Let’s be honest. When you think of Harley-Davidson, you think of noise. You think of that heavy, "potato-potato" rhythm shaking your teeth loose at a stoplight. You don't usually think of a silent, lithium-ion-powered streetfighter. But here we are in 2026, and the electric Harley Davidson motorcycle isn't just a side project anymore. It’s a full-blown identity crisis—and a technological marvel—all wrapped into one.
There is a lot of noise surrounding these bikes. ironically, since the bikes themselves are nearly silent. Most people think Harley just slapped a battery on a cruiser and called it a day. They didn't. In fact, the "Harley" name is barely even on the bikes anymore, having shifted mostly to the LiveWire sub-brand.
The Identity Shift Nobody Expected
It’s kinda weird, right? Harley-Davidson spent a century selling a lifestyle built on internal combustion. Then, suddenly, they launched the LiveWire.
The strategy has been rocky. Under former CEO Jochen Zeitz, the company pushed hard into "The Hardwire" plan, trying to make electric bikes a premium pillar. But sales didn't exactly explode. In late 2025, Artie Starrs—the former CEO of Topgolf—took the reins as the new CEO. His mission is basically to figure out how to sell these high-tech machines to a crowd that still loves chrome and gasoline.
The 2026 lineup is surprisingly diverse. You've got the flagship LiveWire ONE, which is the direct descendant of the original electric Harley Davidson motorcycle. Then you have the S2 platform, which is where things get interesting for the "average" rider.
Breaking Down the 2026 S2 Lineup
The S2 "Arrow" architecture is basically a modular system. The battery is a stressed member of the frame. This means the bike is lighter and handles better than the original heavy-duty LiveWire.
- S2 Del Mar: This is the flat-tracker of the bunch. It’s punchy. It’s built for the city. It currently sits at a promotional price of around $9,999, which is honestly the first time an electric Harley has felt "affordable."
- S2 Mulholland: They call this a "performance cruiser." It uses sustainable materials like hemp bio-composite fenders. It’s more upright, more laid back, but still hits 0-60 in about 3.3 seconds.
- S2 Alpinista: This is the "Goldilocks" bike for many. It’s a sport-touring hybrid that feels more agile than the Del Mar but more aggressive than the Mulholland.
What it’s Actually Like to Ride
It's fast. Like, scary fast.
Because electric motors deliver 100% of their torque instantly, an electric Harley Davidson motorcycle will outrun almost any gas-powered CVO off the line. There’s no clutch. No gears. You just twist the throttle and the world starts moving backward very quickly.
But there’s a catch.
Range is still the elephant in the room. If you’re riding through the city, you’ll get maybe 110 to 140 miles. If you hit the highway and pin the throttle at 70 mph? That range drops faster than a lead weight.
You have to plan your life around chargers. The LiveWire ONE supports DC Fast Charging (0-80% in about 40 minutes), but the S2 models (Del Mar, Mulholland) usually only have Level 1 and Level 2 charging. That means you’re looking at over an hour to get back to a decent charge. For a Sunday cruise, that's fine. For a cross-country trip? Forget it.
🔗 Read more: Why the 35w dual usb c port power adapter is actually the only charger most people need
The "Sound" Factor
Harley tried to solve the "silence" problem with a haptic pulse and a gear-driven "whir" that sounds like a TIE Fighter. It’s cool. It’s futuristic. But it isn't a V-twin. Some riders love the "jet engine" vibe; others feel like they're riding a very expensive kitchen appliance.
The New Frontier: S3 and S4 Models
At the 2025 EICMA show and recent Homecoming events, the brand teased where we're going next. We’re moving away from just "big bikes."
- S4 Honcho: These are lightweight, 125cc-equivalent bikes. One is a "Street" version, and the other is a "Trail" version for off-road use. They are designed to be entry-level, easy-to-ride commuters.
- The Maxi-Scooter: Developed with Kymco, this project is slated for a 2026 release. It uses the S2 Arrow platform but puts it in a "twist-and-go" scooter format.
- Model E Concepts: There’s talk of a "Model E" cruiser that looks more like a traditional Fat Boy but runs on the next-gen electric powertrain.
Is It Actually Sustainable?
There is a lot of debate here. The S2 Mulholland uses ocean-recycled plastics and hemp. That’s great for PR. But the real sustainability question is about the batteries.
Harley (via LiveWire) is banking on the fact that younger riders care more about the environment and tech than they do about tradition. However, the premium pricing has been a barrier. That’s why we saw those massive price cuts in late 2025—they realized that at $22,000, nobody was buying. At $10,000 to $15,000? Now we have a conversation.
What You Should Know Before Buying
If you're looking at an electric Harley Davidson motorcycle in 2026, you need to be realistic about your use case.
Don't buy this if you want to go on "The Run to Sturgis" from three states away. You will spend more time at Electrify America stations than on the road. Do buy this if you have a 20-mile commute and want the most exhilarating, neck-snapping ride of your life between stoplights.
The tech is solid. The Brembo brakes, Showa suspension, and 6-axis IMU (which manages cornering ABS and traction control) are all top-tier. These aren't toys. They are high-performance machines that happen to plug into a wall.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Riders
- Check Your Garage: You need a 240V Level 2 charger installed if you want to enjoy an S2 model. Charging from a standard 110V wall outlet takes "overnight" to a whole new level (up to 8-11 hours).
- Test Ride All Three S2s: The specs on the Del Mar, Mulholland, and Alpinista are nearly identical, but the ergonomics change everything. The Alpinista is generally considered the most comfortable for taller riders, while the Del Mar is the king of city flickability.
- Monitor the CEO Transition: Keep an eye on Artie Starrs’ first major moves in mid-2026. If he pivots back toward gas-hybrid tech (similar to what Ford is doing), the current all-electric models might become "collector’s items" or, conversely, lose dealer support.
- Look for Incentives: The "Twist and Go" promos are frequent. Never pay full MSRP for a LiveWire. There’s almost always a $2,000 to $5,000 "incentive" or "federal tax credit" dance happening at the dealership.
The electric Harley isn't trying to replace the Heritage Classic. It’s trying to exist in a world where the Heritage Classic eventually can't. It’s a bold, expensive, and incredibly fast bet on a future that is already here.