Flaws to Know Before Buying the Harley-Davidson S2 Mulholland

Electric motorcycles are hitting the market at full throttle, and Harley-Davidson isn’t about to be left in the dust. After launching LiveWire, its brand devoted to electric bikes, the company has rolled out a model that’s already creating buzz: the S2 Mulholland. Available in the United States, this sleek cruiser starts at around $22,000. But, as always, there are a few surprises and quirks to explore.

A Head-Turning Look and a Greener Design

At first glance, the S2 Mulholland shows off its style. Forget the Flat Track essence of the Del Mar; this is a true cruiser, closer to what we expect from a Harley. It retains the same platform as the S2, but with a few well-judged tweaks: a more rounded headlight, a shortened seat, and a raised handlebar for a more upright and comfortable position.

As for the materials, LiveWire is focusing on eco-responsibility: fenders made from hemp bio-composite, fairings crafted from recycled fishing nets, and a recyclable silicone seat. It’s a move towards a cleaner production, and that’s something we can all appreciate!

Impressive Performance… But Limited Range

Under the hood, it’s a powerhouse: 84 horsepower, 194 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. With a weight of 432 pounds, it stays fairly light for a cruiser.

But the main drawback is the range. LiveWire reports 121 miles in the city and just 73 miles on the highway at 55 mph. So if you’re planning long rides, you’ll need to schedule some pit stops. And as for charging, it’s not the fastest: 5.9 hours to go from 20% to 80% on a standard outlet, or 78 minutes on a fast charger.

In short, it’s perfect for a Sunday ride, but not ideal for extended journeys.

A Steep Price Tag, But Smart Positioning

Priced at $22,000, the S2 Mulholland isn’t exactly cheap. However, when compared to a gas-powered cruiser from Harley, like the Low Rider S at $24,000, the cost seems more reasonable. Plus, the Low Rider S is heavier and consumes fuel, whereas the LiveWire emphasizes eco-friendliness and low operating costs. That said, for this price, you’d expect better range and faster charging times. Because in the end, shelling out $22,000 for a bike that needs to stop every 73 miles can be frustrating…