- LiveWire has acquired the assets of Dust Moto from Bend, Oregon
- The electric dirtbike platform Hightail is set to be brought into series production
- Details on the market launch will follow in the second half of 2026, according to LiveWire
The LiveWire Group (NYSE: LVWR) has announced the acquisition of US-based startup Dust Moto. This marks the first acquisition in LiveWire’s corporate history. With the purchase, the Harley-Davidson subsidiary expands its portfolio beyond electric street motorcycles and positions itself in the growing segment of electric off-road motorcycles. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
What Does LiveWire Plan to Do with Dust Moto?
LiveWire intends to develop Dust Moto’s electric dirtbike platform toward series production. To achieve this, the Milwaukee-based company is providing its technical capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure, and global marketing, sales, and service network. Dust Moto CEO Colin Godby will remain with the company to oversee the integration.
LiveWire CEO Karim Donnez described the move as a natural evolution of the company’s strategy: “LiveWire pioneered the on-road electric motorcycle market, and this acquisition allows us to build on that leadership as we expand into off-road, continuing the journey that began with STACYC ten years ago.
Colin Godby spoke of a new chapter: “LiveWire shares our fundamental DNA as an American brand focused on performance, innovation, and putting riders first. With LiveWire’s scale, resources, and global reach, we can bring our electric off-road bike to market with a worldwide audience and deliver an unmatched off-road experience.”
Who Is Dust Moto and What Is the Hightail?
Dust Moto was founded in 2023 in Bend, Oregon. From the outset, the startup pursued the goal of developing an affordable and powerful electric dirtbike for the American market. In December 2024, the company unveiled its production model called the Hightail, previously known under the working title Model_1.
The Hightail features a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with a peak output of 32 kW (42 hp). The motor produces 60 Nm of torque, which translates to 660 Nm at the rear wheel through an 11:1 reduction ratio. The swappable battery holds 4.4 kWh at a nominal voltage of 80 volts and allows a maximum discharge rate of 500 amps. At a cruising speed of around 40 km/h (25 mph), Dust Moto claims a range of approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) or two hours of intense off-road riding. Top speed is 121 km/h (75 mph). A full charge takes four hours.
The aluminum frame carries the Hightail at a weight of under 100 kg (220 lbs). The wheelbase measures 140 cm (55.1 inches), roughly five centimeters shorter than an average 250cc machine. The seat height of 90 cm (35.4 inches), combined with the low weight and the absence of a clutch, is designed to be particularly welcoming for beginners. The powertrain produces a noise level of 55 decibels during operation, comparable to a normal conversation.
The suspension comes from Sirris Suspension: up front, a fork with 43 mm stanchion diameter and 260 mm of travel; at the rear, a shock with 46 mm piston diameter and 285 mm of travel via a progressive linkage system. The front brake features a four-piston floating caliper with a 260 mm disc, while the rear uses a floating piston caliper with a 220 mm disc. Tire sizes are 80/100-21 at the front and 100/100-18 at the rear.
Dust Moto positioned the Hightail in the segment between the lighter Sur-Ron-style e-bikes and the significantly more powerful Stark Varg, which competes closer to the 450cc class. The original retail price was $10,950, with a refundable $100 deposit for pre-orders. Deliveries were initially planned for late 2025. Whether LiveWire will maintain this price and timeline after the acquisition has not been disclosed.
Why Is LiveWire Betting on Off-Road Right Now?
The market for electric off-road motorcycles is currently growing faster than any other e-motorcycle segment. This is driven by several factors: electric dirtbikes deliver high torque from a standstill, require no clutch or gear shifting, and are therefore easier to operate than comparable combustion-powered machines. The low noise output opens up riding opportunities in areas that are off-limits to conventional machines due to noise restrictions. Additionally, maintenance requirements are significantly lower compared to internal combustion engines.
On the premium end, Swedish manufacturer Stark Future has established the Varg as a high-performance electric motocross bike that surpasses 450cc machines in some areas. At the other end of the spectrum, more affordable models from Sur Ron, Talaria, and other Asian manufacturers are attracting a growing buyer base, particularly younger riders who prefer lightweight and accessible e-bikes.
LiveWire itself had previously been active exclusively in the street segment. The current model lineup includes the S2 Del Mar, the S2 Mulholland, and the S2 Alpinista. The company is also preparing to launch production of the S4 Honcho, a more compact machine in the 125cc class, scheduled to roll off the assembly line in spring 2026. With the Dust Moto acquisition, LiveWire is now venturing into the off-road space for the first time.
The connection to the off-road segment is not entirely new for LiveWire and parent company Harley-Davidson, however. Roughly ten years ago, Harley-Davidson acquired the STACYC brand, which produces electric balance bikes and small e-bikes for children. STACYC recorded a 101 percent increase in sales to 3,959 units in the first quarter of 2026, remaining a significant revenue contributor within the LiveWire Group.
How Is LiveWire Doing Financially?
The acquisition comes at a time when LiveWire is reporting growing sales figures but continues to post significant losses. In the first quarter of 2026, consolidated revenue rose 86 percent to $5.1 million compared to the same period last year. LiveWire delivered 91 electric motorcycles, an increase of 176 percent. Revenue in the motorcycle segment grew 236 percent to $1.4 million.
At the same time, the operating loss amounted to $17.7 million, compared to $20.7 million in the prior-year quarter. The net loss stood at $18.1 million. Free cash flow improved by 25 percent to negative $13.6 million. As of March 31, 2026, LiveWire held cash and equivalents of $67.5 million.
For the full year 2026, LiveWire forecasts an operating loss between $70 million and $80 million. The company claims to be the number one US retailer for electric street motorcycles with more than 50 kW of power, with a 76 percent market share in this segment. The stock was last trading at $1.29, a decline of 71 percent since the beginning of the year, with a market capitalization of $264 million.
Also noteworthy was the massive price cut for the LiveWire ONE in Europe: in Germany, the entry price dropped to €14,790 in March 2026, down from €24,990 when the model first launched in Europe in 2023. The ONE offers 15.4 kWh battery capacity, 75 kW (102 hp) peak power, 114 Nm of torque, a top speed of 177 km/h (110 mph), and DC fast charging.
What Does the Acquisition Mean for the E-Motorcycle Market?
With the acquisition of Dust Moto, LiveWire is moving into a segment where electric powertrains can play out particular advantages over combustion engines. The absence of engine noise and the simple operation lower the barriers to entry for new riders, while the power delivery characteristics also appeal to experienced off-road riders.
The question will be whether LiveWire can bring the Hightail to market readiness quickly enough and position it competitively in terms of pricing. The electric dirtbike market is already considerably more contested than it was two years ago. Alongside Stark Future, numerous manufacturers from various price segments are pushing into the market, while established OEMs like Honda and Can-Am are also developing their own electric off-roaders.
LiveWire announced that it will release further information on the product launch in the second half of 2026. Additional details are available at livewire.com/the-pulse.
In the context of 2026 electric motorcycle launches, the acquisition fits into a broader industry trend in which multiple manufacturers are increasingly focusing on lighter, more accessible, and off-road-capable electric models.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does LiveWire plan to do with the Dust Moto acquisition?
LiveWire intends to bring Dust Moto’s electric dirtbike platform Hightail into series production. The company will leverage its own manufacturing capabilities, engineering expertise, and global distribution network. Details on the market launch are expected in the second half of 2026.
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How much horsepower does the Dust Moto Hightail have?
The Hightail produces 32 kW (42 hp) of peak power and delivers 660 Nm of torque at the rear wheel through an 11:1 reduction ratio. This positions the electric dirtbike on par with a conventional 250cc off-road machine in terms of performance.
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How much does the Dust Moto Hightail cost?
Prior to the LiveWire acquisition, the retail price was set at $10,950 with a refundable $100 deposit for pre-orders. Whether LiveWire will maintain or adjust this pricing after the acquisition has not been disclosed.
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Who is LiveWire and what is its connection to Harley-Davidson?
LiveWire is an independently publicly traded company (NYSE: LVWR) specializing in electric motorcycles. The majority of shares are held by Harley-Davidson. The current model lineup includes street models such as the S2 Del Mar, S2 Mulholland, and S2 Alpinista, as well as the STACYC brand of electric vehicles for children.
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When will the Dust Moto Hightail be available?
LiveWire has announced it will release further information on the market launch in the second half of 2026. Dust Moto had originally planned first deliveries for late 2025, but the timeline is expected to have shifted following the acquisition.
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