LiveWire's S4 Honcho Street just landed a role that'll expose it to the kinds of riders who are likely to appreciate it the most.Back in August, LiveWire confirmed that its tiny S4 Honcho Trail had begun rolling out to dealers across the US.Welcome to Power Moves: Diving deep into the product and brand moves that can change where a category is headed. Discover more here.I couldn't help but feel excited about the development, as the S4 platform has long promised to lower the barrier to entry for the brand.Still, I think LiveWire's most recent move amounts to even bigger news. It means far more riders will get to experience the brand firsthand.As a 125cc-equivalent bike, the S4 Honcho Street stands to be a solid learner platform. - Credit: LiveWireLiveWire joins the MSF lineupThat's because, according to the latest LiveWire announcement, the S4 Honcho Street meets all Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) criteria for use in its training programs.As a result, the electric mini will be joining the lineup as a learner bike. For LiveWire, it's a meaningful win: the next generation of motorcyclists will encounter the brand right from their first moments in the saddle.New riders will come to know LiveWire from the first moment they sit astride the saddle. - Credit: LiveWireHowever, it's not just a case of choice product placement.With many of today's newer riders having grown up on e-bikes, electric scooters and various other EVs, the S4 Honcho is also likely more familiar than a typical gas-powered motorcycle.If anything, the lack of a clutch or traditional gear shifting may feel more similar to what some riders are used to.At $5,499, the S4 Honcho Street is approachable in price, too. - Credit: LiveWireAccordingly, LiveWire bills the S4 as a natural bridge for the program. It brings riders into motorcycling from other forms of electrified mobility without requiring them to step up to something more committed.A compelling offeringEven setting aside the fact that the Honcho has no transmission, the platform stands to be an approachable option for new motorcyclists, both during class and as a first bike. I say this having come up through the MSF program myself.Swappable batteries allow the bike to be charged and ready to go for multiple class sessions throughout the day. - Credit: LiveWireAfter all, to even qualify for the role, the LiveWire S4 had to meet various program requirements for weight, standover and output.In practice, then, a 266-pound heft promises to make it light and easy enough to handle for low-speed maneuvers, while a sub-30-inch seat height accommodates a wide variety of rider sizes.Furthermore, though the Honcho is zippy enough to hit 0-30 mph in 3 seconds and 59 mph flat-out, LiveWire says it offers tuned profiles that allow it to be limited to first- and second-gear equivalent speeds at 18 mph and 28 mph, respectively.The 266-pound curb weight makes learning easy for beginners who are finding their balance. - Credit: LiveWireWhen you consider other characteristics of the S4, such as swappable batteries for easy charging and the simpler maintenance schedule inherent to EVs, the Street makes for a strong candidate. If anything, getting the job suggests it may well deliver on its full potential.Availability and pricingThe LiveWire S4 Honcho Trail is available now from dealers starting at $4,999. According to the brand's website, the S4 Honcho Street will be available soon, starting at $5,499.Livewire S4 Honcho Electric Motos Starts at $4999 About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.
