Spec Showdown: Zero SR/F Vs. Harley-Davidson LiveWire

	Zero SR/F  (Standard)		Harley-Davidson LiveWire (Vivid Black)
Battery and Motor	14.4 kWh battery with Z-Force 75-10 electric motor		15.5 kWh battery with Revolution electric motor
Performance	110 hp/140 lb-ft		105 hp/86 lb-ft
Top Speed	124 mph (110 mph sustained)		110 mph
Range (city/highway miles)	161/82 (@70 mph)		146/70
Charging Time	4.5 hours (100%, Level 1 charger)		1 hour (100%, DC fast charger)
Weight	485 lbs		549 lbs
Price	$19,495		$29,799

It's hard not to want to compare the two models considering their looks and their role on the market, despite the manufacturers different approach with their marketing. Zero markets the SR/F as its first performance bike and banks on its inherent Californian coolness to spread the message while Harley sticks to its "premium product" guns and targets a more elevated audience with its $30k bike.
Looking at what the two bikes have to offer side by side, we immediately notice who has the advantage in what field. Let's break it down.

Performance

Also note that the SR/F offers a better range than the LiveWire which means it doesn't have to be charged as often, especially if you mainly use the bike to commute. Zero rates the SR/F's electric range at 146 miles in the city, 99 miles on the highway (at 55 mph, 82 miles at 70 mph), and 123 miles city and highway combined (at 55 mph, 190 miles combined at 70 mph). 

Harley-Davidson lists the LiveWire's range at 146 miles in the city and 95 miles combined, an 70 miles on the highway, as confirmed by the Harley-Davidson representative. 

The bottom line is that you will technically travel further with the Zero but that it will also take longer to charge.  

 

Price

Price-wise, there's a very obvious gap between the two models—a $10,300 gap to be precise. Of course, that makes the Zero look more appealing from the onset but consider this: the SR/F is also of inferior quality. When looking at how the saddle is treated and how the components fit together, you notice immediately that Zero doesn't quite offer the same quality of finish as Harley. The plastic controls and the top case cover are the most obvious examples of where Zero could improve in its assembly work. 

Also keep in mind that the entry-level Zero gets you the slowest charger and that the upgrade to the 6 kW rapid charger costs $2,300. The LiveWire comes with a standard DC fast-charger and is also Level 1 and 2 charger compatible. On the flip side, the Zero does get you better performance and a longer range.

 

In Conclusion

So, which one will be your pick? Ultimately, it should all come down to what your priorities are. The 2020 Zero SR/F gets you better performance, a better range, at a smaller price while the 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire plays up the premium card with better quality materials, and a DC faster charger.