2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Review and Rating: The Performance Cruiser Benchmark
Updated: Sep 2
Quick answer: The 2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S earns an MGR rating of 8.9 out of 10. It pairs the 114 hp Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output with the best chassis setup in the Softail range for $18,999, making it the performance cruiser benchmark and the value pick under the Low Rider ST.
MGR Rating: 8.9/10
Engine and performance: 9.5/10. The 117 High Output makes 114 hp and 128 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, the strongest standard Softail tune, and the inverted fork and raised shock let you actually use it.
Comfort and ergonomics: 8.0/10. Mid controls, moto bars, and a supportive solo seat work for aggressive riding, but taller riders find the triangle tight and there is zero wind protection.
Value for money: 9.0/10. $18,999 for this engine and suspension undercuts the $24,199 and up Low Rider ST and most performance cruiser rivals.
Custom potential: 9.5/10. The Low Rider S is the club style template, and the FXLRS aftermarket for bars, fairings, suspension, and luggage is enormous.
Reliability reputation: 8.5/10. The Milwaukee-Eight has a strong record, and the S adds little beyond ride modes and cornering rider aids to age.
How we rate: MGR has not ridden the Low Rider S. This is an editorial research rating built from verified manufacturer specifications, published first looks, and documented owner feedback. The five criteria above average to the overall score.
Verified Spec Card: 2026 Low Rider S
MSRP | $18,999 (Dark Billiard Gray, chrome trim) |
Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output, 1,923 cc |
Horsepower | 114 hp at 5,000 rpm |
Torque | 128 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm |
Weight | 670 lb in running order |
Seat height | 27.0 in laden |
Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal |
2026 notes | Chrome trim returns; Black trim adds $1,000; ride modes and cornering rider aids standard |
Who It Is For, and Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: you want the fastest reacting big twin Softail, plan a club style or performance build, or want ST level go without ST money.
Skip it if: you ride long highway days now. The naked front end and solo focus make the Low Rider ST, with its fairing and bags, worth the extra spend for touring.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
The strongest engine and best suspension pairing in the standard Softail line: 43 mm inverted fork and a taller preload adjustable monoshock.
Mid mount controls give real cornering control compared with forward control cruisers.
2026 brings back chrome trim options alongside the blacked out look.
Weaknesses and real owner criticisms
Owners regularly report strong wind fatigue at interstate speed, and many add a small fairing within the first year.
The under bar mirrors look right but split opinion on actual rearward visibility.
The firm suspension tune that makes it corner also transmits sharp hits on broken pavement.
Tall riders above six feet often call the cockpit cramped with the stock seat pushing them forward.
Buying Advice: New vs Used
New at $18,999 the 2026 bike is the sweet spot in the current range, and color and trim choices move the price up to $1,650 further, so spec carefully. Used, the 2022 to 2025 bikes already carry the 117 High Output and differ mainly in trim, which makes a clean low mile example a genuine bargain when priced a few thousand under new. The 2020 to 2021 first generation FXLRS runs the 114: still quick, but price it accordingly. Check for crash damage under bar end mirrors and inspect the shock for leakage since these bikes get ridden hard.
Recommended Riding Gear
Legendary USA Bad Billy goatskin gloves, $99.99: durable goatskin that matches how this bike gets ridden.
Legendary USA Aramid touchscreen gloves, $125: aramid reinforcement for a performance cruiser pace, with usable fingertips.
Legendary USA LowLife club vest, from $425: the Low Rider S is the club style bike, and this is the club vest.
Shoei RF-1400 full face helmet: a 114 hp cruiser with no windscreen deserves a proper full face.
FAQ
How much horsepower does the 2026 Low Rider S have?
114 hp at 5,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm from the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output, per Harley-Davidson.
What is the difference between the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST?
The ST adds a frame mounted fairing, saddlebags, and touring intent for $24,199 and up. The S is the naked version, lighter feeling and $5,200 cheaper. We rate the ST 9.0 and the S 8.9.
Is the Low Rider S good for tall riders?
It works to around six feet without complaint. Taller riders commonly fit a different seat or bar risers, both cheap fixes on a bike this supported by the aftermarket.
Can you tour on a Low Rider S?
People do, with add on fairings and soft bags. But if touring is the plan from day one, buy the ST instead and save the parts spend.
Is the Low Rider S a good first Harley?
It is a lot of engine for a first big bike, but the mid controls, planted chassis, and standard rider aids make it more manageable than its power figure suggests for an experienced new-to-Harley rider.
More Harley Ratings From MGR
Sources
Harley-Davidson USA, 2026 Low Rider S model page: harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/low-rider-s.html
Ultimate Motorcycling, 2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S First Look: ultimatemotorcycling.com/2026/03/03/2026-harley-davidson-low-rider-s-first-look-chrome-comeback
Torquepedia, 2026 Low Rider S specifications: torquepedia.com/harley-davidson/low-rider/2026/s
Last updated: August 13, 2026
