Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S: 114 hp cruiser, 1,923 cc 117 High Output V-twin, 304 kg, €22,990. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The Harley-Davidson Low Rider S is a performance cruiser from the Softail family, powered by the 1,923 cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-twin, making 114 hp and 173 Nm. Priced from €22,990, it takes on the BMW R 18 and the Indian Sport Chief RT, with cornering-optimised electronic aids and cruise control as standard. Reviewers praise its explosive engine, chassis and brakes, the best in the Softail range, but criticise demanding ergonomics, a firm rear shock and its 304 kg.
World press review
Meta-score
9 sources
Press ratings
The best combination of power, handling and looks in the Cruiser range; an almost racebike-like Sport mode, stronger brakes than on other Softails, stability; a cable clutch at this price and a generic round gauge.
An engine transformed at higher revs and braking clearly better than other Softails; demanding riding position (very high, too-forward footpegs) and a firm shock.
Test of the 2022 117: more powerful and more stable than any previous Low Rider, but heavy, with limited ground clearance and braking compared with sportbikes.
Comparison against the Indian Sport Chief, won by the Harley (2024 117 engine): smoother engine, more agile chassis, more progressive brakes; seat too soft for long distances, high footpegs.
Test of the 2020 Softail 114: very stable, more ground clearance than the Dyna; heavy steering, vibrations, tiring riding position.
Test of the 2020 Softail 114: capable chassis for a cruiser, loud and powerful engine; cramped riding position, sparse equipment and high price.
Test of the 2020 Softail 114: an engine that loves to rev; a deliberately uncomfortable riding position.
Test of the 2021 Softail 114: a few flaws, chiefly motorway comfort, a vague rear brake and a muted exhaust.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
Reviews of the current generation cover the 2025 model year, technically identical to the 2026. Motorcycle.com gives it 85/100, a score shared by the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST tested together. It is the only numeric score published for the 117 High Output generation: the meta-score of 85/100 therefore uses this single score. Cycle World and Moto-Net tested it without a numeric score. The scores of the 2020 Softail 114 (80/100 from Motorcycle.com, 3/5 from MCN) are listed for reference but do not count towards the meta-score; Cycle World, BikeSocial and Visordown also tested the 2020 to 2024 generations.
What reviewers like: the 117 High Output engine, explosive at higher revs (Moto-Net) and the best in the Cruiser range according to Cycle World; an inverted fork and dual discs that make the Low Rider S the most capable Softail; its stability; its muscular styling, praised by Cycle World and Motorcycle.com.
What they criticise: demanding ergonomics, with high knees and a slightly distant handlebar (Motorcycle.com) or very high, too-forward footpegs (Moto-Net); a firm shock and average comfort (Moto-Net); a cable clutch and a generic gauge at this price (Cycle World). On earlier generations, MCN, BikeSocial and Visordown already criticised an uncomfortable riding position.
Key quotes
"The Low Riders take the Softail line to new heights when it comes to performance – and not only due to the High Output tune of the Milwaukee Eight 117 V-Twin."
"It's the ergonomics that leave me wanting."
"Of all the bikes, we feel the Low Rider S (and ST) offers the best combination of power, handling, and looks, with a muscular profile that frames the engine beautifully, a good lean angle, an inverted fork, and dual disc brakes."
"But strike that match and hold on tight, because ignition is instant! What a punch! The acceleration is breathtaking and the torque is everywhere."
"It handles better, the engine has better overall performance, and unlike the Indian, our testbike never suffered from small quirks like a slow-starting display. It is, quite simply, the best showroom-stock West Coast–style cruiser."
"Ridden in its ideal environment, carving Californian canyons in 25°C sunshine, you'd need a heart of ice to not fall for the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S cruiser motorcycle."
Pros
- Powerful, torquey 117 High Output engine (114 hp, 173 Nm)
- Most capable chassis and brakes in the Softail range
- Cornering-optimised electronic aids and standard cruise control
- Simple maintenance: no valve adjustment, belt final drive
- Range of about 345 km
- Muscular styling praised by reviewers
Cons
- Demanding ergonomics (high knees, distant handlebar)
- Firm rear shock, preload adjustable only with the seat removed
- 304 kg in running order
- No connectivity or TFT screen, cable clutch
- Solo seat as standard
- Chrome finish not offered in France
Our review
Which Low Rider S in France?
The Low Rider S (model code FXLRS) is a Softail-family cruiser, listed by Harley-Davidson in its Cruiser range. It is recognisable by its painted headlamp fairing, flat handlebar on tall risers, solo seat and exposed air filter. France gets a single version, with the Black finish. It should not be confused with the Low Rider ST (€25,590), a separate model with the same engine, a frame-mounted fairing and hard saddlebags.
What is the 2026 model year?
The current generation dates from 2025. The 2026 model year only changes the colours: Dark Billiard Gray, Blood Orange, White Onyx Pearl and Aurora Blue Denim join Vivid Black. In March 2026, Harley-Davidson added a Chrome finish, sold only in the United States: it appears on neither the French nor the British website.
How much does it cost?
Harley-Davidson France lists the 2026 Low Rider S at €22,990 in Dark Billiard Gray, €23,690 in Vivid Black or Blood Orange and €23,790 in White Onyx Pearl or Aurora Blue Denim. The 2025 model year, still listed, starts at €23,490. In the United States, the Low Rider S costs $18,999 with the Chrome finish; the Black finish, the only one sold in France, adds $1,000.
How good is the engine?
The Milwaukee-Eight 117 is a 1,923 cc air/oil-cooled V-twin, with four valves per cylinder operated by pushrods and hydraulic lifters. The High Output version gets the SE8-511 camshaft from the CVO Road Glide ST’s 121 High Output, a rev limiter raised from 5,600 to 5,900 rpm, a Heavy Breather intake and a 2-into-1 exhaust. It makes 114 hp (85 kW) at 5,020 rpm and 173 Nm at 4,000 rpm under the European method; the press kit quotes 174 Nm under SAE J1349. That is 11% more power than the 2024 117. Harley-Davidson does not publish a top speed.
Cycle World calls it the best engine in the Cruiser range, with an arm-stretching Sport mode. Moto-Net describes the acceleration as “breathtaking”; Motorcycle.com finds the shove almost too abrupt in Sport mode.
How does it ride?
The steel Softail frame hides a monoshock under the seat. The 43 mm inverted fork offers 130 mm of travel. Shock stroke is 53 mm according to the French website and 56 mm according to the press kit and the British and American websites, for 112 mm of wheel travel. The wheelbase is 1,615 mm, trail 145 mm and lean angle 31.3° each side. The dual 300 mm front discs are gripped by fixed four-piston calipers.
Cycle World finds the brakes stronger than on other Softails and preferred the Low Rider S 117 to the Indian Sport Chief in a 2024 comparison. Moto-Net finds the shock too firm, and Cycle World notes that the seat has to come off to adjust its preload.
What equipment does it have?
The bike gets three riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport), cornering-optimised ABS, traction control and drag-torque slip control, tyre pressure monitoring, standard cruise control, a 4-inch analogue gauge with LCD screen, full LED lighting and a USB-C socket. It has no Bluetooth connectivity, no wheelie control and no quickshifter. Cycle World regrets a cable clutch at this price and a generic round gauge.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Harley-Davidson quotes 5.5 L/100 km, giving a range of about 345 km from the 18.9-litre tank. No reading has been published for the 117 High Output; BikeSocial measured 46 mpg (6.1 L/100 km) on the 2020 Low Rider S 114. The press kit calls for a service at 1,600 km and then every 8,000 km. The valves need no adjustment, the engine has no coolant and final drive is by belt. The warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage.
Recalls
The 2025 and 2026 Low Rider S are recalled for a rear brake line that may rub against the body control module and leak (NHTSA 26V-234, RappelConso SR/02316/26). Earlier generations were recalled for the rear shock fastener (2020-2023) and the shock preload adjuster mounting tab (2018-2024 Softails, including the 2022-2024 Low Rider S).
Where does the Low Rider S come from?
The first Low Rider S, in 2016, used the twin-shock Dyna chassis. It moved to the Softail frame in 2020 with the 114 engine, got the 117 in 2022, then the 117 High Output and electronic aids in 2025.
Specifications
| Displacement | 1923 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 114 hp (85 kW) @ 5,020 rpm |
| Torque | 173 Nm @ 4,000 rpm (EU 134/2014 method; 174 Nm under the SAE J1349 standard in the press kit) |
| Weight | 304 kg (in running order) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.67 |
| Seat height | 715 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18.9 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.5 L/100 km (EU 134/2014 method) — 128 g/km CO2 |
| Maintenance interval | Service at 1,600 km then every 8,000 km, inspections of certain components every 4,000 km — Valves: no adjustment (hydraulic lifters) (Harley-Davidson press kit) |
| Engine type | Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-twin, 4-stroke, pushrod, 8 valves, air/oil-cooled |
| Cooling | air_huile |
| Transmission | 6-speed, belt final drive |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €22,990 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 103,5 x 114,3 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 10,3:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI), Heavy Breather intake with exposed filter |
| Valve train | Pushrod-operated overhead valves, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Max power RPM | 5020 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 4000 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric (1.6 kW) |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Softail: tubular steel frame with rectangular-section backbone, steel swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 28 ° |
| Trail | 145 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1615 mm |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm single-cartridge inverted fork, aluminium triple clamps, straight-rate springs, 130 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Hidden free-piston monoshock, hydraulic preload adjustment, 53 mm stroke (French website; 56 mm according to the press kit), 112 mm wheel travel |
| Front brake | Dual 300 mm floating discs, fixed four-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 292 mm floating disc, floating two-piston caliper |
| Front tire | 110/90B19 62H (Michelin Scorcher 31) |
| Rear tire | 180/70B16 77H (Michelin Scorcher 31) |
| ABS system | Cornering ABS (C-ABS), standard |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Road, Rain, Sport |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | No |
| Quickshifter | No |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Dashboard | 4-inch (102 mm) analogue speedometer with LCD screen (gear, modes, range, rev counter) |
| Connectivity | None (no Bluetooth) |
| Other features | Cornering ABS (C-ABS), Cornering traction control (C-TCS), can be switched off at a standstill, Cornering drag-torque slip control (C-DSCS), Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), Full LED lighting, USB-C socket, Two connectors for heated gear |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Performance cruiser: flat bar on tall risers, raised knees |
|---|---|
| Passenger comfort | Solo seat as standard |
| Wind protection | Headlamp mini-fairing |
| Max total weight | 526 kg |
The Low Rider S offers a stepped solo seat at 715 mm unladen (686 mm with an 81.7 kg rider), a flat moto handlebar on 4-inch risers and a headlamp fairing. Motorcycle.com finds the knees high and the bars a little far, and says the riding triangle is not the most comfortable for cruising. Moto-Net notes very high, too-forward footpegs and average comfort. On the 2022-2024 generation, Cycle World found the seat too soft for long distances. The gross vehicle weight rating is 526 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
6.1 L/100 km (Bennetts BikeSocial reading, 46 UK mpg, on the 2020 Low Rider S 114; no reading published for the 117 High Output)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~345 km (calculated from the official figure: 18.9 L tank / 5.5 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Chain | Not applicable: belt final drive |
|---|
Average service cost
Not published by Harley-Davidson
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage
The owner’s manual is not freely available: Harley-Davidson’s manuals and maintenance schedules sit behind a portal that requires an account. The press kit specifies a first service at 1,600 km, then a service every 8,000 km, with inspections of certain components every 4,000 km. Hydraulic lifters mean no valve adjustment, the air/oil-cooled engine has no coolant circuit and the belt final drive has no chain to lubricate. The engine holds 4.7 litres of oil with the filter. Intervals for spark plugs, air filter and brake fluid are not published, nor is a service cost. The factory warranty is 2 years with unlimited mileage; the Harley Optimum Warranty extension adds one to three years.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Low Rider S | €22,990 | 114 hp (85 kW) @ 5,020 rpm | 304 kg (in running order) |
| BMW R 182026 | €19,900 | 91 hp | 345 kg (wet) |
| Indian Sport Chief RT2026 | €23,990 | Not published (156 Nm) | 312 to 322 kg (weighing condition not stated) |
| Triumph Rocket 3 R Storm2026 | €27,195 | 182 hp | 317 kg (wet) |
| Ducati XDiavel V42026 | €30,990 | 168 hp | 229 kg (without fuel) |
| Honda Rebel 11002026 | €12,099 | 88 hp | 236 kg (kerb, DCT) |
Generations
- Dyna Low Rider S (FXDLS)2016 – 2017
1,801 cc · — · 156 Nm · 306 kg (road-ready)
First Low Rider S, on the twin-shock Dyna chassis, with the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 and Heavy Breather intake, dual front discs, ABS, cruise control, solo seat and headlamp fairing.
- Softail Low Rider S 114 (FXLRS)2020 – 2021
1,868 cc · 93 hp · 155 Nm · 308 kg (road-ready)
Return on the monoshock Softail frame, with the Milwaukee-Eight 114, a 43 mm inverted fork, bronze wheels and a headlamp fairing.
- Softail Low Rider S 117 (FXLRS)2022 – 2024
1,923 cc · 105 hp · 169 Nm · 308 kg (road-ready)
Milwaukee-Eight 117, longer rear shock (56 mm stroke, 112 mm travel), more lean angle, bar-mounted gauge; cruise control standard from 2023.
- Softail Low Rider S 117 High Output (FXLRS)2025 – today
1,923 cc · 114 hp · 173 Nm · 304 kg (road-ready)
117 High Output engine (+11% power), riding modes, cornering ABS, traction and engine-braking control, TPMS, 2-into-1 exhaust, 4-inch gauge and full LED lighting; the 2026 model year only changes the colours.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyna Low Rider S (FXDLS)2016 – 2017 First Low Rider S, on the twin-shock Dyna chassis, with the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 and Heavy Breather intake, dual front discs, ABS, cruise control, solo seat and headlamp fairing. | 1,801 cc | — | 156 Nm | 306 kg road-ready |
| Softail Low Rider S 114 (FXLRS)2020 – 2021 Return on the monoshock Softail frame, with the Milwaukee-Eight 114, a 43 mm inverted fork, bronze wheels and a headlamp fairing. | 1,868 cc | 93 hp | 155 Nm | 308 kg road-ready |
| Softail Low Rider S 117 (FXLRS)2022 – 2024 Milwaukee-Eight 117, longer rear shock (56 mm stroke, 112 mm travel), more lean angle, bar-mounted gauge; cruise control standard from 2023. | 1,923 cc | 105 hp | 169 Nm | 308 kg road-ready |
| Softail Low Rider S 117 High Output (FXLRS)2025 – today 117 High Output engine (+11% power), riding modes, cornering ABS, traction and engine-braking control, TPMS, 2-into-1 exhaust, 4-inch gauge and full LED lighting; the 2026 model year only changes the colours. | 1,923 cc | 114 hp | 173 Nm | 304 kg road-ready |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
The rear brake line may rub against the body control module (BCM) and wear through: brake fluid leak and loss of the rear brake. Affected in the United States: 2025 and 2026 Low Rider S and Low Rider ST, Heritage Classic and Street Bob; BCM caddy replaced, brake line inspected or replaced
Voir le rappel →Same defect in Europe: the rear brake line may rub against the body control module and leak, reducing rear braking. Affected: Heritage Classic, Street Bob, Low Rider S and Low Rider ST built from 25 June 2024 to 18 March 2026
Voir le rappel →