The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is a performance-oriented cruiser that combines a high-displacement V-twin engine, a purpose-built chassis, advanced rider safety systems, and functional rider-focused equipment. Designed around the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine, the model integrates modern electronic control systems with traditional mechanical architecture, creating a motorcycle that emphasizes power delivery, chassis control, and rider awareness. Its specification package includes a 6-Speed transmission, inverted front suspension, a hidden rear monoshock, dual front disc brakes, LED lighting, and a comprehensive rider information display. The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S also incorporates traction control, anti-lock braking technology, tire pressure monitoring, and cornering-enhanced rider safety systems that support confident operation across a variety of riding conditions.
Dimensions and Overall Configuration
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S utilizes dimensions that establish its distinctive cruiser profile while supporting rider accessibility and chassis stability. The motorcycle measures 92.9 inches in overall length, 35 inches in width, and 47.4 inches in height. These dimensions create a substantial presence while maintaining a layout that accommodates the model's performance-focused design. A wheelbase of 63.6 inches contributes to the motorcycle's overall stance and influences weight distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Seat height and ground clearance specifications further shape the riding experience. The laden seat height measures 27 inches, while the unladen seat height measures 28.1 inches. These measurements place the rider in a low, integrated seating position relative to the motorcycle's overall dimensions. Static ground clearance is listed at 5.7 inches, providing a balance between a low-profile appearance and functional road clearance. Combined with the chassis geometry and suspension travel, these measurements help establish the motorcycle's overall riding posture and road presence.
The steering geometry consists of a 28-degree rake and a matching 28-degree fork angle, paired with 5.7 inches of trail. These figures define the front-end layout and contribute to directional stability and steering behavior. The dimensions are complemented by Michelin® Scorcher 31 tires at both ends. The front tire is specified as 110/90B19, while the rear tire measures 180/70B16.
Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output Engine
The defining mechanical component of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine. This powerplant features a displacement of 117 cubic inches, equivalent to 1,923 cc, and is engineered around a bore of 4.075 inches and a stroke of 4.5 inches. The engine operates with a 10.3:1 compression ratio and uses a pushrod-operated valvetrain with overhead valves and hydraulic self-adjusting lifters. Four valves per cylinder support the engine's airflow characteristics and contribute to its overall performance profile.
Fuel delivery is managed through Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), which provides controlled fuel metering across the operating range. Air enters the engine through a Heavy Breather intake system that incorporates synthetic filter media and a washable exposed element. This intake arrangement is paired with a 2-into-1 exhaust system featuring a catalyst integrated into the header. Together, the induction and exhaust components support the engine's operating requirements while maintaining a cohesive performance package.
Engine lubrication is handled through a pressurized dry-sump system equipped with an oil cooler. This arrangement separates oil storage from the crankcase and supports lubrication throughout the engine's operating range. Oil capacity with filter is rated at 5 quarts, while the transmission and primary chain case capacities are listed separately. The lubrication system contributes to overall engine operation by supporting temperature management and component protection. These mechanical systems work together to create a comprehensive engine package tailored to the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S platform.
Performance Characteristics
The performance specifications of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S highlight the capabilities of the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine. The motorcycle produces a rated 128 ft-lb of engine torque at 4,000 rpm using the J1349 testing method. This torque output defines the engine's ability to generate substantial pulling power throughout its operating range. Power output is rated at 114 horsepower, or 85 kW, at 5,000 rpm.
Fuel economy is estimated at 47 mpg, or 5 l/100 km, using an estimated city and highway testing method. Supporting this range is a 5-gallon fuel tank, complemented by a 1-gallon reserve fuel capacity warning threshold. The fuel capacity and efficiency figures help define the motorcycle's operating range between refueling stops.
Lean-angle measurements further illustrate the motorcycle's dynamic capabilities. Using the J1168 testing method, the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S achieves a lean angle of 31.3 degrees on both the right and left sides. Matching measurements on both sides indicate symmetrical cornering clearance.
Drivetrain and Power Transfer
The drivetrain of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is engineered to transfer power efficiently from the engine to the rear wheel. A chain primary drive with a 34/46 ratio serves as the initial connection between the engine and transmission. Final drive duties are handled by a belt-drive system utilizing a 32/66 ratio. This combination of chain primary drive and belt final drive forms the foundation of the motorcycle's power-transfer architecture.
A mechanical 10-plate wet clutch with assist and conventional functionality manages engagement between the engine and transmission. This clutch assembly works with the motorcycle's 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission, allowing the rider to access six distinct gear ratios. The transmission's overall ratios range from 9.311 in first gear to 2.79 in sixth gear. Intermediate ratios are carefully spaced to provide progressive transitions throughout the gearbox. This gearing structure supports the engine's torque characteristics and defines the relationship between engine speed and road speed.
Chassis Construction and Suspension
The chassis of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is built around a mild-steel tubular frame featuring a rectangular-section backbone. The frame incorporates stamped, cast, and forged junctions joined through MIG welding processes. Aluminum forged fender supports further contribute to the structure. This combination of materials and manufacturing techniques provides the foundational architecture for the motorcycle. The frame serves as the mounting platform for the engine, suspension, and major chassis components.
The swingarm utilizes mild-steel tubular sections, a stamped crossmember, forged axle junctions, and MIG-welded construction. A removable belt spacer is incorporated into the swingarm assembly, supporting the motorcycle's final-drive configuration. Together, the frame and swingarm establish the primary load-bearing structure of the motorcycle. These components influence stability, suspension function, and overall chassis integrity.
Suspension duties are managed by a single-cartridge 43 mm inverted front fork paired with aluminum fork triple clamps. The fork uses a single-rate spring and provides 5 inches of front suspension travel. At the rear, the motorcycle employs a hidden free-piston coil-over monoshock featuring 56 mm of stroke and hydraulic preload adjustment. Rear suspension travel measures 4.4 inches. This suspension configuration provides controlled wheel movement while allowing preload adjustment at the rear to accommodate varying riding conditions and preferences.
Wheels, Tires, and Braking Systems
The wheel package on the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S consists of black Radiate cast aluminum wheels at both ends. The front wheel measures 19 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in width, while the rear wheel measures 16 inches in diameter and 5 inches in width. These dimensions work directly with the Michelin® Scorcher 31 tires specified for the motorcycle.
Braking performance is supported by dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake arrangement. The front system utilizes 4-piston fixed calipers acting on dual 11.8-inch floating rotors with a thickness of 0.2 inches. At the rear, a 2-piston floating caliper operates on an 11.5-inch floating rotor measuring 0.23 inches thick. The front and rear rotors feature a black Split 7-spoke floating design. This braking hardware provides the physical foundation for the motorcycle's stopping capability.
Electronic braking support is integrated through a standard Anti-lock Braking System. The inclusion of ABS adds an additional layer of control during braking events by helping manage wheel lock conditions. This system operates alongside the motorcycle's mechanical braking components and forms part of its broader rider safety package. The combination of robust braking hardware and electronic support contributes to controlled deceleration and rider confidence.
Electrical Equipment and Rider Information Systems
The electrical system of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S centers around a sealed, maintenance-free absorbed glass mat battery rated at 12 volts, 17.5 amp-hours, and 310 cold-cranking amps at 0°F. Charging is provided by a three-phase 48-amp system capable of producing 364 watts at 13 volts and 900 rpm, with a maximum output of 624 watts at 13 volts and 2,000 rpm. Starting duties are performed by a 1.6 kW electric starter featuring solenoid shift starter motor engagement. Together, these components provide the electrical foundation required to support vehicle operation and onboard systems.
Lighting throughout the motorcycle utilizes LED technology. The headlamp assembly includes LED low-beam, high-beam, and signature position lamp functions. The tail and stop lamp use an LED Buffett tail lamp, while both front and rear turn signals utilize LED Bullet Turn Signals. This lighting package supports visibility and signaling functions while maintaining consistency across the motorcycle's electrical equipment. The use of LED lighting throughout the system contributes to a unified lighting architecture.
Rider information is presented through a 4-inch analog speedometer supplemented by digital displays. The instrumentation provides indications for gear position, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, heated gear, traction control, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, clock, trip functions, range information, and tachometer data. A USB-C power outlet provides 5-volt output at 2.4 amps for compatible devices. The motorcycle does not include a dedicated infotainment system, integrated navigation system, Bluetooth® connectivity, or audio system. As configured, the rider information package focuses on vehicle operation and essential riding data.
Rider Safety Technologies
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S incorporates a collection of rider safety technologies designed to support vehicle control and rider awareness. Standard systems include Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control System, Drag-torque Slip Control System, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. These technologies operate alongside the motorcycle's mechanical systems and provide additional support during braking, acceleration, and changing road conditions. Their inclusion reflects a focus on enhancing rider information and vehicle management. Each system serves a specific function within the broader safety package.
The motorcycle also includes Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Brake System, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, and Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System. These cornering-focused technologies expand the functionality of their respective systems during lean-angle operation. By incorporating cornering-enhanced functions, the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S adds an additional layer of electronic support that complements the motorcycle's chassis and braking components.
Schedule a Test Ride at Speedway Harley-Davidson®
We invite you to experience the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S firsthand at Speedway Harley-Davidson® in Charlotte, NC. A test ride provides an opportunity to evaluate the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine, 6-Speed transmission, suspension system, and rider-focused technology in a controlled environment. You can explore the motorcycle's handling characteristics, comfort-focused riding position, braking performance, and integrated safety systems while becoming familiar with its instrumentation and controls. Our team can answer questions about the model's technical features and equipment while helping you understand how the motorcycle's systems work together.
