BMW G 650 GS versus Harley-Davidson LiveWire ELW

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson LiveWire ELW

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 32.995 €
waveform
Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Electronically fully equipped
  • good brakes
  • easy handling
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • expensive
  • Reach

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.490 mm
Length :
2.135 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
251 (max: 430 ) kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: Electric motor
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 1

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 105 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 15.000 U/Min
Reach:
158 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
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

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
Double disc, Brembo four-piston monobloc radial mounting ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo dual piston ( 260 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