2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S review

Five parts, no spec-sheet copying.

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One hundred and seventy-four newton-metres at three and a half thousand rpm does not care what you think about cruisers.
Jun

Mechanical Breakdown

The Low Rider S runs the 117 cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight, a 1923cc 45-degree V-twin with four valves per cylinder and 174 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm in High Output tune. The Softail frame hides a monoshock under the seat, and the S gets a 43 mm inverted Showa fork, a preload-adjustable shock, dual front discs, and mid-mounted controls with a mini fairing.

The 2025 update brought the 117 to the standard S and added ride modes, cornering ABS, and traction control from the new Softail electronics.

Ride Character

The Low Rider S is fast. Not cruiser-fast, actually fast, with a wave of torque that pushes you from any speed in any gear. The chassis is stiff enough and the suspension good enough to lean it further than you would expect, though ground clearance is the limit. The 710 mm seat and mid controls make it feel compact for 304 kg.

Heat from the rear cylinder in traffic and vibration at idle are both present and both part of the deal.

Maintenance Outlook

Hydraulic lifters mean no valve adjustment, and the belt drive needs no lubrication. Oil changes are simple but there are three fluids: engine, primary, and transmission. Harley's dealer network is vast in North America and thinner elsewhere. Reliability on the Milwaukee-Eight has been very good.

Who It's For

The cruiser rider who wants to ride quickly, the sport bike rider who wants a Harley without the compromise, and anyone who values torque above all.

Jun's Verdict

The Low Rider S is the Harley that converts sceptics. It is heavy, hot, and expensive, and it is also faster and better handling than any cruiser has a right to be. If you want a cruiser and you want to go fast, this is the answer.

Low Rider S