The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST on test

Whoever sees the bike for the first time either likes it or dislikes it. It's like seeing a woman for the first time. You like her or you don't like her. As we all know, there's no accounting for taste, but there is for design. I would have installed a double lamp in the front casing, which would give the bike a much more powerful look. I would have also extended the casing further, so it gets a hybrid look, which, however, corresponds to the character of this bike. In the end, however, it is about how the bike rides and what it has to offer and that's what I'll tell you now.

Comfort almost without end
The Low Rider ST offers a lot of comfort: starting with its large saddle - the pillion with footrests is optional - its comfortable suspension, which is not set too tight and therefore perfectly absorbs all the shocks from the road and the generous front casing, which directs the airflow over the body and head, so that you do not experience any air resistance, which is very pleasant, especially at higher cruising speeds. Even the clutch pedal is generously built, you never desperately search for a small clutch pedal with your foot here. One gear up and the gear engages with a Harleylike strong clack, great! The upright seating position is also one of the plus points in terms of comfort.

Cool everyday suitability
Normally, I'm not a fan of side panniers, because they're usually attached to monstrous touring bikes that look like rolling pyramids of luggage and almost visually overwhelm you. But those of the Low Rider ST turn the cruiser into a practical everyday vehicle. Whether you're going to a business meeting and want to carry your laptop and documents, or you're going shopping and want to comfortably stow your bags of groceries, the Low Rider ST is the right companion for the job. And if you just want to take off the bags on a nice weekend for the sake of a good look, you can do it in no time, a piece of cake and the bike looks sportier, racier and slimmer.

Power & sound are strong
I have tested Harley-Davidsons before and was always disappointed once in a while, because the bike without additional exhaust system did not sound like a heavy motorcycle, but quietly "whispered" past you. But with the Harley Low Rider ST, Harley has thought of equipping the good piece with a proper sound. This is helped by the voluminous 1923 cubic capacity of the Milwaukee-Eight™ 117 engine, which develops a tidy 106 hp of power and, when the throttle is turned up, immediately emits a full blast of Harley sound. So here you can save the extra purchase of an exhaust system. There is already enough sound. In addition, the engine always has enough power reserves. If you're driving at 120 km/h on the highway, you feel like you still have 3/4 of the throttle in reserve, which you could still turn up to really get up to speed. In Switzerland, this speed limit is the end of the line, but in other countries, especially Germany, you can fully unleash the power of the Low Rider ST, provided you like it, after all, the Low Rider St is still a cruiser and not a racing machine. And that is exactly this statement that one appreciates in the machine, so after the motto: "he could already if he wanted, but he does not have to".

Surprising agility
Who would assume that cornering the Low Rider ST feels like riding a touring enduro equipped with street tires. The Low Rider ST is surprisingly agile and nimble, and cornering really does feel very dynamic. And even rear parking feels easier than the 327 kg total weight would suggest. It's not just the cruiser's low center of gravity and geometry that are responsible for this, but above all its slim tires. The narrower the rear tire, the more agile the bike proves to be. With standard tires of 110/90 in the front and 180/70 in the rear, you ride with slim and tall tires, which significantly reduces friction and increases agility. Often, fat cruiser bikes are equipped with rear tires that easily have a width of 200 to 260 mm. And precisely such contemporaries tend to ride like tanks, according to the motto "straight ahead, I can do that, curves are rather difficult," even though I personally prefer such heavybikes.

Overall, the makers at Harley-Davidson have succeeded with the Low Rider ST a great bike. The sound is great, the power is enough, the comfort is really strong and the driving dynamics are 1a. At a price of 25000 bucks you can not complain. The only criticism for me personally is the digital display, which is modern and timely, but too minimalist and difficult to read in direct sunlight. I would also like to see the option for illuminated dashboards - especially helpful at night. But as I said, the advantages massively outweigh the disadvantages in this case. Now interested parties just have to decide on the color - black or gray - and off they go.