LiveWire, the electric motorcycle subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, has started production of its new S4 Honcho electric motorcycle platform, marking the company’s entry into the lightweight and more affordable electric two-wheeler segment.
The new platform consists of two models, the S4 Honcho Street and S4 Honcho Trail, which were first unveiled in Europe at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in November. The launch broadens LiveWire’s product lineup beyond its larger premium electric motorcycles and targets a wider range of riders.
“S4 Honcho is about opening up electric riding to a much broader audience,” said Karim Donnez, Chief Executive Officer of LiveWire.
“It’s lightweight, approachable, and built to be used—whether you’re new to riding or just looking for something more fun and flexible day to day.”
Designed for Urban and Recreational Riding
The S4 Honcho models are positioned in the minibike category and offer performance comparable to a 125cc internal combustion motorcycle.
The S4 Honcho Street can be ridden in Europe and the United Kingdom with an A1 licence, while the S4 Honcho Trail is designed for use in enclosed off-road environments where a road licence is not required.
By targeting these categories, LiveWire aims to attract new riders and expand beyond the premium electric motorcycle market where its previous models, including the S2 Mulholland, have been positioned.
Lower Prices and Lightweight Design
The new motorcycles are significantly more affordable than LiveWire’s existing electric models.
The S4 Honcho Street starts at €5,699, while the S4 Honcho Trail is priced from €5,299.
Both motorcycles weigh approximately 120 kilograms including their battery packs, offering a lightweight design intended to improve agility and ease of use.
LiveWire said the motorcycles can reach a top speed of 95 kilometres per hour and accelerate from 0 to 48 km/h (30 mph) in around three seconds.
Removable Battery System
The S4 Honcho platform uses two removable and swappable battery packs with a combined capacity of 3.48 kWh.
According to the company, the motorcycles provide a range of up to 86 kilometres under WMTC testing standards and up to 118 kilometres when travelling at a constant speed of 30 km/h.
The batteries can be charged either while installed in the motorcycle or after being removed. Using a standard 230-volt household outlet, charging from 20% to 80% takes approximately two hours.
Built by Kymco
Although production has officially started, the S4 Honcho models are being manufactured by Taiwanese scooter maker Kymco rather than by LiveWire itself.
Kymco became an investor in LiveWire in 2021 and has worked closely with the company on electric mobility projects.
The two companies are also expected to launch a jointly developed electric maxi-scooter later this year, further expanding their collaboration in the electric two-wheeler market.
The introduction of the S4 Honcho range represents an important step for LiveWire as it seeks to broaden its customer base and compete in the growing market for affordable electric motorcycles.