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Spoiler: The thrill of instant torque simply doesn’t wear off—and neither does the experience of spending just $2–$3 to “fuel up.”
Reason for My Choice
I was after a vehicle that would reflect the future, but I still wanted it to be suitable for a Sunday canyon blast. The 2024 LiveWire ONE met the necessary requirements: massive torque, DC quick-charge, the right rider aids, and the price which finally, thanks to promos and incentives, made sense.
Quick Spec Snapshot
- Motor: Permanent-magnet synchronous, 100 hp / 86 ft-lb, single-speed
- Battery: 15.5 kWh li-ion
- Range (real-world): ~120 mi mixed, 120–140 mi summer, 80–90 mi winter
- Charging: L2 ~8 hrs to full; DCFC 0–80% ~40 min, 0–100% ~60 min
- Electronics: Bosch cornering ABS & TC, Road / Eco / Sport / Rain + User mode, 4.3″ TFT
- Weight: ~536 lb curb
- Price paid: Street prices have fallen from approx $22.8k to about $16.5k during promos
- Maintenance: No oil changes; tires/brakes, belt service ~12k mi
The First Year: What It’s Actually Like
Performance: Every Green Light Is a Treat
0–60 in the low 3s never stopped being fun. Passing is instant, with a turbine-like whir instead of drama. It cruises past 110 mph without feeling strained (save your license).
Handling: Stable, Planted, Predictable
Showa suspension and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires give it a sporty, secure feel. It isn’t a flicky featherweight—there’s battery mass—but turn-in is clean and mid-corner grip inspires confidence. In the wet, traction control steps in early (thank you, Bosch).
Range & Charging: The Honest Numbers
- Commutes ≤100 miles/day: effortless. Charge at home, forget about it.
- Cold months: expect ~80–90 mi.
- Warm months: ~120–140 mi is normal with mixed riding.
- Trips: DC fast charging makes weekend loops workable with 30–40 min coffee stops. You do need to plan—DCFC isn’t as ubiquitous as gas yet.
Daily Life: Easy Mode
No heat in traffic. No clutch or gears to juggle. Minimal vibration. Year one’s maintenance included tires, brake fluid, inspections. I added heated grips and didn’t regret it one bit.
Tech That Helps
The 4.3″ TFT is bright in the sunlight as well as in the rain. The app makes it easy to check charge, precondition the battery in heat/cold, and it’s received OTA updates without fuss.
Real Costs
Home charging averaged $2–$3 per “tank” (varies by electricity rate). By not changing the oil and having fewer wear items, ownership costs undercut bikes with similar MPG over time.
Pros & Cons After 12 Months
What I Love
- That seamless, shove-you-forward torque
- Proper cornering ABS/TC and usable ride modes
- Low running costs and almost no routine wrenching
- Modern cockpit, comfy ergos for city + short tours
What I’d Change
- Weight appears when transitioning in tight, low-speed situations
- Range reality caps spontaneous long hauls
- Public DCFC quality varies (had one flaky port)
Owner Tips (From the Saddle)
- Precondition via the app in extreme temps for better range/charging.
- Use Eco/User on highway slogs; save Sport for twisties.
- Plan DC fast-charge 20–80% hops—it’s quicker and kinder to the pack.
- Good sport tires matter with instant torque.
- Tweak regen: higher in town for one-pedal feel, lower on the slab for smoothness.
Who It Fits
- Urban/suburban riders with a home or reliable charging at the workplace.
- Canyon fans who drive <150 miles between fast chargers.
- Tech-forward commuters looking for smooth, quiet speed and minimal upkeep.
Verdict
A year in, LiveWire ONE is still the cutting-edge one. Treat the range realistically, plan your fast-charge stops, and you get a bike that’s fast, civilized, and cheaper to run than its gas peers. If your riding life is mostly daily mileage along with weekend fun that you plan, this is a good electric that actually works—yes, even the experiences are in or thrilling with it.
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