LiveWire One & S2 del Mar in the 2024 everyday test

Harley has delivered on its promise - when it was announced in 2019 that the electric powerhouse, then known as the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, would hit the market, there was also mention of a lineup of electrically powered models in the years to come. Now, for reasons unknown, the Americans have chosen to no longer prominently feature the name of the iconic company on the bikes, instead launching them under their own LiveWire brand. There are now two models available: the LiveWire One (previously the Harley-Davidson LiveWire) and its smaller counterpart, the LiveWire S2 del Mar.

The "smaller" refers to the motor, battery, weight, and price, as the smaller LiveWire Naked Bike outperforms the larger one in terms of seat height and, above all, tire dimensions - but more on that later. In terms of performance, the LiveWire Naked Bike can already put a massive grin on the rider's face. It's unbelievable how vehemently the comparatively light bike is catapulted forward without a single gear change! According to the data sheet, the motor only produces 84 hp, while the LiveWire One produces 100 hp, but the LiveWire Naked Bike's 50 kilos less - 198 kilos ready to ride compared to 255 kilos - ensure an even more playful acceleration, which is certainly less powerful in real terms than the One, but subjectively is incredibly powerful on the slim, flat-track-style e-bike. After all, it is the enormous torque that counts on such electric motorcycles, values of over 200 Newton meters are hard to grasp, but you can imagine that such a motorcycle with electric drive always pushes much harder than a petrol motorcycle of equivalent weight and power.

When it comes to handling, there is nothing to criticize about the LiveWire Naked Bike either. The Showa suspension components are quite stable and the single-disc brake from Brembo is easy to modulate. However, the components and especially the double-disc system of the One, also from Brembo, are of higher quality. LiveWire has done a clever job of differentiating the Naked Bike from the One by using completely different tires alone. The One is equipped with tires in the standard road dimensions of 120/70-17 at the front and 180/55-17 at the rear. On the LiveWire Naked Bike, on the other hand, the tires are huge 19s front and rear - 130/80-19 front, 140/80-19 rear. This provides stability on the straights, but limits agility in turning. Weighing less than 200 kilos and with a favorable center of gravity, the LiveWire Naked Bike is surprisingly agile and can be easily controlled via the wide handlebars.

The seat height of 825 millimetres is well-suited to the flat track style of the LiveWire Naked Bike, and the narrow seat makes it easier for riders to reach the ground with their feet. However, this may pose a challenge for smaller riders. In terms of electronic features, the LiveWire Naked Bike is fully equipped with a 6-axis IMU for cornering ABS, lean angle-dependent traction control, drag torque control, color TFT display with connectivity, cruise control, and four preconfigured riding modes. Additionally, there are three extra modes that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Overall, the LiveWire Naked Bike offers almost as many features as its larger counterpart, the LiveWire One.

The riding modes on the LiveWire Naked Bike play a crucial role in determining the range and performance of the electric motorcycle. In Eco mode, with its gentle throttle response and strong energy recuperation, riders can cover surprisingly long distances, making it suitable for daily commuting. The different modes offer a unique riding experience compared to traditional petrol-powered bikes, showcasing the innovative technology behind the LiveWire Naked Bike.

We were able to travel from our accommodation on the outskirts of the city to the inner districts of Barcelona for a full three days on a single battery charge, and I would trust both bikes to handle a five-day work week. The reason we didn't quite make it is because we couldn't resist testing the impressive torque of both machines, which quickly drained the battery. For everyday use, I recommend a mixed mode with an inclination towards eco mode - a practice I also suggest for traditional petrol-powered bikes. Using common sense, such as riding in the highest gear possible through town, can definitely help extend the range.

When it comes to charging the batteries, we have finally arrived at the glaring difference to conventional motorcycles - although the everyday test of the LiveWire Naked Bike actually made me rethink this. If you compare the refueling process of a conventional machine with the charging of an electric motorcycle, the time difference is the only killer argument against electric. And only at a normal socket, where the LiveWire Naked Bike charges a little faster due to its smaller battery (10.5 kWh compared to 15.4 kWh for the LiveWire One). With fast charging, the LiveWire Naked Bike should even last just under half an hour from 20 to 80 percent charge level, while other models need a little longer for fast charging. If you consider the fact that you can charge your electric bike perfectly overnight at the socket, you even save time - because you save yourself any trips to and stops at filling stations!

The key to enjoying your LiveWire to the fullest lies in being able to charge it when you're not riding - ideally overnight. During our time in Spain, we faced the challenge of street parking our motorcycles and could only access a power source through an extension cable, which proved insufficient for the high-capacity batteries of the LiveWires. We attempted to use a fast-charging station, hoping that a simple swipe of the credit card would do the trick. However, after going through the registration process, we encountered compatibility issues that prevented us from charging the bikes.

We encountered the issue of charging the LiveWire Naked Bike in a public garage equipped with traditional charging stations from the same provider. The charging process took just under 9 hours, which meant we couldn't simply grab a quick coffee or snack to pass the time; it required a full day of meals from breakfast to dinner (I would have looked even worse). Nevertheless, we left the LiveWires connected overnight and were able to retrieve our fully "refueled" bikes the next morning. This experience led me to the realization that the LiveWires offer a practical solution for maintaining continuous mobility. I like to draw a comparison between overnight charging and having a large fuel barrel in the garage, allowing you to refuel the bike daily upon returning home - the key difference being that plugging in is faster and, most importantly, cleaner. However, it's worth noting that those without access to a parking spot with electricity are at a disadvantage.