2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S and ST Build on a Classic

The Low Rider is one of the most iconic models that Harley-Davidson has ever produced. Introduced in 1977, the Low Rider was an instant hit, dominating the sales charts and outselling the Super Glide while becoming a pop culture icon in the process. The bike’s low-slung style oozes Harley-Davidson cool, delivering an intimidating look that’s landed the bike in no shortage of movies, television shows, and music videos. Following a successful decades-long run, the original Dyna-based Low Rider was discontinued in 2009. The bike reemerged in 2016 under Harley-Davidson’s new S lineup. This youth-focused series puts an increased emphasis on performance with an aggressive riding position along with enhanced suspension and brakes. The Low Rider was just the second Harley-Davidson model to receive the S treatment, along with the Softail Slim S and Fat Boy S. 

In 2019, Harley-Davidson swapped out the Dyna platform to become a Softail model and created the Low Rider we know today. Built around a one-of-a-kind formula that sees the relatively small bike packed with one of Harley-Davidson’s largest engines, the Low Rider is one of the quickest ways for a new rider to earn their stripes. Why should you seek out a Harley-Davidson Low Rider for sale? How does it stack up when it comes to performance, style, and safety? What differentiates the S and ST models? Read on as we saddle up and see what this enticing ode to Harley-Davidson history offers. 

Low Rider S vs. ST

The difference between the Low Rider S and ST largely comes down to comfort. Both are built on the famous Softail chassis, but the Low Rider S is more of a performance cruiser that pays homage to the classic era of motorcycle culture with its stripped-down frame and sporty styling. This largely comes down to the model’s minimal fairings, which differentiate the S (“Sport”) from the more comfort-focused ST (“Sport Touring”) version. This approach certainly gives the Low Rider S an intimidating look, but it makes the bike less practical for those who enjoy longer rides at higher speeds. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, the Low Rider ST is worth a closer look. 

Harley-Davidson has designed the Sport Touring model with plenty of frame-mounted fairings that should make all the difference in comfort. Inspired by the fairing on the legendary FXRT Super Glide, the ST pares back this classic design to provide a more contemporary look that’s sure to resonate with today’s younger riders. The fairing helps to keep riders out of the wind while reducing run-ins with bugs, leaves, and other debris that can detract from the Low Rider experience. These fairings also help improve the ST’s aerodynamic profile, allowing the bike to effectively cut through the air and get up to speed a bit faster. 

The additional bodywork does add a few pounds to the ST’s curb weight, but it’s a small price to pay for riders who want to spend a long day behind the handlebars. The fairing isn’t the only concession Harley-Davidson has made for the touring set. The ST also has removable dual saddlebags, a windscreen, and Harley-Davidson’s safety-enhancing Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS). The ST has also been treated to an improved rear suspension designed to smooth out the road on longer rides. The bike’s supplementary gear does come at a premium, with the touring model retailing for around $2,000 more than the S.

Performance

Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight is a marvel of modern engineering that gives riders all the power they need to eat up the miles with ease. The Low Rider initially debuted with the 110, and later 114, cubic-inch version of Harley-Davidson’s big twin engine. The bike received an upgrade in 2022 when it was swapped out for a larger 117-cubic-inch version with air and oil cooling. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 provides a livelier ride than the 114, especially when it comes to torque. The new engine offers 125 lb-ft of torque, five percent more than the previous version, which certainly pays dividends when you’re accelerating from a stop. Combine that with 103 horsepower, and you’ve got the start of a great motorcycle.

The 117 comes equipped with Harley-Davidson’s Heavy Breather air intake, a vital piece of equipment that allows the engine to suck up all the oxygen it needs for peak power and efficiency. Both versions of the Low Rider see the 117 mated to a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission that gives the bike a zero-to-60-mph time of just four seconds and makes reaching the 120 mph top speed a breeze. The Low Rider’s Michelin Scorcher 31 tires are more than up to the task of transferring all this power to the road, while the two-into-two, Fat Bob-inspired offset shotgun exhaust gives the bike a guttural growl that’s sure to turn some heads. While Harley-Davidson has certainly put performance at the forefront when designing the Low Rider, the bike also excels in efficiency, with an estimated 47 MPG combined. 

Style

The Low Rider sticks to the classic formula that’s made the Harley-Davidson brand such a mainstay in the motorcycle community. From its pavement-hugging Softail chassis to its aggressive stance and single seat, the Low Rider harkens back to a simpler time while incorporating some important modern flourishes. Just take the bike’s standard Billiard Gray paint job, artfully offset by not only the requisite chrome on the muffler tips and engine fins but also some artful copper-gold highlights. These pair well with the dark bronze five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels that could be ripped straight from one of the company’s late 70’s models. Those seeking to set their Low Rider apart from the crowd can also opt for other alluring color options like Vivid Black, Red Rock, and Sharkskin Blue. 

The Low Rider’s upright riding position makes longer journeys much more comfortable, as do the adjustable rear shocks. The bike’s Premium Ride emulsion shocks are nitro-charged, giving the Low Rider enhanced compression and rebound damping that will be noticeable when the going gets tough. The rear wheel is fixed to a 49-mm single-cartridge fork, while the front is equipped with a USD design that offers some real benefits in rigidity and stability. The Low Rider’s design allows it to corner like a dream, and the triple-disc action front brakes with floating four-piston calipers are more than up to the task of bringing the whole rig to a stop.  

Safety

While the Low Rider’s appearance might make it look like a throwback, the bike still comes with all the cutting-edge tech and safety features riders have come to expect from the modern market. The most notable feature is the Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), which now comes standard on every Low Rider model. This important safety feature is handy during emergencies, adjusting the motorcycle’s braking pressure to maintain stability and prevent the wheels from locking up. 

Those seeking an even safer ride can spring for the HD Rider Safety Enhanced Package, which is headlined by the brand’s Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS). This suite of safety technology is designed to help drivers maintain control of the Low Rider through difficult situations with a comprehensive six-prong approach. The first is Cornering Enhanced ABS (C-ABS), a bespoke version of the traditional ABS that balances braking and cornering loads. By adjusting the brake pressure based on the bike’s lean angle, C-ABS can regulate longitudinal slip to ensure the tire makes consistent contact with the road when you’re leaning into a turn. Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB) builds upon C-ABS by funneling the bike’s braking force between the front and rear wheels based on the rider’s lean angle when cornering. This allows the bike to maintain the rider’s intended path better, creating a more predictable, safer ride. 

Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) applies brake pressure to both the front and rear wheels whenever either is activated, improving overall braking performance while virtually eliminating the issues that can come with applying the wrong brake in a stressful moment. The system can adjust based on changing conditions, increasing the amount of front/rear braking linkage when the brakes are lightly applied at low speeds or maxing out the linkage at high speed or under high braking pressure. The Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) prevents wheelspin when accelerating and is especially handy when the road starts to get slightly slick. C-TCS even comes with two selectable modes that allow the system to adapt to changing road conditions in Standard Mode and Rain mode, though the system can also be disengaged entirely if you’re looking to live on the edge. Finally, there’s Drag-Torque Slip Control (DSCS), which reduces excessive rear-wheel slip when slowing down. Any rider who’s ever attempted to downshift or brake on a slick road knows how easily things can go wrong, but DSCS addresses this by adjusting torque to match the speed of the rear wheel to that of the road itself. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S and Low Rider ST encapsulate everything there is to love about the 121-year-old company. America’s favorite motorcycle brand might have made some substantial improvements in terms of performance, design and safety over the years, but it’s managed to steadily incorporate these advances without losing the unique edge that makes a Harley-Davidson a Harley-Davidson. The Low Rider S and ST reflect this unique fusion of history and progress, reviving one of the brand’s most adored models for the modern era. Powered by a hulking Milwaukee-Eight 117, the Low Rider S can churn out plenty of power while delivering a smooth, responsive ride that makes it the perfect choice for an afternoon cruise. Those with a little more wanderlust might prefer the Low Rider ST, designed with long-haul comfort in mind. Regardless of your preferred version, you’ll get that special Harley-Davidson feeling whenever you throw your leg over the seat.