As a diehard motorcyclist, one who's been riding for two decades and ridden just about every motorcycle known to man, electric motorcycles aren't just cool, they're the perfect way to learn motorcycle dynamics. I know, I know, that sounds like sacrilege, but it's absolutely true.
Unlike a combustion motorcycle, there's a focus you can achieve on an all-electric motorcycle. You pay closer attention to your body position, to your braking points, how throttle affects your lean or turning, and the actual dynamics of the road and suspension. There's less worry, especially when learning something new, of killing the engine, where you are in the rev range, or the noise of the machine.
It hones your skills. And it's why I use the Stark Varg EX in my garage to get better at off-road riding—story and video coming soon—as I can really concentrate on not just the fundamentals, but progressing in those skills.
Which is why I jumped for joy when I saw that LiveWire will begin offering introductory motorcycling classes, one that's good enough to then go and bypass the DMV's draconian practical test, with the brand's electric motorcycles. Yes, you can finally learn how to ride on an EV and then go and snag your full M endorsement. Wooo!
"This partnership is about breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of riders. By integrating LiveWire motorcycles into rider training, Bartels’ is redefining what it means to learn to ride—making it more accessible, more intuitive, and better aligned with the future of motorcycling," said Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire, in a press release announcing the new program.
Bartels' refers to Bartels’ Harley-Davidson Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, California, as the academy is the first in the nation to offer the all-electric class. Students will have access to the LiveWire S2 Mulholland and Alpinista motorcycles, though they've been outfitted for classroom duty.
And because the the instructors at the Academy are certified by the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, "Upon successful completion of the New Rider Course, graduates earn a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) completion card (DL 389 certificate), providing a clear path to becoming a licensed motorcyclist," i.e. they don't have to complete the practical exam at the DMV when applying for their M endorsement. All they'll need to do is take the written exam.
This isn't just great for getting new riders onto motorcycles, and makes learning the fundamentals that much easier, but it also provides LiveWire and Harley-Davidson, the brand's parent company, with something I've been harping on for literal ages: an entry machine they can use at the school and then sell students on the way out.
For years, Harley has been using its small-displacement bikes for its rider classes that it fails to sell here in the States. And for years, it's lacked an entry-level bike that's not as intimidating as even its more entry-level Sportster lineup. But these, these LiveWires make for a perfect "Learn on Sunday, Buy on Monday" ethos, if you'll allow me to paraphrase the old racing adage.
And though it's not likely to save LiveWire from becoming one with Harley once again in the near future, it helps solve a real issue for Harley, while also giving me newcomers the chance to learn to ride without the fear of whiskey throttle clutch drops and killing bikes.
This is great.
