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Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S in the driving report

Sporty top of the Softail models

In 2016, like Phoenix emerged from the ashes, a year later, apparently disappeared forever into oblivion. Now it’s back again, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. With a new engine in a new frame. Welcome back!

If you were spiteful, the story of the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S would read something like this: When Harley found a few thousand very potent 110-series engines on the shelf during the 2015 inventory that unfortunately did not cross the Euro 4 hurdle wanted , the engines were put into a couple of special models and a bike was also created that represented the American club racer scene like no other: the Low Rider S. All in black. Double disc brake. Solid handlebar. Powerful air filter. 97 hp. 156 Nm. Small headlight fairing. The demand was greater than the supply, the machines went away like free beer. Not everyone who wanted one could get one. Anyway, we are happy! From now on there will be more supplies in the shop windows. Because Harley has it L.ow Rider S relaunched. Even more: it should even be better than its predecessor.

Frame, chassis, engine, wheels – all new

San Diego, September 2019. First contact with the Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S, which this time is not only available in black, but also in silver. When asked which components are identical to the predecessor, a technician points to the small lamp cover and the hand lever. That’s it. The frame, chassis, engine, wheels and Co. are really new in comparison. Because the old Low Rider with the 110 two-valve engine marked the top of the performance of the now discontinued Dyna series, whose stereo struts at the rear were characteristic. While the new one is a member of the Softail family. In the frame construction that was introduced two years ago, the centrally hinged spring strut is hidden under the seat bench and leads the viewer to believe that the bike has a rigid frame. Why the Americans call the part Low Rider, of all things, is not entirely clear when looking at the technical data. The driver is 690 millimeters above the ground, which is really not particularly high. However, the sister models Street Bob and Sport Glide have a seat height that is ten millimeters lower, and the Softail Slim undercuts “low riding” by as much as 30 millimeters at 660 millimeters. Well, one could indeed get the idea that the Harleyans employ a whole armada of smart strategists who come up with names. Because: The black Low Rider S is not just black! No, it comes in Wrinkle Black, Gloss Black, Jet Black, Matte Black and Vivid Black parts. Enough of the illusion. Get in the saddle. After all, Harley went to San Diego to drive, not look.

Ergonomics on the Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S.

The arrangement of high risers and wide handlebars in motocross style, centrally placed footrests and single bench seat takes a lot of getting used to. Compared to the predecessor, the notches are placed a little higher for greater freedom of incline. To put it more precisely: You sit modestly, but somehow find it cool. In particular, drivers with long legs look for a reason to take a break after an hour at the latest, during which they want to stretch or shake their legs. Nevertheless, we hereby award the Low Rider S the rating "Bad Ass Attitude". For all of you who may have heard this often but can’t imagine anything about it: As soon as you sit in the saddle, you look like a bouncer who has absolutely no desire to let through.

Twin with powerful torque

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94 hp – the well-known Milwaukee-Eight-V2 breathes through a relatively open air filter. It reacts powerfully to gas commands and runs smoothly because of its two balance shafts.

As is typical for Big Twin, first gear locks with a background noise that one would generally associate with large marine diesel engines. But don’t worry! Holds. From the very first few meters, the four-valve, 1,868 cubic twin with its powerful torque and very spontaneous response is pleasing. Two balancer shafts calm the running of the twin almost perfectly. The real life of the V2 takes place between 1,800 rpm and 3,500 rpm. You hardly ever need the last third of the revs up to 5,500 tours, at most times when overtaking quickly. The Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S makes traffic light sprints an addiction and writes autographs on the asphalt with pleasure. Although the US boys installed a 180 instead of the 160 as standard in the back compared to the previous model, unfortunately it is again the Michelin Scorcher 31, a skin, built to smile away for 20,000 kilometers – tough and completely okay in the dry. When it is wet, his performance is more than glossed over with the term "catastrophic". Thank goodness we’re on the Californian-Mexican border. Only old people can remember the last rain here.

Chassis, transmission, brakes

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Upside-down fork, ABS and double disc brakes – Harley can also be modern, although the Low Rider S comes across as pretty classic.

The Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S takes care of gliding over the sometimes crumbly, holey asphalt strips. It lies stable and executes steering commands obediently and precisely. Your chassis is sporty and tight for Harley standards, but the fork could be more sensitive. Gear changes are precise, and the effect as well as the dosage of the double disc brakes at the front is exemplary. The rear disc brake should cut off a piece of this. It gets a maximum of a five for its effect on a ten scale. The advertised better agility by changing the steering head angle – compared to the other Softail sister models, it is two degrees steeper – cannot be confirmed on site. A street bob gives in at least as casually. But we don’t want to complain. The Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S is a valuable addition to the Softails and by far the sportiest member of the family. In addition, also the most casual. Because it was not only built for committed road hunting and strolling, but also transports the bad boy image in a timeless and authentic way. The US marketing strategists have also found a term for this: "Hard Edge Coastal Look".

Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S from 19,795 euros

At 19,795 euros, the Harley-Davidson FXLRS Low Rider S is by no means a bargain, but the price is reasonable – at least in the Harley range. Ultimately, it remains incomprehensible why it and all other Softail models from 2020 onwards were not given at least one traction control. The Harleyans prove that the company can develop extensive electronic helpers in their current touring models.

Conclusion

If you own the previous model, you don’t necessarily need to change the saddle, because the old 110 engine is more entertaining than the new 114. But if you couldn’t get hold of a Harley-Davidson Low Rider S back then, you should strike. The new one drives much more stable and offers more lean angles than its predecessor. Above it, it marks the sporty top of the Softail models. And ultimately, you never know when the guys will take such a vehicle out of the range again.

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