2025-on LiveWire S2 Alpinista review: Electric fun in bursts

Milwaukee-based LiveWire has launched a third electric motorcycle based around its S2 platform. The S2 Alpinista is an all-rounder with a sporting bent, being the first S2 to come with 17in wheels.

As well as featuring six riding modes, that include two customisable options, and a range of electronic aids controlled through a six-axis IMU, the Alpinista comes ready to accept a full range of touring accessories – screen, racks, plus soft or hard luggage – to extend its capability beyond that of a sporty street bike.

LiveWire has also extended its 39% discount offer until mid-December, slashing a whopping £6791 off the original £17,390 asking price. But is that enough to make the Alpinista a real alternative to its combustion-powered rivals?

Up until now LiveWire’s S2 platform has been limited to two options, the custom cruiser style Mulholland and the street tracker Del Mar. The Alpinista further extends the S2’s appeal by offering a sporty alternative that doubles up as a sports tourer once equipped with LiveWire’s distance-orientated extras.

While the basic platform remains the same, powered by the same liquid-cooled, internal permanent magnet synchronous motor as both Mulholland and Del Mar models, the Alpinista enjoys sharper steering, sweeter handling, and superior grip, thanks to sportier dimensions, a touch less weight (196.8kg compared to the 197.7kg Del Mar) plus 17in wheels and tyres.

For short runs, commuting, and urban riding, the new Alpinista is a blast. It’s cheap to run, too, with a 40-minute charge costing around £3.50. LiveWire’s decision to give the Alpinista 17in wheels, more aggressive ergonomics, and better suspension, has unlocked the S2’s fun side. Coupling already brisk and immediate performance with a well-balanced and capable chassis shows the design’s obvious potential.

But there are still huge stumbling blocks. Range, or lack thereof, remains a constant frustration and flies in the face of the claim that the Alpinista is a sports tourer.

Even gentle riding saps battery power far too rapidly. Then there’s the asking price. This is a new model, so why slash the price by almost 40% from the off unless electric bikes – even ones this good in areas – aren’t struggling to connect with potential buyers?

If LiveWire can drastically improve the bike’s range, reduce charging times and keep the price competitive, they may well be in a position to go tyre to tyre with conventional alternatives. But right now, even with the Alpinista, they’re not there yet.