Harley-Davidson has been making low rider motorcycles since 1977. HD took the hint that riders wanted their bikes in a lower model because of the numerous customizations that they saw taking place in the 1970s. This inspired them to develop the FXS Low Rider, which was well received by Harley enthusiasts. Here are the 10 best Low Rider models of all time for your consideration and enjoyment.
10. 1977 Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider
The Low Rider is an iconic bike that occupies an important place in the history of the brand. It’s the first low rider that was factory-made by Harley-Davidson. The bike meant that fans of the twenty-seven-inch seat would no longer need to hit up a custom fabricator to lower the seat action. It captured the torquey sound of the classic Harley and became an instant success as well as a long-term favorite of riders.
9. 1981 Harley-Davidson FXS 1340 Low Rider
The FXS 1340 Low Rider was a popular model in the Sport touring category during the early 1980s. This bike was powered by an 81.8 cubic inch V2 four-stroke engine that generated 67 horsepower with a top speed of 102.5 mph. The air-cooled 4-speed chain-driven bike. The fuel capacity was 4.10 gallons which took you away down the road without the need for frequent fill-up stops.
8. 1997 Harley-Davidson 340 Dyna Low Rider
The 1997 HD 340 Dyna Low Rider received good reviews for its slick handling and the smooth ride is delivered. The ignition was skillfully hidden under the seat with a push starter button on the switch. This bike was a hit with businessmen who commuted regularly back and forth from their homes to the city. It was praised for the smooth clutch and its fast warmup. For a big twin-engine, the vibration was remarkably low.
7. 1979 Harley-Davidson FXS 1200 Low Rider
The most appreciated feature of this bike was its flat drag bars that lent amazing control of the bike. Another notable feature of its 58 horse engine was the top speed of 105 miles per hour. It wasn’t intended to be a racer but it did have great on and off-road capabilities if you decided to take it out in the boonies.
6. 2000 Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider
The FXDL Dyna Low Rider delivered high on performance. HD met the demands of a large portion of their consumer base by rendering the five-speed transmission that became so popular among riders. This was a short low rider that came with an attitude. The engine cranked 67.8 horsepower at 5500 rpm. It hit the sweet spot for a millennial generation of Harley riders.
5. 1984 Harley-Davidson FXSB 1340 Low Rider
The 1984 version of the 1340 Low Rider was especially popular because this was the only year that the bike was equipped with a belt driver rear end. Now it’s considered to be a collectible because of the single production year with this precise specification. While it earned the reputation as a high-maintenance bike it delivered on the classic Harley sound as well as performance and speed.
4. 1988 Harley-Davidson FXRS 1340 Low Rider
The 1988 1340 Low Rider model came out with high backed seats that were reminiscent of Peter Fonda in “The Easy Rider.” This bike was intended for sticking on the road and it’s not one that you really wanted to take in off-road situations much. This is the model that gave HD a boost when sales were low. It turned things around for the company’s economic situation.
3. 2005 Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider
the 2005 Dyna Low Rider was valued for its smooth ride. Its low center of gravity was a big-time selling point. The low height of the seat made it easy to flat-foot at stops. This model was a popular choice among lady riders due to its small size and short length. The bike excelled in handling curves in the road and it was one of the most enjoyable bikes in its class. The 2005 Dyna Low Rider was a more modernized version but not much could beat the 1997 edition with riders of its era.
2. 1997 Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider
The 1997 Dyna Low Rider hit the ground running. The smooth suspension delivered high on rider comfort. You could hit the road for long hauls and still feel good when you arrived at your destination. This bike was popular among businessmen and other commutes as it delivered on the classic Harley sound and road comfort. It brought the best of both worlds in smooth and sleek riding comfort. The V-twin engine was a favorite delivering enough power without going too far over the top.
1. 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
The Low Rider S for 2020 has broken new ground for the current model year. It’s the latest low rider in the Harley-Davidson fleet of bikes and the first since the Dyna went away in 2017. Power and agility are the two best descriptors for this bike. HD designed it with a decent overhaul for a more aggressive look in a six-speed edition. This bike made a big show at the 2020 gathering at Sturgis despite the recent pandemic. The Softail bears a huge Milwaukee Eight 114 engine with updates to the brakes and suspension. the new Low Rider S has inspired as much excitement as the 1977 release of the low rider. The more aggressive and attractive bike is just what the doctor ordered in a time when we all needed a boost. It has left riders waiting in eager anticipation of what Harley-Davidson has planned for the 2021 edition.
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