The EICMA 2025 motorcycle fair, taking place in Milan between November 4 and 9, has again been the scene of historical innovations in the two-wheeler sector, and the Harley-Davidson electric division, LiveWire, has become one of the showcases. Before the official launch of the show on September 11, 2025, Harley-Davidson unveiled the LiveWire S4 Honcho, a new electric motorcycle that combines the classic aesthetic of the company with innovative technology.

This unveiling, which was planned well in advance to grab the world’s attention, will see Harley-Davidson take over headlines and search results. Introduced with a trademark registration by the United States Patent and Trademark Office earlier this year, the S4 Honcho marks a significant step in Harley’s electrification process, as it could reinvent urban mobility and performance riding. This article discusses the features of the S4 Honcho, the impact these features have on the electric motorcycle market, and how Harley-Davidson is utilising EICMA to maintain its dominance in sustainable two-wheel transportation.

LiveWire S4 Honcho: Design and Performance

A bold addition to the Harley-Davidson electric line, the LiveWire S4 Honcho is an urban, performance-focused motorcycle unveiled at EICMA 2025, expanding upon the popularity of the LiveWire One and S2 Del Mar. The S4 Honcho has a low-slung and muscular look that respects the classic cruiser appearance of Harley but offers a touch of futurism instead.

It features a smooth framework, matte black finishes, and chrome details, along with a next-generation Revelation electric powertrain that provides immediate torque and a purported 0-60 mph acceleration of less than 3.5 seconds. The bike’s battery is an upgraded version of 15.5 kWh, offering a range of approximately 150 miles in urban environments. The battery is a good option to take during daily commuting and weekend travels. Quick charge, with up to 80 per cent charge in 40 minutes, can guarantee the least possible downtime, addressing a primary issue of electric car adoption.

The most outstanding feature of the S4 Honcho is its high-end rider interface, which includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity and real-time diagnostics. It is a system controlled by proprietary software created by LiveWire, which enables its riders to adjust the performance modes, including an environmentally friendly commuting mode and an aggressive, sporty mode.

Additionally, the bike features regenerative braking, which enhances efficiency and range. Harley-Davidson also focused on the lightweight chassis of the S4 Honcho, which was built with carbon composite, thereby enhancing handling and reducing the vehicle’s overall weight compared to earlier models. This power, range and agility combination makes the S4 Honcho a direct rival to the high-end electric models such as the Energica Experia and Zero SR/F, yet retains the charisma of the Harley brand.

EICMA 2025: A Platform of the Electric Ambition of Harley

Harley-Davidson’s decision to present the S4 Honcho at EICMA 2025 indicates that the event is considered an international centre for motorcycle innovation. EICMA is held in Milan and has attracted the leaders of the industry, media, and fans, so it is the ideal place where Harley can display its electric vision.

The show’s crowning feature is the brand stand, where visitors can engage in interactive experiences to experience the technology of the S4 Honcho, such as a virtual ride simulator that showcases the car’s acceleration and handling. Executives from Harley, who addressed the unveiling, stressed the company’s focus on electrification, with the LiveWire brand being the main focus of its strategy to attract younger and urban riders who prioritise sustainability without compromising on performance.

The release of the S4 Honcho saw a more significant introduction of the 2025 lineup of Harley-Davidson, with improvements on the gas-powered Pan America 1250 and the Street Bob 114. The electric focus, however, grabbed the headline, with the inclusion of LiveWire being an indication that Harley was ready to be the front-runners in the increasingly popular electric motorcycle market.

Industry observers believe that electric bikes will account for 15 per cent of motorcycle sales worldwide by 2030, and Harley’s early investment in LiveWire has positioned it well to capitalise on this trend. The launch of the S4 Honcho also reflects Harley’s sustainability aspirations, as the company has emphasised the use of recycled materials in the bike’s production and intends to expand its electric charging network in collaboration with leading energy services.

Competing in a Crowded Electric Market

The electric motorcycle is a hot market, and brands such as Ultraviolette, Super Soco, and BMW Motorrad have presented strong products. During its participation in EICMA 2025, Ultraviolette launched the F77 MACH 2, an electric naked bike of high performance, priced at £ 8,499, aimed at the entry-level rider market.

However, another way to take a ride to the city was demonstrated by the BMW Motorrad concept of Vision CE, which developed a self-balancing electric scooter. The S4 Honcho is unique in that it is a high-end brand at an affordable price, with pricing expected to begin at approximately 22,000 in the United States, lower than some of its competitors, yet with more range and technology.

The problem Harley faces is overcoming the mistrust of consumers regarding the use of electric motorcycles, especially among its long-time followers who appreciate the feel of shaking engines. The S4 Honcho copes with this by a synthetic sound profile, replicating the classic Harley growl in external speakers, and this has generated some buzz on social media sites such as X.

This reference to tradition, combined with such new features as over-the-air software updates and GPS-based anti-theft features, is meant to bridge the divide between traditionalists and techno-intensive new riders. In its marketing campaign, introduced with the release of the new EICMA, Harley focuses on the spirit of freedom of the open road and the ethos of the S4 Honcho, built in a way that appeals to both audiences.

Technological Innovations and Rider Safety

The S4 Honcho is focused on safety and has high-tech features that can distinguish itself among electric motorcycles. The bike features a collection of rider-assistance technologies, including adaptive traction control, cornering ABS, and a proximity sensor array designed to prevent collisions.

These technologies utilise the alliance between Harley and Bosch, a top automotive safety systems company, to ensure it handles precisely under different circumstances. S4 Honcho also brings a first-in-class “Ride Assist” mode, where, through AI, throttle response and braking are adjusted to the rider’s style and the conditions of the road to keep the bike safer and more performance-oriented.

The bike’s connection allows it to be paired with the specific LiveWire app, where riders can track battery levels, plan routes with charging capabilities, and receive notifications about maintenance. This integration is representative of Harley’s broader vision for software-defined vehicles, which is gaining momentum throughout the automotive industry.

During the EICMA, Harley displayed the capabilities of the app with live demonstrations, that is, how riders can customise their experience, including ambient lighting and performance settings, right on their smartphones.

Harley-Davidson’s Broader Strategy at EICMA 2025

In addition to S4 Honcho, EICMA 2025 helped Harley-Davidson to strengthen its sustainability and innovation promise. The firm stated that it would expand its LiveWire lineup by 2027 with two additional models, targeting various segments, including adventure touring and lightweight commuters.

Harley also mentioned its worldwide charging infrastructure program, which it is working with Electrify America to install 100 new DC fast-chargers across the U.S and Europe by the middle of 2026. Such attempts are supposed to make electric riding more accessible, covering infrastructure gaps and range anxiety.

Community engagement with the brand continued at EICMA, where rider meetups and test-ride opportunities were available in the outdoor space of the show. The LiveWire Lounge by Harley provided a place where fans could talk about the S4 Honcho and customise their own version, with saddlebags to performance mods. This participatory model aligns with Harley’s objective to create a passionate electric community, similar to its traditional rider group, due to the camaraderie it fosters.

Conclusion: Harley-Davidson’s Electric Future

The introduction of the LiveWire S4 Honcho at EICMA 2025 on September 11 is a more than significant milestone both to the brand and the electric motorcycle market. The integration of iconic design, cutting-edge technology and a competitive price point makes the S4 Honcho the bike that will place Harley in a position to appeal to more eco-conscious riders without losing its heritage attractiveness.

The release of the bike with the boost of the EICMA international platform will make Harley dominate the motorcycle news cycle, as its combination of performance, safety, and connectivity is what will be searched for. With competitors such as BMW and Ultraviolette pushing the limits of electric mobility, Harley-Davidson’s strategic decision to focus on LiveWire and sustainable innovation stands out, resulting in an electrifying future of emission-free riders worldwide.