Sports Tourer Wise
Low Rider meets high output.
The abbreviation ‘ST’ traditionally denotes Sports-Touring, although nowhere on Harley-Davidson’s FXLRST Low Rider ST web site are the words ‘Sport’ or ‘Touring’ mentioned.
Maybe that’s because it’s obvious that this is a really good example of an ST. It’s a bike you can ride a long way and have a jolly good time if there are twisty roads involved getting there.
I really like this motorcycle, in concept and execution.
The Sport component is fabulous.
It has 114 horsepower, produces 173 Nm of torque @ 4000rpm, has a solid chassis, good suspension, nice brakes, the full raft of rider safety enhancements, efficient aerodynamics, and it’s all in a package with some fetching lines and a nice look.
The Sport
I found the ‘Sport’ component to be very well executed.
At its heart sits the new Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High-Output V-Twin engine, displacing 1923cc with a 103.5 mm bore and 114.3 mm stroke.
Harley are obviously confident about the 117-cube. It’s the first time in a long time that they have trumpeted horsepower numbers on a big twin.
A compression ratio of 10.3:1, heavy-breather intake and redesigned two-into-one exhaust deliver a broad torque curve and peak power at 5,020 rpm. Redline is raised from 5,600 rpm to 5,900 rpm for ’25.
And It Handles
As with previous FLXRST models, the latest Softail Chassis balances agility and stability.
28° rake, 145 mm trail and 1615 mm wheelbase provide confident handling on the open road. It’s really nice to just drop into a corner and enjoy the way it sticks on a line while you tuck in behind the fairing.
Front suspension is via 43 mm inverted cartridge forks with triple-rate springs. A free-piston coil-over monoshock, with 56 mm stroke at the rear offers hydraulic preload adjustment - and increased cornering clearance.
The good-looking cast-aluminium wheels are shod with Michelin Scorcher tyres (110/90-19 front, 180/70-16 rear) and at 304 kg in running order it feels planted, even on crappy SEQ roads. It’s as good as it gets for a stock Harley.
It also has nice brakes, with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers – and impressive-looking split 7-spoke floating rotors. The stopper system now includes the full raft of rider safety enhancements, similar to the touring range: Corner Enhanced ABS, Enhanced Traction Control, Slipper clutch, Tyre pressure monitoring, Cornering Slip control and more. All now standard.
As are three selectable ride modes. Rain, Road and Sport. Changeable on the fly from a toggle on the right-hand side of the new switchgear, which incidentally is now configured similarly to the Touring models.
The three modes affect throttle response and tune the safety enhancements. I spent most of the time in the middle, or ‘Road’ mode. Sport gets quite notchy for around town use. It’s great to wick it up on a backroad though. It didn’t rain during the test.
The controls and switches are housed in a modular block with the latest cruise control interface – it all falls nicely to hand and I really liked the standard rubber hand grips. Not something I normally notice.
Another nice touch is that the levers are now adjustable too.
It is indeed a confidence-inspiring Harley-Davidson.
The Touring Part
The Touring concessions also have nice touches.
The old-school West Coast frame mounted fairing is a result of computational fluid dynamic design and is very effective in reducing wind blast fatigue - with minimal buffeting. There is still a bit of a ‘flutter’ coming off the screen in an open face helmet, but it’s minor. Handling is unaffected by the bodywork in normal crosswinds. It really has some nice lines and angles too.
The bars are pulled back and sit on medium risers for a good mix of control and comfort and the seat height of 715mm befits the name Low Rider.
Yet…
Then there’s the mid-controls and footpegs.
These work really well in the sports section, providing nice ergos for hooking in a bit.
For anyone on the taller side, the forward controls option would be almost compulsory for any sort of long-distance run.
But for average heights, very capable of a long run the ST is in stock form.
The 18.9 litre tank gives a range up to 400km and the solo saddle is more comfortable than it looks.
The panniers won’t accommodate a helmet, but they will carry essentials for a trip – if you pack light - and the pneumatic closers on the lids are a nice touch.
In Freeway and open road conditions, engaging the cruise control and relaxing behind the efficient fairing is a pleasant way to roll away distance.
The 117-cube is smooth and comfortable on the super-slab – and strong and very willing over a mountain pass.
A Versatile Package
The view from the cockpit is pleasant. The four-inch instrument cluster features an analogue speedometer with a multi-function digital display inset.
The toggle on the left-hand switch block cycles through the available data: tacho, trip meters, fuel range, gear indicator and odometer functions. Plus it has the usual array of idiot / warning lights.
The new LED lighting is good, but the look at the rear isn’t helped by the number plate treatment. That aside, I thought the presentation of the Iron Horse Metallic paint (+$430) is very pleasing. It now includes a USB-C charging or accessory port too.
We always value versatility highly around the HEAVY DUTY editorial desk and the Low Rider ST is a most versatile Harley. We like its relative minimalism and bare-boned performance.
The lack of passenger accommodation counts against it in a versatility comparison with other Softails like the Heritage, but as a solo all-rounder it ticks a lot of our boxes.
Sport-Touring-wise that is.
Things I Liked
The way it handles.
The engine.
The aesthetic.
Things I Didn’t
Mid controls—as usual.
Black side covers.
The number plate treatment.
Things I’d Change
Fit forward controls.
Paint the side covers.
Fix that number plate—frame it at least.
Guts & Bolts — 2025 Low Rider ST
Engine
TypeMilwaukee-Eight 117 High-Output
Capacity1923 cc
Bore × stroke103.5 × 114.3 mm
Compression10.3:1
Power114 hp / 85 kW at 5020 rpm
Torque173 Nm at 4000 rpm
Exhaust2-into-1; catalyst in header
Drivetrain & Frame
TransmissionSix-Speed Cruise Drive
ClutchMechanical 10-plate wet; assist and conventional slip
Primary driveChain; 34/46 ratio
Final driveBelt; 32/66 ratio
FrameMild-steel tubular Softail chassis
SwingarmMild-steel tubular; removable belt spacer
Chassis
Front wheelRadiate cast aluminium; Michelin Scorcher 110/90B19 62H
Rear wheelRadiate cast aluminium; Michelin Scorcher 180/70B16 77H
BrakesFour-piston front; two-piston rear; 300 mm rotors
Front suspension43 mm inverted cartridge fork
Rear suspensionFree-piston coil-over monoshock; 56 mm stroke; hydraulic preload
Lean angle31.3 degrees left and right
Dimensions
Length2360 mm
Wheelbase1615 mm
Seat height715 mm
Rake / trail28 degrees / 145 mm
Ground clearance145 mm
Fuel capacity18.9 litres
Running weight304 kg
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