meaning no original parts were permanently altered. The company now offers these hybrid conversion kits for purchase worldwide, opening the door for other vintage motorcycle owners to modernize their rides without compromising their historical value.

The project extends beyond motorcycles. Electrogenic also converted Momoa's 1949 Land Rover Series I and ultra-rare 1961 Dormobile camper to full electric power, each gaining over 150 miles of range while keeping their original four-wheel-drive systems functional.

An off-grid trailer rounds out the collection with 93 kWh of battery storage, enough to power camping equipment for a month or recharge an electric vehicle in the wilderness. Momoa used it to take his daughter on quiet forest adventures in the electric Land Rover.

The partnership builds on last season's conversion of Momoa's 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, which Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond calls "the most ambitious electric conversion carried out worldwide." Conversion kits are now available for classic models including the Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type, and DeLorean through the company's global partner network.

These century-old Harleys prove that honoring the past and embracing the future don't have to be mutually exclusive choices.