Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
Love sporty performance with gobs of power, but want the protection and convenience of locking hard bags and a fairing? Then check out the Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST. A lower-cost option with less weight than a Road Glide, the Low Rider ST starts at $23,999 and weighs 721 pounds as compared to the Road Glide’s 838 pounds and $25,999 pricetag.
Low Rider ST Performance
Performance is the name of the game for the Low Rider ST. While the Big Twin engine is no different from the touring models with the same Milwaukee Eight 117-inch oil/air cooled powerplant, the FXLRST offers that torquey response in a smaller package. But, according to Harley’s own numbers, the Road Glide wins the numbers game in torque and horsepower (130 foot-pounds torque and 105 horsepower versus the Low Rider ST’s 125 foot-pounds of torque and 103 horsepower). However, it’s all about the “feel,” and having ridden both models, neither will leave you wishing for more power. But the Low Rider beckons the hooligan spirit just a bit more.
Just the Right Fit
I chose the Low Rider ST from the rental fleet at EagleRider / Teddy Morse’s Harley-Davidson in Daytona Beach for my jaunt to the Tallahassee Bike Fest earlier this year. Transporting a weekend’s worth of supplies in weatherproof luggage was my priority, but I also wanted to have plenty of fun on the backroads and highway. While this is easily accomplished on a Road Glide or Street Glide, I was looking forward to getting away from “infotainment distraction.”
Touring and Cruising Made Simple
One of the things I love most about the Low Rider ST is its minimalist styling. The frame-mounted fairing is designed for one thing: aerodynamics. Along with its mid-sized windshield and lower winglets, this fairing is styled like an old school 1980s FXRT and offers the rider wind protection without unnecessary extras like touchscreen displays, gauges, or storage pockets.
Riding Comfort
The Low Rider ST’s comfortable sit-up riding position is just how I like cruising. The footpegs are slightly forward and easy to reach. Even better, they don’t get in the way at all when you put your feet down at a stop.
Getting to the hand controls is also easy and comfortable for those who enjoy a taller bar. For my 5 feet 6.5 height, the grips are slightly lower than my shoulders, which I find extremely comfortable and maneuverable. The moto-style handlebar is wide and rests on tall clamps, which would be super-simple to replace with shorter ones if the fit isn’t perfect for you.
The Low Rider ST’s components are perfectly matched with its hooligan character. Inverted front forks and a hidden monoshock with hydraulic preload offer just the right amount of suspension for a sporty ride. 4-piston fixed front calipers and a 2-piston floating rear caliper on floating rotors offer good responsive stopping power. Rider safety enhancements include traction control and ABS as standard equipment on the ST.
Ride Longer, Go Farther
Harley's Low Rider ST is equipped with a long-range 5-gallon tank to keep you riding longer between fuel stations. Harley claims an average 47 mpg for this model, which means more than 200 miles between fill-ups. The ST comes with a scooped solo seat, but the Sundowner that Eagle Rider replaced mine with is the way to go for long distance plushness.
The Low Rider ST’s removable locking hard bags hold 1.9 cubic feet of storage. Picture 14 gallons of milk. That’s how much you can fit in these bags. Plenty of room for a long weekend and then some if you’re a good packer. While I love the aerodynamic look of them, the ease of loading leaves a lot to be desired.
Not Long Enough
After about 1,000 miles on the Low Rider ST, both on highways and backroads, I feel confident that I could easily spend many happy years with this motorcycle. Even with the frustration I experienced loading the saddlebags (I’m certain that it’s just a matter of “getting used to them”), I can envision myself traveling across the United States on this bike. I’d love to test the Big Twin’s power on challenging distant twisty mountain passes.
Specs at a Glance
2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
Engine Size: 117 inches (1923cc)
Seat Height: 27 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Wet Weight: 721 pounds
Colors: Billiard Gray, Vivid Black (+$550), Red Rock (+$750), and Tobacco Fade (+$1,900)
MSRP: Starts at $23,399
WRN Recommendation
Harley’s Low Rider ST is a great get-up-and-go powerful sporty cruiser with some touring amenities. The rider who’s not afraid to get on the throttle and lean hard into corners is going to be all smiles on this motorcycle. A “touring bike lite,” the ST comes without extra unnecessary tech features but is comfortable enough to spend hours in the saddle at highway speeds.