2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S near Bellaire, TX
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is engineered as a performance-oriented cruiser with a clear emphasis on mechanical output, chassis stability, and rider control systems. This model integrates a large-displacement V-twin engine with a rigid Softail®-based frame, premium suspension components, and a focused set of electronic rider aids. The design prioritizes measurable performance characteristics such as torque delivery, braking capability, and structural integrity over non-essential features.
The motorcycle measures 92.9 inches in overall length, 35 inches in width, and 47.4 inches in height. It uses a laden seat height of 27 inches and an unladen seat height of 28.1 inches, which contributes to a low center of gravity and a stable rider position. Ground clearance is rated at 5.7 inches, while the wheelbase extends to 63.6 inches. Steering geometry includes a 28-degree rake and fork angle, paired with 5.7 inches of trail.
High-Output Milwaukee-Eight® 117 Engine Configuration
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S uses the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine. This engine features a displacement of 117 cubic inches or 1,923 cubic centimeters. The bore measures 4.075 inches, and the stroke measures 4.5 inches, resulting in a compression ratio of 10.3:1. The engine uses pushrod-operated overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters and four valves per cylinder. This configuration supports consistent valve operation and reduces the need for manual adjustment over time.
Fuel delivery is managed through Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection. Air intake is handled by a Heavy Breather system that uses a synthetic media filter with a washable exposed element. Exhaust gases are routed through a 2-into-1 system with a catalyst integrated into the header. The lubrication system is a pressurized dry-sump design with an oil cooler, which supports temperature control during extended operation.
Performance output is rated at 114 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 128 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. These values indicate a strong emphasis on midrange torque production and sustained power delivery. The torque characteristics support acceleration across a wide operating range without requiring high engine speeds.
Six-Speed Transmission and Drivetrain Mechanics
The drivetrain of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is configured to support both acceleration and steady-speed operation. The motorcycle uses a 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission paired with a chain-driven primary and a belt-driven final drive. The clutch is a mechanical 10-plate wet system with assist and conventional functionality. This configuration provides controlled engagement and durability under load.
Gear ratios are distributed to balance low-speed torque multiplication and higher-speed efficiency. First gear is set at 9.311, followed by 6.454 in second gear and 4.793 in third gear. Fourth gear is 3.882, fifth gear is 3.307, and sixth gear is 2.79. This progression allows the engine to operate efficiently across varying speeds while maintaining access to torque in lower gears.
Structural Frame and Chassis Composition
The frame of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S uses a mild steel tubular construction with a rectangular backbone. The design incorporates stamped, cast, and forged junctions that are MIG-welded. Aluminum forged fender supports are integrated into the structure. The swingarm uses a similar approach with mild steel tubular sections, a stamped cross-member, and forged axle junctions.
This structural configuration is designed to manage the loads associated with a large-displacement engine and a total running weight of 670 pounds. The as-shipped weight is listed at 644 pounds. The gross vehicle weight rating is 1,160 pounds, with a front axle rating of 450 pounds and a rear axle rating of 730 pounds. These figures define the load capacity and structural limits of the motorcycle.
Suspension Components and Ride Control
The front suspension uses a 43 mm inverted fork with a single cartridge design and aluminum triple clamps. The fork uses a single-rate spring and provides 5 inches of travel. The inverted configuration increases rigidity and reduces flex under braking and cornering loads.
Rear suspension is handled by a hidden coil-over monoshock with a free piston design. The shock has a 56 mm stroke and includes hydraulic preload adjustment. Rear suspension travel is rated at 4.4 inches. This setup allows adjustment based on rider weight and load conditions while maintaining consistent damping characteristics.
Wheel Construction and Tire Specifications
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is equipped with cast aluminum wheels finished in black. The front wheel measures 19 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in width. The rear wheel measures 16 inches in diameter and 5 inches in width.
Tires are Michelin® Scorcher 31 models fitted to both front and rear wheels. The front tire specification is 110/90B19 with a load index of 62H, while the rear tire specification is 180/70B16 with a load index of 77H. These tire dimensions support traction, stability, and load capacity appropriate for the motorcycle’s weight and torque output.
Braking System and Lean Capability
The braking system includes dual front brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers and a single rear brake with a 2-piston floating caliper. Front rotors measure 11.8 inches in diameter, while the rear rotors measure 11.5 inches. Both front and rear rotors use a split 7-spoke floating design.
An anti-lock braking system is included as standard equipment. This system regulates brake pressure to prevent wheel lock during deceleration. The dual front disc configuration increases braking force and heat dissipation capacity.
The motorcycle is rated with a lean angle of 31.3 degrees on both the right and left sides. This measurement indicates the available cornering clearance before hard parts contact the road surface. The lean angle supports active riding conditions within the limits of a cruiser platform.
Electrical System and Instrumentation
The electrical system includes 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 managed by a three-phase 48-amp system that delivers up to 624 watts at 2,000 rpm.
The starting system uses a 1.6 kW electric starter motor with solenoid engagement. Lighting components are fully LED, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and front and rear turn signals. LED lighting improves visibility and reduces power consumption compared to traditional bulb systems.
Instrumentation is centered around a 4-inch analog speedometer with an integrated digital display. The display provides information including gear position, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, traction control status, ABS status, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, clock, trip distance, range, and tachometer indication. A USB-C power outlet is included with an output of 5 volts at 2.4 amps for device charging.
Rider Safety Systems and Control Technologies
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S includes a set of rider safety enhancements designed to support control during acceleration, braking, and cornering. The Anti-lock Braking System is standard and operates in conjunction with the braking hardware to maintain traction under braking conditions.
The Traction Control System monitors rear wheel speed and adjusts engine output to reduce wheel slip during acceleration. The Drag-torque Slip Control System manages rear wheel behavior during downshifting and deceleration by limiting excessive engine braking effects.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides continuous feedback on tire pressure levels. Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for handling, braking efficiency, and tire wear.
Cornering-enhanced versions of ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control are also included. These systems adjust their operation based on the motorcycle’s lean angle to maintain stability during cornering. This integration supports controlled operation when the motorcycle is not upright.
Fuel Capacity and Operational Efficiency
The fuel system has a capacity of 5 gallons with a reserve indicator at approximately 1 gallon. Estimated fuel economy is rated at 47 miles per gallon. This capacity and efficiency combination supports extended riding intervals between refueling stops.
Oil capacity is 5 quarts with a filter, while the transmission and primary chain case capacities are 1 quart and 1.25 quarts, respectively. These values define the fluid requirements for routine maintenance and operation.
Schedule a Test Ride at Stubbs Harley-Davidson®
Riders interested in evaluating the technical capabilities of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S can schedule a test ride to experience the engine output, chassis balance, and rider-assist systems in operation. At Stubbs Harley-Davidson® near Bellaire, TX, we provide access to this model so riders can assess how the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine delivers torque and how the suspension and braking systems respond under controlled conditions. A test ride allows direct observation of the traction control system, ABS, and cornering-enhanced features during typical riding scenarios. The combination of measurable power output, structured chassis design, and integrated safety systems can be evaluated through hands-on operation. Contact our team to arrange a test ride and examine the motorcycle’s technical features in detail.