LiveWire is introducing new electric motorcycles while exploring options to address financial pressures.
Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle spinoff is exploring financing, a sale and restructuring as losses strain its cash resources.
The LiveWire financial warning has raised doubts about the electric motorcycle maker’s ability to keep operating. Harley-Davidson’s spinoff flagged “substantial doubt” over its future in its latest financial report.
The company cited repeated operating losses, negative cash flows and limited cash resources as the reasons. However, the warning comes despite higher sales this quarter and a strong position in its US market segment.
LiveWire holds an 80 percent share of the US market for on-road electric motorcycles rated at 50 kW and above. That position has not prevented the financial pressures outlined in its report.
LiveWire financial warning prompts review of options
LiveWire has formed a special restructuring committee to examine ways forward for the business. Its options include new financing, a sale, restructuring and strategic partnerships.
The company also withdrew its previous forecast for an operating loss of $70 million to $80 million in 2026. The committee’s review therefore comes alongside a change to its earlier financial outlook.
Harley-Davidson held a 74 percent stake in LiveWire when it spun off the business in 2022. The separation took place through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company.
Meanwhile, LiveWire is introducing lower-priced motorcycles as it confronts those financial pressures. Its new S4 Honcho series starts below $5,000.
New models arrive as electric motorcycle sales grow
LiveWire said it has delivered the first S4 Honcho Trail units to the US market. It also plans to send the S4 Honcho Street version to dealerships in October. The company recently unveiled another model, the Dust Spur.
The launches come as global electric motorcycle sales continue to grow. Sales reached a record 10.17 million units in 2025 after five years of steady growth.
However, combustion-engine motorcycles still accounted for nearly 88 percent of sales in 2024, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Much of the electric motorcycle market’s growth is concentrated in southeast Asia and Africa. Those regions recorded growth of 83 percent and 86.9 percent respectively in 2025. Meanwhile, the North American market expanded by 27 percent.
