Harley-Davidson's electric baby, the LiveWire brand, surprised everyone. Instead of a heavy electric cruiser, it introduced a mini-bike. The LiveWire S4 Honcho, in two flavors - Street and Trail, promises riding pleasure without the noise, smell and drama.
If someone had said years ago that it would be Harley-Davidson made a 125cc equivalent of an electric mini-bike, they would send him for another beer. A LiveWire S4 Honcho is that exactly – 125cc electric mini bike, which doesn't take itself too seriously, but still offers a lot more intelligence than you'd expect from a brand known for chrome, vibrations, and engines bigger than the average garage.
The LiveWire S4 Honcho will be available in two versions – Street and TrailThe first is intended for urban jungles and A1 driving licenses (i.e. teenagers aged at least 16 in Europe), while the second is for uncompromising playing in the mud. Street It has everything you expect from a street-legal motorcycle: lights, indicators, mirrors, TFT screen, plate holders, and a quiet ego that won't bother the neighbors.
Trail but it is, as the name suggests, an uncompromising little savage. No lights, no mirrors, no gauges – just a number plate, chunky tires, higher suspension, more ground clearance and – yes, reverse gearBecause why push a motorcycle up a hill when you can just roll it back?
Smart simplicity
LiveWire is clearly learning from the past. Instead of complex electrical systems, LiveWire S4 Honcho technically simplified to the point of genius. The frame is of tubular construction, hidden under the seat battery pack of two removable units, probably made in collaboration with the Taiwanese KYMCO IonexThis means you can simply take the batteries home and charge them like a laptop.
The motor is located under the battery – low center of gravity, easier handling. The brakes are also interestingly designed: single brake handle on the right side, without a foot brake. This indicates combined braking system (CBS), which automatically distributes braking power between the front and rear wheels. Simple, effective, and – above all – without unnecessary complications.
Numbers (still) in the fog
LiveWire hasn't officially revealed any technical specifications yet. No information on power, torque, range or charging time. But since it's a class 125cc-equivalent, we can realistically expect between 11 and 15 horsepower (8–11 kW) – enough for city driving, especially if the weight of the mini-bull stays under 100 kilograms.
Top speed? Probably around 100 km/h (62 mph). Reach? A few tens of kilometers, depending on use. The price? It's not officially known yet, but LiveWire promises it will be "well below five figures," meaning less than 10,000 euros or dollars.
Full disclosure is expected on EICMA 2025 in Milan, and production begins spring 2026.
Harley with soul and common sense
It may sound strange, but LiveWire S4 Honcho could be exactly what Harley needs: a vehicle that appeals to young, urban, and environmentally conscious riders. Not those looking for steel horses to cross America, but those who want a light, practical, and fun experience without the fuel and noise.
Although it is a mini-bike, Honcho is not a toy. It is a symbol of a turnaround: electric mobility is no longer measured in kilowatts, but in meaning. And the fact that Harley-Davidson – synonymous with gasoline and buzz – has produced a motorcycle that can park in a living room and ride silently past the cops is something that deserves at least a sincere round of applause.
Conclusion: LiveWire S4 Honcho
LiveWire S4 Honcho is an electric mini-bike that can make you laugh without being ridiculous. It's minimalist, practical, and surprisingly sensible. And if the price tag really is "under five figures," this could be the moment when Harley finally gets closer to those it's been annoying with noise.
Electricity, silence, simplicity – and the name HonchoSometimes true strength lies in being brave enough not to take yourself too seriously.
