Rahul Somvanshi
In a world increasingly clamoring for sustainability, the venerated motorcycle marque, Harley-Davidson, with its spin-off electric arm LiveWire, brings forth the latest chapter in its electric odyssey – the LiveWire S2 Del Mar. Amid the sea of electric motorcycles, the question now is, does this eco-conscious two-wheeler stand a chance in the electric moto-market, given its rich legacy, price tag, and spec sheet. Sporting an 84 horsepower electric motor, the S2 Del Mar propels riders from 0 to 60 in a cool 3.0 seconds. With 194 pound-feet of torque, it also promises an electrifying top speed of 103 mph. But, are these numbers sufficiently groundbreaking to convince traditional Harley enthusiasts to switch to electric? It’s worth contemplating, especially when considering the distance the bike can cover on a single charge, a vital factor for any EV.
Primarily designed for city commuting, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar by Harley-Davidson boasts a claimed city range of 113 miles. However, at sustained highway speeds, the range takes a significant hit, dropping to 70 miles at 55 mph, and a meager 43 miles at 70 mph. Is this diminished highway mileage a deal-breaker for potential buyers, especially those with frequent intercity travels? Charging the LiveWire S2 Del Mar from zero to full is an 8.4-hour affair via a standard 110V outlet, significantly reduced to 2.4 hours using a Level 2 public charger. One must wonder if Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire has done enough to tackle the omnipresent issue of range anxiety and extended charging times, especially when competition offers faster charging times.
Suspension duties are executed by a Showa adjustable inverted fork upfront, with a free-piston monoshock at the rear. The bike rolls on 19-inch wheels shod with Dunlop rubber, and stopping power is courtesy of Brembo brakes. But, does the real-world ride comfort and braking performance align with the promises of these reputed names? Undeniably, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar is not devoid of technological innovation. The five pre-configured ride modes and cornering-enhanced ABS, together with the user-defined custom mode, show LiveWire’s commitment to tailoring individual ride experiences. Still, how intuitive and useful these electronic aids are, remains to be seen in real-world riding scenarios.
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The LiveWire S2 Del Mar also features a compact 4-inch TFT display, capable of over-the-air updates. While the idea of a constantly evolving machine is captivating, one might question how streamlined and user-friendly the interface is. Lastly, the pricing. At $15,499, the S2 Del Mar is more affordable than its predecessor but is it value for money? In comparison to its rivals, does it offer enough bang for the buck to capture the hearts of a wider demographic, or is the price still a hurdle to mass adoption? In a nutshell, the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, with its blend of style, performance, and technology, encapsulates the Harley-Davidson spirit in an eco-friendly avatar. However, it leaves us with pressing questions about its performance, practicality, and pricing. It is yet to be seen whether this middleweight electric Harley can successfully make its mark in the ever-growing electric motorcycle space.
