Unboxing Harley’s New Electric Motorcycle: A Wild Delivery Adventure!

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LiveWire, an all-electric motorcycle brand from Harley-Davidson, is making waves in the electric motorcycle market. With a blend of innovative technology and a rich legacy, LiveWire is expanding its lineup while navigating challenges typical of a new venture. As a proud owner of the LiveWire S2 Del Mar Launch Edition, I’ve experienced firsthand what this exciting brand has to offer.

The Evolution of LiveWire

A Decade in the Making
The journey began over ten years ago when Harley-Davidson recognized that electric motorcycles were the future. Project LiveWire was initiated in 2014, leading to the launch of their first model in 2019. Despite its high performance and price tag nearing $30k, it struggled to attract younger riders.

A Strategic Spin-Off
To better cater to this demographic, Harley spun off its electric division into LiveWire and rebranded its original model as LiveWire One at a more accessible price point under $23k. This strategic move aimed to capture urban riders with an entirely new model—the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, priced around $15k.

My Experience with the S2 Del Mar

Test Riding Excitement
As one of the first testers for this bike prototype, I found it perfectly suited for my urban riding style—fun without needing extensive range capabilities. After my initial ride in late 2022, I knew I wanted one; eventually securing a limited Launch Edition.

Navigating Purchase Challenges
Purchasing from abroad added complexity but was surprisingly straightforward thanks to LiveWire’s agile approach. However, delivery proved challenging due to logistical issues tied back to Harley’s traditional operations—a stark contrast between old and new business models within their ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Brand Identity: LiveWire combines modern tech with classic heritage.
• Targeting New Riders: The S2 Del Mar aims at attracting younger urban enthusiasts.
• Logistical Hurdles: Transitioning from legacy systems poses challenges for newer brands like LiveWire.

Reference

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1. Electrek: Review – Harley Davidson’s Electric Motorcycle
2. Electrek: Harley Spins Off Electric Motorcycles
3. Electrek: Deliveries Begin for New Electric Motorcycle

Here’s the Scoop

The article recounts an exciting experience of picking up a new electric motorcycle, the LiveWire Del Mar, from Harley-Davidson. The author shares the unexpected challenges faced during this process, including miscommunication about the bike’s location and charging status. Despite these hurdles, the warm welcome from Harley employees made for a memorable day.

A Rollercoaster Ride to Ownership

Unexpected Challenges:
Upon arrival at the dealership, confusion reigned as no one knew where my bike was located. After some quick texts to contacts at LiveWire, it was discovered that my bike was upstairs but had zero charge. The staff scrambled to prepare for a delivery ceremony that typically requires more organization.

Charging Dilemmas:
The team quickly got my bike on a wall charger pumping 1.4 kW into its battery—an overnight charge in most cases! With only two hours before I needed to leave for an airport meeting and 30 miles still ahead of me, I had to explain charging levels and find alternative solutions.

A Warm Welcome

Community Spirit:
Despite initial chaos, I received a warm welcome from Harley employees who treated me like family during my visit. They offered tours of their impressive service department filled with vintage bikes while preparing my new ride for departure.

Ceremony and Gear:
After signing paperwork and receiving my wall charger in style—a bell-ringing ceremony marked this special moment—everyone congratulated me on joining their community. It felt great being accepted into such a passionate group of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• Electric Motorcycle Experience: Picking up an electric motorcycle can come with unexpected challenges but also rewarding moments.
• Community Connection: The welcoming atmosphere at dealerships can enhance your ownership experience.
• Charging Knowledge is Key: Understanding different charging options is crucial when dealing with electric vehicles.

Reference

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1. Electrek – My Del Mar on Charger in Shop
2. Electrek – Testing out My New Beyond Riders Armored Riding Shirt
3. Beyond Riders – Protective Riding Gear

Here’s the Scoop

A Rollercoaster Ride with LiveWire’s New Electric Motorcycle

The article recounts an adventurous day with a new electric motorcycle from LiveWire. The author faced challenges due to a low battery and a dying phone while trying to navigate to a charging station. Despite the obstacles, including rain and time constraints, they managed to reach their destination just in time, showcasing the bike’s potential for urban commuting.

Performance and Comfort of the LiveWire Motorcycle

The motorcycle is praised for its power and comfort compared to its predecessor, the LiveWire One. With impressive acceleration and an upright riding position, it offers both speed and ease for city rides. The 10.5 kWh battery provides ample range for most urban riders, making it suitable for daily commutes without frequent charging stops.

Future Prospects with More Riding Experience

While this was only the author’s first experience on the bike, they express excitement about future rides and performance insights. Despite initial delivery issues at the dealership, their enthusiasm remains high due to how enjoyable riding this electric motorcycle is. They acknowledge that both customers and dealerships are still learning about EVs as technology evolves.

Key Takeaways

• Adventure Awaits: The author navigated challenges but successfully reached their destination.
• Power Meets Comfort: The new model offers excellent performance tailored for urban commuting.
• Learning Curve: Both riders and dealerships are adapting as electric vehicles become more mainstream.

Reference

1. Electrek – Review of LiveWire Electric Motorcycle
2. Electrek – Charging Stations Overview
3. Electrek – Future of Electric Motorcycles