Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST Review and Rating: The Sport Bagger Done Right

Should you buy the Low Rider ST? Yes, if you want the most performance-focused big twin Harley sells: the 114 hp Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output, an FXRT-style fairing, and a chassis that actually likes corners, all at 712 lb. Starting at $23,999, it is the thinking rider's bagger. We rate it 9.0 out of 10.

This is an editorial research verdict. We have not test-ridden this bike; our rating is grounded in verified manufacturer specifications, published pricing, and recurring themes in real owner feedback. MotoGearRater has no affiliation with Harley-Davidson.

MGR Rating: 9.0/10

• Engine and performance: 9.5/10. The 117 High Output is the strongest motor here, a claimed 114 hp at 5,000 rpm and 128 ft-lbs at 4,000 rpm, with a 2-into-1 exhaust and an appetite for revs the touring 117 does not have.

• Comfort and ergonomics: 8/10. The frame-mounted fairing and mid-mount pegs work for fast all-day riding, but the firm performance-tuned suspension and 27 in laden seat height make it the least plush Softail-based option here.

• Value for money: 8.5/10. At $23,999 you get near-touring capability, the hottest engine in the lineup, and saddlebags for thousands less than a Road Glide.

• Custom potential: 9.5/10. This is the factory club-style bike; the FXR-revival scene, suspension upgrades, and 2-into-1 exhaust culture all orbit this exact silhouette.

• Reliability reputation: 8.5/10. Same proven M-8 architecture as the rest of the line; the High Output tune runs harder but has not shown a distinct problem pattern in owner reporting.

Spec Card (Verified)

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output, 117 cubic inches

• Claimed power: 114 hp at 5,000 rpm

• Claimed torque: 128 ft-lbs at 4,000 rpm

• Seat height: 27 in laden

• Weight: 712 lb in running order

• Fuel capacity: 5 gallons

• Chassis: 43 mm inverted fork, hidden performance-tuned monoshock, Michelin Scorcher 31 tires

• Fairing: FXRT-inspired frame-mounted fairing, all-LED lighting, ride modes, cornering ABS and traction control

• MSRP: from $23,999; check current dealer pricing for freight, color, and options

Who It Is For, Who Should Skip It

Buy it if you want one Harley that does canyon pace on Saturday and a 500-mile weekend with bags on Sunday. It is the obvious pick for club-style riders who want the look the real ones actually run, straight from the factory, and for ex-sportbike riders coming to big twins.

Skip it if plush touring comfort is the priority, because the firm suspension and taller seat work against two-up cruising; a Street Glide or Heritage Classic is kinder. Skip it too if you want a relaxed feet-forward boulevard bike, which this deliberately is not.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Best power-to-weight of any big twin in the lineup: 114 hp pushing 712 lb

• Frame-mounted fairing gives real wind protection without batwing bulk

• Factory club-style credibility with clean lines that mod well; see our Softail modification budget breakdown

• Strong value against a Road Glide for riders who do not need a 6-gallon tank or touring infotainment

Weaknesses

• Firm ride; riders regularly voice that sharp-edged bumps come through, especially at the rear

• 27 in laden seat height is taller than cruiser norms, which shorter riders notice

• Minimal tech by 2026 standards: analog gauge with small digital display, no big touchscreen

• Saddlebags are smaller than true touring bags, and wind protection ends at the fairing's edges

Buying Advice

New at $23,999 is honestly good buying for what the bike is, and 2026 examples carry the High Output 117 that defines the model. On the used market, Low Rider ST values have held annoyingly firm because supply is thin and demand from the club-style crowd is constant, so do not expect deep discounts. Check for suspension upgrades done properly with receipts, since the stock shock is the first thing serious owners change, and a quality aftermarket shock can be a plus rather than a red flag.

What to Wear on It

This bike gets ridden hard, and the gear should match. A short cuff deerskin glove keeps bar feel sharp at pace; the Legendary Haymakers Super Welted short wrist gloves run $125 at the time of writing, and our Churchill deerskin review covers the classic alternative. For the club-style look done right, start with our guide on how a vest should fit for club riding and, if patches are in your future, what to check before you sew.

FAQ

Is the Low Rider ST reliable?

Yes, by big twin standards. It shares the proven Milwaukee-Eight architecture, and the High Output tune has not produced a distinct failure pattern in owner reporting. Maintain it on schedule and it should run long past six figures in miles.

Is the Low Rider ST good for short riders?

It is the tallest saddle in our Harley rating set at a laden 27 in. Plenty of shorter riders run them, but flat-footing both sides is less likely than on a Street Bob or Fat Boy. Sit on one before you decide.

Is it a good first Harley?

Not a first motorcycle, but it is a reasonable first Harley for an experienced rider crossing over from sport or naked bikes: 712 lb is manageable, and the engine rewards riders who actually use the rev range.

How is resale on the Low Rider ST?

Very strong. Limited supply and the club-style boom have kept used prices high since the model launched, and we see no sign of that softening in 2026.

What are the service intervals?

General guidance for Milwaukee-Eight Softails is a first service around 1,000 miles, then routine service at roughly 5,000-mile intervals. Confirm specifics in the owner's manual and with your dealer.

Low Rider ST or Road Glide?

Pick the ST for backroads, weight savings, and $2,000 in your pocket. Pick the Road Glide for two-up touring, luggage volume, and long-haul tech. They overlap less than the fairings suggest.

Sources

• Harley-Davidson: 2026 Low Rider ST

• MGR research note: Harley Softail modification budget breakdown

Last updated: August 6, 2026