Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST 2023 — Specifications

When we talk about the Low Rider ST, we're not talking about just another Harley-Davidson. Instead, imagine a statement of intent, a defiant gesture towards purists who think Milwaukee only knows how to do noise and chrome. Here, we're dealing with concrete realities, the road flashing by, the mile marker ticking off between friends. It's the very definition of "club style," a term that evokes the scent of hot asphalt and group road trips, popularized by cult series. The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST, which appeared in 2022, embodies this raw philosophy: a custom built to ride, far, and not just to shine at the local café.

At the heart of this beast lies the long-awaited monster: the Milwaukee-Eight 117. With its 1923 cm3 displacement, it's the largest V-twin ever fitted as standard on a non-CVO Harley-Davidson. The figures? 105 horsepower at the rear wheel and, above all, 169.5 Nm of torque available from 3500 rpm. On paper, this may seem modest compared to a Japanese bike. But between the thighs, it’s a completely different story. This torque is an underlying swell, a constant and visceral push that propels the 308 kg (fully fueled) with uninhibited authority. The belt drive and six gears ensure exemplary progressiveness. That's the whole point of a Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST test ride: to understand that performance is measured in smiles, not just the speedometer approaching 180 km/h.

But a GT, even a rebellious one, must be able to carry its belongings. That's where the "ST" takes on its full meaning. Compared to the Low Rider S, the ST features a fixed fairing to the frame, inspired by the old FXRT models, and two rigid saddlebags offering 54 liters of storage space. The ensemble, available in a sublime Tobacco Fade finish, gives a stocky and determined profile. The slightly increased ground clearance and specific suspension settings prevent it from scraping the asphalt on the slightest curve. The low handlebar remains, the riding position is engaged; it’s a touring bike for an active rider, not for lounging. For those looking for a used Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST, it's this unique compromise that needs to be checked: it is comfortable on the highway thanks to its effective fairing, but it has not renounced its nervous custom soul.

So, who is it for? Clearly not for beginners, despite the existence of a Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST A2 restriction kit. Its weight and power demand a certain experience. It targets the demanding globetrotter, the Americana enthusiast who wants character without the excesses of a bagger, the motorcyclist seeking a distinctive style. At a price of around €24,000, it positions itself as a charming alternative to Japanese or European GTs. It will never match them in driving finesse or braking, but it offers something inimitable: a personality, a soundtrack, a presence. It’s a machine of emotions before it’s a machine of numbers. And in that area, it simply has no competitor.