Our colleague Andrew Thijssen from BMS-E Motorrijder was so form to check this LiveWire S2 Del Mar for THE PACK “Electrical Bike Information”.
The S2 Del Mar is constructed on the modular Arrow platform, permitting for the creation of varied bikes with distinctive styling and functions. The Launch version of the LiveWire S2 Del Mar will initially have a restricted run of 100 items. In the intervening time, for Europe, the S2 Del Mar is simply out there in The Netherlands, France, Germany and the UK.
The design of the S2 Del Mar attracts clear inspiration from flat-track racers, making it a really perfect alternative for city commuters who additionally take pleasure in taking a tender offroad journey outdoors of the town. I had the chance to check drive this electrical motorcycle in Amsterdam and the encompassing areas. Let me begin with the Del Mar S2’s technical options. Based on LiveWire, the Del Mar is designed for agile motion within the metropolis. The bike has a curb weight of 195 kg, an influence output of 59.6 kW (80 hp), and an prompt torque of 249 Nm, leading to a 0-100 dash time of simply 3.1 seconds. This may be simply and comparatively safely managed utilizing the adjustable traction management system.
Charging the battery might be executed with stage 1 (wall outlet) or stage 2 (charging station). Software program updates are executed “over-the-air”. Driver data might be considered on a 4 inch TFT coloration show. There may be additionally a LiveWire app out there, which incorporates data on previous rides, roadside help, location monitoring, climate updates, and even a person guide.
The vitality is saved in a ten.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which powers a synchronous liquid-cooled motor with everlasting magnets. This may increasingly appear small in comparison with different manufacturers’ roadsters, however LiveWire claims it supplies a metropolis vary of 177 km and a mixed vary of 138 km for each metropolis and freeway driving.
The Del Mar is supplied with 19-inch tires appropriate for avenue and lightweight off-road use. The entrance wheel contains a single 320 mm brake disc with a 4-piston Brembo caliper and ABS. Showa supplies totally adjustable suspension in the back and front. For coloration choices, the Del Mar gives a contemporary alternative of shiny Nimbus Gray, matte Dusk Blue, or Asphalt Black.
Using expertise
The very first thing that stands out is how a lot greater the Del Mar is in particular person in comparison with the photographs. Regardless of the pretend tank, it’s clear that the Del Mar was not constructed to resemble a standard motorbike. The bike appears to be like well-made and is constructed with high quality supplies. Its slim construct makes it simple to hop on. Each half you contact feels high-quality. You sit upright with a snug seating place and a transparent view of the dashboard and site visitors forward. That is precisely what you need in an city commuter bike.
When you activate the S2 Del Mar, you’ll really feel a delicate rhythmic “pulse” within the saddle. That is designed to remind the rider that the engine is lively, as there’s no motor noise or vibrations when the motorbike is at a standstill. You’ll be able to alter this “pulse” by means of the app settings. Taking off is easy and playful; no clutch or gear shift obligatory, simply twist the throttle. The Del Mar responds with fast energy and departs with a tender whirring sound.
There are 5 completely different modes to select from: eco, rain, street, customized, and sport. These might be chosen on the proper handlebar. Every mode has its personal ‘fuel’ response and brake regeneration. Beginning off is easy. The seating place is comparatively excessive with good visibility of site visitors. The Del Mar is extremely agile in site visitors and the always-available torque lets you shortly maneuver by means of tight spots every time obligatory.
Positioning your self on the entrance of a stoplight is ideal for the Del Mar. Within the customized and sport mode, it’s troublesome for every other bike to compete with the facility of the Del Mar. You’ll be able to select your individual stage of enjoyable or rest by choosing your most popular mode. The only disk brake within the entrance wheel supplies ample stopping energy and is well managed with minimal stress.
Exterior the town and on the winding again roads, the Del Mar looks like a fish in water. Its slim body, lively seating place, low heart of gravity, and glorious suspension and brakes all contribute to an extremely gratifying journey. For these looking for a extra sporty expertise, 17 inch wheels will be the good completion. And as with all the things else on this bike, your chosen using mode will decide your private stage of enjoyment.
On the freeway
It goes with out saying that the Del Mar isn’t a “freeway burner.” The S2 Del Mar is designed for brief stretches of freeway journey. The customized and sport modes are mostly used for this objective. Accelerating shortly to merge onto the freeway is easy. A attribute of an electrical motor is a lower in pulling energy because the engine pace will increase. Nevertheless, what stands out in regards to the S2 Del Mar is that it maintains a robust pull all through. It feels very steady and may simply change lanes with a playful ease. The view from the mirrors mounted on the ends of the handlebars is superb and, after all, free from vibrations. Based on the producer’s specs, the utmost pace of the Del Mar is 165 km/h. I didn’t check this on the Ring Amsterdam as my driver’s license is just too helpful to danger it. Sadly, I used to be unable to check out its vary on the freeway. As a basic guideline, anticipate to lose round 1% of battery life for each kilometer traveled when driving at authorized speeds on the freeway.
Conclusion
The LiveWire Del Mar S2 is a user-friendly, sleekly designed motorbike with a excessive enjoyable issue completely tailor-made to its meant use. Its look is nicely thought-out, not too trendy or too traditional, however nonetheless eye-catching with its distinctive “cooling ribs”. It’s evident that LiveWire has an skilled motorbike builder behind it. Harley Davidson / LiveWire additionally appears to have fastidiously noticed the market.
Given the worldwide developments in city/commuter transportation, it looks as if the Del Mar is hitting the market at simply the proper time. At a worth of €18,790, the Del Mar S2 is unquestionably not a cut price buy. Nevertheless, for that quantity you’ll get a well-designed electrical motorbike with low working prices that delivers precisely what it’s meant to… and with loads of enjoyment.
