What’s New for 2026

The central update to the 2026 Low Rider S is the engine change. Instead of the Milwaukee-Eight 114, it now uses the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output. This is not simply more displacement, but the most powerful engine calibration in the entire Softail cruiser lineup. More on that in the engine section.

In addition, the rear shocks have been lengthened and the springs optimized, increasing lean-angle clearance and noticeably improving cornering behavior. New color options complement the Low Rider S’s consistently blacked-out appearance.

The Three Milwaukee-Eight 117 Calibrations—and Why High Output Is the Strongest

Every model in Harley-Davidson’s 2026 Softail cruiser lineup uses the Milwaukee-Eight 117, but in one of three different calibrations.

Classic, used by the Street Bob and Heritage Classic, delivers early torque at 2,750 rpm and is optimized for city riding and relaxed cruising. Custom, used by the Fat Boy and Breakout, focuses on torque and sound through the middle of the rev range. High Output, used by the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST, delivers stronger pull through the middle and upper rev range, with the redline arriving later so the engine can be revved higher.

That creates a fundamental difference in character. The High Output engine does not simply produce more horsepower—it keeps pulling where a Classic or Custom engine is already beginning to fade. The Low Rider S wants to be ridden, not merely sat on. Riders who take the throttle seriously and attack corners with conviction will immediately notice the difference from the other Softail cruisers.

Displacement is 1,923 cc, with 116 hp and approximately 173 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Chassis: 31.3° of Lean-Angle Clearance

Up front is a 43 mm upside-down fork with single-cartridge design, aluminum triple clamps, and 56 mm of travel. The rear monoshock was revised for 2026 with longer shock components and optimized springs, hydraulically adjustable preload, and likewise 56 mm of travel.

The result is 31.3 degrees of lean-angle clearance on both sides. For a cruiser in this class and weight category, that is a remarkably high figure—comparable with sport-oriented naked bikes and considerably better than the other Softail cruiser models.

Lean the Low Rider S into a corner and it does not touch down the way you’d expect with a Harley.

The 715 mm seat height is combined with mid-mounted foot controls. They are not positioned far forward as on the Fat Boy or Breakout, but placed to allow a more active, slightly forward-oriented riding position. The Midsize Moto Bar sweeps back toward the rider and sits comfortably in the hands. The solo seat has a sculpted pocket that holds the rider in position rather than allowing them to slide backward at higher speeds.

Design: Black From End to End

The Low Rider S has no chrome. That is not a cost-cutting measure—it is the concept. Black engine, black exhaust, black frame, black wheels.

The paint schemes play with contrasts and graphics within that framework, but every version retains the fully blacked-out finish that has distinguished the Low Rider S from every other Softail cruiser since its return in 2020.

The Heavy Breather intake points forward and is one of the motorcycle’s defining visual features—like the engine taking a breath straight ahead.

Brakes and Electronics

Up front are dual brake discs: two 300 mm discs, each with a four-piston fixed caliper. This is the same setup used by the Heritage Classic and a significant improvement over the single-disc systems on the Street Bob and Breakout.

On a cruiser intended to be ridden hard, dual front discs are the right choice—and they suit the Low Rider S perfectly.

At the rear is a single disc with a two-piston caliper. The full electronics package includes C-ABS, C-TCS, C-DSCS, TPMS, three riding modes—Road, Rain, Sport—cruise control, and USB-C.

The 4-inch LCD in the handlebar console displays the essential riding information. For a motorcycle that should not distract you on the way into a corner, that is appropriate instrumentation. The 146 mm LED headlight and LED turn signals are part of the consistently blacked-out design concept.

Tyrol Note: Stationary Noise

Stationary noise for earlier Low Rider S model years has been documented at up to 97 dB(A), which exceeds Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit.

Whether the 2026 model with the 117 High Output engine and new 2-into-1 exhaust changes that figure has not been officially published. Anyone planning rides in Tyrol needs to confirm the figure with a dealer beforehand.

Price and Positioning

From €23,190 MSRP in Germany, plus €560 transportation/setup and a four-year warranty. It is the least expensive model in Harley-Davidson’s Softail cruiser lineup after the Street Bob.

For that price, you get the strongest engine in the range—High Output instead of Classic or Custom—dual front brake discs, and the best chassis in the lineup for cornering.

Direct comparisons include the Ducati Diavel V4 from around €28,000, which offers considerably more sporting dynamics but a different character. The Indian Sport Chief RT starts at around €22,500, with a 116 ci engine and a similarly sporting cruiser approach.

The Low Rider S is the most logical answer to the question: How much Harley-Davidson character and how much cornering performance can you get for this money?

Verdict

The 2026 Low Rider S is the most convincing argument for cruiser riders who refuse to believe that Harley-Davidson and corners are mutually exclusive.

116 hp High Output engine, 31.3 degrees of lean angle, dual front brake discs, €23,190. It is the sportiest proposition in the Softail cruiser lineup—and one of the most straightforward: no chrome, no windshield, no comfort accessories.

Just engine, chassis, and corners.

 

Quick Check

+ Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output: most powerful engine calibration in the Softail cruiser lineup; stronger pull through the middle and upper rev range than Classic or Custom; engine can be revved higher—for riders who take corners seriously

+ 31.3-degree lean-angle clearance, improved for 2026 through longer rear shocks: best cornering setup of any Softail cruiser; dual front brake discs with four-piston fixed calipers; mid-mounted foot controls; solo seat with sculpted rider pocket

+ From €23,190: least expensive model with the High Output engine in the Softail lineup; complete rider-assistance package with C-ABS, C-TCS, C-DSCS, TPMS, cruise control; 18.9-liter tank; four-year warranty

+ Fully blacked-out finish with no chrome: the most consistent visual identity in the Low Rider lineup; forward-facing Heavy Breather intake; lightweight, performance-optimized 2-into-1 exhaust

 

– Stationary noise up to 97 dB(A), documented for predecessor—above Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit; 2026 figure not published: confirm with dealer before riding in Tyrol

– 304 kg ready to ride: substantial weight for a performance-oriented motorcycle; significantly more difficult to handle in city traffic than comparable sport naked bikes; not a motorcycle for beginners

– Approx. 270 km range from 18.9 liters: plan more frequent fuel stops on hard-ridden tours; no wind protection; no passenger seat standard

– No TFT, no navigation; sportier alternatives such as Ducati Diavel V4 and Indian Sport Chief offer considerably more dynamic performance—if outright sporting ability is the priority, you may need to look beyond Harley-Davidson

 

Technical Specifications: Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (2026)

Make / Model: Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (FXLRS; 2026; new for 2026: Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output instead of 114, longer/optimized rear shocks, new colors); manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, WI, USA

What’s New for 2026: Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output, upgraded from 114 with more displacement, more power, and stronger upper-rev performance; longer rear shocks with optimized springs and greater lean-angle clearance; new color options

Engine Calibration Comparison: Classic, Street Bob and Heritage Classic: early torque, relaxed cruising. Custom, Fat Boy and Breakout: torque and sound through the midrange. High Output, Low Rider S and Low Rider ST: stronger pull through the middle/upper rev range, later redline.

Engine: Air- and oil-cooled 45-degree V-twin Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output; 1,923 cc; two valves per cylinder; forward-facing Heavy Breather intake; lightweight, performance-optimized 2-into-1 exhaust; fuel injection; slipper clutch; Euro 5+

Power: 116 hp (85 kW) at 5,020 rpm

Torque: 173 Nm at 4,000 rpm

Top Speed / Consumption: Approx. 190 km/h; approx. 5.5 L/100 km; approx. 270 km range

Fuel Tank / Weight: 18.9 liters; approx. 304 kg ready to ride

Transmission / Final Drive: 6-speed; belt drive

Electronics: C-ABS; C-TCS; C-DSCS; TPMS; three riding modes—Road, Rain, Sport; cruise control; USB-C; 4-inch LCD in handlebar console

Front Suspension: 43 mm upside-down fork with single-cartridge design; aluminum triple clamps; 56 mm travel

Rear Suspension: Hidden free-piston monoshock; hydraulically adjustable preload; 56 mm travel; longer shock components and optimized springs for 2026

Lean-Angle Clearance: 31.3 degrees left and right, the best lean-angle clearance of any Softail cruiser

Front Brake: 2× four-piston fixed calipers; dual 300 mm discs; C-ABS

Rear Brake: Two-piston caliper; single disc; ABS

Wheels: Black; 19-inch front; 16-inch rear

Tires: Dunlop; 130/90B19 front; 160/70B17 rear

Ergonomics: Seat height approx. 680–690 mm; rear-swept Midsize Moto Bar; mid-mounted foot controls; solo seat with sculpted rider pocket; fully blacked-out finish with no chrome

Stationary Noise: Up to 97 dB(A), documented for predecessor and above Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit; 2026 figure not officially published—confirm with dealer before riding in Tyrol

2026 Colors: Ask dealer for current color options; fully blacked-out finish standard

Warranty / Service: 4 years, 2-year manufacturer warranty + 2-year dealer extended warranty; extensive worldwide dealer network

Price in Germany: From €23,190 plus €560 transportation/setup