2016 Dyna Low Rider S
A quick spin on a great new Dyna.
The 2016 Dyna Low Rider S is powered by the new Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110-cube powerplant, running through the Six-Speed Cruise Drive transmission—and it’s the best stock air-cooled Harley engine yet.
Twin Cam 110
It is more responsive than the other 110-cube engines currently available from the Softail range, although it does vibrate more than the counterbalanced “B” variants. However, it launches better than the Softails and pulls noticeably harder and longer than stock 103-cube Dyna motors.
It features a 101.6 × 111.1 mm bore and stroke to give a 1801 cc displacement, and a Heavy Breather intake is fitted as standard. Harley claims 156 Nm at 3500 rpm. Numbers aside, the torque that the 110-cube produces—and the way it is delivered—is a perfect complement to the bike’s road manners.
Suspension and Handling
The real-world 17-inch rear and 19-inch front rubber, in 160 and 100 sections respectively, is fitted to new Magnum Gold five-spoke wheels. Suspension is by 49 mm cartridge Premium Ride forks up front and Premium Ride emulsion shocks at the rear.
After a few days riding, I was genuinely surprised when I checked the specifications to find that the rear only has 54 mm of travel available. I didn’t bottom out once and found the ride comfortable, while the handling and tracking were solid and reliable—no doubt testament to the quality of the suspension.
Braking
The twin 300 mm discs up front, with floating rotors, and 292 mm rear brake continue to make any bar-room arguments about Harley brakes redundant. The ABS units aren’t quite as effortless as the latest batch of Softail stoppers, but even so, I rarely called the rear into play in general riding because the fronts are just that good.
Ergonomics
As well as the solid Dyna chassis, proven geometry and 1630 mm wheelbase, the bike’s riding position and ergonomics also help make it tip tidily. The mid-mounted foot controls fit well with the slightly turned-down drag handlebars on relatively low risers. Nestled behind the Speed Screen, it all adds to the sporty feel of the ride. I also found the solo seat surprisingly comfortable, and it gave me no grief after some long afternoons aboard.
That Look
It has performance, brakes and handling—and then there’s simply looking at it.
Maybe it is the memory of halcyon days lusting over the 1971 XLCR Café Racer that made me look so fondly at the Low Rider S. The John Player Special colour scheme, the black-on-black treatment and the line of the bike worked so well to my eye. Just walking into the garage and seeing it there made me smile.
Minor Gripes
Any gripes I had with the bike were minor. I liked the way the Tommy Gun exhausts looked, but I’d prefer a system offering a little more clearance to match the bike’s tipping ability.
I liked the separate tank-mounted tachometer sitting below the speedometer in the new wrinkle-finish console, but the problem with the piggyback arrangement is that I needed to tilt my head and look down to see it clearly.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Low Rider S is a versatile motorcycle with a host of Harley niceties. It has excellent cruise control, great ancillaries, self-cancelling indicators, a powerful headlight, security fob, ergonomic switchgear, good brakes, a big torque hammer—and an encyclopaedia’s worth of accessory options.
The Low Rider S is well worth a test ride if you are looking for a real rider’s Harley-Davidson.
What I Like
The muscular Twin Cam 110, strong front brakes, excellent suspension and beautifully judged black-and-gold styling. It launches hard and handles with real confidence.
What I’d Change
I’d fit an exhaust with more cornering clearance and relocate the tank-mounted tachometer so it could be read without looking so far down.
The Verdict
A versatile, charismatic and genuinely sporting Dyna with a big torque hammer. It is well worth a test ride for anyone seeking a real rider’s Harley-Davidson.
