Harley-Davidson Low Rider [2018-2019]

Harley-Davidson already has the Low Rider on sale in Indian showrooms. But the Low Rider S is something different. The ‘S’ suffix denotes ‘special’ and it gets several changes to make it stand out from the standard version. 

So, Harley plans to add the Low Rider S to its Softail portfolio by launching it in India sometime in the next couple of months and invited us to ride the motorcycle around the mountain twisties and wide highways of Malaga, Spain. And we tried to figure out what separates the regular from the special. 

The Low Rider S shares its underpinnings with the Low Rider. However, taking the dark custom motorcycle route in terms of styling, the Low Rider S is a proper contrast to the standard model’s classic chrome-laden bodywork. Besides the tasteful-looking, all-black mirrors, turn signals, instrument cluster cowl and suspension, the Low Rider S also sports a headlamp cowl which adds to the custom appeal. 

Furthermore, in comparison to the vivid and more retro-flavored colour palette of the standard model, the S has more subtle paint options to go with the theme. Harley is offering the Low Rider S in black and grey which come with bronze finished wheels.

In terms of features, the Low Rider S is also better equipped than the Low Rider. While the full-LED headlamp adds credibility to the aesthetics, the dual disc brake setup for the front and inverted forks fill in for performance. Well, that is all there is to talk about when it comes to additional equipment on the Low Rider S.   

Nevertheless, the biggest change that the Low Rider S comes with is the ‘Milwaukee 114’ V-twin engine which has a displacement of 1868cc; up from 1,745cc on the standard model. Harley has worked on making the engine much smoother and it is evident right from cranking up the motor which awakens with a solid rumble. The exhaust too has a bassy note that exemplifies the Low Rider S’ focus on performance. Now, the bump in displacement has also increased the torque. 

The Milwaukee 114 mill puts out 155Nm as compared to the Milwaukee 107’s 145Nm output. And with loads of torque available all through the rev band, the Low Rider S feels unfazed doing 130kmph or even 40kmph on the fourth gear. The motorcycle does have vibrations on the footpegs and handlebar, but it wouldn’t threaten to leave your hands numb at any point.  

The Low Rider S also offers a slightly more upright riding position courtesy the flatter handlebar which sits on four-inch risers. On the other hand, the footpegs continue to be forward-set. Harley has also given the Low Rider S a solo rider seat that replaces the pillion-accommodating seat on the standard Low Rider. Overall, this makes for an aggressive and sporty riding position. On the twisties, the Low Rider S feels agile and flickable, its reduced rake angle and newly found inverted forks contributing majorly to the experience. 

However, on the downside, the riding posture can make it strenuous on long highway rides. The braking setup which consists of dual discs up front accompanied by ABS do a pretty great job of offering good bite and stopping power as well.   

The Harley-Davidson Low Rider S is for someone looking for a sporty-looking cruiser for comfortable intercity riding. As a product, the Low Rider S offers all the necessary equipment. Coupled with the potent Milwaukee 114 motor, and revised riding position it also provides a pleasant riding experience. When launched in India, the Low Rider will demand a premium of around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakhs above the standard model which costs Rs 13.69 lakhs (ex-showroom).