2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Review

There’s no denying Harley-Davidson’s standing when it comes to street cred, and that reputation is safe with the new 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S.

But while the Motor Co’s products are generally typified by solid build quality, visual allure, and a thumping V-twin exhaust note, riders who prioritise pure handling and performance often look to other brands.

Granted, you can always up-spec a Harley and improve it significantly on both those counts, but it’s all extra cash and on top of what was most likely a major investment to begin with.

However, with the new 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S, you can have it all – looks, cred, performance and handling – straight off the showroom floor (though we’d still ditch the stock pipes, and stump up for some throaty slip-ons!).

The 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S is built to handle. With a heritage that can be traced all the way back to the Harley-Davidson FXS of 1977, the Low Rider S was part of Harley’s Dyna range for many years but resurfaced in the Softail range in 2020. Now, in 2022, it has received a further update, and falls under Harley’s Cruiser umbrella.

This latest Harley-Davidson Low Rider S gets a taller monoshock to raise the rear, enhancing ground clearance by an inch, which translates to an extra 1.3 degrees of lean angle than the previous model.

It also fairly oozes attitude, and this is before you even start the engine. With its compact bikini fairing, chunky and black drag 'bars atop 4.0in risers, and mid-mount controls, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S comes loaded with rebel intent.

Throw in an attack-style ride position, knees bent and arms outstretched, and combine it with Harley-Davidson’s spicy Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin, and you’ve got yourself one sinful hoon machine!

Slotted inside the latest Softail chassis, that potent Milwaukee-Eight 117 offers the sort of punch previously only the brand’s CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) customers were privy to.

We’re talking a whopping 1923cc of displacement, with peak torque of 167Nm at 3500rpm – that’s five percent higher than its predecessor’s Milwaukee-Eight 114.

You also get a tuned Heavy Breather intake with forward-facing exposed filter element that boosts air flow and, as Harley-Davidson puts it, produces “exciting mid-range torque, and gives the motorcycle added hot-rod presence”.

Related reading:
2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Launch Review
2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S ready for launch
New 2016 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

I was impressed with the near-instantaneous power delivery, but it was the constant surge of strong torque, available pretty much all the way through the rev range to just shy of redline, that really grabbed my attention.

Technological intervention is minimal, with no traction control or ride modes, making for a pure, undiluted ride. Running hot into a corner, eager downshifting sees the rear tyre chirp in protest, while any good twist of the throttle sends you forcibly sliding back in the seat.

I was climbing all over the bike in an attempt to show the Low Rider S who was boss – for a cruiser, this bike is anything but chill. The combo of hard acceleration and aggressive ergonomics places a devil on your shoulder, and one that won’t take no for an answer!

Thankfully the brakes are up to the task of pulling up 308kg (wet) and all the forward motive force churned out by that lively Milwaukee-Eight 117. The ABS-equipped twin 300mm discs up front and single 292mm disc at the rear make for a positive braking experience, although there is some slight pulsing at the lever when the ABS intervenes.

Despite a rangy 28-degree rake and a complete lack of adjustment, the 43mm inverted fork delivers precise, predictable steering with plenty of stability under brakes.

Rear suspension comprises a Softail under-seat coil-over monoshock arrangement with hydraulic preload adjustment. With 112mm of travel, it manages minor bumps competently. Harsh bumps are transmitted through the seat, however, but the mid-mount controls mean less of that shock hits the base of your spine, as might be the case with a forward-controls format.

As for the wheels, there’s a 19-inch rim up front and a 16-incher at the rear, both cast-alloy affairs shod with Michelin Scorcher 31 tyres (110/90B19 and 180/70B16 respectively). The package sees the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S tip in with ease and corner with some finesse, while delivering good stability at higher speeds too.

Motorcycle styling is of course entirely subjective but, if you ask me, I reckon the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S is the best-looking Harley in the current line-up. I love its robust yet athletic silhouette, and the subtle colour schemes (a choice of Vivid Black or, for an extra $355, Gunship Grey) command a strong presence.

On the Vivid Black bike, the dark bronze accents of the Radiate wheels and the ‘117’ inscription on the primary cover and exposed filter soften the otherwise menacing all-black engine, chassis, fork and tank.

A further 2022 update is the handlebar-mounted analogue tacho/digi speedo unit, which brings the gauge closer to your line of sight than the tank-console-mounted instruments on previous Low Rider S models.

I appreciate the unit's simplicity, which adds to the down-and-dirty vibe of the Low Rider S, but some people might prefer something less rudimentary on a $31,250 (ride away) motorcycle. An ‘FXLRS’ decal adorns the tank’s console where the tacho previously resided.

The LED headlamp and LED tail/brake lights add a modern touch, while the self-cancelling indicators are well within reach and do exactly as they’re supposed to. Modestly styled, the solo leather seat offers great comfort and is thoughtfully shaped to cradle the rider.

If you’re after Big Twin attitude with handling expertise, the 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S might be right up your alley. Let’s be clear, you’ll scrape footpegs before you find the suspension’s limits, but you will have a tonne of fun while doing so.

Yes, this is a big-dollar bike. But the impressive performance justifies a good portion of the price tag, and the guaranteed street cred might just make up the difference…

ENGINE
Type: Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin
Capacity: 117cu in (1923cc)
Bore x stroke: 103.5mm x 114.3mm
Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Fuel system: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 103hp (77kW) at 4750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 169Nm at 3500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: 6-speed
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet multiplate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension: 43mm inverted single-cartridge fork, 130mm travel
Rear suspension: Softail coil-over monoshock, adjustable for preload, 112mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 300mm discs with four-piston calipers, ABS equipped
Rear brakes: Single 292mm disc with twin-piston caliper, ABS equipped
Tyres: Michelin Scorcher 31, front – 110/90B19, rear – 180/70B16

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 28 degrees
Trail: 145mm
Claimed wet weight: 308kg
Seat height: 710mm
Wheelbase: 1615mm
Fuel capacity: 18.9 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: from $31,250 ride away
Colours: Vivid Black or Gunship Grey (add $355)
Bike supplied by: Harley-Davidson Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres
Service interval: 1600km, then every 8000km thereafter