Harley Davidson Low Rider ST

Overview

Performance And Engine

The Low Rider ST comes with a Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-Twin engine and a 2-into-1 exhaust that improves both airflow and sound. It produces 114 HP at 5,000 rpm and 128 ft-lbs (173 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm, making it well-suited for everything from city rides to long-distance touring in India. The Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection system provides accurate fueling, and the Heavy Breather intake helps the engine pull strongly at low speeds.

The bike uses a 6-speed manual transmission with a chain primary drive (34/46 ratio) that delivers smooth power and includes a slipper clutch for easier downshifting. The gear ratios are set up for both relaxed cruising and more spirited riding, ranging from 3.307 in 5th gear to 2.79 in 6th for better efficiency at higher speeds. This setup makes shifting smooth even under load, which is helpful in India’s changing traffic and road conditions.

The Low Rider ST can reach an estimated top speed of over 200 km/h, though it’s electronically limited for safety. Its 114 HP engine and aerodynamic fairing with saddlebags help it maintain high speeds comfortably, as seen in performance tests. Riders say it easily holds triple-digit speeds, making it a great choice for long-distance touring in India.

Mileage And Fuel Efficiency

The official ARAI-certified mileage for the Low Rider ST is not available yet. Still, similar bikes with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine usually get about 15-18 kmpl in standard tests. Once tested in India, it should offer similar numbers, especially with its 18.9-litre fuel tank, which allows for longer rides between fuel stops.

Indian riders of similar Harley 117ci models usually see real-world mileage of 12-15 kmpl in mixed city and highway use, which can drop to 10-12 kmpl with aggressive riding or heavy traffic. On regular tours at steady speeds of 80-100 km/h, mileage improves to around 16-18 kmpl. Factors like fuel quality, heat, and how much the bike is loaded can affect these numbers. Some owners have even reached 47 mpg (about 20 kmpl) on pure highway rides, based on international examples adapted for India.

Features And Technology

The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST offers Indian riders premium touring features, including the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output engine, new ride modes, and added safety features. Sold through Harley-Davidson India dealerships, it blends West Coast style with useful technology for both highways and city streets.

1. Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output Engine: 1,923 cc air/oil-cooled V-Twin delivering 114 HP at 5,020 rpm and 173 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm, with 10.3:1 compression for refined power.
2. Frame-Mounted Sharknose Fairing: FXRT-inspired design reduces wind fatigue on long Indian rides, integrated with vents for rider comfort.
3. Performance Suspension: 43mm inverted cartridge front forks with triple clamps and hidden rear monoshock (56mm stroke, hydraulic preload), offering 145mm ground clearance for potholed roads.
4. Dual Disc Brakes with Cornering ABS: 300mm front and 292mm rear discs with 4-piston callipers, Reflex Linked Brembo system for confident stops.
5. Traction Control and Rider Modes: New selectable modes including Road, Sport, and Rain, plus drag-torque slip control for varied Indian conditions.
6. Full LED Lighting: Adaptive headlamp, cornering signals, and taillight for superior night visibility on unlit highways.
7. 4-Inch Round Digital Display: TFT screen with analogue-style tachometer, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and music controls via the Harley app.
8. Hard-Locking Saddlebags: 2 cu ft capacity each, quick-release for 73 litres total storage, ideal for touring gear without compromising style.
9. Mid-Mount Controls and Solo Seat: Ergonomic pegs at 715mm seat height (laden), solo diamond-stitched seat for aggressive yet comfortable positioning.
10. Heavy Breather Intake and 2-into-1 Exhaust: Chrome exhaust with a catalyst and a performance air cleaner for a throaty rumble, compliant with Indian norms.
11. 19-Inch Cast Aluminium Wheels: Michelin Scorcher 31 tyres (110/90 front, 180/70 rear) for grip, wrapped in black machined finish.
12. USB-C Charging Port: Standard fast-charge outlet integrated in console for phones during long rides.
13. Tyre Pressure Monitoring: Sensors alert to ensure optimal safety across diverse terrains.
14. Keyless Ignition: Proximity fob with security system for convenience at Indian dealerships.

Build Quality

Harley builds the Low Rider ST with a strong steel tubular frame and swingarm that flexes enough to absorb pothole shocks but stays rigid during sharp turns. The black powder coating and E-coated internals protect against rust from monsoons and salty air, while the 117ci engine’s forged pistons and reinforced crankshaft handle high heat without oil problems.

The 19-inch front wheel uses sealed bearings and a belt tensioner that need little adjustment for up to 20,000 km. The saddlebag hinges are made from aircraft-grade aluminium, making them resistant to dents from luggage straps. Service centres in India have reported no frame cracks, even when the bike is heavily loaded for touring.

Handling

The bike’s 28° head angle and wide 180-section rear tyre keep it stable at 160 km/h on straight roads like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Its short 1,616mm wheelbase makes it easy to handle tight turns in places like Lonavala ghat. The 43mm inverted forks provide 120mm of travel and are tuned for quick rebound to avoid bouncing in corners. The rear shock’s hydraulic preload can be adjusted with a side knob for solo or two-up rides.

Drag-torque slip control helps make downshifts smoother in stop-and-go Bengaluru traffic, and the low 656mm unladen centre of gravity makes U-turns easy, even though the bike weighs 323 kg. Reviewers say it handles better than rivals like the Indian Chief in sweeping turns.

Comfort

The diamond-stitched solo seat shapes to your body after about 100 km, and you can lean up to 27° before losing control on rough highways. Gel inserts in the seat help prevent numbness on long rides, like an 800 km trip from Kochi to Mumbai. The clip-on handlebars are set at elbow height to keep your posture upright, and the fairing’s vents direct cool air to your chest and legs in hot, humid weather.

The mid-mounted pegs, set 400mm forward, let your knees bend comfortably on long rides. Bar-end weights and rubber-mounted footpegs reduce the usual Harley vibrations above 3,500 rpm. Grab rails and lower pegs for the passenger make it suitable for two people on weekend trips, with no complaints about thigh discomfort.

Styling

The Low Rider ST’s frame-mounted Sharknose fairing is inspired by the 1980s FXRT, with chrome or black trim that hints at its racing background. Its muscular look comes from chopped fenders and a low profile. The blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, Heavy Breather intake, and 2-into-1 exhaust give it an aggressive cruiser style. At the same time, the cast aluminium wheels with machined details add to its appeal.

The fairing vents and hard-lock saddlebags fit smoothly into the bike’s design, giving it a clean touring look without extra parts. The slim solo seat and mid-mounted controls highlight its performance-focused West Coast style, making it stand out in Delhi showrooms or on Kerala backroads.

Colour Options And Variants

Available in India in 5 colour options, and they are

1. Dark Billiard Gray
2. Vivid Black
3. Blood Orange
4. White Onyx Pearl
5. Aurora Blue Denim

Harley-Davidson India sells the Low Rider ST in a single premium version, all equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output engine. There are no base or top-spec options. Buyers can choose between chrome or blacked-out trim for a personal touch, though there is an extra charge for a special paint option.

Dealers offer accessory packs for touring, like windshields and luggage racks, or for performance, such as exhausts and seats. These create different versions of the bike without changing the engine. All models meet BS6 Phase 2 standards for sale across India.

Value For Money And Pricing

The Low Rider ST starts at ₹ 18,50,000 ex-showroom across India, though prices vary by city because of local taxes. Its 117ci engine with 114 HP and 173 Nm torque outperforms rivals, and it comes with touring extras like a fairing and saddlebags that cheaper Harleys lack. The bike retains 80-85% of its value after two years, thanks to service intervals every 8,000 km that cost ₹15,000-20,000.

Owners receive a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty, access to a nationwide service network, and options for customisation. This makes the Low Rider ST a smart long-term choice compared to mass-market cruisers that lose value faster. With fuel efficiency of 12-15 kmpl in the city and over 18 kmpl on the highway, its 18.9L tank can cover more than 250 km.

Primary competitors for Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST are

1. Indian Scout Bobber
2. Triumph Bonneville Bobber
3. Indian Chief

The Breakout stands out for its balanced chopper style and factory features. At the same time, the Rocket 3 offers better power for the price for those who want maximum speed.