Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST family: specifications and differences

Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST

Its long-term review of 10,392 miles says the 2023 Low Rider ST sports a 1923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 with 105 bhp and 124 ft-lb, that it is a great engine, smooth, powerful and with plenty of grunt (124 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm), and that it has surprised other riders with its acceleration.

The same source notes the Nightster's weight of 218 kg against the Low Rider's 327 kg, and that in standard trim it was unclear whether the ST could live up to the name with a single seat and no way to add more luggage to its two standard hard panniers.

The ST is a sport-cruiser. The fairing and panniers make it a short-tour bike. The single seat rules out a passenger unless a pillion seat is added.

The 712 lb running-order weight is felt in slow maneuvers, though the 27 in laden seat helps. At $23,999 it costs $8,000 more than the Harley-Davidson Super Glide and has more torque, at 128 ft-lbs at 4,000 rpm against 120 ft-lb at 2,500.

Against the Low Rider S and the Indian Sport Chief

The Low Rider S is the lighter, unfaired Softail. Indian's Sport Chief is the closest non-Harley cruiser in style, though it has no fairing.

Look at the panniers, since they are the only luggage. Check that the fairing does not buffet at your height. Sit on it with your feet on the mid-mounted pegs.

Ask how many miles the bike has covered, since Motorcycle News' long-term bike passed ten thousand without drama. Compare the price with the Low Rider S.

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

What Motorcycle.com found

Motorcycle.com reviewed the 2025 Low Rider S and ST together and notes that in a further nod to sporting prowess the 19-inch and 16-inch wheels wear 110 and 180 section Michelin Scorcher tires. It says you feel in command of the Low Rider, which is great when hustling. But that if you are just looking to cruise it is not the most comfortable rider triangle.

That is the trade of a sporty cruiser: it rewards a rider who leans into corners and punishes one who wants an armchair.

Geometry and hardware

Harley uses a single-cartridge 43 mm inverted fork with aluminum triple clamps, which is unusual on a cruiser, and a hidden coil-over monoshock with 56 mm of stroke and hydraulic preload adjustment.

The rake is 28 degrees against 30 on the Harley-Davidson Street Bob, the trail is 5.7 in, the wheelbase 63.6 in and the ground clearance 5.7 in, 0.8 in more than the Harley-Davidson Street Bob. It weighs 670 lb in running order and has a 27 in laden seat, 1.2 in higher than the Harley-Davidson Street Bob's.

Low Rider S against the field

At $18,999 it costs $4,000 more than the Harley-Davidson Street Bob and $3,600 less than the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. It has 16 hp more than the Harley-Davidson Street Bob and 11 hp more than the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, and it weighs 24 lb more than the Harley-Davidson Street Bob. Indian's Sport Chief at $19,999 is the closest rival by price.

The Low Rider S is the performance bike of Harley's Softail line.

How the High Output engine changes the bike

The Low Rider S has the High Output version of the 117, which makes 114 hp and 128 lb-ft against 98 hp and 120 lb-ft on the Harley-Davidson Street Bob and 103 hp and 126 lb-ft on the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. Dancing the Polka describes it as ideal for riders who crave high performance in the upper rev range.

The chassis backs that up: a 28 degree rake, an inverted 43 mm fork, 19-inch and 16-inch wheels and 5.7 in of ground clearance for cornering.

The 670 lb weight in running order is 24 lb more than the Harley-Davidson Street Bob, which is a modest cost for the extra power.

Low Rider S or Low Rider ST

Motorcycle.com tested the Low Rider S and the Low Rider ST together. Both use the High Output engine. On the S, the rider triangle rewards a rider who is hustling and is less comfortable for cruising, as the reviewer says.

The ST is the other member of the pair. So ask a dealer what it adds before you decide. The S costs $18,999.