A cruiser is often the best option to build your riding skills, alongside a naked bike. However, choosing an entry-level model might come at a cost. Most of these are designed for you to eventually outgrow them, resulting in a trade-in or getting a second bike for more performance. Then, what do you do if you want something to grow old with? We suggest getting a well-balanced cruiser with a do-it-all personality. Therefore, here’s one such cruiser that provides the perfect foundation to master your skills today and actually grow old with for years to come.
Things To Look For In A Cruiser That Stays Relevant
Even compared to adventure and touring motorcycles’ versatility, cruisers offer a unique proposition as a better longevity bike that remains relevant for years of riding. But not all models can match that requirement. To truly stand the test of time, it needs to get a few things right. Starting with a strong and reliable V-twin motor that will never feel outdated, even after many miles.
Next comes a robust chassis and underpinnings that effortlessly balance comfort with control, giving you confidence before and after you have mastered your skills. You should also prioritize a low seat height and a relaxed ergonomics that is as welcoming to a novice as it is comfortable for a veteran. Also, classic styling that ages gracefully is very important, which manages to catch your eye forever.
When it comes to features, it should have the essentials rather than complex electronics with safety tech that keeps you protected for years. Finally, long-term support from the brand and a healthy supply of customization options make the deal sweeter. Ultimately, you want a cruiser such as the model from Harley-Davidson we are about to explore that feels just as rewarding on your first freeway blast as it does when you are commuting through the city years later.
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The Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Is The Cruiser That You Can Grow Old With
Coming from the legendary Harley-Davidson lineup, the Low Rider S has to live up to quite a lot of expectations, and it meets them with ease. Built on the revised Softail platform and powered by the Milwaukee Eight 117, it shares the DNA with other Harley siblings. For instance, the Street Bob, which offers stripped-down minimalism, and the Fat Boy, which delivers chromed-out classic styling with massive presence.
Then, the Heritage Classic prioritizes vintage detailing with a focus on touring comfort. On the other hand, as a performance cruiser within the family, the Low Rider S gets the agility of a Sportster wrapped in minimal custom styling. It also brings genuine V-twin muscle and everyday rideability that should remain satisfying for decades.
Decades Of Riding Satisfaction At An Affordable Price
Thanks to the new pricing strategy, the Low Rider S has a starting price of $19,999. Harley also offers a decked-out Low Rider ST touring variant at $23,999, which comes loaded with frame-mounted fairing and hard luggage for light touring. The S holds its own against its main rival, the Indian Sport Chief. That is thanks to Harley’s flagship cruiser engine, premium components, and build quality designed for long-term ownership.
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Milwaukee-Eight High-Output V-Twin Promises Muscle For Years
The biggest conundrum for upgrading is often due to performance, and Harley solved it with the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-Twin engine on the Low Rider S. It is in a higher state of tune than the other 117 mills in the lineup, giving it a significant performance jump, while remaining lightweight. With a 4.075-inch bore and a 4.5-inch stroke, it features a classic long-stroke configuration. In addition, it has a 10.3:1 compression ratio and uses liquid cooling for the cylinder heads for consistent performance.
Power And Torque Are Aplenty
The 1,917 cc 45-degree V-twin cranks out 114 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm, respectively. That level of output gives you serious performance, not only for everyday riding but also for weekend touring. A six-speed manual transmission paired with a final belt drive completes the driveline, delivering smooth and reliable power to the rear wheel. Harley also claims a fuel efficiency of 47 miles per gallon, which gives it a range of more than 230 miles when you are gentle on the throttle.
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Revised Softail Platform For Balanced Riding Dynamics
Like its siblings, the Low Rider S rides on Harley’s revised Softail chassis, which offers the look of a classic hardtail with the comfort of a hidden rear suspension. Yet, it feels sportier and more planted thanks to a stiffer traditional downtube frame that improves handling. Moreover, weighing in at 670 pounds, it is one of the lighter cruisers in its competition. Add the saddle height of just 27 inches and a compact wheelbase of 63.6 inches, and you have an approachable machine.
Handling is taken care of by the Showa suspension setup with 43 mm inverted forks up front paired with a 56 mm rear monoshock (adjustable for preload). Slapped with 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast aluminum wheels, you get a decent 5.7 inches of ground clearance. Braking is handled by 300 mm four-piston twin front brake discs at the front and 292 mm two-piston disc at the rear.
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Classic West Coast Style Meets Low-Slung Comfort
Classic styling is where the Low Rider S really lives up to its “buy once and grow old with it” foundation. You get a West Coast custom-style cruiser look with blacked-out finishes, modern LED lighting wrapped in a small front fairing that will never go out of style. Moreover, comfort comes with the package; you get a supportive chunky single seat and slightly forward-set footpegs, and curved handlebars that create a laid-back riding position.
Future Proof Modern Features And Safety Tech
As a modern cruiser, the Low Rider S comes equipped with ride-by-wire throttle and a six-axis IMU. That means you have access to ride modes, enhanced cornering traction control, and cornering drag-torque slip control. All of this can be managed through a circular 4-inch analog digital pod with a reverse LCD at the bottom. You also get practical features like cruise control, a USB-C port, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
While from the factory, the S variant comes as a single-seater, Harley gives you the option to add a pillion seat and rear pegs when you want to share the ride. The brand also offers a wide range of accessories, including more comfortable seats, fork-mounted fairings, and different handlebar setups. In the end, it all comes down to the balance of performance, styling, and comfortable ergonomics that work in the Low Rider S favor as a forever cruiser.
Sources: Harley-Davidson