The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine, designed to deliver consistent performance across a wide operating range. This engine features a displacement of 117 cubic inches, equivalent to 1,923 cubic centimeters. The bore measures 4.075 inches, while the stroke extends to 4.5 inches. The compression ratio is set at 10.3:1, supporting efficient combustion and sustained power delivery.
The engine uses a pushrod-operated overhead valve configuration with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters and four valves per cylinder. This arrangement reduces the need for frequent valve adjustments while maintaining consistent valve timing. Fuel delivery is handled through Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection, which meters fuel precisely to optimize efficiency and throttle response. The intake system includes a Heavy Breather intake with synthetic media and a washable exposed element, designed to maintain airflow consistency over extended use.
The exhaust system follows a 2-into-1 configuration with a catalyst integrated into the header. This design supports exhaust flow efficiency while complying with emissions standards. Lubrication is managed through a pressurized dry-sump system with an oil cooler, ensuring thermal stability and consistent oil circulation during extended operation. The engine produces 128 ft-lb of torque at 4,000 rpm and delivers 114 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, establishing a performance profile centered on strong torque output and mid-range power.
Engine Output Characteristics and Performance Metrics
Performance measurements for the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S are based on standardized testing methods. Engine torque is rated using the J1349 standard, ensuring consistency in reporting. The torque output of 128 ft-lb at 4,000 rpm supports acceleration across a broad rpm range. Power output is measured at 114 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, providing sufficient top-end capability for sustained highway speeds.
Lean angle capability is measured using the J1168 standard. The motorcycle achieves a lean angle of 31.3 degrees on both the right and left sides. This level of lean angle indicates balanced chassis geometry and predictable cornering clearance. Fuel economy is estimated at 47 miles per gallon under combined city and highway conditions, reflecting the efficiency of the fuel injection system and engine calibration.
Transmission Configuration and Drivetrain Layout
The drivetrain of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is configured to transfer engine output efficiently to the rear wheel. The primary drive uses a chain system with a 34/46 ratio. Final drive is managed through a belt system with a 32/66 ratio, which reduces maintenance requirements compared to chain-driven final systems.
The clutch is a mechanical, 10-plate wet design with assist and conventional operation. This configuration reduces lever effort while maintaining positive engagement under load. The transmission is a 6-Speed Cruise Drive® unit, designed to balance acceleration and cruising efficiency. Gear ratios are distributed to provide controlled power delivery across all speeds. First gear is set at 9.311, followed by 6.454 in second gear, 4.793 in third gear, 3.882 in fourth gear, 3.307 in fifth gear, and 2.79 in sixth gear. This progression allows for strong initial acceleration and lower engine speed at higher road speeds.
Frame Construction and Structural Design
The frame of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S uses a mild steel tubular structure with a rectangular-section backbone. The frame integrates stamped, cast, and forged junctions, assembled using MIG welding techniques. Aluminum forged fender supports contribute to structural integrity while reducing weight in targeted areas.
The swingarm is constructed from mild steel tubular sections and includes a stamped cross-member with forged axle junctions. It is also MIG-welded and features a removable belt spacer to facilitate maintenance and adjustments. This structural design supports consistent alignment and durability under varying load conditions.
Geometry, Dimensions, and Weight Distribution
The motorcycle’s geometry is configured to provide stable handling and controlled steering input. The rake angle is set at 28 degrees, with a matching fork angle of 28 degrees. The trail measures 5.7 inches, contributing to directional stability. The wheelbase extends to 63.6 inches, which supports a balance between straight-line stability and maneuverability.
Overall length is 92.9 inches, while the width measures 35 inches, and the height is 47.4 inches. The laden seat height is 27 inches, and the unladen seat height is 28.1 inches. Static ground clearance is measured at 5.7 inches. These dimensions define the motorcycle’s stance and rider positioning.
Weight as shipped is 644 pounds, increasing to 670 pounds in running order. The gross vehicle weight rating is 1,160 pounds. The front gross axle weight rating is 450 pounds, and the rear gross axle weight rating is 730 pounds. These values indicate the load capacity distribution across the chassis.
Suspension System and Travel Specifications
The front suspension uses a single-cartridge inverted fork with a diameter of 43 millimeters. The fork is supported by aluminum triple clamps and incorporates a single-rate spring. This configuration enhances rigidity and maintains consistent damping characteristics.
The rear suspension consists of a hidden coil-over monoshock with a free piston design. The shock provides 56 millimeters of stroke and includes hydraulic preload adjustment. This allows the rider to adjust suspension characteristics based on load conditions. Front suspension travel measures 5 inches, while rear travel is 4.4 inches. These figures define the range of movement available to absorb road irregularities.
Wheel Design and Tire Specifications
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S uses cast aluminum wheels with a Radiate design finished in black. The front wheel has a diameter of 19 inches and a width of 2.5 inches. The rear wheel measures 16 inches in diameter and 5 inches in width. These dimensions support a combination of stability and traction.
The tires are Michelin® Scorcher 31 models fitted to both front and rear. The front tire specification is 110/90B19, rated at 62H. The rear tire specification is 180/70B16, rated at 77H. These tires are designed to provide consistent grip and predictable handling characteristics across various riding conditions.
Braking System and Mechanical Control Components
The braking system on the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is designed for controlled deceleration and consistent stopping performance. The front braking setup uses dual rotors with a diameter of 11.8 inches. These rotors are paired with 4-piston fixed calipers. The rear brake uses a single rotor measuring 11.5 inches in diameter with a 2-piston floating caliper.
Front rotor thickness is 0.2 inches, while the rear rotor thickness is 0.23 inches. The rotors are split 7-spoke floating designs, finished in black. Anti-Lock Braking System is included as standard equipment, providing controlled braking under varying traction conditions.
Electrical System and Instrumentation
The electrical system uses a sealed, maintenance-free absorbed glass mat battery rated at 12 volts and 17.5 amp-hours. The battery provides 310 cold-cranking amps at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Charging is handled by a three-phase 48-amp system. This system generates 364 watts at 13 volts and 900 rpm, with a maximum output of 624 watts at 13 volts and 2,000 rpm.
The starting system uses a 1.6-kilowatt electric starter with solenoid shift motor engagement. Lighting is fully LED-based, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and turn signals. The headlamp includes low beam, high beam, and signature position lighting. Turn signals are configured as LED bullet-style units.
Instrumentation includes a 4-inch analog speedometer combined with a digital display. The display provides information such as gear position, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, traction control status, ABS status, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, clock, trip data, range, and tachometer indication. A USB-C power outlet is included, delivering 5 volts at 2.4 amps for device charging.
Integrated Rider Safety Systems and Control Technologies
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S incorporates multiple rider safety systems designed to support control under varying conditions. Anti-Lock Braking System is included as standard equipment, providing modulation of braking force to prevent wheel lock. The Traction Control System manages rear wheel slip during acceleration, improving stability.
Drag-torque Slip Control System is also included, reducing rear wheel slip during rapid deceleration or aggressive downshifting. Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides real-time feedback on tire pressure, allowing the rider to maintain proper inflation levels.
The motorcycle also includes cornering-enhanced systems. The Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Braking System adjusts braking response based on lean angle. The Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System modifies traction intervention during cornering. The Cornering Drag-torque Slip Control System manages engine braking effects while leaned over. These systems operate together to maintain stability during directional changes.
Fuel Capacity and Fluid Management Systems
Fuel capacity is rated at 5 gallons, providing extended riding range. A reserve capacity of 1 gallon is monitored through a warning light within the fuel injection system. Oil capacity with filter is 5 quarts, ensuring adequate lubrication for the engine. Transmission capacity is 1 quart, and the primary chain case holds 1.25 quarts of fluid.
The motorcycle does not use a liquid cooling system, as indicated by the absence of coolant capacity. Instead, it relies on its air-cooled design combined with the oil cooling system to manage operating temperatures.
Visit Harley-Davidson® of Wesley Chapel near Zephyrhills, FL
At Harley-Davidson® of Wesley Chapel near Zephyrhills, FL, we provide access to the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S for riders who want to evaluate its technical specifications in operation. Scheduling a test ride allows direct assessment of the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine and its torque delivery across the rpm range. The 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission, inverted front suspension, and rear monoshock can be examined for handling response and ride stability. The braking system, traction control, and cornering-enhanced safety features can be observed under controlled riding conditions. Contact our dealership to arrange a test ride and review how the motorcycle’s specifications translate into measurable performance.
