Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Specs, Top Speed & Review
TL;DR
- The 2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S runs a Milwaukee-Eight 117 H.O. V-twin making 114 hp at 5,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
- Top speed is approximately 120 mph; 0-60 mph takes around 4 seconds — Harley does not publish official figures, so these are independently reported estimates.
- The 2025 model added the High Output engine tune, revised inverted-fork suspension, three ride modes, and cornering ABS over the previous generation.
- MSRP starts at $19,999 for 2025; the 2026 carries the same engine at $18,999.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Full Specs (2025)
The 2025 FXLRS sits at the performance end of Harley’s Softail lineup. It shares the steel frame and 64-degree V-twin layout with the rest of the platform, then gets a harder suspension tune, inverted fork, dual front rotors, and the Milwaukee-Eight 117 H.O.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 117 H.O. V-twin (air/oil-cooled) |
| Displacement | 1,917 cc (117 cu. in.) |
| Horsepower | 114 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 128 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Redline | 5,900 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.075 in. x 4.500 in. |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel System | ESPFI (Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection) |
| Transmission | 6-speed, carbon-reinforced belt final drive |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm inverted cartridge fork, 5.0 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension | Hidden free-piston coil-over monoshock, 4.4 in. travel |
| Rake / Trail | 28° / 5.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 63.6 in. |
| Front Brake | Dual 300 mm floating discs, 4-piston fixed calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 292 mm floating disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | Michelin Scorcher 31 110/90R-19 |
| Rear Tire | Michelin Scorcher 31 180/70R-16 |
| Fuel Tank | 5.0 gal. |
| Fuel Economy | 47 mpg (combined, H-D estimate) |
| Seat Height (laden) | 28.1 in. |
| Curb Weight | 670 lb |
| MSRP (2025) | From $19,999 |
| Ride Modes | Road, Rain, Sport |
Sources: Harley-Davidson USA, Ultimate Motorcycling (2025)
Low Rider S Top Speed and 0-60 Acceleration
The Low Rider S top speed is approximately 120 mph. Harley-Davidson does not publish an official figure for this model — that number reflects independent road tests and rider data rather than a factory claim (Top Speed, 2024).
The 0-60 mph time is approximately 4 seconds based on the same independently reported results. That’s quick for a 670-pound cruiser, and it feels quicker because of how hard the torque hits from the bottom. Near 100 lb-ft is available right off idle; the motor is fully awake by 3,000 rpm and pulls cleanly to the 5,900 rpm redline.
On the dyno, independent testing on the 2024 model confirmed rear-wheel outputs around 93 hp and 114.8 lb-ft (The Rock Harley-Davidson, 2024) — normal drivetrain losses from the factory crankshaft numbers.
What the Milwaukee-Eight 117 H.O. Tune Actually Changed
The H.O. designation is not cosmetic. For 2025, Harley reworked the standard 117 with new cylinder heads, a revised intake via the Heavy Breather air filter, and a lighter 2-into-1 exhaust (Ultimate Motorcycling, 2025). Compression went from 10.2:1 to 10.3:1 and redline moved from 5,600 to 5,900 rpm — more usable pull at the top of each gear.
Peak torque stays at 128 lb-ft but now arrives at 4,000 rpm rather than 3,500, broadening the powerband. Road mode is the smooth daily default. Rain softens throttle and raises ABS sensitivity. Sport tightens response to near-immediate — the mode most riders will want on open road. The selector shares the right turn signal switch, which works cleanly once you’re used to it.
Suspension and Handling
At 28 degrees of rake and 5.7 inches of trail, the Low Rider S has the most aggressive geometry in the Softail lineup (Motorcycle.com, 2025). The 43 mm inverted cartridge fork with straight-rate springs gives the front end a settled, predictable feel under braking and through mid-corner bumps. The rear monoshock runs 4.4 inches of travel with hydraulic preload adjustment — enough range to dial in for rider weight without a shop visit.
Michelin Scorcher 31 tires on 19-inch front and 16-inch rear handle both ends well. The dual 300 mm front rotors with 4-piston calipers provide strong, progressive stopping.
The honest limitation is ground clearance. Footpeg placement contacts pavement before the suspension is close to its limit. Push hard in corners and you’ll be grinding pegs before the Michelins run out of grip — a consistent owner complaint worth understanding before you buy.
Ergonomics and Real-World Use
The 28.1-inch laden seat height suits riders 5’6″ and taller. The forward lean with mid-mount footpegs is more aggressive than a Street Bob, less so than a Sportster S — comfortable for an hour, noticeable after 150 miles.
The 5-gallon tank at 47 mpg delivers roughly 225-235 miles per fill. Heat at a standstill in summer traffic is a real issue: the air/oil-cooled motor radiates noticeably onto the rider’s inner legs on hot days.
The Low Rider S is a solo bike. The seat back is both backrest and all the passenger accommodation included. Two-up riders should look at the Low Rider ST, which adds a fairing, saddlebags, and a proper pillion for $24,199.
Strengths and Limitations
What works: 128 lb-ft from 1,917 cc is real pulling power from idle. The inverted fork and tuned monoshock put handling ahead of softer Softail siblings. Fit and finish is among the best in the lineup. Three ride modes and cornering ABS deliver a genuine electronics package on a production cruiser.
What doesn’t: Heat soak in traffic. Peg clearance limits lean angles before the tires do. No passenger accommodation, wind protection, navigation, or storage make it a one-trick pony — a very good trick, but a narrow one.
Who Should Buy the Low Rider S
The Low Rider S fits experienced riders who want Harley’s style with performance hardware they’ll actually use. It’s not a beginner bike: 670 lb with 128 lb-ft in Sport mode punishes careless throttle work. New riders should start with the Nightster 975 or Street Bob.
The target buyer commutes a few days a week, runs solo weekend highway or canyon stints, and wants a factory-built machine that looks custom. At $19,999, the H.O. engine, inverted fork, and electronics justify the price against the standard Softail tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S have?
The Low Rider S uses the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output (H.O.) V-twin, displacing 1,917 cc. The 2025 model makes 114 hp at 5,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s air and oil cooled, with ESPFI fuel injection and a 6-speed transmission with belt final drive.
What is the top speed of the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S?
Approximately 120 mph based on independent road tests. Harley-Davidson does not publish an official figure. This represents a consistent real-world ceiling under normal conditions.
How fast does the Low Rider S go from 0 to 60 mph?
Approximately 4 seconds, based on independently reported data. Harley does not publish factory acceleration times. The strong low-end torque makes the pull feel sharper than the figure suggests.
What is the curb weight of the 2025 Low Rider S?
670 lb curb weight, with a laden seat height of 28.1 inches. That’s around 9 lb lighter than the prior generation.
What is the difference between the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST?
The S is a stripped solo cruiser. The ST adds a frame-mounted fairing, lockable saddlebags, a USB-C port, and a proper rear seat, at 712 lb and from $24,199 for 2025. Both share the Milwaukee-Eight 117 H.O. engine and the same chassis geometry.
Is the Low Rider S suitable for beginners?
No. The 670 lb weight, 128 lb-ft torque in Sport mode, and mid-mount ergonomics make this unsuitable for new riders. Beginners wanting a Harley should start with the Nightster 975. The Low Rider S rewards riders who already have solid low-speed handling and throttle control.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 Low Rider S: Milwaukee-Eight 117 H.O., 114 hp, 128 lb-ft — the highest-output motor in the standard Softail lineup.
- Top speed approximately 120 mph, 0-60 approximately 4 seconds — neither published officially by Harley-Davidson.
- 2025 refresh added H.O. engine, inverted fork, revised monoshock, three ride modes, and cornering ABS.
- 670 lb curb weight, 28.1-inch laden seat height.
- Real tradeoffs: heat soak in traffic, limited peg clearance, and no passenger or storage capability.
- MSRP from $19,999 (2025), $18,999 (2026).
