New Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

Harley-Davidson has delivered a mid-year surprise in the form of the Low Rider S factory custom, complete with the same Screamin' Eagle® Twin Cam 110 engine as found in the other two 'S' series cruisers: the Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S.Upgraded suspension and brakes also add to the S conversions.

"Riders have been asking when Harley-Davidson would build another aggressive, performance-based bike like the legendary FXR models," said Harley-Davidson Director of Styling Brad Richards. "This is our answer to that question. The Low Rider S is informed by the current tall-bike custom trend and our own styling heritage, but also seeks to redefine Harley-Davidson performance for a new generation of riders.

"We wanted to really connect the rider to the road by delivering instantaneous power and agile handling with a bike that's trimmed to the essentials."

The Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine — the largest-displacement engine Harley-Davidson installs at the factory — pumps out 156Nm of peak torque at 3500rpm — 13 percent more power than the standard Low Rider model. A heavy-duty clutch delivers power to a six-speed transmission. Cruise control is standard, while the entire powertrain and exhaust is finished in a combination of gloss black and wrinkle black powder coat.

The Low Rider S has nitrogen gas-charged emulsion shocks, and the triple disc brakes with dual floating front rotors are equipped with anti-lock braking, A new solo seat, flat drag bar on 140mm risers and mid-mount controls put the rider in an aggressive hands-up position square over the pegs. Seat height remains at 676mm.

"When you ride fast in this upright position, you need a little wind protection," said Harley-Davidson Senior Stylist Dais Nagao. "Then the way we inset the headlamp deeper into the speed screen gives the Low Rider S an aggressive face. It's a powerful way to communicate the personality of the motorcycle."

The Low Rider S is offered only with Vivid Black on the sheet metal. Other black finishes maintain the dark theme, with a single exception: new Magnum Gold lightweight cast-aluminium wheels, a finish inspired by the gold-tone magnesium wheels used on race cars in the 1960s. A gold tank badge pays homage to the 1977 XLCR Café Racer model.

Price and availability for Australia are yet to be announced.