SHANE SHAKEY BYRNE RIDES THE NEW HARLEY SPORTSTER S VS LIVE WIRE EV MOTORCYCLES - FULL REVIEW

EV Channels Review

Shane "Shakey" Byrne and Jonny Smith pit the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S against the Harley-Davidson LiveWire EV. The Sportster S is lauded as a revolutionary step from traditional Sportsters, featuring a liquid-cooled 1252cc VVT engine producing 120bhp, offering a more refined and powerful experience than its predecessors. The LiveWire EV, while initially polarizing in styling, impresses with its brutal acceleration (0-60 in 3.1 seconds) and surprisingly natural handling, despite the lack of engine noise and gear changes. Byrne expresses a surprising enjoyment of the LiveWire, finding it playful and easy to ride, even admitting he used less "fuel" (energy) on it than the Sportster S. However, he ultimately states the combustion engine still "does it" for him. Key criticisms for the LiveWire include a short front mudguard causing spray in the visor and an odd hole in the rear hugger. The Sportster S, while a significant improvement over old models, is noted for a rattling sound at low speeds and a desire for an aftermarket exhaust to overcome Euro 5 emissions restrictions. Both bikes are acknowledged as leading their respective categories for Harley-Davidson.