LiveWire’s New $4,999 Electric Trail Bike Is A Long Way From Its Harley RootsGuessing HeadlightsAndre NalinMon, September 21, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleImage Credit: LiveWire.LiveWire started life with an electric motorcycle wearing Harley-Davidson badges, but its newest machine couldn't look much further removed from Milwaukee's traditional heavyweight cruisers. The S4 Honcho Trail is small, light, and designed to spend some of its time playing in the dirt.It also arrives at a very different price point from the premium electric motorcycles that established LiveWire. The Trail starts at $4,999 in the U.S., putting it closer to lightweight gas-powered motorcycles than the company's larger electric offerings.Despite its compact proportions, the Honcho isn't limited to crawling around trails at bicycle speeds. LiveWire claims a 59-mph top speed and says it'll accelerate from zero to 30 mph in three seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe S4 Honcho Trail is now available in the U.S., with LiveWire describing it as a machine built for backroads and trips off the beaten path. A road-focused S4 Honcho Street is also coming, starting at $5,499.Two Removable Batteries And 53 Miles Of RangeImage Credit: LiveWire.LiveWire lists the Trail at 253 pounds, making it substantially lighter than the company's full-size electric motorcycles. Its laden seat height is 30 inches, while chunky tires and compact proportions give it the appearance of an oversized mini-bike built for messing around.Energy comes from a 3.48-kWh removable battery system. LiveWire quotes 53 miles of range under its standard testing procedure, increasing to 73 miles when traveling at a sustained 20 mph, although actual range will depend heavily on how and where it's ridden.Charging from 20% to 80% takes around 120 minutes using a 110-volt outlet. Swappable batteries should also make the Honcho easier to live with for riders who can't conveniently park next to a charger.Small Bike, Surprisingly Decent PerformanceA 59-mph top speed means the Trail has enough performance to venture well beyond the backyard. The three-second sprint to 30 mph should also make good use of the immediate response that comes with an electric motor.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Trail rides on small 12-inch wheels and includes a reverse function, which could prove useful when maneuvering on uneven terrain. LiveWire is also offering a range of accessories intended to let owners customize the little electric machine.Its $4,999 starting price is particularly significant. LiveWire's earlier motorcycles have occupied a considerably more expensive corner of the electric two-wheeler market, while the Honcho takes aim at riders who might otherwise consider small-displacement combustion bikes.LiveWire Is Moving Further From Its Harley RootsImage Credit: LiveWire.LiveWire's story began inside Harley-Davidson, with the original Harley-Davidson LiveWire eventually evolving into the standalone LiveWire One. The S4 Honcho represents a very different direction for the electric motorcycle brand, with development of the platform involving Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco.That doesn't mean Harley-Davidson has disappeared from the picture. The Honcho will still benefit from LiveWire's existing relationship with Harley's dealer network in the U.S., even as the motorcycle itself targets a distinctly different audience.AdvertisementAdvertisementLiveWire says the Trail is now available from $4,999, while the $5,499 Street is listed as coming soon. For a company once associated primarily with an expensive electric Harley, a compact trail bike built around cheap thrills is quite the change of pace.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.