LiveWire S2 Alpinista Review: An Agile and High-Performance Electric Motorcycle
The LiveWire family is growing! Harley-Davidson, legendary motorcycle maker, is launching a new model in its all-electric lineup. Following the S2 Del Mar, S2 Mulholland, and LiveWire One, comes the LiveWire S2 Alpinista. It’s an exciting fusion of sporty performance and riding comfort, all wrapped up in a sleek package. If you’re a biker curious about what this electric motorcycle can offer, let me share my first impressions after a quick test ride through rainy Paris.
A Stunning Look: Between Sport and Tradition
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista makes quite an entrance. It borrows some aesthetic elements from its predecessors while adding a fresh twist. On one hand, it maintains the sleek curves and faux tank of the S2 Del Mar, while on the other, it adopts the round headlight of the cruiser Mulholland, giving it a successful neo-retro vibe. It beautifully balances modern appeal with a vintage touch, all within a refined silhouette.
But that’s not all! The Alpinista has a practical side reminiscent of a touring bike, equipped with accessories like side bags and a top case, perfect for road trip enthusiasts. With its manageable size, it’s accessible even for beginner riders.
A Comfortable and Dynamic Ride
Now, let’s talk riding! The S2 Alpinista, with its 84-horsepower motor and 263 Nm of torque, is a true performance beast. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. What stands out is the smooth, precise, and responsive acceleration, whether maneuvering through the city or blazing down country roads.
I must admit, this bike pleasantly surprised me. Even on wet Parisian streets, it remains stable and enjoyable to ride. The “rain mode” option made me feel secure, and despite the cobblestones, the riding comfort is excellent. It’s more road-oriented compared to other models in the range, and that’s a welcome change! You really notice the difference, especially with the 17-inch tires that provide better comfort on bumpy roads.
Range and Charging: A Closer Look
Ah, the range… A challenging topic when it comes to electric motorcycles. The LiveWire S2 Alpinista comes with a 10.5 kWh battery, allowing for about 194 km in urban mode. However, this distance drops to 144 km in mixed use and 115 km on the highway, which is still quite limited for longer trips. Essentially, when you push the speeds, the range decreases quickly. For charging, the bike offers several options: from 0 to 80% in about 1 hour and 20 minutes with a public charging station, but over 8 hours if you plug it into a domestic outlet.
As you can see, the LiveWire S2 Alpinista is better suited for short to medium trips, not yet ready for multi-day road trips, unless you plan to charge at every stop!
The Price: Not Cheap, but Quality Abounds
Price-wise, this bike isn’t cheap: it starts at €18,990, a bit less than the S2 Del Mar. This places it in the premium electric motorcycle range, but the price is justified by the build quality and advanced technologies. Plus, LiveWire already offers accessories like side bags and a top case, perfect for customizing your bike to your tastes. If you’re looking for a ride that combines comfort, performance, and eco-friendliness, this bike should definitely catch your eye.
