Harley-Davidson isn’t just riding the road anymore-it’s rewriting it. After years of speculation, the company finally pulled back the curtain on its most significant lineup shift in over a decade. For riders who grew up with the rumble of a V-twin and for newcomers drawn to the brand’s legacy, 2025 brings real change: new bikes, new tech, and a bold pivot toward electrification without abandoning what made Harley iconic.
Introducing the new LiveWire S2 Del Mar
The biggest news? The LiveWire S2 Del Mar isn’t just an upgrade-it’s a redefinition. Unlike the original LiveWire, which felt like a tech experiment on two wheels, the S2 Del Mar feels like a Harley. It’s got the low-slung stance, the chunky handlebars, and the unmistakable silhouette riders expect. But under the hood? A 100% electric powertrain with 100 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque, hitting 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. Range? 135 miles on a single charge, thanks to a new 16.5 kWh battery pack. That’s 40% more than the previous model, and it charges from 0-80% in 35 minutes using a DC fast charger.Harley didn’t just slap a motor on a frame. They redesigned the chassis to lower the center of gravity, making it easier to handle at low speeds. The seat is 2 inches lower than the old LiveWire, and the footpegs are positioned for a more natural riding posture. Riders who thought electric meant losing the soul of a Harley will find it here-in the way the bike responds, the way it leans, the way it growls without an engine.
Revamped Sportster S and Sportster S2
The Sportster line, once seen as outdated, got a full reset. The Sportster S, launched in 2021, is now joined by the Sportster S2, a stripped-down, more aggressive version built for riders who want raw power without the weight. The S2 drops the fairing, trims the exhaust, and swaps the stock seat for a solo cowl. Underneath, it shares the 1250cc Revolution Max engine with the S, but Harley tuned it for higher RPMs and sharper throttle response. Output: 121 horsepower, up from 107 in the original S.What’s new? A full-color 5-inch TFT display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can now get turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and phone alerts without fumbling for your phone. The bike also gets new Brembo brakes and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires-standard on all Sportster models now. Harley says they’ve sold over 18,000 Sportster S units since launch, and the S2 is already sold out through Q2 2026.
Electrification is real-and it’s here to stay
Harley’s electric push isn’t a side project anymore. In 2024, electric models made up 8% of total U.S. sales. In 2025, that number jumped to 15%. The company now has three electric bikes in its lineup: the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, the LiveWire One (now with a 120-mile range upgrade), and the upcoming LiveWire Arc, a track-focused model set for late 2026.Harley’s CEO confirmed in a recent investor call that the company plans to phase out all internal combustion engines from its main lineup by 2032. That doesn’t mean gas bikes are disappearing tomorrow. The Fat Boy, Street Glide, and Road King will stick around for now. But future development budgets are shifting hard toward EVs. The new Milwaukee-Eight engine, last updated in 2023, won’t see another major revision. Instead, engineers are focused on battery density, charging infrastructure, and software integration.
Dealership upgrades and rider experience
Harley’s dealerships are changing too. Over 400 U.S. locations have been upgraded with dedicated EV charging stations, battery swap kiosks, and technician training certified by Harley’s new Electrified Service Program. The training isn’t optional anymore-any technician working on a LiveWire bike must complete the 16-hour certification course. Dealers are also offering free battery health checks for the first three years, no matter where you bought the bike.Harley’s new Rider Assurance Program includes a 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty on electric models, covering everything from the motor to the battery pack. If your battery drops below 70% capacity within that time, Harley will replace it for free. That’s unheard of in the motorcycle industry. Tesla does it for cars. Harley’s doing it for motorcycles.
Global expansion and emerging markets
Harley’s not just focusing on the U.S. The company just opened its first fully electric-only dealership in Berlin, and another in Sydney. Sales in Europe jumped 32% year-over-year in 2024, mostly driven by younger riders under 35. In India, Harley partnered with Tata Motors to launch a lower-cost electric cruiser, the Harley-Davidson E-Trail, priced under $8,000. It’s not a LiveWire-no fancy display, no CarPlay-but it’s got the badge, the attitude, and a 100-mile range. It’s already sold over 5,000 units in its first six months.China is next. Harley plans to open its first manufacturing plant in Chongqing in early 2026, making bikes specifically for the Asian market. These won’t be imports-they’ll be designed locally, with smaller wheels, lower seats, and optimized for heavy urban traffic.
What’s next? The 2026 Roadmap
Rumors are swirling about a new touring bike called the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide EV, expected to debut in late 2026. It’s said to have a 200-mile range, a 200-pound cargo capacity, and integrated luggage that snaps onto the frame like a suitcase. There’s also talk of a mid-size adventure bike, the Wanderer EV, aimed at riders who want to go off-road without sacrificing electric efficiency.Harley’s software team is working on a new app called Harley Connect, which will let riders monitor battery status, plan routes with charging stops, and even unlock their bike using facial recognition. The app will also track riding habits and suggest personalized maintenance reminders. Think of it as Tesla’s app, but built for the open road.
Is Harley still a Harley?
Some old-school riders are skeptical. They miss the smell of oil, the clunk of the transmission, the way a gas tank warms up after a long ride. But Harley knows that. That’s why they kept the classic styling cues-the teardrop tank, the chrome accents, the two-tone paint options. They didn’t try to be something they’re not. They just made it better.The new LiveWire S2 Del Mar doesn’t sound like a traditional Harley. But when you twist the throttle, it pulls like one. It doesn’t rumble-it roars. And for the first time in years, Harley isn’t just reacting to the market. They’re leading it.
Are Harley-Davidson’s new electric bikes worth the price?
Yes, if you value performance, low maintenance, and long-term savings. The LiveWire S2 Del Mar starts at $19,999-about $3,000 more than a top-tier gas-powered Sportster. But you save $1,500+ a year on fuel and maintenance. Harley’s 5-year battery warranty removes the biggest fear around EV ownership. For riders who do 10,000 miles a year, the payback period is under two years.
Can I still buy a gas-powered Harley in 2025?
Yes. Harley continues to produce all its gas-powered models, including the Fat Boy, Road Glide, and Breakout. The company has confirmed that production of traditional V-twin engines will continue through at least 2030. But inventory is shrinking as demand shifts. If you want a specific color or model, don’t wait-dealers are clearing out older stock to make room for electric models.
How does the LiveWire S2 compare to the Indian Scout Electric?
The LiveWire S2 has more power (100 hp vs. 85 hp), better range (135 miles vs. 110 miles), and faster charging. The Indian Scout Electric is lighter and cheaper at $17,499, but it lacks Harley’s dealer network and warranty coverage. If you’re looking for long-term reliability and service access, Harley’s infrastructure gives it the edge.
Is the Harley-Davidson E-Trail available in the U.S.?
No. The E-Trail is designed and priced specifically for emerging markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. It’s not sold in North America or Europe. U.S. riders looking for an affordable Harley EV should wait for the 2026 model expected to launch under $12,000.
What’s the difference between the LiveWire One and the S2 Del Mar?
The LiveWire One is the original electric model, redesigned in 2024 with a longer range and improved software. The S2 Del Mar is a completely new platform-lighter, lower, faster, and more refined. It’s not an upgrade of the One; it’s a replacement. Harley stopped producing the LiveWire One in late 2025.
