2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S & ST Review – First Ride

A quick look at the spec sheet reveals these two machines share the steepest rake at 28 degrees with 5.7 inches of trail and the shortest wheelbase at 63.6 inches. In a further nod toward its sporting prowess, 19/16-inch wheels are shod in 110 and 180 section Michelin Scorcher tires. But what really sets these two apart is the use of a cartridge-style 43mm inverted fork with its refined damping and 5 inches of travel. Front end feedback is massively improved and the bikes feel stable when aggressively cornering or braking. The shock is also working with 13 mm extra stroke compared to the rest of the line which helps its 4.4 inches of travel keep things even keel. Dual front rotors are also a game changer when it comes to throwing down the anchors, too with better performance and feedback. All-in, the Low Rider S and ST have the chassis to be ridden in anger while maintaining composure.

The M8 117 is delivered in its highest state of tune cranking out 114 hp and a pavement crushing 128 lb-ft – and it does hit hard in Sport mode, perhaps too hard. Harley-Davidson says it tuned a “mid-range torque rise for an exhilarating ‘kick’” which “offers a highly tuned, race bike feel.” The ramp in torque is easily discernible around 3,000 rpm and while it is indeed exhilarating, I’d prefer smoothing out that “kick.” That said, it’s a spicy V-Twin in a lithe chassis.

It’s the ergonomics that leave me wanting. Akin to the Street Bob’s high mid footpegs, your knees feel pretty high, but unlike the Street Bob, the handlebar position with its high risers and flat bar alleviate some of the awkwardness from the Bob. You do feel like you’re in command of the Low Rider, which is great when hustling, but if you’re just looking to cruise it’s not the most comfortable rider triangle. In order to keep your back from rolling you constantly need to roll your hips forward, and for me, the reach to the bars is just a hair too much. As we’ve said before though, both H-D and the aftermarket have you covered when it comes to customizing your Harley.

Both the S & ST tap into H-D’s new-found focus on delivering performance-driven experiences throughout its model lineup. Factory Custom Mystic Shift is available on the S while the ST gets Midnight Firestorm. Otherwise, both models have the option of Vivid Black, Brilliant Red, and Iron Horse Metallic with Billiard Gray as standard.

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