LiveWire S2 Del Mar: Best Electric Motorcycle

Motors

Good news

Electric? Traditional manufacturers are coming to test the waters, such as Harley-Davidson and its subsidiary LiveWire, which is launching the very tempting S2 Del Mar. Our test on the streets of Paris.

Unlike urban scooters, which are easier to use with a zero-emission motor, electric motorcycles remain a new breed. With a complex weight ratio, limited autonomy and thrills, of course, but without the soundtrack so dear to bikers. However, in this emerging market, which has unfortunately already suffered some losses, there is no shortage of great initiatives, such as the recent bankruptcy of the iconic Swedish brand Cake. Proof using LiveWire S2 Del Mar.

Read also: Good motorcycles: 5 environmentally responsible motorcycles

Revival of electrical engineering

In this context, Harley-Davidson obviously has a say. Perhaps the most traditional, even conservative, American motorcycle brand is decisively moving towards the use of an electric powertrain.

So, a few years ago, Harley-Davidson launched its first LiveWire, which has since become an independent brand. But from the original model costing over €30,000, the range is now moving towards (slightly) more affordable offerings such as the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, built on a new platform and offered at €18,690.

Following this logic, we could dream of one day having the right to Del Sol, standing firmly on our feet, for less than 10,000 euros… For this, battery technology – the nerve center of the war – requires a real leap forward, e.g. solid electrolytes, which could be a game changer in the competitiveness of these machines.

But we’re not there yet, and what catches our eye is this S2’s looks, a lively and aggressive flat-track machine. The massive metal block with stripes, the horizontal headlight, the fake fuel tank, the big wheels and the truncated rear end all contribute to giving it a classic and disruptive look.

The small round color screen on the steering wheel, which serves as a speedometer, includes interesting functions including navigation using a dedicated app, and a button on the left hand allows you to activate cruise control: so American!

Acceleration Mission

The ignition is on, in slow motion, you can feel your heartbeat through the (very hard) saddle: inanimate objects, do you have a soul? Marketing sometimes makes good use of its charms. This is enough to compensate for the perfect silence that hangs in the air, contrasting with the fury of which the beast is capable.

Literally: with one press of the gas pedal we accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, almost in the time of the 830-horsepower Ferrari 296 GTB. The front wheel lifts easily and, fortunately, the engine’s enormous torque is managed electronically, adjustable depending on the selected driving mode: power, acceleration and regenerative braking (from 0 to 100%), ABS (standard or rain). , traction control level.

So many guards are watching you. But even in eco mode, acceleration remains lightning fast and really allows you to teleport from one traffic light to another. Regeneration also allows you to drive smoothly without slamming on the brakes, provided you can resist the temptation.

This is also a way to save consumption and expand the available range to 180 km in the city, but hardly to 140 km on the highway, while to recharge from 20 to 80 you need to take a break of one hour and twenty minutes. %. Suffice it to say that this is a car intended not for universal use, but for daily city trips or walks around a vacation spot.

The correct riding position, wide arms and a saddle low enough to allow both legs to be level make the S2 light and maneuverable despite its nearly 200kg weight. However, be careful with the handlebars, which are wide and the mirrors are level with the handles, which can make it difficult to pass between two cars before driving out again.

What about comfort? It’s necessarily relative with the stiff suspension, complete lack of protection and minimal passenger seating, but that leaves the scooter option…

Read also: Harley Davidson: electric revolution