Tag Archives: Low Rider S

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to its 2022 Lineup

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
Shades of the beloved FXRT! The 2022 Low Rider ST will roll into dealers in March.

Two new baggers, two new Low Riders, and four updated CVO models add up to eight additions to Harley-Davidson’s catalog.

“We are kickstands up at the dawn of a new day,” H-D says in its beautifully shot launch video.

“As part of our focus on stronghold segments, including Grand American Touring and Cruiser, the 2022 product line is designed for power and performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Each of these new models feature the unrivaled power of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 for those riders who want nothing but the biggest and the best, building on our position as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world.”

In a bit of a surprise, the “Faster. Further” launch didn’t include a new variant of the Sportster S and its Revolution Max motor, but the company teased that we’ll see one or more versions later this year.

Low Riders

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
The Low Rider ST and Low Rider S.

Perhaps the most intriguing new model is the Low Rider ST, which employs a fairing with styling nods to the revered FXRT of the 1980s. It is also fitted with hardshell saddlebags and greater suspension travel, plus the 117 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight powertrain with Heavy Breather intake and 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust. The Low Rider S also uses the 117ci M-8 in a more stripped-down model.

Both Low Riders have styling rooted in the California “tall bike” movement and are equipped with a taller rear monoshock than the standard Softail chassis, with 0.5-inch additional stroke that translates to 1 inch more rear-wheel travel and a 0.75-inch taller seat. Harley promises improved ride comfort and more than 1 degree of extra lean-angle clearance. Dual front brakes with 300mm discs are said to deliver the responsive braking demanded by aggressive riders.

The ST’s lockable saddlebags ride high and tight, and they can be quickly removed for a cleaner appearance. Combined saddlebag capacity is 1.9 cubic feet (53.8 liters).

“A key element of this model is the frame-mounted fairing, which has a shape inspired by the classic FXRT Sport Glide model fairing favored by West Coast customizers,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design. “With a dominant central headlamp flanked by side vents, the genetic connection to the original FXRT remains familiar. The sharper creases and revised proportions in the Low Rider ST fairing provide a look that is intended to be modern, athletic, and aerodynamically superior to the FXRT fairing.”

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
Could the Low Rider ST be the lightweight bagger of your dreams?

The ST’s six-inch windshield has a dark smoke tint, and the fairing holds a single 5.75-inch LED headlamp. A deep solo seat holds riders in place, and a 1-inch moto handlebar is mounted on four-inch pull-back risers. A low-profile textured-black console tops the 5-gallon fuel tank, with a compact digital display inset in the handlebar riser for a custom “no gauges” look. An audio system is an option.

“Our customers truly inspire us, and the Low Rider ST was born from seeing the incredible builds at motorcycle shows around the world,” said Richards. “We took the iconic Motor Company design from the Eighties and gave it a new identity with a modern echo. Add the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a taller suspension and raised saddlebags, and the Low Rider ST delivers both a dynamic visual package as well as a dramatic performance punch.” 

Rugged, blacked-out styling includes Wrinkle Black finish on the powertrain, primary cover, triple clamps, top clamp, rear fender supports, and tank console, while Gloss Black finishes adorn the derby cover, intake, lower rocker covers, and handlebar riser. The handlebar is Satin Black. The forks are anodized black. Mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black. Radiate cast-aluminum wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) are finished in Matte Dark Bronze to contrast the Low Rider’s dark components.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
The Low Rider S includes a small windscreen and has mid-mount foot controls.

Color options for the Low Riders are Vivid Black or Gunship Gray. The S ($18,349) is available now, while the ST ($21,749) won’t arrive in dealers until late March.  

Grand American Touring 

The Street Glide ST and Road Glide ST are said to elevate bagger performance and bring the purposeful style of the championship-winning MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers racebikes to the street. These hot-rod baggers also feature the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain that is dolled up with new dark and bronze finishes.

These baggers are equipped with Reflex linked Brembo brakes with ABS, a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen and navigation, cruise control, and Daymaker LED headlamps. MSRPs for both start at $29,999. 

Optional on the Grand American tourers is Harley’s Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, which employ Cornering-Traction Control with ride modes, Cornering-ABS with linked braking, hill-hold control, and tire-pressure monitoring.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
The Street Glide ST in Gunship Gray.

The Street Glide ST uses a low-profile dark windshield atop its batwing fairing and unique engine guards that differ from other Touring models, as well as a trimmed front fender and a solo seat. Black is the dominant theme, as the brightwork is limited to the pushrod tubes and tappet covers and the machined cylinder fins. Matte Dark Bronze finishes on the Prodigy cast aluminum wheels, the color band on the lower rocker box, timer cover medallion, intake medallion, and the classic script tank graphic provide subtle contrast to dark finishes. The SG-ST will be available in two paint options: Vivid Black or Gunship Gray.  

The Road Glide ST uses the distinctive and shark-nose fairing with triple splitstream venting on the low-profile tinted windscreen to limit head buffeting. A low-profile engine guard and tank console combine to give the Road Glide ST trim lines. A new solo seat exposes the rear fender, and the front fender is a new trimmed version.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
The Road Glide ST in Gunship Gray and Vivid Black.

Suspension is similar to the SG-ST, with emulsion-technology rear shocks with hydraulic preload adjustments and a 49mm fork with dual bending-valve technology. It’s also equipped with the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen, two fairing-mount speakers, and a hidden radio antenna.  

Like the SG-ST, the RG-ST features blacked-out finishes for the front end, controls, powertrain, and exhaust, with shiny highlights from bright pushrod tubes and tappet covers and machined cylinder fins. Further contrast is provided by a Matte Dark Bronze finish on the cast aluminum Prodigy custom wheels, the color band on the lower rocker box, timer-cover medallion, intake medallion, and the script tank graphic. The two paint options are Vivid Black or Gunship Gray.

Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) 

Four updated CVOs join H-D’s 2022 lineup, “designed to represent the pinnacle of style and design.” The premium limited-production factory custom models boast exclusive and hand-crafted paint, as well as high-end features like a Rockford Fosgate audio system, a Boom! Audio 30K Bluetooth headset, and the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements system. Each is fitted with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain. 

CVOs have always featured the best in paintwork, and that’s the case with these 2022 offerings.

“Gunslinger is our partner in custom paint that’s been that’s been adding incredible artisanal techniques to our CVO arsenal and family for a long time now, and they’re inspiring us to push the limits, so we try to do the same thing with them,” said Brad Richards. “When most manufacturers are at the limits of a robot, Gunslinger can go in there with an artist who has the ability to brush by hand and deliver the sharpest pinstripe possible. That hand-applied technique allows for very intricate two-tones, three-tones, airbrush drop shadows, and really transcends the ‘expected’ by delivering a truly custom look.” 

The CVO Street Glide “is a super-premium bagger for the rider who rolls loud and proud” behind the iconic batwing fairing. It features a Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake, new decorative insert finishes and Scorched Chrome powertrain covers (with the Blue Steel paint option), Rockford Fosgate Stage II premium sound, heated Kahuna Collection hand grips that match Kahuna Collection shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider and passenger pegs, plus a Daymaker Adaptive LED headlamp.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
The CVO Street Glide in its Envious Green with Black Hole Fade and Flame Pattern colorway with Gloss Black finishes.

Fugitive wheels can be had with gloss black and contrast chrome, all gloss black, or Blue Steel and contrast scorched chrome finish, depending on paint options. New paint colorways include Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes, and Blue Steel solid color with Scorched Chrome finishes. Prices start at $41,899.  

The CVO Road Glide ($41,899) uses frame-mounted shark-nose fairing and its distinctive dual LED headlamps. Additionally, it uses an exclusive 21-inch front wheel with an 18-inch rear with laced spokes mated to cast-aluminum rims for a cool look that also enables the use of a tire-pressure monitoring system on a laced wheel. The bike also boasts Rockford Fosgate Stage II audio, and the fairing features splitstream venting to mitigate head buffeting.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
Check out the laced 21-inch front wheel with cast aluminum rims on the 2022 CVO Road Glide.

Color options include Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes, and Blue Steel solid color with Scorched Chrome finishes. A Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake and Fang front spoiler round out the styling upgrades.  

The CVO Road Glide Limited raises the bar for luxury and long-haul comfort, as it’s equipped with premium audio and heated seats and grips, as well as most of the non-Limited CVO Road Glide features. Its M-8 motor is the Twin-Cooled version.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
You’ll feel like the king of the road on the 2022 CVO Road Glide Limited.

Like the CVO Street Glide, the RG Limited uses heated Kahuna Collection hand grips that match shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider/passenger boards. The wheels are Harley’s Tomahawk hoops. Paint options include Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, and Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes. Prices start at $44,899.  

And for something that will never tip over at a stop, the CVO Tri Glide trike offers distinctive style and long-haul touring capability, along with a premium audio system and the Twin-Cooled 117ci Milwaukee-Eight motor. It also gets the Tomahawk contrast-cut wheels and heated Kahuna Collections grips and dual-zone heated seats. The new paint scheme is Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Bright Chrome finishes. It’s priced at $49,999.

Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to 2022 Lineup
The CVO Tri Glide in its new Dante’s Red colorway.

Visit H-D.com to learn more about the lineup of 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, gear, accessories, and more.

The post Harley-Davidson Announces New Models to its 2022 Lineup first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

With its aggressive knuckles-to-the-wind riding position, 114-cube Milwaukee-Eight engine and sharpened steering, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S really does mean business.

And Harley-Davidson Australia will be hoping it means lost of business as did the original, short-lived 2016 Low Rider S with its 110-cube Screamin’ Eagle engine.

That was a twin-shock Dyna. Now it’s part of the updated Softail family with a stiffer and lighter frame and improved handling.

Price is now $A27,995 ($NZ29,995), up from $25,995 in 2016 when it had a 110 engine and $3500 more than the standard Low Rider.

Harley-Davidson Low Rider Softail Dyna electric
Standard Low Rider

Apart from the extra cubes — and there is no replacement for displacement, right? — riders get a cruiser that looks the business. That is, if Sons of Anarchy business is your business!
That little headlight fairing, aggressive mid-control riding position, blacked-out finishes and solo seat is very SAMCRO.

Harley calls it the “SoCal West Coast” look, but we all know they are going for that popular SAMCRO style.

It’s knuckles to the wind for Jax with the 2.5cm (one-inch) diameter motocross-style handlebars mounted on 10cm (four-inch) straight risers.

The Low Rider S powertrain, primary cover and tank console are finished in Wrinkle Black, the derby cover, intake, and lower rocker covers are Gloss Black, the mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black and the forks, triple-clamp, riser and handlebar, and rear fender supports are Matte Black. Even the LED layback tail lamps have a smoked lenses.

It sits on very tasty bronze cast-aluminium wheels and comes in Vivid Black and Barracuda Silver.Harley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

Harley flew me to Sydney for the media launch which was truncated by wet weather to a half-day ride from Manly about 30km to Akuna Bay in Ku-ring-Gai National Park with about 40km of riding along West Head Rd for photos.

It was just enough to get an introductory feel for the Low Rider S. A longer review will come in the next month.

The business endHarley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

The business end of this bike is the 114 M8 engine.

While the counterbalanced 107 M8 is a refined and sophisticated engine that feels like two hippos bouncing on a trampoline, this has more thump, more grunt and a little more “character” — like two elephants on a trampoline!

It pulls from low down in the rev range and surprisingly revs out without losing a lot of puff.

Yet for all that mechanical thump, it feels smooth, doesn’t jolt when switched on and clicks into first gear without a lot of clunk.

Clutch pull is fairly heavy, so you will be glad at every set of lights that neutral is quite easy to find.

Harley-Davidson boss Matt Levatich in town for Low Rider S launch
Low Rider S media launch (Image: Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography)

Click through the gears and it rides around town in fourth. It will even go into sixth as low as 80km/h with enough roll-on acceleration for overtaking without changing down.

At the end of the day, I suspect you’ll return decent figures of around 5-5.5L/100km.

Handling upgradeHarley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

To harness the extra oomph of the 114 M8, Harley has swapped out the traditional telescopic forks for inverted 43mm Showa forks with a steeper 28-degree rake compared with 30 on the standard and 32 on the older Dyna.

This set-up sharpens the steering so you feel more connected to the road with lighter and more precise turn-in.

Yet on the joyously swooping corners of West Head Rd, it still feels balanced and stable thanks to the 19-inch front wheel and long 1615mm wheelbase.

You also have the ability to safely correct your line mid-corner and dodge those water run-off lurking around blind corners.

Together with the underseat single coil-over monoshock hydraulically adjustable for preload, it should have reasonable ride even though it’s a short 11cm spring.

I couldn’t tell because the roads were all fairly smooth.Harley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

As we rode back and forth along West Head Rd, my confidence grew and the bike complied with extra throttle in an exciting, but reassuring way.

The Michelin Scorcher tyres have plenty of grip, even across the wet and dry patchy surface.

As the speed climbed, so did the turbulence from the sporty fairing. Either no fairing or the optional larger fairing might be better.

As it is, there is a blank behind the fairing that is bland and ugly. Perhaps Harley should decorate it with another bar-and-shield logo!Harley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

The analogue speedo and tacho dials sit on top of the tank and are angled toward the rider for a reasonably clear view.

However, the accompanying LCD screen is a little small and difficult to read in bright sunshine.

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S means business
© Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography

All the info is available via the usual toggle on the left switchblock.

Target marketHarley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

The target market market for this bike is obviously not ageing Baby Boomers like me.

I found the riding position more like a yoga position with my knees sitting high and akimbo which put pressure on my dodgy hip nerve.

Even though I’m 183cm (6’) tall, it is still a bit of a reach to the bars.

The overall effect is like sitting on a potty while holding on to the towel rail.

Not very comfortable for the duration of the expected 380km from the 18.9-litre fuel tank.

That’s a strange tank size for this “coastal cruiser”.Harley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

While I often criticise modern bikes for having small tanks, this is one that could have got away with less fuel capacity.

At least the solo low 690mm saddle is very comfortable with an extra hump of lower back support.

All the same, I would probably go for the optional forward controls to ease the hip pressure and make it easier to flick the side stand up.

They might also improve the already generous (for a cruiser) 33.1-degree lean angle.

However, I’m not the target market for this bike.

Harley is targeting a younger, hipper (no pun intended), more nimble and supple rider who is genuinely excited by the SAMCRO looks and the 155Nm of elephantine grunt.

But not too young as they might not be able to afford it!

Harley-Davidson Low Rider SHarley-Davidson Low Rider S means business

  • Ride-away price: $A27,995 ($NZ29,995)
  • Engine: MilwaukeeEight 114 (1868cc) V-twin
  • Power: N/A
  • Torque: 155Nm
  • Bore x stroke: 102x114mm
    Compression: 10.5:1
    Length: 2355mm
  • Seat height: 690mm
  • Clearance: 120mm
  • Rake: 28deg
  • Trail 145mm
  • Wheelbase: 1615mm
  • Fuel: 18.9L
  • Tyres: 110/90B19,62H,BW; 180/70B16,77H,BW
  • Wet weight: 308kg
  • Lean angles: 33.1deg
  • Brakes: 4-piston front, 2-piston rear

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com