The Harley-Davidson Low Rider is the producer’s quintessential cruiser. It is straightforward to grasp for intermediate riders whereas being lots punchy to maintain skilled riders entertained. It’s not too highly effective to the purpose the place the rider feels overwhelmed, and but not underpowered that it could not deal with some extra aggressive using right here and there. The Low Rider is like Goldilocks’ bowl of porridge. It’s excellent.

The Low Rider is thought for its combination of old-school cool and simplified styling. Its modern and easy design, in addition to laid-back profile, exudes an enchantment that is still widespread amongst riders right this moment. With its raked-out forks, slender entrance wheel, and low handlebars, the cruiser invokes a commanding presence on the street. This is amplified by the teardrop-shaped gas tank that is turn out to be synonymous with the motorbike, mixing seamlessly into the saddle. Along with an in depth assortment of daring colour schemes matched with accents of chrome (and later black), it is a motorbike that is always been an incredible addition to Harley-Davidson‘s in depth lineup. Let’s take a look at 10 of its greatest variations over time.

In order to provide the newest and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Harley-Davidson, Fuelly, Ultimate Specs, and Auto Evolution.

10 Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Production Years: 1977 – 1980

Harley-Davidson first launched the Low Rider in 1977, and it proved itself to be one of the profitable debut fashions of its time. It was an enormous hit with clients, outselling each different manufacturing mannequin in its first 12 months. This was additionally the primary official mannequin that embodied the Low Rider DNA that exists amongst a lot of right this moment’s up to date variations. That features a spherical headlamp, a single-piece seat with room for 2, a teardrop-shaped gas tank, and beneficiant quantities of chrome. Performance-wise, the 1977 Low Rider was outfitted with a carbureted 74 cu (1,207 cc) four-stroke air-cooled V-Twin engine, accompanied by a four-speed guide transmission and chain drive.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

It wasn’t simply the Low Rider’s type and efficiency that made it probably the most in-demand Harley of the 12 months. It additionally had very responsive dealing with capabilities. Equipped with telescopic entrance forks and side-mounted rear shock absorbers, the Low Rider proved itself to be fairly nimble when in comparison with the marginally smaller Sportsters.

Model Highlights

• Two-into-one chromed exhaust system
• Nine-spoke alloy wheels
• 250mm disc brakes on the entrance and rear

9 Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Production Years: 1980 – 1983

Back within the Nineteen Eighties, every thing was huge and wild. Nearly everybody showered their huge hair with hairspray, glam metallic was simply as over-the-top, and even the style tendencies have been otherworldly (ex: enterprise fits with shoulder pads). At the identical time, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider had become bigger with a much more powerful engine. To be particular, the 1980 Low Rider got here outfitted with a brand new 81 cu (1,337 cc) four-stroke air-cooled V-Twin engine. Compared to its predecessor, this 2nd-gen Low Rider was completely gnarly.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

Design-wise, this model of the Low Rider remained essentially the identical. Other than an improve in energy, this cruiser entered the ’80s with the identical look and angle that made it successful within the first place. Of course, how do you enhance upon simplicity? As lengthy as this bike saved clients glad and excited with each using expertise, that was all that was wanted.

Model Highlights

• 81 cu carbureted four-stroke V-Twin engine
• Triple-disc braking system
• Low-slung profile

8 Dyna Low Rider

Production Years: 1993 – 1999

After a 10-year hiatus from the manufacturing line, Harley-Davidson relaunched the Low Rider into the Dyna class, one of the adored manufacturing bikes amongst Harley lovers. One main change that arrived on this model of the revitalized Low Rider was the mighty Evolution engine fed by a 40 mm Keihin carburetor. The V-Twin delivered an influence output of 58 HP and 63 lb-ft of torque.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

Despite being gone for a decade, the design for the Dyna Low Rider stayed true to its DNA and was essentially unchanged. It nonetheless had the identical acquainted options as earlier than, comparable to a heavy dose of chrome, a rounded headlamp, raked-out forks, and a teardrop gas tank. However, aside from the Evolution engine, one other important improve the Nineties Low Rider obtained was a 5-speed guide transmission. This opened the door for extra stability, energy, and management within the using surroundings starting from tight metropolis streets to the open freeway.

Model Highlights

• 45-degree Evolution V-Twin engine
• 5-speed transmission
• Dual side-mounted rear shocks

7 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider

Production Years: 1999 – 2007

While the Nineties have been actually good for the Low Rider following the addition of the Evolution V-Twin engine, it was time for one thing new. That, in fact, was a big energy improve to this fan-favorite cruiser. The Low Rider obtained some spectacular muscle positive factors with the 88 cu Evolution V-Twin, main the best way for extra thrilling, torque-heavy rides. With this new engine improve, this cruiser noticed a big energy output of 67 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque, exceeding that of its predecessor from the Nineteen Eighties.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

As this bike continued to see enhancements in efficiency, its continued reputation additionally made it a clean canvas for a variety of non-public customization. That included OEM and aftermarket saddlebags, windscreens, backrests, seating choices, and handlebar upgrades. In addition, the bike additionally obtained a nine-plate moist clutch to maintain the rider in full management of the quantity of energy being despatched to the rear wheel.

Model Highlights

• 88 cu Evolution V-Twin engine
• Optional gas injection system
• 39 mm telescopic forks

6 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider

Production Years: 2007 – 2010

By 2007, the Low Rider had spent a collective whole of 20 years on the Harley-Davidson production line as a beloved cruiser. In that point, its general design had remained constant and easy with a number of minor alterations. Of course, probably the most noticeable change that got here (other than its varied daring colour schemes) was its on-road efficiency. From 2007 to 2010, Harley-Davidson elevated the ability of this cruiser once more by upgrading its Evolution engine to a bigger inventory mannequin of 96 cu. Quite the improve that made many aggressive avenue riders very glad.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

In this iteration of the Dyna Low Rider, important enhancements prolong past simply the engine. Alongside a boosted powertrain was an upgraded Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system, permitting riders to expertise larger precision in energy supply, together with a six-speed guide transmission. The braking system additionally noticed some main enhancements, that includes a 300 mm front-mounted disc paired with a four-piston caliper, and a 292 mm rear-mounted disc with a two-piston caliper, guaranteeing optimum stopping energy.

Model Highlights

• 96 cu Evolution V-Twin engine
• 6-speed transmission
• Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

5 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider

Production Years: 2014 – 2017

The Low Rider returned to the favored Dyna class with its signature old-school type made more energizing and bolder for modern-day riders. With colour choices starting from Vivid Black to two-tone schemes, the menu for riders to specific their persona was fairly beneficiant. Its low-profile construct made it a universal fit for customers of all heights and sizes, with some adjustable options to make it ergonomically comfy for anybody. That would come with mid-controls or a forward-control extension equipment, decrease seats, and taller handlebar choices.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

At the start of the century, the Low Rider had gone by means of a powerful evolution due partly to the corporate’s ground-breaking Evolution engine. By 2014, the Low Rider continued to evolve with an much more highly effective V-Twin, the mighty Twin Cam 103. Coupled with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection system, this new Low Rider was capable of ship much more energy, much less emissions, and larger acceleration.

Model Highlights

• Pulled-back handlebars
• Rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103 engine
• Ergonomically tuned seat with an in-control using place

4 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Production Years: 2017 – 2017

For most of its lifetime, the Low Rider was the final word cruiser machine in its most simplified type. However, as a result of some riders like slightly extra torque and acceleration than others, Harley-Davidson debuted the Low Rider S in 2017 as a high-performance variant whereas rocking a Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 V-Twin engine with an enhanced suspension and braking system. Stripped down and blacked out all over the place, this new model exuded a commanding presence regardless of the place it was being ridden.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution and Harley-Davidson)

Perhaps one big security innovation that arrived with this model was the usage of keyless ignition through key fob. So so long as the proprietor of Low Rider S was inside bodily proximity, and the fob was on the particular person, they’d have the ability to begin the bike. This Low Rider S additionally featured a battery tender. While linked to {an electrical} supply, this might enable homeowners to maintain their motorbike’s battery recent and wholesome for lengthy intervals of inactivity through the winter months.

Model Highlights

• Keyless ignition
• Blacked-out end
• Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 V-Twin

3 Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Production Years: 2019 – 2020

Following the tip of the Dyna line in 2017, the Low Rider took a short hiatus earlier than returning in 2019 in a a lot larger manner. Now a part of the Softail household, the Low Rider got here outfitted with a single rear monoshock beneath the seat, hidden by the rear fender. This free piston, coil-over monoshock with 43 mm stroke and cam-style preload adjustment was a big enchancment on this motorbike’s suspension system, permitting for extra consolation and ease throughout these extra aggressive using days.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

The different main change to the Low Rider, in addition to all of Harley-Davidson, was the implementation of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine rather than the Twin Cam. Stronger and extra technologically superior than its predecessor, the Milwaukee-Eight was capable of elevate the Low Rider to new heights as a extra highly effective cruiser. The Milwaukee Eight stays the corporate’s staple right this moment as welll.

Model Highlights

• Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
• 70’s-inspired graphics
• LED headlamp

2 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

Production Years: 2020 – Present

When the Low Rider S first arrived in 2017, it was a large hit amongst aggressive, performance-based riders who crave the necessity for velocity. When it returned in 2020, it was undeniably one of the widespread fashions on showroom flooring throughout the nation. Customers would flock to dealerships particularly with the intent of giving them a check experience earlier than breaking out their wallets. It was notably widespread amongst former sport bike riders that were interested in transitioning over to the Harley-Davidson world. After all, the Low Rider S was a black-on-black high-performance cruiser that would outperform a Honda or Kawasaki whereas giving off that basic Harley-Davidson badass angle. What’s to not like?

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

The centerpiece behind the 2020 Low Rider S was the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, which, pound-for-pound, made it one of Harley-Davidson’s most powerful motorcycles ever produced. With the quantity of torque that this engine may generate, the Low Rider S would make quick work of taking off from stoplights and on-ramps. This bike wasn’t on your typical weekend warrior; it was designed for riders who needed to interrupt away from the traditional cruiser route. By 2022, its inventory engine would get replaced by the present Milwaukee-Eight 117.

Model Highlights

• Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine
• 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust
• Inverted forks

1 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST

Production Years: 2022 – Present

In 2022, when the Low Rider S grew to become one of the coveted fashions at Harley-Davidson dealerships, the Low Rider ST arrived to steal a few of that thunder. With sport-touring rising in reputation in recent times, Harley-Davidson’s Low Rider ST became the perfect ride for that cross-country road trip you’ve got all the time been dreaming about. With its frame-mounted fairing for wind safety, a bolstered suspension system, tall handlebars, and two saddlebags for storage, this bike has every thing you want to dominate the freeway.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

Based off of the Low Rider S, the Low Rider ST is as much of a street bike as it’s a long-distance cruiser. As hinted by its Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine and removable saddlebags, this bike can immediately rework from cross-country mode to a high-performance metropolis bike. For riders with above-average using abilities, this is without doubt one of the greatest well-rounded bikes available on the market.

Model Highlights

• Frame-mounted fairing
• Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine
• Detachable saddlebags