Why NOW is the time for electric motorbikes!

I’ve already ridden the Honda WN7 and Livewire S2 Alpinista but for this video I’ve got them together on the same day for a true head-to-head to see which of these motorcycling giants has got its head around electric bikes best of all. Both have landed on essentially the same recipe of A2 licence friendly size and power at a comparable price and with similar performance and range. But, as you’ll see, they go about it rather differently…

Honda versus Livewire by the numbers:

Honda WN7
Price: £12,999 (UK)
Power: 24hp continuous/68hp peak
Torque: 100Nm
Battery size: 9.3kWh
Range: 87 miles (claimed)
Weight: 217kg

Livewire S2 Alpinista
Price: £11,690 (UK)
Power: 40hp continuous/84hp peak
Torque: 263Nm
Battery size: 10.5kWh
Range: 89 miles (claimed)
Weight: 217kg

Chapters:
0:00 – Honda versus Harley, electrified!
0:59 – Spec comparison (the short version!)
2:24 – Onboard: Livewire Alpinista power and performance
5:02 – Onboard: Livewire acceleration test
6:32 – Onboard: Livewire regen braking demo
8:10 – Onboard: Livewire range
11:18 – Onboard: Livewire suspension and handling
12:24 – AC versus DC: charging explainer!
17:14 – Onboard: Honda WN7 kit and components
19:15 – Onboard: Honda WN7 power and performance
21:10 – Onboard: Honda WN7 regen braking demo
24:55 – Onboard: silent but deadly?
26:41 – Onboard: Honda WN7 ride and handling
28:33 – Verdict: Honda or Harley?