LiveWire bike OK’d by MSF, aims to usher in new generation of riders

Harley-Davidson’s offshoot electric brand LiveWire announced its S4 Honcho Street meets the Motorcycle Safety Foundation criteria for use in rider training programs, a significant milestone for a company that is aiming to make motorcycling more accessible and safer for a new generation of riders.

In July 2025, LiveWire teamed up with Bartels’ Harley-Davidson Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, California, and made it the first new rider program in the U.S. to offer certified training on LiveWire’s all-electric S2 motorcycles. The company says that for the next generation of two-wheel riders, clutchless e-motorcycles can feel more familiar and approachable, and its platform is a natural bridge from e-bikes to motorcycling.

The recently certified S4 Honcho Street combines a lightweight chassis, low seat height, and fully electric powertrain required for MSF training, while removing the complexity of clutch operation and gear shifting.

“The next generation of riders is coming up on e-bikes and electric vehicles, so their expectations for mobility are changing,” says Jon Bekefy, head of commercial at LiveWire. “For many, an electric motorcycle is a more natural first step into motorcycling.

Expanding access to motorcycling

At just 266 pounds with a seat height below 30 inches, the S4 Honcho is well-suited for training environments. However, it meets all three primary MSF qualification criteria, including power output, weight, and seat height.

For decades, learning to ride has often required mastering multiple skills simultaneously, including throttle control, clutch operation, shifting, and braking. The S4 Honcho’s electric powertrain removes much of that complexity, allowing new riders to focus on core riding skills before progressing to more advanced techniques.

Purpose-built for rider training

The S4 Honcho brings several advantages to rider education programs:

• Lightweight 266 lb. curb weight for easy low-speed maneuvering
• Under 30-inch seat height that accommodates a wide range of rider sizes
• Fully electric powertrain with no clutch or shifting required.
• Tuned top speed profiles equivalent to first- and second-gear learning environments: 18mph and 28mph respectively.
• Up to 73 miles of range at 20 mph, including swappable batteries supporting full-day training sessions.
• Simple charging, vehicle protection kit, and fleet management for training operators.

LiveWire says these characteristics help remove obstacles that may discourage prospective riders. As rider training organizations continue to explore new tools and technologies that support rider success, LiveWire believes motorcycles like the S4 Honcho can play an important role in attracting and developing the next generation of motorcyclists.