Review Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST (2026)
Low Rider S Plus Windshield and Saddlebags—High Output Goes Touring
The Low Rider ST is the Low Rider S for riders with farther destinations in mind. Same High Output engine, same chassis, same lean angle—but with an FXRT-inspired fairing, windshield, and hard saddlebags as standard. If you find the Low Rider S too stripped-down, buy the ST.
As of: April 29, 2026 | Model: Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST (FXLRST; 2026; new for 2026: Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output instead of 114, new Blood Orange + Aurora Blue Denim colors) | Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Milwaukee, WI, USA | Price in Germany: from €24,370 MSRP including VAT, plus €560 transportation/setup; 4-year warranty included | Stationary noise: not officially published; confirm with dealer, Tyrol limit 95 dB(A) | Warranty: 4 years, 2-year manufacturer warranty + 2-year extended warranty
What’s New for 2026
The essential 2026 update to the Low Rider ST is identical to the Low Rider S: the Milwaukee-Eight 114 is replaced by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output. More displacement, more power, a later redline—starting at 5,900 rpm—make for a noticeable change in power delivery.
New color options include Blood Orange and Aurora Blue Denim, debuting exclusively with the Black Trim package. Olive Steel Metallic and Dark Billiard Gray expand the Chrome Trim selection. Chassis, electronics, and fairing remain unchanged.
ST vs. S: What the Extra €1,200 Buys
The Low Rider ST and Low Rider S are fundamentally the same motorcycle approached from different directions. The S asks how sporty a cruiser can be. The ST asks how far you can travel on one.
For an additional €1,200 over the S, the ST adds a frame-mounted FXRT-inspired front fairing with integrated windshield, hard side cases as standard, and a little extra weight from those additional components.
What you do not get is a different engine, different suspension, or different brakes. That is the consistent decision that makes the ST credible: it is not a diluted touring model, but a full High Output motorcycle with travel luggage.
The Low Rider S is the motorcycle for corners. The ST is the motorcycle for corners and the weekend.
Fairing: FXRT Heritage
In the 1980s and early 1990s, the FXRT was Harley-Davidson’s answer to sport touring—a Softail with an integrated fairing before the segment even had a name.
The Low Rider ST references that heritage with its front fairing: frame-mounted, developed using computer-aided airflow simulation, with an integrated round LED headlight. The windshield is built into the fairing and is not height-adjustable. It protects the chest and shoulders on the highway and gives the ST a distinctive visual identity that clearly separates it from the S.
Two finish options are available. Chrome Trim uses chrome accents on the fairing and fuel tank for a warmer appearance. Black Trim uses an all-black fairing and sits closer visually to the Low Rider S.
The Black Trim package gets the exclusive new Blood Orange and Aurora Blue Denim colors. Both versions are technically identical; the choice is purely stylistic.
Engine: High Output With a 5,900 rpm Redline
1,917 cc, 116 hp at 5,020 rpm, 173 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The redline does not begin until 5,900 rpm—late for an air-cooled V-twin of this displacement and one of the most significant differences from the Classic and Custom calibrations.
You can run the engine longer, higher, and more aggressively through the rev range. Accelerate over the crest of a mountain pass and push the Low Rider ST into the upper rev range, and the difference from a Classic or Custom engine is immediately apparent: there is still performance in reserve where the others are already beginning to fade.
There is a Heavy Breather intake and 2-into-1 exhaust, along with a six-speed transmission and belt final drive. Fuel consumption is approximately 5.5 L/100 km. The 18.9-liter fuel tank provides a range of around 270 km—good enough for half a day without a fuel stop on a sport-touring motorcycle with this level of performance.
The saddlebags increase overall weight and reduce range on highway stages. For more ambitious tours with a passenger and full luggage, plan your fuel stops accordingly.
Suspension: Identical to the Low Rider S
Up front is a 43 mm upside-down fork with single-cartridge design, adjustable front and rear between sportier and more comfortable settings. At the rear is a monoshock with 56 mm of travel and hydraulically adjustable preload.
The suspension is identical to the Low Rider S, with the same lean-angle reserves.
On the ST, that means you can firm up the setup for winding mountain roads and run it more comfortably on long highway stretches. Dual front brake discs with four-piston fixed calipers and 300 mm rotors, plus a single rear disc, are also identical to the S.
Price and Positioning
From €24,370 plus €560 transportation/setup, with a four-year warranty. That is €1,200 more than the Low Rider S and almost €4,000 less than the Heritage Classic at €28,270.
The comparison with the Heritage Classic is revealing. Both come standard with a windshield and luggage, but use completely different engine calibrations and vehicle concepts.
Heritage Classic: Classic calibration, early torque, touring comfort, 156 Nm at 2,750 rpm. Low Rider ST: High Output calibration, sporting character, 174 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
If you approach touring sportily, choose the ST. If you prefer relaxed travel, choose the Heritage Classic.
Verdict
The 2026 Low Rider ST is the most convincing touring proposition in Harley-Davidson’s Softail lineup for riders unwilling to compromise on performance.
High Output engine, adjustable suspension, fairing, windshield, saddlebags, 31.3 degrees of lean angle—from €24,370.
It is a convincing answer to the question: How do you add some thrills to long-distance travel on a Harley-Davidson if you still want to arrive relaxed?
Quick Check
+ Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output, new for 2026 instead of 114: 114 hp, 174 Nm, redline not until 5,900 rpm; sportiest engine in the Softail cruiser lineup; you can genuinely rev it out
+ FXRT-inspired fairing with windshield + hard saddlebags standard: the most complete travel package in the Softail cruiser lineup; suspension identical to Low Rider S, adjustable front/rear between Sport and Comfort
+ 31.3-degree lean-angle clearance; dual front brake discs with four-piston calipers; C-ABS, C-TCS, C-DSCS, TPMS, cruise control, USB-C; four-year warranty; new Blood Orange + Aurora Blue Denim colors exclusive to Black Trim
+ From €24,370: €1,200 more than Low Rider S for fairing + windshield + saddlebags; approx. €4,000 less than Heritage Classic—but with the sportier engine and better lean-angle setup
– Approx. 323 kg ready to ride, more than Low Rider S due to fairing + saddlebags: not a motorcycle for beginners; weight clearly noticeable in city traffic; windshield not height-adjustable
– Stationary noise not officially published; previous Low Rider S was rated at up to 97 dB(A), above Tyrol’s limit; confirm 2026 figure with dealer
– Approx. 270 km range from 18.9 liters: tight for a sport-touring motorcycle; loaded touring with a passenger requires more frequent fuel stops; no passenger seat standard, accessory only
– No TFT, no navigation; windshield not adjustable; if serious long-distance touring is the priority, Grand American Touring models such as the Street Glide offer more comfort—at a considerably higher price
Technical Specifications: Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST (2026)
Make / Model: Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST (FXLRST; 2026; new for 2026: Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output instead of 114, 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, redline from 5,900 rpm; new colors: Blood Orange + Aurora Blue Denim, exclusive to Black Trim; Olive Steel Metallic, Chrome Trim
ST vs. S: ST: FXRT fairing with windshield, hard saddlebags standard, Chrome and Black Trim options, approx. €1,200 more. S: no windshield, no saddlebags, fully blacked-out, sportier appearance. Engine, suspension, brakes: identical.
Engine: Air- and oil-cooled 45-degree V-twin Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output; 1,917 cc; two valves per cylinder; Heavy Breather intake; 2-into-1 exhaust; redline from 5,900 rpm; fuel injection; slipper clutch; Euro 5+
Power: 116 hp (85 kW) at 5,020 rpm
Torque: 174 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; 323 kg fully fueled
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 analog speedometer with digital insert in handlebar console
Front Suspension: 43 mm upside-down fork with single-cartridge design; aluminum triple clamps; 56 mm travel; adjustable for Sport/Comfort
Rear Suspension: Hidden free-piston monoshock; hydraulically adjustable preload; 56 mm travel; adjustable for Sport/Comfort
Lean-Angle Clearance: 31.3 degrees left and right, identical to Low Rider S
Front Brake: 2× four-piston fixed calipers; dual 300 mm discs; C-ABS
Rear Brake: Two-piston floating caliper; single disc; ABS
Wheels: 19-inch front; 16-inch rear
Tires: Dunlop; 130/90B19 front; 180/70B16 rear
Fairing / Touring Equipment: Frame-mounted FXRT-inspired front fairing, aerodynamically developed; integrated round LED headlight; windshield standard, non-adjustable; hard side cases standard
Ergonomics: Seat height approx. 690 mm; Midsize Moto Bar; mid-mounted foot controls; solo seat with sculpted rider pocket; passenger seat available as an accessory
Finish Options: Chrome Trim: chrome accents, available in Dark Billiard Gray, Vivid Black, White Onyx Pearl, Olive Steel Metallic. Black Trim: black accents, available in Dark Billiard Gray, Vivid Black, Blood Orange, White Onyx Pearl, Aurora Blue Denim
Stationary Noise: Not officially published; predecessor, Low Rider S 114, was rated at up to 97 dB(A), above Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit; confirm with dealer
Warranty / Service: 4 years, 2-year manufacturer warranty + 2-year dealer extended warranty; extensive worldwide dealer network
Price in Germany: From €24,370 plus €560 transportation/setup