- Two variants: the road-legal Street and the off-road-only Trail
- Powered by two removable batteries with a combined 3.48 kWh, up to 86 kilometers of range per WMTC
- Manufactured by KYMCO, distributed through Harley-Davidson’s international dealer network
With the S4 Honcho, LiveWire is shifting the focus of its lineup. Until now, the Harley-Davidson-owned brand was primarily known for powerful and comparatively expensive electric machines like the S2 Del Mar. The new minibikes target the entry-level segment and thus a significantly broader group of buyers. The platform was first presented as a concept at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming in Milwaukee and at EICMA in Milan before production started in late May 2026.
What is the LiveWire S4 Honcho?
The LiveWire S4 Honcho is an electric minibike that corresponds to a 125 cc combustion engine in its performance class. It is offered in two versions: the S4 Honcho Street is approved for public road use, while the S4 Honcho Trail is exclusively designed for use on closed courses. Both share the same technical platform and are aimed at beginners, commuters, RV travelers and recreational riders, according to the manufacturer.
Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire, positions the models as a means of opening up the market: “The S4 Honcho models will make electric motorcycling accessible to a much broader audience.” He describes the machines as lightweight, beginner-friendly and practical, targeting both new riders and users looking for a flexible everyday vehicle.
What are the differences between the S4 Honcho Trail and Street?
Trail and Street share the motor, battery system, brakes and 12-inch wheels but differ in equipment, weight and intended use. The Street carries the technology required for road approval such as mirrors, lighting, a digital display and a license plate holder, making it the heavier of the two models.
The Trail weighs 115 kilograms (253 pounds), while the Street comes in at 121 kilograms (266 pounds), each including batteries. There is also a difference in seat height: the Trail sits at 813 millimeters (32 inches), higher than the Street at 788 millimeters (31 inches). LiveWire has not released detailed suspension specifications. Visible components include an upside-down fork, a single rear shock and a single front brake disc with an axially mounted caliper from KYMCO. Both versions are available in the colors Mossy Oat in green and Liquid Black for the frame and swingarm and come standard with a reverse assist feature.
How fast and how far does the LiveWire S4 Honcho go?
Both models reach a top speed of 95 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 48 km/h in around 3.0 seconds. LiveWire states a range of up to 86 kilometers according to the WMTC test cycle, with up to 118 kilometers possible at a constant low speed of 30 km/h. The WMTC figures are based on laboratory measurements under ideal conditions, according to the manufacturer, meaning real-world range may vary depending on riding style, terrain and weather.
LiveWire has not yet published specific motor output figures in horsepower or kilowatts. For now, only the performance figures are known, not the technical specifications of the drivetrain.
How does the battery and charging system work?
The S4 Honcho runs on two removable and swappable batteries with a combined capacity of 3.48 kWh, located under the seat. Charging from 20 to 80 percent takes around two hours on a standard 230-volt household outlet. Charging uses a connector conforming to the IEC 62196-6 standard.
The batteries can be charged both while installed and when removed. This is particularly aimed at riders without their own garage, such as apartment building residents who may want to take a battery upstairs to charge. Fast charging via public charging stations is not available with this system, which is common in the electric minibike segment.
How much does the LiveWire S4 Honcho cost?
In Germany, the S4 Honcho Trail starts at 5,299 euros, while the road-legal Street begins at 5,699 euros. Prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices; additional costs such as delivery and registration may apply depending on the market.
In the USA, the Trail is priced at 4,999 US dollars and the Street at 5,499 US dollars. In the United Kingdom, the Trail starts at 4,599 pounds and the Street at 4,999 pounds.
How does the S4 Honcho compare to the competition?
Combined, the Trail and Street cost 10,498 US dollars in the USA, placing them below the entry price of the larger LiveWire S2 Del Mar. Compared to traditional combustion-engine minibikes, LiveWire still carries a premium. For reference, media reports cite the Honda Grom starting at 3,599 US dollars and the Honda Monkey at 4,399 US dollars on the US market. The closest Honda by price is the Rebel 300 at 5,399 US dollars.
In the direct electric comparison, LiveWire fares better. Compared to the Kawasaki Z e-1, which offers larger wheels but a similar performance level, the S4 Honcho Street is around 2,100 US dollars cheaper. Other competitors in the lightweight electric segment include models from Sur Ron and Talaria. The S4 Honcho is thus part of a growing range of lightweight, affordable electric two-wheelers that is increasingly coming into focus in the 2026 model year.
When will the LiveWire S4 Honcho hit the market?
Production of the S4 Honcho began in late May 2026 at KYMCO, with the first machines expected to arrive at dealerships in summer 2026. Worldwide availability across LiveWire’s active markets will be expanded throughout 2026.
In Europe and the United Kingdom, the Street requires an A1 license, while in the USA a regular motorcycle endorsement is sufficient. The Trail, on the other hand, has no road approval and is restricted to use on closed courses. LiveWire offers a one-year warranty on the Trail and two years on the Street. The market launch is accompanied by a growing range of accessories that allow both models to be adapted to different uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does the LiveWire S4 Honcho cost in Germany?
The S4 Honcho Trail starts at 5,299 euros, the road-legal Street at 5,699 euros. These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices excluding market-specific additional costs.
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What is the range of the LiveWire S4 Honcho?
LiveWire states up to 86 kilometers per WMTC, with up to 118 kilometers possible at a constant 30 km/h. The figures are based on laboratory measurements, meaning real-world range may vary depending on conditions.
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Do you need a license for the S4 Honcho?
The road-legal Street requires an A1 license in Europe and the United Kingdom. The Trail has no road approval and may only be ridden on closed courses.
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When will the LiveWire S4 Honcho be available?
Production began in late May 2026, with the first machines expected at dealerships in summer 2026. Availability will expand to additional markets throughout 2026.
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Who manufactures the LiveWire S4 Honcho?
The S4 Honcho is manufactured by Taiwanese company KYMCO. Distribution runs through the international dealer network of Harley-Davidson, the majority owner of LiveWire.
➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2026: All Models, Releases, and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.
