Harley’s Surprising New Bike Is Equal Parts Affordable, Approachable and Just Plain Fun

A couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to ride around New York City with Maeving co-founder Seb Inglis-Jones on the brand’s new RM2 electric motorcycle.

In addition to having a blast, I was struck by an insight he shared: Rather than trying to convert current motorcyclists into electric devotees, Maeving is focused on attracting new riders, who may lack shifting skills but also the hangups that prevent cranky moto vets (like yours truly) from plugging in.

LiveWire

This notion immediately comes to mind upon beholding LiveWire’s latest bike platform, which has come a long way since I first glimpsed it at Harley-Davidson Homecoming in July.

Ahead of its big showcase at EICMA next month, the newly christened S4 Honcho isn’t trying to be an electrified Harley — it’s doing its own super fun urban/trail bike thing and breathing new life into the electric space in the process.

Here’s everything we know about it so far.

New direction

The S4 branding is interesting in that many suspected this code would connote a big electric motorcycle, and in fact, the exact opposite is the case, as the Honchos are akin to 125cc mini bikes. 

To me, it’s the perfect move for Live Wire, a totally different proposition than trying to mimic a big Harley moto without what we curmudgeons love about gas bikes — the sounds, smells and shifting — and with a higher price tag.

LiveWire

Just take a look at the Honcho splash page and you’ll immediately feel the fresh and fun energy there.

It’s almost like one of those comedy sports movies where the ragtag underdogs get down by a ton of points in the big game, then stop giving a shit, start playing free and rally to win at the last second.

LiveWire

Both versions of the Honcho draw power from two batteries housed under the flip-up bench seat. 

These units are removable, making them super convenient for urban users who may not have consistent access to a garage.

Town to trail

Consistent with the prototypes I saw at H-D Homecoming, two different editions of the S4 Honcho are planned: one for street use and one for off-road riding.

In Europe, the Street variant will qualify for an A1 license, the entry-level certification that can be procured there beginning at the age of 16. In the US, it will be usable with a standard “M” moto endorsement. 

LiveWire

Toward that end, it will feature street-legal necessities such as mirrors and indicators and a license plate holder, as well as left handlebar controls and a TFT display.

Meanwhile, eschewing lighting, mirrors, a plate and instrumentation, the Trail version will be for off-road use only. No license will be required to ride it.

It gets a number plate in place of a headlight, high fenders over both wheels, knobby tires, additional ground clearance, off-road-tuned suspension and, wait for it, reverse.

LiveWire

As much as the Trail version looks geared for just flicking around on dirt, the accompanying imagery points to a couple of other interesting use cases: fishing and hunting. 

Considering the all-terrain capability and quietness of the engine, that makes all the sense in the world. Crazy as it sounds at first blush, so does the Honcho in general.

Availability and pricing

The LiveWire S4 Honcho Street and S4 Honcho Trail are scheduled to enter production in spring 2026. As for when you can get one and how much they will cost, no word yet, but I’m hopeful we’ll see them next summer at a price well south of five figures.

LiveWire

LiveWire S4 Honcho

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