Big battery-powered bike sales are still moribund in the UK, but firms like Harley-backed LiveWire display admirable indefatigability, with new models still appearing regularly. This time it’s a sportier machine based on the LiveWire S2 platform, as used for the S2 Del Mar roadster and S2 Mulholland cruiser models. The new Alpinista sports 17in rims, Dunlop Roadsmart performance tyres, and a lower stance. There’s also a Bosch six-axis IMU for managing the cornering-optimised rider aids, and a 4in colour LCD dash. Interestingly, LiveWire says it “combines the urban agility of a supermoto with the do-it-all nature of a touring bike”, which will be huge if true, as the saying goes.
The powertrain is the same 84hp peak power motor from the other S2 models, with a 10.5kW/h battery pack. There’s a fast-charge time of 78 minutes (20 to 80%), a claimed urban range of 120 miles and a 99mph top speed (you obviously won’t get both of the last two together: motorway range is a claimed 71 miles). All-up weight is fairly light, 196kg, and the RRP is £17,390. www.livewire.com