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The Sportster line, once seen as outdated, got a full reset.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.
Megan Blakeman
December 10, 2025 AT 05:00Okay but can we talk about how the LiveWire S2 Del Mar just... *feels* like a Harley? I rode one last weekend and I swear, it doesn't roar like a gas bike-but it *growls* like one. The way it leans, the way the throttle responds... it’s not just electric. It’s emotional. 😍
Robert Byrne
December 12, 2025 AT 00:52You're right about the emotional part, Megan. But let’s be real-Harley didn’t just make a better EV. They made one that doesn’t make you feel like you betrayed your entire riding identity. The chassis geometry, the low seat, the weight distribution-it’s all deliberate. This isn’t a compromise. It’s evolution. And the warranty? 5 years on the battery? That’s not generosity. That’s confidence.
Akhil Bellam
December 12, 2025 AT 03:39Oh please. You’re all acting like this is the second coming of Christ on two wheels. The LiveWire S2? It’s just a Tesla with handlebars. And don’t get me started on the price-$20K for something that doesn’t smell like oil or clunk into gear? You’re not riding a Harley-you’re riding a marketing campaign with a battery pack. The real Harley died when they stopped making the Fat Boy with a 45-degree V-twin. This? This is corporate cosplay. 🤡
Tia Muzdalifah
December 14, 2025 AT 02:54lol akhil u mad? i mean… i get it, the old school stuff is sacred. but i’m 28 and i’ve never owned a gas bike. this thing just… works. no clutch, no shifting, no oil changes. i can ride to work, charge it at the lot, and not smell like a garage. it’s not about the past. it’s about the ride. 🙃
Albert Navat
December 15, 2025 AT 04:38Let’s pivot to the infrastructure angle. Harley’s dealer network now has 400+ EV-certified service centers with battery swap kiosks? That’s not just a feature-that’s a strategic moat. Indian and Zero don’t have this. Tesla doesn’t have this. Harley just built the only scalable, nationwide EV ecosystem for motorcycles. This isn’t about bikes anymore. It’s about logistics, service, and brand loyalty as a system. The bike is just the entry point.
King Medoo
December 16, 2025 AT 19:50And yet… here we are. A company that built its legacy on rebellion now pushing a corporate EV agenda with a 2032 gas phase-out. Where’s the freedom? Where’s the grit? You can’t just slap chrome on a lithium battery and call it American. This feels like a slow sellout. They used to be the outlaws. Now they’re the utility company with a logo. 🤔
ravi kumar
December 17, 2025 AT 06:47I live in Delhi. We have 12 hours of power cuts a day. The E-Trail? It’s not perfect. But it’s the first time a Harley feels like it was made for someone like me. No fuel prices. No noise pollution. Just… ride. I don’t care if it doesn’t have CarPlay. I care that it gets me to work. And it’s got the badge. That matters here.
Rae Blackburn
December 17, 2025 AT 09:50Did you know the battery tech in the S2 Del Mar is the same as the one Tesla uses for their Model S Plaid? And Harley didn’t even invent it. They just bought it. This whole thing is a front. The real story? Harley’s dying and they’re using EVs to distract you while they quietly sell the brand to a Chinese conglomerate. I’ve seen the documents. They’re already planning the Chongqing plant to replace U.S. production. Wake up.
LeVar Trotter
December 18, 2025 AT 23:07Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Harley’s doing what every legacy brand needs to do: adapt without erasing identity. The LiveWire S2 isn’t trying to be a gas bike. It’s trying to be a *Harley*-in spirit, in stance, in soul. And the fact that they’re investing in training, warranties, and global accessibility? That’s leadership. You don’t build a 120-year legacy by clinging to the past. You build it by evolving the future-and making sure the people who love you still feel seen.
Tyler Durden
December 19, 2025 AT 23:05So… what’s the real reason the Sportster S2 sold out through 2026? Because it’s the last gas-powered Harley that actually feels like a real motorcycle. The S2? It’s brutal. It’s raw. It’s got the Revolution Max screaming past 8k RPM like a demon. And you know what? I’d rather ride that than any EV. Not because I hate tech-but because I miss the connection. The vibration. The smell. The noise. The *life* in it. This electric stuff? It’s clean. It’s quiet. It’s… sterile. And I’m not ready to say goodbye to the roar.
Aafreen Khan
December 20, 2025 AT 15:46ok but the e-trail is like… $8k? and its made in india? so like… is harley just outsourcing their soul now? also why does it look like a scooty with a badge? 😭
Amber Swartz
December 22, 2025 AT 15:30And yet… the people who hate this? They’re the same ones who cried when Harley stopped making the FXST. Then they cried when the Fat Boy got fuel injection. Then they cried when the tank got smaller. Then they cried when the seats got softer. This is just the next chapter. You can’t keep the past alive by refusing to let it breathe. The bike doesn’t have to sound like a chainsaw to be a Harley. It just has to make you want to ride. And it does.
Zoe Hill
December 23, 2025 AT 20:30i just want to say… i bought the livewire one last year and i love it. but the s2 del mar? it’s like they listened. the seat is lower, the handlebars are thicker, the weight feels balanced. i didn’t think they could fix it. but they did. thank you harley. 🙏❤️
Pamela Watson
December 25, 2025 AT 00:34Wait wait wait-so if the battery drops below 70% capacity, they replace it for FREE? Like… for real? No fine print? No mileage cap? No asking for proof? That’s… that’s insane. I’m selling my car and buying one. Like, now. I need this. I need this so bad.