LiveWire’s Next Model is the S2 Alpinista
S2AP will be revealed Jan. 15, and we've got initial details
LiveWire will reveal a new model called the S2 Alpinista on Jan. 15, adding to its electric motorcycle lineup which also consists of the S2 Del Mar, S2 Mulholland, and LiveWire One.
So far, the Harley-Davidson-owned LiveWire has released a short teaser video and a few X’ed out images on its website (with a separate landing page for LiveWire France including a few more), along with a short description: “Designed for personalization, practicality, and mastery, Alpinista is essential for commuting and performance. It sets the standard for urban riding and beyond, so make every second count.”
From what we can see of the bike in the images and video, the S2 Alpinista appears to be based on the Mulholland, but with a tall windscreen. Some of the models shown are equipped with SW-Motech-branded side cases. Several details, like the underslung bar-end mirrors, license plate holder all appear identical to the Mulholland. We brightened one of the images (below) and the tail appears to rise higher than the relatively flat Mulholland’s rear, with what looks to be a pillion seat.
Thanks to some certification data published in Switzerland, we can confirm some additional details.
The data confirms the Alpinista will share much in common with the Mulholland. As another S2 model, it comes as no surprise it has the same continuous power rating of 30 kW (40 hp) and 263 Nm (194 lb-ft.) of torque as the other S2 models. The rated top speed is 159 kph (99 mph), the same as the Mulholland but slightly slower than the lighter Del Mar’s certified maximum speed of 101 mph.
The Alpinista’s certified tare weight (curb weight plus accessories and a 75 kg rider) is listed at 274 kg (604 pounds), or a kilogram lighter than the Mulholland. LiveWire claims a curb weight of 432 pounds for the S2 Mulholland, which means we should expect the Alpinista to come in around 430 pounds.
The biggest difference between the Alpinista and the Mulholland appears to be their front wheels. The Alpinista sports a 3.5x17”, which would make it the first S2 model with a 17-inch front wheel as the Mulholland and Del Mar both use a 3.0x19”. The certification data lists a 120/70 ZR17 for the front tire, the exact size and speed rating of the LiveWire One’s front tire. The rear tire is the same 180/55 R17 as the Mulholland.
Regarding the name, LiveWire appears to be taking a different approach with the Alpinista. The Del Mar and Mulholland, both draw their names from Southern California geography and history. The Del Mar is named for the racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego County, while Mulholland joins Mulholland Drive and several other landmarks in being named after civil engineer WIlliam Mulholland who designed much of Los Angeles’ water system.
“Alpinista” appears to be connected to the word “mountaineer” in Italian, Spanish, and other Romantic languages. The theme continues with multiple uses of the phrase “via ferrata”, which refers to protected climbing routes found in the Alps.
How that relates to a bike that “sets the standard for urban riding” remains to be seen. Most of the promotional footage appears to have been shot around Park City Utah, with a curving mountain road overlooking Deer Valley prominently featured.
What the Alpinista does signify is a focus on European sensibilities, with the LiveWire France page inviting people to an exclusive presentation in Paris (there will also be one in L.A., for anyone interested in RSVPing). So far, LiveWire’s primary focus has been on the U.S. market, but it looks like the S2 Alpinista will spearheading the brand’s growth in Europe.
We’ll find out more about the S2 Alpinista when it is fully revealed on Jan. 15.
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Hmm. Another ev HD thats a little different than the prior that never sold. Hmm.
I sure there will be bold sales forecasts of up to 100 units in year one.