LiveWire Acquires Electric Dirt Bike Start-Up Dust Moto
First off-road LiveWire model to launch in late 2026
LiveWire has acquired Dust Moto, an Oregan-based start-up that builds electric dirt bikes. This is the first acquisition by the Harley-Davidson-owned electric brand, and it announces its expansion into the off-road motorcycle segment, with the first product to launch in the second half of 2026.
Dust currently has one motorcycle available for pre-order, known as the Dust Hightail. Given the short turn-around, we expect the first LiveWire dirt bike will be heavily based on the Hightail.
The Hightail is powered buy a proprietary motor with a claimed peak output of 42 hp and 44 lb-ft. from the crank and 485 lb-ft. at the rear wheel. Dust claims the 4.4 kWh swappable battery provides a range of 40 miles, measured at a constant speed of 25 mph, and a 0-100% charge time of 4 hours.
Terms of the acquisition were not announced.
Dust Hightail Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor & Gearbox | Proprietary motorsport motor-gearbox with 3.4:1 reduction, 12000rpm high speed + high torque optimized PMSM. |
Power | Peak 42 hp (claimed) |
Motor Torque | 44 lb-ft. (claimed) |
Wheel Torque | 485 lb-ft. (claimed)at 11:1 reduction |
Range | 40 miles at 25mph cruise (claimed) |
Top speed | 75 mph (claimed) |
Battery Recharge (0-100%) | 4hrs (claimed) |
Battery | 4.4kWh, 80V nominal, 700A max discharge |
Front Suspension | 43mm stanchion, symmetric closed cartridge damping design, tunable compression and rebound, 10.2 inches of travel |
Rear Suspension | 46mm piston, hydraulic bottom out, hi & lo tunable compression and rebound, progressive linkage design, 11.2 inches of travel |
Front Wheel | 21" heavy duty moto wheel |
Rear Wheel | 18" heavy duty moto wheel |
Front Tire | 80/100 - 21 Tire |
Rear Tire | 100/100 - 18 Tire |
Front Brake | 4 piston floating moto caliper with oversized 260mm rotor |
Rear Brake | Floating piston moto caliper with 220mm rotor |
Begin Press Release:
LiveWire Group, Inc. Acquires Dust Moto
LiveWire expands further into the electric off‑road category with their first acquisition, combining complementary capabilities and accelerating product development.
LiveWire Group, Inc., a leader in the electric two‑wheel industry, today announced it has acquired the assets of Dust Moto, bringing deep off‑road knowledge and expertise to LiveWire, thereby marking a strategic expansion into the electric off‑road segment.
The acquisition strengthens LiveWire’s strategy to grow beyond on‑road electric motorcycles and address the rapidly expanding electric off‑road market, which is being driven by riders seeking incredible torque and performance with the added benefits of reduced noise, lower maintenance, and an accessible riding experiences through simplified operation and single‑speed drive.
With the completed transaction, LiveWire is advancing Dust’s electric dirt bike platform toward production, leveraging LiveWire’s engineering capabilities, manufacturing scale, and global marketing, sales, and service network to accelerate development and go‑to‑market execution.
“LiveWire pioneered the on‑road electric motorcycle market, and this acquisition allows us to build on that leadership as we expand into off‑road, continuing the journey that began with STACYC ten years ago,” said Karim Donnez, CEO of LiveWire Group, Inc. “Dust Moto is a strong strategic fit and an accelerator of our vision, bringing proven off‑road insight that will contribute meaningfully to LiveWire’s leadership position in electric powersports.”
“Joining LiveWire marks an exciting next chapter in our journey,” said Colin Godby, CEO of Dust Moto. “LiveWire shares our fundamental DNA as an American brand focused on performance, innovation, and putting riders first. With LiveWire’s scale, resources, and global reach, we can bring our electric off-road bike to market with a worldwide audience and deliver an unmatched off-road experience.”
The acquisition reflects LiveWire’s continued focus on expanding its product portfolio and addressable market while reinforcing its commitment to innovation across electric powersports. LiveWire intends to share more information on the launch of the product in the second half (2H) of this year.
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“LiveWire pioneered the on‑road electric motorcycle market"
I think this is a bit of a stretch!
I wonder how long it'll be till LiveWire offers 'loud-pipes' audio as an add-on?