The discovery of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista: between Harley-Davidson heritage and crazy electrons
After launching the models S2 Del Mar and S2 Mulholland, both designed for relaxed driving, LiveWire – the electric branch of Harley-Davidson – enriches its S2 Arrow platform with a sportier variant: the S2 Alpinista. We were able to get up close, test it briefly and witness its official unveiling.
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista, Harley-Davidson's new sporty electric motorcycle, captured in an urban setting under a bridge. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
LiveWire, from Harley-Davidson to independent entity
Originally, the LiveWire was only an electric model signed Harley-Davidson, which appeared in 2020. This first version (simply called LiveWire 2020) did not convince, the fault of a stratospheric price and a reluctance of bikers to switch to electric.
In 2021, LiveWire takes off as a brand in its own right, and the Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco becomes a strategic partner. From this alliance is born the S2 Arrow platform, designed to give life to several distinct electric motorcycles while sharing the same base – engine, battery and chassis – with one objective: to offer varied models whose price does not exceed 20,000 euros . It is in this context that the Del Mar and the Mulhollandnow joined by the S2 Alpinista.
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista exhibited in a dedicated room, revealing its sporty lines and elegant design, combining technology and electrical performance. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
LiveWire S2 Alpinista, a strong sporting DNA
With 0 to 100 km/h achieved in 3 seconds, 263 Nm of torque available from the first angles given to the handle, 17-inch wheels (120 x 70 at the front and 180 x 55 at the rear) fitted with soft tires (Dunlop Roadsmart 4), a low center of gravity and a weight announced at 197 kg, the S2 Alpinista wants to play in the league of sports roadsters.
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista's motor reveals its advanced electrical engineering, designed to deliver sporty performance and immediate responsiveness. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
Its angle grips of 52.1° left and 44.2° allow the helmet to be brought closer to the asphalt in curves.
Zoom on the engine of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista, revealing the precision and quality of its mechanical and electrical elements. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
The distinctive LED headlight of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista, a modern and functional design for optimal visibility and assertive style. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
To manage this enthusiasm, the motorcycle relies on a 6-axis Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) – a unit which analyzes the movements of the two-wheeler in real time. In the event of an untimely deviation, the system can automatically limit any loss of grip, depending on the driving mode chosen.
Focus on the dashboard and the signature inscription of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista, symbol of its sporty and electric identity. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
Satisfactory autonomy, charging time still penalizing for roadtrips
On the battery side, the S2 Alpinista has 10.5 kWh of NMC type, for an announced autonomy of 193 km in an urban environment and 110 km on the motorway. However, these figures will need to be verified under real conditions of use.
Focus on the engine and suspension of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista, reflecting the technical precision of the S2 platform for optimal performance. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
Recharging is carried out:
- On domestic socket: 6 hours to go from 20% to 80%, and approximately 8.5 hours for a complete cycle from 0% to 100%;
- On a fast terminal (Type 2): approximately 78 minutes from 20% to 80% and 142 minutes (more than 2 hours) for a complete fill-up;
- This means that you will charge mainly at 80% which corresponds to a range of 90 to 100 km combined.
A successful compromise between city and sportiness
Despite its 197 kg, the LiveWire S2 Alpinista is surprisingly easy to handle in an urban environment. The weight remains perceptible, but the distribution of masses, helped by a low center of gravity, allows you to slip around correctly.
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista in action on the streets of Paris, combining style, electric performance and practicality for urban journeys. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
The only downside is that the turning radius is a little limited, which can hamper maneuvering in tight spaces.
Detail of the Brembo brake caliper of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista, guaranteeing powerful and precise braking for safe driving. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
Braking is excellent (taking into account the weight), despite the unexpected events of the Paris road.
The round, digital dashboard of the LiveWire S2 Alpinista, combining sleek design and intuitive interface for a modern driving experience. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
Furthermore, the electric assistance offers life-saving responsiveness (especially in an urban environment) to the slightest use of the accelerator handle… in town. Indeed, we were not able to verify the high speed recovery. Speed which cannot exceed 159 km/h.
The dashboard is in the form of a 4-inch round screen. It's pretty, of course, but the readability is not great: the writing is too small, the information is not highlighted enough.
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista, an elegant and practical electric motorcycle, with its side luggage suitable for urban journeys and getaways. © Jérémy Fdida / Les Numériques
A justified price?
In the world of motorcycles, the 18,990 euros required to acquire the S2 Alpinista represents a substantial sum, generally allocated to enthusiast (and not utilitarian) models. At this price, however, we obtain:
- A careful finish;
- Serious performance;
- Sporty behavior;
- A modern and unique style.
All under the LiveWire banner, a direct heritage from Harley-Davidson, with the accompanying image. Finally, the Harley image, but without the iconic sound and roar of the engine.
