LiveWire S4 Honcho Trail Hits America and it Looks Like Trouble
LiveWire has finally put the S4 Honcho into American hands, with the Trail the first version rolling into dealers.
This is the little electric mini-moto that looks like it was designed after someone decided a normal motorcycle was taking life far too seriously. It is small, light, has removable batteries and enough punch to make a dirt road look very tempting.
Now the S4 Honcho Trail is officially available across the US, with the Street version following as the wider rollout continues.
For more LiveWire news, visit our LiveWire page.
The Little Honcho Has Landed
The S4 Honcho has been kicking around for a while, but this is where it stops being something you see at shows and becomes something you can actually ride home.
LiveWire has priced the Trail at $4,999 in the US. It is built around a 3.48 kWh battery system made up of two removable packs, with a claimed 53-mile WMTC range, or up to 73 miles at a constant 20 mph.
Performance is pretty lively for something this small. LiveWire claims 0-30 mph in three seconds and a top speed of 59 mph. The Trail weighs 253 lb with its batteries installed, runs 12-inch wheels and has a laden seat height of 30 inches.
LiveWire isn't pretending this is an adventure bike. The Trail is aimed squarely at backyards, campgrounds, trails and anywhere else you can find to have a bit of fun. There is also a growing accessory range, including a skid plate, hand guards, racks, bags and lighting kit.
The road-going S4 Honcho Street starts at $5,499 and is slightly heavier, but keeps the same basic performance and battery setup. LiveWire says the Street will follow the Trail into the US market, with international availability also expanding this autumn.
The BCB Take
I really like what LiveWire is doing with this. Not because the Honcho is going to replace your GS, your Fireblade or whatever else you've got sitting in the garage. It won't.
I can already see where I'd use this. This is the bike you throw in the back of the van, take camping, mess around on the weekend or use to explore the dirt track you normally ride straight past. For me, that's where the Honcho starts to make sense. Two removable batteries make a lot of sense here too. You don't need to build your entire day around finding a charging station.
And at $4,999, it looks like a genuinely accessible bit of electric fun rather than another expensive motorcycle designed to demonstrate what electric technology can do.
Sometimes you don't need more bike. Sometimes you just need a bike that makes you grin.
Ride safe, folks.
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