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[Pard]

Anybody own both?  Lots of amazing info from the LiveWire forum and the Energica forum.

Plenty of opinions from test riders of both.

Anybody actually have both an Energica and a LiveWire in their fleet, and wish to make the case for which is the bike to own if you can only have one?

Thanks for your time and consideration.

[DonTom]

Anybody own both?  Lots of amazing info from the LiveWire forum and the Energica forum.

Plenty of opinions from test riders of both.

Anybody actually have both an Energica and a LiveWire in their fleet, and wish to make the case for which is the bike to own if you can only have one?

Thanks for your time and consideration.

I wouldn't own a LW. But I can give several reasons why I wouldn't.


No level Two charging is one reason. That is ridiculous, IMO, on such a bike.


No decent luggage and other stuff available for it, is another reason.


Slow even to charge on CCS compared to the Energica.  Expect around 12KW CCS charging instead of 20 KW.


No reverse in the LW. No slow forward park in the LW, unlike all the Energicas.


Cost too much for what you get with the LW.


-Don-  Auburn, CA

[Pard]

Appreciate that.  All very good points.  Hard to make an argument as to why the LiveWire is a better choice, unless there is a specific mission for which it may be more suitable.  Or just a taste preference argument. 

Good video here.  This reviewer makes reference to the livewire as being super fun, but a second to the Energica for pure short distance sport riding which is the mission profile which interests me. 

I agree the lack of reverse on the livewire is ridiculous.  Should be an easy software patch fix.  The livewire has inferior brakes and rotors are solid instead of floating which makes no sense on a street bike at that price point.

[Ashveratu]

I owned a Livewire for a year, then traded her in for the SS9 after a test ride. The Livewire is a great bike but there is just something about the Energica. A deeper connection maybe, I don't know. After the test ride, I knew I could not rest until I owned the SS9 and the Livewire seemed dull in comparison.

Honestly, it just comes down to personal preference and taste in the end.

When I buy bike, it's not about the numbers or parts on it. It's about how I feel on it. There are many bikes out that I love the look, style and performance of, but when I sit on it...if it does not "click" with me, then she's a no-go.

[Pard]

^^^  Great perspective.  Very helpful.  Thanks!

[heroto]

I've recently owned both, SS9+ for a few years (about 8k miles) and HD LW for a year plus (about 2k miles).
Comparisons:
Drivetrain: LW A+, fantastic and quiet. E: A-, drivetrain is almost as nice but has that whine. YMMV regarding that sound. The E chain also is noisier.
Handling: LW B+ super stable but not nimble. E: A once moving, but only A- overall because it's top heavy and wants to be dropped at super slow speeds
Range: compared to what? A gas moto, they both lose. Compared to each other, the LW is more efficient per kWh, but the E has bigger batteries and longer range
Build quality: A for both but HD is a bit better, especially switch gear.
Charging ease: HD: C- (DC charging is slow, AC is really slow), E: B-, DC charging is slow but better than HD, ditto AC. Also some DC charger compatiblilty issues .
Usability as a tourer or commuter: HD: D, they simply ignored luggage, and the geometry favors interstate stability, not slower speed agility.  E: C+. But the Experia looks better and may raise that grade to A.
Fun to ride: this is subjective, but both get an A+ in my book.
Dealer availability: pretty slim for both, alas.
Riding position: this also is subjective. LW riding position - leaning forward and stretched out made my shoulders hurt, but that's just me.
Styling is subjective. I like them both.
Other stuff: LW mirrors are a joke. Both interfaces could be better, e.g the E cruise control button should be something you can reach with both hands on the bars.

edit: additional thoughts:
both weigh almost exactly the same.
HD lower seat and lower center of gravity are nice for a commuter. But no grip heaters and no reverse gear.
The DC charger compatibility issues I've had with the Energica have been common, and at chargers that worked for the HD. But based on a later post may be confined to the US.

[Pard]

^^^  Really good experience based comparison.  Thanks!

[jotjotde]

Sorry, but from my perspective (Germany) I strongly disagree that Energica has an issue with DC compatibility. My bike never failed in several dozens of DC charges.
After a bathroom break and a leisurely cup of coffee my Ribelle is usually good to go for another 100 km. 

[Pard]

How important is the parking feature?  Seems like a big deal in favor of the Energica, as @DonTom pointed out.  Moving 600lbs around by hand seems like it will be a pain in the behind.

[jotjotde]

How important is the parking feature?  Seems like a big deal in favor of the Energica, as @DonTom pointed out.  Moving 600lbs around by hand seems like it will be a pain in the behind.

Maybe I am a wimp  , but moving the bike even a slight ramp upwards is backbreaking. Owned a Zero SR/F without parking feature and it was a headache.
Tripping or slipping while pushing manually could make you lose control and crash the bike.
With Energica's slow-go feature backing the bike out of a parking slot or reversing if you can't do a full u-turn is a no-brainer.

[Pard]

How important is the parking feature?  Seems like a big deal in favor of the Energica, as @DonTom pointed out.  Moving 600lbs around by hand seems like it will be a pain in the behind.

Maybe I am a wimp  , but moving the bike even a slight ramp upwards is backbreaking. Owned a Zero SR/F without parking feature and it was a headache.
Tripping or slipping while pushing manually could make you lose control and crash the bike.
With Energica's slow-go feature backing the bike out of a parking slot or reversing if you can't do a full u-turn is a no-brainer.

Thanks for that confirmation.  If the LiveWire had reverse I probably would own one now.  When I test rode it I was so put off by how hard it was to move around without power.  Turned me off big time.  Leaning heavily towards the Energica at this point.  Helpful thread.

[DonTom]

Sorry, but from my perspective (Germany) I strongly disagree that Energica has an issue with DC compatibility. My bike never failed in several dozens of DC charges.
After a bathroom break and a leisurely cup of coffee my Ribelle is usually good to go for another 100 km. 

See here, about the newer Chargepoint CP250 stations.


-Don-  Auburn, CA