2024 Zero S Vs. LiveWire S2 Del Mar
There's no denying that Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic and long-lasting motorcycle brands of all time. For that reason, when it started pursuing the LiveWire electric motorcycle project, there was a potent mixture of hope, interest, and skepticism about what would result.
Once people got their hands on it, the first LiveWire proved to be a strong, fun machine. A little pricy, sure, but all new tech is pricy when it starts, then usually comes down in price over time.
After Harley spun LiveWire off into its own company, it introduced the LiveWire ONE. It had all the things that riders loved about the first LiveWire, but the price suddenly dropped to just $21,999. Since the OG LiveWire came with an MSRP of $30,000, it was a significant decrease for the price of the experience.
While $21,999 still isn't exactly cheap, LiveWire also promised that it would be coming out with a more affordable, everyday electric bike in the near future. The S2 Del Mar was that bike, meant to hit the sweet spot between reliable performance and affordability. Could it deliver what riders wanted from a naked electric street bike in 2023? Maybe.
LiveWire S2 Del Mar
2024 Zero S
Except for the fact that, well, Zero Motorcycles exists. Unlike Harley-Davidson, Zero hit the ground with electric two-wheeler architecture as the only thing on its mind.
Sure, it didn't have the legacy and heritage at its back that Harley does. Then again, Zero also didn't need to contend with the challenges of pivoting away from combustion to create something new. Arguably, the California-based company also didn't have to worry about disgruntled fans who were upset about the change, either.
By overall motorcycle company standards, Zero is a young company. But by electric motorcycle company standards, Zero is a granddaddy. 2006 may not seem like that long ago, but it's practically eons in the tech world. Since electric motorcycles are motorcycles, but with an inarguable thread of technology woven into their DNA, time and room to grow matters.
Out of current electric motorcycle makers, Zero has had the longest time to learn and evolve, and its 2024 lineup reflects all the lessons that it's learned so far. That includes the 2024 Zero S, which basically throws out everything you thought you knew about the old Zero S and starts over. It gets a new motor, a new battery, and a new lease on life as an entry-level naked street bike.
Power and Torque
The S2 Del Mar may be a little bit older than the 2024 Zero S, but it comes charging out of the gate with the clear message that it's not going to let any young whippersnapper get the best of it.
Most manufacturers might be a little bit optimistic with their official figures. However, with more than double the claimed torque of the revamped Zero S, this round clearly goes to the S2 Del Mar.
Round One Winner: LiveWire S2 Del Mar
Round One Winner: LiveWire S2 Del Mar
In the range battle, the 2024 Zero S comes out swinging, and how much of a difference riders will feel will depend entirely on how they ride the bike on a daily basis. If you do a lot of city commuting, a bike like either of these would be ideal because stop-and-go, low-speed commuting practically sips electrons. (Please note, I say this based on my own experiences riding a Zero SR/F for months in multiple types of riding situations.)If you add highway commuting to your daily list of activities, that's where the difference is most pronounced. I don't currently have a commute that involves highway riding, but I used to, and I would have had to charge every single day if I rode an S2 Del Mar. It's all down to your individual needs and requirements as a rider.
Since the S2 Del Mar has a smaller-capacity battery pack than the 2024 Zero S, it's no great surprise that it takes less time to charge. You can speed up the Zero's charge time with the optional 6kW rapid charger, but it'll add another couple thousand dollars to the bike's price tag.
Electric vehicle makers are quick to point out that most people who have a place to charge their EVs over night will choose to do exactly that. If you can park in a garage, plug in, and let it charge for several hours or overnight, then long charge times become anywhere from less of a hassle to a complete non-issue. Again, though, this all depends on how you intend to use your bike. It may not work for everyone.
Round Two Winner: 2024 Zero S
Chassis
Our two contenders, the 2024 Zero S and the LiveWire S2 Del Mar, are pretty evenly matched in the suspension stakes.
On brakes, it's a slightly more complicated call, though it's worth noting that Brembo owns J. Juan now. While that still doesn't mean the J. Juans have suddenly become Brembo M4.32 monoblocks, it is also worth noting that there's a dual caliper front setup on the Zero S and a single caliper front setup on the S2 Del Mar. Assuming that everything has been properly bled and is in good working order, it's a tough call.
Notably, the 2024 Zero S is what's technically known as a heckin chonker, weighing a full 56 pounds more than the S2 Del Mar. However, the fact that the standard seat height on the 2024 Zero S is 31 inches may help, since it should be accessible to more riders even if you don't splash out the extra cash for the optional low or high seat accessories for shorter/taller riders.
Round Three Winner: Draw
Electronics, Warranty, and Price
Things get a little close in these categories, as well. The number and descriptive names of the ride modes on both bikes are comparable, but it's how useful a rider finds those modes that really matters.
Likewise, the display on the 2024 Zero S is larger and rectangular, while the one on the S2 Del Mar is smaller and rounder. That may just come down to a matter of personal preference.
App availability, electronic safety features, and over the air updates are all a draw between the two. The warranty is slightly better on the 2024 Zero S, but if you're concerned about how quickly the battery will degrade on the S2 Del Mar, then you'll want to pay attention to that criterion.
Finally, the 2024 Zero S is $500 less expensive than the S2 Del Mar (in the US market, anyway).
That's $500 you could spend on a low or high seat accessory if you need it, and still have cash left over. The 2024 MY accessory seat prices aren't posted yet, but the 2023 Low and High seats for the Zero Street range are between $140 and $150, so it's reasonable to assume that the 2024 update will be in the same ballpark.
You could also add other factory accessories instead, like heated grips ($250), handguards ($170), a center stand ($275), or a different windscreen ($180 to $270).
It's a close call in some respects, but in the end, I'm afraid one bike takes the win by a nose.
Overall Winner: 2024 Zero S