17 July 2025

Feature-filled Low Rider ST shines

Bike behemoth Harley-Davidson has refreshed the long-established Low Rider ST.

The new model comes packed with fancy features as standard and a chrome finish that shines yet shadows.

Paul Browne reports.

 

 

The latest iteration of Harley-Davidson’s well-established Low Rider ST is finished differently.

The chrome details on the engine allow it to stand out from the standard model and are a very nice touch on a bike that ‘hides’ so many of its features.

These include a full set of LED lights and revised electrical extras such as a C-Type USB port in front of the rider, as well as a very clever socket for heated clothing. No more excuses for wimping out and taking the Mercedes in the chilly weather!

Small changes

It’s the small changes that I like.

The span adjustable front brake lever allows me to adjust it to fit my hands, so that stopping is more comfortable thanks to the resulting ‘feel’.

It also allows me to move it out far enough to operate with only two fingers without trapping my other digits between the end of the lever and the throttle.

Cruise control remains a feature of which I’m fond. It’s very useful in particular when navigating speed-limited works which are covered by more cameras than Kim Kardashian on a beach holiday.

Genial giant

The choice of rider modes is also helpful in minimising the intimidation that can come when riding a bike with a big motor like this in poor weather.

This system works at the touch of a button and cycles through Road, Rain and Sports modes. Road is standard for everyday use and in Rain mode the ST’s fuelling system reduces the impact of the bike’s high torque figure. Sport we’ll come back to in a moment.

Safety catches

Safety is also greatly enhanced thanks to both the ABS and the traction control being of the cornering type.

Put very simply both systems will work when the bike is leaned over in a corner.

And this is all standard.

There’s also what’s called ‘drag torque slip control’.

What this does is allows the bike to manage the effect that going down through the gearbox has on the rear wheel and the final drive.

Going down through the box in a hurry on a bike this big would traditionally involve an unpleasant amount of wheel lock and a violent engagement of the gearbox as the big torque numbers are aggressively delivered.

This new system negates this particular ‘fact of life’ and allows the bike to use its engine braking in a much, much more comfortable and predictable manner.

The use of more aluminium means the frame is lighter and stronger, with a new suspension system increasing responsiveness.

All of this is great and easy to take for granted after a few kilometres on the road.

Plenty ponies

But it’s the ST’s  Milwaukee-Eight 117 High-Output V-twin that I’m really impressed by. At 1,923cc it puts out 114 ponies and, perhaps more impressively, 174Nm of torque.

Going back now to those fuelling options, choosing the Sport mode and riding the bike higher in the rev range is a wonderful experience as that’s where all the power lives.

The really great thing about tucking in to all the motor’s muscle is that the new features make it so much easier to control and manage the bike when both braking and accelerating.

All this comes with a classic Harley shape and design, along with generous luggage space and enough comfort to carry a pillion across a continent on.

The new Low Rider ST is available to test ride at Waterford Harley-Davidson. Just give Mo a call on 0 51 844200 and he’ll get you out on the road for a spin.

Harley-Davidson insurance? Call our specialist motorbike insurance team on 0818 945 950.

 

 

 

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