LIVEWIRE S2 DEL MAR – FIRST RIDE
This was a ride I have long craved. Back in April, LiveWire held their S2 Del Mar first look event at Bike Shed Shoreditch before bringing that same launch edition to our ‘23 Show. Having already had my mind less altered, more blown-apart by my time with the mighty LiveWire One, the flat-track focus of the Del Mar concept, had me at hello. At a time where electric is largely powering practical, pragmatic and politically cognisant transport, LiveWire are nailing their company colours to the fun mast.
Instead of looking to pursue that electric motorcycle nadir of range (and bringing with it, inevitable weight) LiveWire have instead chosen to strip the Del Mar right back. Where do Electric motorcycles excel? Within city limits and on short, dynamic rides. That is the laser focus of the Del Mar, and the thinking behind the European launch in the dreamy city of Barcelona. A tight, bustling metropolis, with a mountainous playground on its doorstep.
Arriving on a flight so early it was still late, I had a chance to take in the city and speak with members of the Del Mar design team before flicking up the kick-stand. My first question, when was the flat-track direction of LiveWire’s latest platform determined? The answer, day one. The first sheet of paper was not blank, it was a picture of the iconic Harley-Davidson XR750. A machine of pure purpose and zero fuss. And despite the complex engineering at play, the Del Mar can boast the very same ethos. Visuals are always subjective, but to my eyes, it’s a home-run. 
Finally the time came to lift that stand. The cockpit may prove faintly familiar to Harley-holics with company gauges, switchgear and a headlight though originally from their Sportster S, that has found its spiritual home on the Del Mar. Beyond that, this is an entirely new platform. Parts in common with the LiveWire One are reportedly zero. The striking, finned 10.5 KWH battery (vs 15.4 in the One) dominates the bike. A minimal headstock bolts to the front of it whilst the subframe, shock and motor hang from its rear and lower sections. The tank is referred to instead as a “top cover” whilst the box in front of the motor (resembling a sump-guard) contains the “electronics package.”
Wide, tracker style bars combine with the surprising leg-room and comfortable seat to position you perfectly “in” rather than “on” the bike, poised to slice through traffic or carve canyon roads. Exiting the city in silent convoy, we exchange casual conversation and revel in a throttle so silky smooth that any concern low-speed control might be hampered by the absence of a clutch, is swiftly allayed.
