HARLEY-DAVIDSON LOW RIDER S

POWER CRUISER

After a two year absence the iconic Low Rider is back in Harley’s model line-up. Now as part of the Softail family. Making the bike even more attractive. I hit the open road on the American icon.

Photos: Irina Mink & Dieter Losskarn

2020 will remain an exciting year for Harley-Davidson. The Livewire is out, making the traditional American motorcycle producer the first of the big ones to introduce a fully-electric bike to their range. And appetizing visuals of Harley’s first naked bike and a GS-style adventure enduro show another two brand-new rides for 2021. With all those new models Harley wants to increase their market share and reach more motorcycle customers.

But they didn’t forget their hard-core fans, who will be getting the 2020 Low Rider S. In 2016 the V2 twin factory in Milwaukee rolled out the tall and skinny Dyna Low Rider S, an instant classic. But not for long. Surprisingly Harley killed the entire Dyna portfolio in 2018. Until 2020, when the current Low Rider S was reintroduced, but this time as a Softtail. Meaning, that the rear end looks like a hard tail, but has a hidden shock underneath. Turning the ride into a smooth and composed one, resulting in the best Low Rider ever. Believe me, I owned a couple of older ones.

And the sound, when the mighty 1.9-l. engine rumbles on, is still captivating. As are the looks. The blacked-out style suits this V-twin so well. Now I can’t wait to ride the first Harley-Davidson with no sound at all. Watch this space for how the Live Wire will feel.

ENGINE

1.9-l. V twin, paired with a 6-speed gearbox & drive belt

POWER

69kW and 155Nm

TOP SPEED

190 km/h

TECH SPECS

HARLEY-DAVIDSON LOW RIDER S

Engine

3.7-l. six-cylinder turbo, paired with an 8-speed auto PDK

Engine

1.9-l. V twin, paired with a 6-speed gearbox & drive belt

Power

69kW and 155Nm

Top Speed

190 km/h

Price

from R265 000

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