Harley-Davidson LiveWire ELW versus Zero SR/F

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson LiveWire ELW

Naked
Zero

Zero SR/F

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2020 bis 2024~
Built von 2019 bis 2024~
RRP 32.995 €
RRP 25.757 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Electronically fully equipped
  • good brakes
  • easy handling
Pros:
  • Performance
  • Processing
  • Comfort
  • Brake
  • Maintenance costs
Cons:
  • expensive
  • Reach
Cons:
  • Price
  • Reach

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.490 mm
Length :
2.135 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
251 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Seat :
787 mm
Weight :
220 (max: 454 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Electric motor
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 1
Motor design: Z-Force 75-10, AC motor
Cooling: luftgekühlt
Drive: Riemen, Kupplungsfreier Direktantrieb
Aisles: 0

Performance

Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 105 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 15.000 U/Min
Reach:
158 km
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 5.000 U/Min
Torque: 190 NM bei 0 U/Min
Reach:
158 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridge frame
Front suspension:
SHOWA SFF-BP (travel 115 mm)
Rear suspension:
SHOWA BFRC (travel 115 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17 58W
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR17 73W
Front suspension:
Showa upside-down fork 43 mm, spring preload, compression and rebound damping adjustable (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Showa gas pressure shock absorber, spring preload, compression and rebound damping adjustable (travel 140 mm)
Tyres at the front: 120/70-17
Rear tyres: 180/55-17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc, Brembo four-piston monobloc radial mounting ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo dual piston ( 260 mm)
Front brake
Double disc,four-piston radial calipers J. Juan ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper J. Juan ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

Riding an electric motorcycle is a bit like riding a car scooter. Put on it and "gas" against. No transmission, no clutch, no switch, no engine jerks, no sound, no stench, no heat dissipation, no exhaust, no nothing at all. It's hard to describe how it feels live. On the one hand, we were fascinated by it, on the other hand, it is actually a cultural break for long-established bikers. You have to get used to it.

Nevertheless, we are sure that there will be more electric motorcycles in the future. But there will probably also be combustion engines for a long time. Why shouldn't both technologies be able to exist in parallel? In any case, we are always surprised by the force with which the opponents of electric vehicles smash their opinions about such machines into the keys. See comments on our review on YouTube. Guys, stay relaxed, no one forces you to buy such bikes.

The test machine was kindly provided by Harley-Davidson Hamburg.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 33.000€
  • Used (1 year old): 30.000€
  • Availability: since 2019
  • Colors: black, yellow, orange

Digital motorcycling

Many of these sensations are eliminated by the digital form of motorcycling. The Zero is simply fast, sour fast. A spin on the throttle lever is enough, nothing more. If you like this, or for whom this immediate implementation is the attraction, the Zero is a clear purchase recommendation for you.

The question of each test is to find out whether the test object is good or bad. The Zero SR/F is not only a good motorcycle, but a very good motorcycle, under the restrictions of all batterielectric vehicles (expensive, short range). The Zero is a great motorcycle overall and in the sum of its high-quality components. However, one that digitally decouples the driver with what she does best – merciless passage without end.

And I've come to realize that so far, I've assumed that my definition of driving pleasure is largely about engine power – now I know that the way this performance is created is important to me.

The test bike was provided to us by Tecius & Reimers in Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: €20,490
  • Used (4 years old): 10,000 €
  • Years of construction: since 2012 (pre-model)
  • Availability of all Zeros: from 2007, few offers
  • Colours: red, blue-grey