I’ve ridden electric bikes from New London to Manhattan, but nothing splits my motorcycle crew like the Harley LiveWire and Kawasaki Ninja E-1. Half of us swear by Harley’s thunderous torque; the others preach Kawasaki’s city-slicing agility.
The LiveWire and Ninja E-1 sit at opposite ends of the spectrum—one’s a premium highway cruiser dripping with heritage, the other a lightweight urban ninja built for dodging traffic.
After 500 miles on both bikes—and a few heated campfire debates—here’s the no-BS breakdown.
Key Specs
Feature Harley LiveWire Kawasaki Ninja E-1 Price $22,799+ $7,899 Range (City/Highway) 146 mi / 84 mi 41 mi / 30 mi 0-60 mph 3 seconds 3.5 seconds (0-30 mph) Charging Time 1 hour (DCFC) 3.7 hours (per battery) Weight 436 lbs 309 lbs For Highway touring Urban commuting
Design & Comfort
LiveWire: Electric Road King
The LiveWire looks like a Harley Davidson got a Tesla makeover. Its low-slung seat (30 inches) and narrow frame make it surprisingly approachable. My buddy Carlos, a 5’6” rider, could flat-foot it easily—something he struggles with on Harley’s gas cruisers.
But here’s the kicker: 436 pounds is no joke. During a weekend ride through the Rockies, my crew found the weight stabilizes curves but turns parking lots into a balancing act. “Feels like pushing a fridge on wheels,” groaned my friend Dave after a close call in a Denver garage.
Ninja E-1: Lane-Splitting Ninja
Kawasaki’s Ninja E-1 is the two-wheeled equivalent of a city drone. At 309 pounds, I’ve weaved through Manhattan traffic like a bicycle messenger. The clip-on handlebars and upright posture work for my 6’1” height, but my knees hugged the tank tighter than I’d like on a 50-mile ride.
Real-World Hack: “Toss a backpack under the seat strap for extra storage. Works better than Kawasaki’s optional panniers,” says Mia from my riding group, who commutes daily on her E-1.
Harley LiveWire
Torque Monster vs. Traffic Ninja
Harley LiveWire
0–60 mph in 3 seconds. Let that sink in. The LiveWire’s acceleration isn’t just quick—it’s violently fun. The throttle response is butter-smooth, and the regenerative braking lets you recapture energy while carving corners.
But here’s the catch: Range anxiety is real. Harley claims 146 city miles, but real-world highway riding at 70 mph? You’ll be lucky to hit 84 miles.
Use Eco mode and regenerative braking on highways. I stretched my range to 100 miles once… by hypermiling like a grandma.
Kawasaki Ninja E-1
The Ninja E-1’s performance won’t melt your face, but it’s peppy enough for city antics. Think 0–30 mph in 3.5 seconds (thanks to “E-boost” mode) and a top speed of 59 mph—enough to outpace most traffic.
But its 41-mile range? Let’s be honest: You’re not taking this bike on a road trip.
I use it for my 15-mile commute. Charge it at work, and I’m golden. But forget highways—it’s a city toy.” – My buddy Jake, a Brooklyn barista.
kawasaki Ninja E-1
Charging at Road Trips
Harley LiveWire: Fast, But Not Everywhere
The LiveWire supports DC Fast Charging (DCFC), juicing up to 80% in 40 minutes. Harley even throws in free, fast charging at ChargePoint stations for two years. But here’s the rub: DCFC stations aren’t exactly on every corner.
“Planning a cross-country trip? Better map those chargers. I got stranded once when a station was out of order.” – Carlos.
Kawasaki Ninja E-1: Battery Swapping
The Ninja E-1’s dual removable batteries are a game-changer. Pop them out, charge them in your apartment overnight, and you’re set. Each battery takes 3.7 hours, but hey—no hunting for charging stations.
Tip: “Buy a second charger. You can juice both batteries at once off the bike.” – Jake.
Technology & Features
LiveWire: Tesla on Two Wheels
The LiveWire’s 4.3-inch TFT screen is slick, but the app glitches drove us nuts. “Bluetooth disconnected mid-ride, and my playlist died. First-world problems, right?” groans Dave.
Pro Tip: Use the “Range Optimizer” mode. Carlos squeezed 100 miles by lowering regen and capping speed at 55 mph.
Ninja E-1: Basic But Smart
Kawasaki’s Rideology app tracks battery health, but the E-1’s party trick is Walk Mode. “Reverse saved my butt in a tight parking spot,” says Jake.
Price
LiveWire: Paying for the Badge
Starting at $22,799, the LiveWire isn’t cheap. But Harley’s 5-year battery warranty—plus techs like cornering ABS, traction control, and a TFT touchscreen that feels lifted from a Tesla.
“Is it worth 3x the price of a Zero S? Hell yes—if you want to turn heads at Starbucks.” – Jake.
Kawasaki Ninja E-1: Budget-Friendly
At $7,899, the Ninja E-1 is the gateway drug to electric riding. But you sacrifice range and power.
“It’s like a scooter with a Ninja costume. Fun, but don’t expect a highway rocket.” – laughs Carlos.
Which Bike Wins?
Choose the LiveWire If…
- You crave Harley’s rumble (minus the noise).
- Your idea of fun is carving canyons, not crawling through traffic.
- You’ve memorized every DCFC station within 50 miles.
Choose the Ninja E-1 If…
- Your daily ride involves more potholes than panoramas.
- You’re allergic to charging stations.
- Your wallet screams “NO” at Harley’s price tag.
The Rider’s Edge
Still torn? Here’s my take after logging miles on both:
The LiveWire is a statement—a love letter to Harley’s past and electric future. But the Ninja E-1? It’s the bike you’ll actually ride every day.
So, what’s your priority: Weekend escapes or daily sanity? Drop a comment below—let’s debate!
