For anyone who thought that Harley-Davidson Low Riders are for cruising low and slow, take a look at the updated Lower Rider S and the new Low Rider ST. Utilizing the Milwaukee-Eight 117 cubic-inch (1,923 cc) engine, these Low Riders are no easy riders, they're purebred performance machines. Whether a buyer desires the lean and mean Low Rider S or the touring capabilities offered on the Low Rider ST, these bikes from the bar and shield show how Harley-Davidson is adapting to the demands of the market.
Taking inspiration from the riding community, Harley-Davidson incorporated common custom touches they saw at bike shows and rallies and integrated those styling cues into these stock motorcycles. In the end, the entire riding community benefits, as items that were once custom mods are now available from a local H-D dealer.
Take A Look At These New Low Riders
In the automotive world, there is no replacement for displacement. Harley-Davidson understands that more than any other motorcycle manufacturer, as their classic V-twins have steadily grown from the Twin Cam 88 (1,450 cc) that launched in late 1998. The latest iteration of the air/oil-cooled V-twin is the Milwaukee-Eight 117. Producing a claimed 103 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, the engine once reserved for Harley-Davidson's CVO line, now has wider applications. Both the Lower Rider S and ST benefit from this expanded use of the 117 engine and that should translate into satisfied riders, as these bikes bring an increased level of performance to the table.
As a bike presenting the bare essentials, the Low Rider S avoids any excess and as such has the most to gain from the use of the 117 power plant. The 2021 model came with the 114, so owners stepping up to the 2022 model will have five percent more torque right out the door. Knowing that riders will need to hold onto the handlebars tight on the Low Rider S, the designers at Harley-Davidson also felt the need to move the instruments from a tank-mounted console to just above the risers. Tucked in right behind the flyscreen, the combination analog tachometer/digital speedometer allows the rider to keep their eyes on the road as they will likely feel compelled to pin that throttle whenever possible.
The Low Rider ST Is A Low Rider For Long Rides
The upgrades to the Low Riders S will undoubtedly appeal to many riders, but the news regarding the new Low Rider ST may bring even more buyers to the Motor Company. Drawing inspiration from the old FXRT, the new Low Rider ST is Harley-Davidson's answer to the sport-touring craze. A motorcycle that definitely falls into the "tall bike" category, the Low Rider ST has an elevated stance thanks to a taller rear monoshock that the high-mount saddlebags accentuate. The main message is that the ability to tour does not come at the cost of lean angle. Yet the Low Rider ST also provides a fair bit of protection thanks to the newly designed front fairing. Developed via CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis and real-world testing, the fairing showcases this bike's emphasis on form and function.
Prospective buyers can find the Low Rider S in dealerships now for an MSRP of $18,349, but those looking for the ST will have to wait until late March when they can expect to pay an MSRP of $21,749.