Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

Unique experience and thrill to ride – The Harley Davidson Low Rider S is an awesome bike for the unique riding experience. That's what a HD is all about, the motor, the sound, the feeling you get that no other bike can give. It's a good feeling. After moving away from Adventure bikes, being too tall and top heavy, the LRS, my FIRST HD, has a very manageable seat height of 710mm. I'm… Read more

5ft 9in or 174cm and can flat foot with bent knees. It is easier to move around the garage then the previous Yamaha Tenere with a lowered seat height of 830mm. I did raise the handlebars and added a pullback for easy reach. This improves the manageability of the bike and makes it easier to throw through the twisties, due to the increased leverage on the steering. It's a big difference. The 18.9 Litre fuel tank gives a range of 450klms and is more than previous adventure bikes I've owned over the past 20 years. The ride is comfortable and that's despite the shorter suspension travel. The standard suspension is very good for all but the harsh bigger bumps at country road or highway speeds. I find the standard seat is quite comfortable but have set up for a passenger, still yet to be used. I've done a 600klm ride in one day and was quite happy with the way the bike travelled and handled. The M8 motor is all about the torque and the sound. Both of which are the real reason to own a HD. The S&S two into one exhaust is excellent for providing the sound you WANT and it is quiet when cruising and when NOT accelerating. Love it. Just twist the throttle for a big smile. The downsides are mainly one, the cost of everything for this bike. It is NOT cheap to own. Including ALL the extras I've had fitted, it's a total of $40,000 AUD. Annual services are expensive at $510 for the first service.!! and similar each year. It's a lifestyle commitment that will reward you when you ride. If you've got healthy deep pockets, then it's a thrill to ride and own. If not, then it may not last long in your garage. Mine is still on trial to see how long it lasts. The second but also a big downside, is the gauges. They are very lacking and are small. Not good when you need to keep an eye on your speed, and you can exceed the limit easily on this bike. The speedo is tiny and as I need reading glasses, for the first time ever on a bike, I had to get prescription bifocal riding glasses to clearly read the digital info provided. The next bike won't be a HD, but will be a simple light and easy to handle bike.. For example, the Honda NX500 looks good to me.