Our German media partner, SteckerBiker.de, got the chance to take the LiveWire S2 Del Mar for a test ride. Naturally, we were eager to hear his impressions of this American electric motorcycle.

Paddy Lectric – SteckerBker.de: “When LiveWire launched the S2 Del Mar, I was instantly captivated. I fell in love! This eye-catching design seamlessly blends the worlds of combustion and electric bikes. But I’ll dive into that later.

This review of the LiveWire S2 Del Mar kicks off a series of comparison tests I’ll be conducting over time. The purpose of this series is to assist you in finding the electric motorcycle that best fits your needs. I’ll closely examine commuting capabilities, touring potential, technology, and design—each rated on a scale from one to five stars.

I received the motorcycle for private use (Thanks, Zero Pioneer!). LiveWire is not aware of this review and has had no involvement in it.

Technical specs: performance, platform, highlights

The S2 series from LiveWire, built on the Arrow platform, is positioned below the LiveWire One. Its design is particularly eye-catching, with a battery that seamlessly blends into the frame and cooling fins reminiscent of those on an air-cooled combustion engine.

The Del Mar features a flat tracker style, boasting 19-inch wheels, wide handlebars, and a slightly forward-leaning seating position. It weighs just under 200 kg and is equipped with a 10.5 kWh battery, supporting single-phase AC charging up to 5.2 kW (Type 2). Its continuous power is rated at 30 kW (41 hp), with a peak output almost double at 61 kW (83 hp). The motor and charging electronics are liquid-cooled, while the battery is air-cooled.

The various models in the S2 series, including the Del Mar, Mulholland, and Alpinista, primarily differ in suspension and handlebars, so much of this review is likely applicable to the other models as well.

Del Mar in daily life: how it handles commuting

LiveWire markets the Del Mar as “the urban mobility solution,” designed specifically for city traffic and daily commutes. They claim it has a city range of 181 km. In my personal test, conducted over three days, I achieved a range of “only” 151 km. To be fair, the test took place in single-digit temperatures and included a commuter route with sections reaching 70 km/h. In warmer weather and at speeds around 50–55 km/h, the factory specifications appear achievable.

It’s important to mention that when the state of charge (SoC) falls below 10%, the power output decreases considerably, making the last 15 km quite unenjoyable. The power consumption measured at the socket was 6.8 kWh per 100 km.

Weighing in at just under 200 kg, the Del Mar isn’t exactly lightweight, but it’s not overly heavy either. Its low center of gravity makes it easy to maneuver, and the low seat height accommodates even shorter riders comfortably. The power delivery is seamless, and with regenerative braking bringing the bike to a complete halt, handling city stop-and-go traffic is possible in a “one-pedal mode.” The belt drive operates silently (another American manufacturer could take note), and the mid-motor is well-insulated, remaining mostly inaudible unless under heavy load.

And it sure can work hard! When you’re first at a traffic light, a quick throttle twist leaves everyone who was beside or behind you disappearing in the mirrors. It’s exhilarating! Just be cautious—it’s easy to accelerate too fast too soon.

The Del Mar features a built-in Type 2 charging port, allowing it to be charged at any Type 2 station, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who park on the street and depend on public charging facilities. To charge from a standard (Schuko) outlet, a charging brick is necessary. LiveWire provides a set with a 2.3 kW capacity. For those who prefer adjustable power, a standard adjustable brick is an option. With its 10.5 kWh battery, most commuters will find they only need to charge once or twice a week.

Storage space is practically non-existent. Anything you need to carry—whether it’s rain gear, a change of clothes, a laptop, or lunch—has to be packed into a backpack. There are no anchor points or loops to secure luggage on the passenger seat either. Luckily, LiveWire provides a stylish luggage rack that works seamlessly with SW-Motech’s SLC system, blending well with the bike’s design. At least in theory—it took the bike’s owner some time to locate a German dealer willing to sell one. A mount for a top case is also an option, but anyone who disrupts this bike’s sleek appearance with a top case should be charged with vandalizing a piece of art and having poor taste.

Adding side bags to the bike increases its width, but it’s not a major concern since the Del Mar already has quite wide handlebars. This is the main drawback for commuting, as the wide bars complicate maneuvering through traffic, particularly because they align with most car mirrors.

These points prevent me from giving a perfect score. Therefore, I rate the commuting capabilities four out of five stars: ★★★★☆

Touring capability of the S2 Del Mar – everyday ride or adventure?

Is the Del Mar suitable for touring? To determine that, I took it for a spin on my usual loop around Lake Werbellin and came away with mixed, yet overall positive, impressions.

The Del Mar features an adjustable suspension that is sporty and firm—ideal on smooth roads, though it can feel harsh on bumpy surfaces. While the suspension doesn’t bottom out, every bump is noticeably felt. On curvy roads, I even found myself standing on the footpegs, which isn’t the easiest given the sporty riding position.

Still, the forward-leaning posture is surprisingly comfortable over longer rides. The seat is firm but well-contoured, avoiding discomfort. If you’re expecting the plush feel of a cushy couch, you might be let down, but it’s perfectly acceptable for a sporty touring experience.

The cockpit is equipped with a navigation system powered by Google Maps. It functions adequately but seems primarily tailored for car drivers, albeit allowing you to adjust standard Google options like avoiding highways or ferries. The bike also comes with ABS, traction control, and stability control—all dependable systems, even though I thankfully didn’t need to test any emergency settings.

The brakes fall into a mid-tier category: a firm grip is required, but they perform reliably. They’re not the best I’ve experienced, but they’re far from the worst.

Overall handling is agile, though it tends to feel a bit sluggish in corners—likely a consequence of the 19-inch wheels fitted both front and back. On more rural roads, however, the bike feels at home: a twist of the throttle sends it surging forward, as you’d expect from an electric motor.

The battery provides a realistic range of 100–120 km given my riding style. During my test loop, consumption was 8.6 kWh/100 km, implying a practical range around 110 km.

Charging is single-phase at 5.2 kW AC, and there’s no CCS option available. From 30% to 80% charge takes about an hour at full power—equating to roughly 50 additional kilometers. While day trips of up to 200 km are feasible, longer journeys demand careful planning and patience.

A key point: At 11 kW charging stations, the single-phase design limits charging to 3.7 kW. To achieve the full 5.2 kW, you need a 22 kW station (and the correct cable). Factor this into your route planning.

One notable issue is that the Del Mar can be picky when charging. There were instances when charging wouldn’t start or was unexpectedly interrupted. On one occasion, the plug even got stuck—a stressful situation, especially in remote areas.

Storage also poses a challenge on longer tours. For trips over 100 km, you must carry your charging gear, which can’t be stored on the bike. This means you’ll likely need to use a backpack—less convenient than what you might be used to on a commuter ride.

In summary, touring is definitely achievable with the Del Mar, provided you plan carefully and set realistic expectations. With that in place, it can also be an incredibly fun ride. The S2 Del Mar successfully combines electric power with character.

For touring capability, I give three out of five stars: ★★★☆☆

Tech check: between high-tech and frustration

The LiveWire S2 Del Mar is technically advanced and well-equipped, featuring keyless ignition, ABS, traction and stability controls, tire pressure monitoring, customizable ride modes, app connectivity, integrated navigation, OTA updates, and excellent build quality. On paper, it seems to have everything.

However, in reality, the LiveWire has some shortcomings. My phone frequently lost its Bluetooth connection to the bike, causing the navigation display to stop working. Thankfully, the app continued to provide voice prompts through the headset. Unfortunately, it stubbornly sticks to the original route and won’t reroute even when clearly off-course.

Additionally, I couldn’t find a way to set a target charge level other than the default 100%. Charging to a more battery-friendly 80% wasn’t an option. (I later discovered this feature exists but is buried deep in the settings.)

On the positive side, I was able to disconnect the charger even when the bike was powered off.

Another problem is that the bike loses charge even when turned off. Overnight, the state of charge (SoC) can drop by 2–4%. If you’re leaving it unused for weeks, it’s best to charge it fully. On chilly mornings, expect to lose another 2% within the first few hundred meters. I suspect if I had completed the commuting test in one day, I could have traveled 10 km further.

It’s a shame, because the tech features—if they all worked properly—would deserve a much higher rating. As it stands, I give the tech three out of five stars: ★★★☆☆

Design & styling: classic beauty meets modern cool

The S2 Del Mar boasts a design that is both modern and timeless. Its sleek lines and premium finish make it truly stand out. The machined cooling fins give the diagonally positioned battery the appearance of the front cylinder on a Harley V-twin. At first glance, you might not even notice it’s electric—only upon closer inspection. It’s an impressive motorcycle, regardless of its power source.

It’s been a long time since I’ve received this much attention about a motorcycle—even from colleagues who usually aren’t interested in bikes. While some electric motorcycles loudly announce their nature, the Del Mar does not. It exudes confidence and elegance without being divisive. It’s a classic beauty.

So in the category of design & styling, it’s an easy five out of five stars: ★★★★★

SteckerBiker verdict: between swooning and reality

I was in love. The design of the Del Mar had captivated me completely. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to thoroughly test it. Its appearance is stunning—a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. Its specifications on paper are equally impressive.

However, reality reveals that even beautiful things have their imperfections. Some issues can be resolved: you can install a luggage system, and software glitches can be fixed with updates (Hopefully, LiveWire is paying attention!). The rest must be accepted—or even better, embraced.

If you’re prepared to fully commit to the Del Mar, you’ll likely find great satisfaction with it. Although I no longer feel the initial excitement, I still appreciate it and am glad it exists. But now I’m single once more and ready to fall in love again.”

If you prefer to read the original (German) article with YouTube test ride video: https://steckerbiker.de/news/fahrzeuge/livewire-s2-del-mar-liebe-auf-den-ersten-blick/

Paddy Electric: “Für die Fotos danke ich sehr herzlich @dabuggy77. Seht Euch gerne seine anderen Werke an!”