Harley-Davidson reveal new Low Rider S plus tech revolution
New Low Rider S for 2020 plus H-D tourers get tech revolution
The lean, mean, burnout machine is back. When Harley-Davidson launched the Low Rider S in 2016 with its Screamin’ Eagle tuned 110 engine, it was an instant hit. But it was only in the range for two years before the Dyna line-up became Softails, so used ones now sell for more than the original RRP. For 2020 it’s back alongside a whole load of new tech for the tourers. The centrepiece of any Harley is its engine and the new Low Rider S comes with the 114ci version of the Milwaukee-Eight powertrain. This 1868cc behemoth puts out a whopping 119ftlb of torque at 3000rpm, which is more than a V-twin Panigales. The engine breathes through a gloss black ventilator intake and blows through a set of 2:2 shotgun
pipes. Naturally the handling has received an update, too.
The Low Rider S now joins the rest of the old Dyna family by getting the new Softail frame with hidden monoshock in place of the old twin shock swingarm. The front end also features a set of 43mm USD forks which should improve things over the old RWU items while rake has been reduced by two degrees to sharpen steering. Don’t get over excited though – it’s still 295kg dry, so it’s not going to be shaming sports bikes any time soon.
For the cool custom look, the motor has been blacked out, there’s a skinny set of ’bars on four-inch risers and it’s got a West Coast style mini screen. It comes in black or silver.
It’s a good day to be a tourer, too. For 2020 Harley’s Touring range is getting the ‘Reflex Defensive Rider System’, which is a fancy way of saying they’re getting all the electronics that other brands’ tourers have had for years. Coming as standard on all tourers (except the entry level Electra Glide Standard) they gain cornerning ABS (still linked), lean sensitive traction control (with standard and rain modes), engine brake control, hill hold control and tyre pressure monitoring. On top of that the H-D Connect app for the LiveWire is being extended to the tourers, so you’ll get tamper alerts, service reminders and bike status all through your phone. No costs for the tourers just yet but that should all be confirmed over the next few months.