When the original Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider came out in 1977, Cycle World said, “Willie G. Davidson and the rest of the Harley-Davidson stylists showed a flash of true industrial inspiration. Rather than make a product to satisfy an existing need, Willie G. and his cohorts have come up with a product that creates its own need. And so far, the need has exceeded the supply, one of the happiest conditions that can exist in capitalism—if you happen to be the supplier.” In other words the Low Rider has been a hit since day one.
The latest-generation Low Rider S, introduced in 2020 and revised in 2022, “creates its own need” as much as ever. The Low Rider was long an icon of the Dyna line, but after the death of the Dyna in 2018, it rose from the twin-shocked ashes, reborn as a Softail. The latest Low Rider’s performance justifies Harley’s decision to ax the storied Dyna name, and capitalizes on the popularity of West Coast–style customs with its hardtail-style rear fender and slammed stance. The Low Rider S’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 pumps out a claimed 103 hp at 4,750 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Still, as Morgan Gales says in his ride review of the 2022 model, “You’re here because you want a Harley first and a fast bike second, which is exactly what this is.”
The 2024 Low Rider S starts at $19,999 for Billiard Gray. Optional colors increase price from $350–$650. The Low Rider ST, starting at $23,399, adds a fairing and saddlebags.