LiveWire, the electric motorcycle brand spun out of Harley-Davidson, has just unveiled its latest creation: the S2 Mulholland. This groundbreaking electric motorcycle is the first cruiser-style offering from LiveWire, and indeed, the first of its kind from any major electric motorcycle manufacturer. While it may not resemble a traditional Harley-Davidson cruiser, with its distinct lack of chrome pipes and leather bar tassels, the S2 Mulholland is being touted as a “performance cruiser” that lives up to its name.
The S2 Mulholland boasts impressive specs, including a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, adding a sporty edge to the laid-back cruiser geometry. The bike features taller handlebars and a more relaxed riding position, while the use of a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear gives it a more squat appearance at the back end. Interestingly, the S2 Mulholland doesn’t have a traditional frame, instead relying on LiveWire’s innovative Arrow platform, which centers around a structural battery that allows for multiple bike designs to be built on a similar architecture.
This new model follows the release of the S2 Del Mar two years ago, which introduced the versatile Arrow platform. At the time, speculation was rife that the next bike to utilize this setup could be a cruiser, and now, with the unveiling of the S2 Mulholland, that prediction has come to fruition. Despite sharing the same foundation as the S2 Del Mar, the S2 Mulholland boasts a bold and distinctive design that sets it apart.
LiveWire has emphasized that the S2 Mulholland represents a shift in their design philosophy, reimagining the traditional motorcycle profile and silhouette that is typically informed by the gas tank. The company has also made a concerted effort to incorporate sustainable materials into key components of the bike. This includes minimizing the use of petroleum-based plastics wherever possible, such as in the seat, bodywork, and secondary plastic components. The fenders are made from hemp bio-composites, while the radiator shrouds and wiring caddies are produced from a type of nylon derived from recycled ocean fishing nets. The seat, instead of being made from traditional leather or vinyl, is crafted from recyclable silicone.
Under the skin, the S2 Mulholland shares much of its powertrain hardware with the S2 Del Mar, including a 10.5 kWh battery that can be recharged in just 78 minutes using Level 2 charging. However, the S2 Mulholland boasts a slightly higher city range of 121 miles (194 km) compared to the S2 Del Mar’s 113 miles (181 km), suggesting that LiveWire has found a way to make the 62 kW (84 hp) motor more efficient. On the highway, the range drops to 73 miles (117 km) at a steady 55 mph (88 km/h).
Customization is expected to be a significant aspect of the S2 Mulholland, with LiveWire ready to support a range of accessories, including passenger seats and pegs, windscreens, soft and hard bags, luggage racks, and cosmetic pieces. These options will allow riders to tailor their S2 Mulholland to their specific needs and preferences, further enhancing the unique riding experience and visual appeal of the motorcycle.
The LiveWire S2 Mulholland is an exciting addition to the growing electric motorcycle market, offering a fresh take on the classic cruiser style while incorporating cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials. As the demand for electric motorcycles continues to grow, the S2 Mulholland is well-positioned to attract both traditional cruiser enthusiasts and those seeking a more environmentally friendly and performance-oriented riding experience. With its impressive specifications, distinctive design, and customization options, the S2 Mulholland is set to make waves in the motorcycle industry and further establish LiveWire as a leading player in the electric motorcycle space.
