Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider
Judging solely by the name, you might conclude that the Harley-Davidson Low Rider is the lowest Softail, as measured by seat height—but it’s not. What it is is another Dyna that got absorbed into the new Softail line in 2018, and arguably for the better. As with the rest of the new Softails, the Low Rider comes standard with the rigid-mounted Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, an arrangement that complements the stiffer and lighter Softail chassis to great effect, improving handling and decreasing overall mass.
This new Harley Low Rider references the original styling cues from the 1970s with the dual-clock, tank-mounted instrument panel and tank graphics, and you can’t miss those Buckhorn handlebars, midsize fenders, and slightly—but not too far—forward foot controls. Naturally there are updates too, with a new 2-into-2 shotgun exhaust replacing the previous 2-into-1 unit. There’s now also a 16-inch rear wheel, and the Harley-Davidson Low Rider also gets the fancy new Showa Dual Bending Valve fork as well as an adjustable monoshock rear suspension. Riffing on, but also improving its classic styling, the Low Rider still cuts an instantly-recognizable silhouette, even as a Softail.
The Harley Low Rider is available only with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 mill, which thrusts power smoothly and accessibly, throughout the entire rev range. The claimed 110 pound-feet of peak torque at 3,000 rpm means you’ll never be the last one pulling away from the light, while the new Showa Dual Bending Valve fork adds stiffness and reduces weight, making the Harley Low Rider feel much more agile than in the past. Of course the Low Rider benefits hugely from the new suspension as well, with the single, underseat-mounted preload-adjustable coilover monoshock providing a comfortable ride while also selling the illusion of a hardtail. The Softail Low Rider’s semi-old-school vibe is sure to appeal to customizers, classic bike fiends, and those new to Harley alike.
Pros: Because the Low Rider gets a lighter, stiffer chassis, the torquey Milwaukee-Eight engine packs more of a punch, and the bike’s handling is greatly improved.
Cons: Some taller riders may find the cockpit to be more cramped than previously.
Harley Softail Low Rider Specs & Pricing
With its Buckhorn bars, Mustang-like saddle, staggered mufflers and torquey M-8 powerplant, the Low Rider brings a solid mix of classic ’70s DNA with modern updates and performance to the Softail lineup.
Engine: | Milwaukee-Eight V-twin |
Displacement: | 107ci |
Transmission: | 6-speed Cruise Drive |
Compression ratio: | 10.0:1 |
Valve train: | Single-overhead cam; 4 valves/cylinder |
Cooling: | Air-/oil-cooling |
Overall length: | 91.3 in. |
Seat height: | 27.2 in. |
Ground clearance: | 5.1 in. |
Wheelbase: | 64.2 in. |
Front suspension: | Nonadjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve fork |
Rear suspension: | Spring-preload-adjustable monoshock |
Wheel size, front: | 19 in. |
Wheel size, rear: | 16 in. |
Front brakes: | Disc w/ fixed 4-piston caliper |
Rear brake: | Disc w/ floating 2-piston caliper |
Fuel capacity: | 5.0 gal. |
Running weight: | 661 lb. |
GVWR: | 1,160 lb. |
The price of the 2019 Harley-Davidson Low Rider is $15,049 in Vivid Black, while color options cost $15,449. The H-D Factory Security System comes standard on the 107, but ABS is a $795 option.
Harley Low Rider Customs
As you can imagine, there’s no shortage of cool Harley Low Rider customs out there. Here’s a few of our favorites:
Softail Low Rider Parts & Accessories
The Harley Low Rider is still considered to be the consummate blank canvas for customization.Those classic lines are just begging to be rejiggered, and there are countless ways to make the Harley Low Rider whatever you want it to be. You can check out hundreds of Softail Low Rider parts and accessories right from the Harley-Davidson factory itself, or get lost in the mind-boggling number of aftermarket companies offering their own custom pieces.
As you’d guess, a lot of the first changes made to the Low Rider are in the area of ergonomics—handlebars, pegs, and controls—but we went right for performance hop-ups on our 2018 model, adding a Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque Kit to the Milwaukee-Eight, along with a performance air cleaner and a 2-into-1 pipe.