There are motorcycles that look fast, and then there are motorcycles that seem to have an attitude even before the engine starts. The 2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S belongs firmly in the second group. Low, dark and muscular, it has the kind of road presence that makes you turn around for another look.
But the Low Rider S is not just about appearance. Harley-Davidson gave this Softail a serious performance upgrade with its Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, along with suspension and chassis hardware aimed at riders who actually enjoy pushing a big cruiser through corners.
That combination makes the 2024 model particularly interesting. It still carries the unmistakable Harley-Davidson character, but there is a sharper, more energetic personality underneath the classic styling.
What Makes the Low Rider S Different?
The Low Rider S has always occupied an interesting position in Harley-Davidson’s lineup. It looks like a traditional American cruiser, yet its attitude is closer to a performance-oriented street bike.
The 2024 version continues that formula with a compact front fairing, blacked-out mechanical components, a sculpted fuel tank and bronze-finished cast wheels. The riding position is deliberately aggressive, with a moto-style handlebar that gives the rider a more commanding grip on the motorcycle.
It is not trying to be subtle. Park it next to ordinary cruisers and the Low Rider S immediately looks more purposeful.
How Much Power Does the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Make?
The engine is arguably the biggest reason to consider the Low Rider S. Harley-Davidson fitted the 2024 motorcycle with its Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin, displacing 1,923cc.
The factory-rated output is 103 horsepower at 4,750 rpm, while torque reaches 125 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. Those numbers only tell part of the story. The real character comes from the way the engine delivers that torque.
Roll the throttle open at normal road speeds and the bike responds with the deep, immediate pull riders expect from a large Harley. There is no need to constantly chase the upper end of the rev range. The engine’s strength is its effortless midrange.
A six-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheel through belt drive, keeping the mechanical package familiar to Harley enthusiasts.
What Does the Low Rider S Feel Like on the Road?
This is where the Low Rider S separates itself from a relaxed boulevard cruiser.
The motorcycle feels substantial beneath you, but the suspension gives it a more controlled character than its size might suggest. Up front, Harley-Davidson uses a 43mm inverted fork, while the rear gets a hidden monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment.
The result is a bike that feels planted without completely losing the traditional cruiser experience.
On open highways, the Low Rider S feels stable and confident. Find a winding road, however, and its personality changes. The relatively aggressive chassis setup encourages you to lean into corners rather than simply point the bike toward the horizon.
It will never pretend to be a lightweight sportbike, but that is not the point. The fun comes from making a large, powerful V-twin work through a series of bends.
How Does the 2024 Low Rider S Look?
Few motorcycles need an introduction once they are sitting in a parking lot. The Low Rider S is one of them.
Its design is dominated by a low stance, chunky tires and a muscular fuel tank. The small front fairing adds a little wind protection while also giving the motorcycle a distinctive profile.
Much of the motorcycle uses dark finishes, creating the modern custom-bike appearance Harley-Davidson is known for. The bronze wheels add just enough color to prevent the design from becoming visually flat.
The overall effect is aggressive without becoming excessively complicated. There are no unnecessary styling tricks. The Low Rider S largely gets its character from proportions, stance and mechanical presence.
What Are the Main Specifications?
The 2024 Low Rider S has a 1,923cc engine, a five-gallon fuel tank and a six-speed gearbox. Harley-Davidson lists its estimated fuel economy at 47 mpg.
The bike has a 63.6-inch wheelbase and around 5.7 inches of ground clearance. Its laden seat height is approximately 27 inches, which is relatively approachable considering the motorcycle’s overall size.
One specification that deserves attention is weight. The Low Rider S tips the scales at roughly 679 pounds in running order. That is a lot of motorcycle, especially when moving it around a garage or parking lot.
Once underway, however, the weight becomes much less noticeable. The low center of gravity and broad torque delivery help make the motorcycle feel more manageable than the number on the specification sheet might suggest.
When Did the 2024 Low Rider S Become a Popular Choice?
The appeal of the Low Rider S comes from its ability to satisfy two very different types of Harley riders.
Some buyers are attracted to the visual side. They want a dark, muscular motorcycle that looks custom straight from the showroom. Others are interested in the riding experience and want something more responsive than a traditional cruiser.
The 2024 model brings those two groups together particularly well. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 gives it plenty of character, while the suspension and riding position make it more interesting on winding roads.
That versatility is a major part of its appeal. It can spend a Sunday morning cruising through town and then feel perfectly at home on a mountain road later in the day.
What Was the 2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Price?
When new, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S carried a U.S. starting MSRP of $19,999 before additional charges such as taxes, registration and dealer-related costs.
Today, shoppers are more likely to encounter used examples or remaining inventory rather than a typical new 2024 model. That means the actual asking price can vary significantly.
Mileage, condition, maintenance records, aftermarket parts and location can all influence what a particular motorcycle is worth. A well-maintained example with sensible modifications can be considerably more attractive than a heavily altered bike with an uncertain service history.
How Comfortable Is It for Everyday Riding?
The Low Rider S is comfortable enough for everyday use, but it is important to understand what kind of comfort it offers.
The relatively low seat makes getting on and off easy, while the riding position gives the motorcycle a purposeful feel. The front fairing provides some help against wind, but this is not a full touring motorcycle.
For commuting, weekend rides and highway trips, it can work very well. Riders planning long-distance touring should remember that luggage, wind protection and passenger comfort are not its strongest priorities.
The Low Rider S is fundamentally about the rider, the road and the engine.
What Technology Comes With the Low Rider S?
Despite its old-school appearance, the motorcycle includes useful modern equipment.
The instrument setup provides key information such as speed, engine rpm, gear position, fuel level, trip information and range. Cruise control is also available, which is particularly useful when spending extended periods on highways.
Electronic rider aids add another layer of confidence. ABS and traction control help manage braking and acceleration when conditions are less than ideal.
These features do not dominate the riding experience. Instead, they quietly provide assistance while the motorcycle retains its mechanical, analog character.
How Good Is the 2024 Low Rider S Overall?
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S succeeds because it does not try to reinvent what a Harley cruiser should be. Instead, it takes a familiar formula and gives it considerably more attitude.
The Milwaukee-Eight 117 provides the muscle, the inverted fork and rear monoshock give the chassis a sportier edge, and the dark styling makes the motorcycle instantly recognizable.
It is heavy, expensive and certainly not designed for everyone. But for a rider who wants the unmistakable feel of a big American V-twin with a more aggressive road-going personality, the Low Rider S makes a compelling argument.
It is the kind of motorcycle that can be appreciated while standing still, but its real character only becomes clear once the throttle is opened and the road starts turning.