Low Rider ST: DISAPPOINTED!

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Mar 25, 2023 | 01:36 PM

#11

Gimlet

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2021

Posts: 1,142

Likes: 2,753

From: England

Quote:

Originally Posted by evildiesel

The test ride is what sold me on mine. I had a 2017 FXDB and I went to a Harley event on it. They brought their demo trailer to the event with all the 2022 models and you could sign up to go on a ride on any of them. I chose the low rider ST and instantly had to buy one. The power, the suspension, the storage, and most importantly the looks. I had to have it. I don’t regret one moment buying one. And yes, I did change the bars, pipe, windshield, all that stuff, but I change that on any bike I get.

Wouldn’t trade this bike for anything else.

Same with me. I went to test ride a Sport Glide, fully intending to buy one because for me it is one of Harley's most comfortable bikes, as well as superbly practical and useful. I rode the LRS as well, not because I was in any way interested but because it was there. And that was that. Goodbye Sport Glide, Hello Low Rider S. On paper I'd never have given the LRS a second look because of the ergonomics but actually riding one changed all that.

The only Harley I've tried, other than the Sport Glide that didn't need anything doing to it ergonomically, is the Road King Special. That for me truly is an armchair. But a very heavy one and like all Harleys, it needs uncorking to unleash the potential that has been stifled by politicians. But while it grates somewhat having to spend extra money to make perfect what is already a very expensive bike, isn't that part of the fun? I don't think I've ever had any bike of any brand that I was happy to leave completely standard and at least with Harleys, they are almost endlessly customisable for ergonomics, style and performance with a vast array of options.

I'm planning my LSR mods as we speak. I plan to fit 6" pull-backs and drag bars, and lose the headlight cowl, maybe in favour of twin headlights like the old 103 Fat Bob, plus a breather change (possibly to a Trask Assault) and adding forwards. Then there's the performance mods, which are being planned with a view to an eventual 131" kit.... As they say, so it begins..

All part of the joys of ownership.

Last edited by Gimlet; Mar 25, 2023 at 01:38 PM.

Mar 25, 2023 | 02:18 PM

#12

tngarren

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,809

Likes: 4,212

From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmac00333

So I drove an hour and a half to the dealer to test ride a 2023 Low Rider ST. I was seriously considering buying it and driving it off the floor that day, which was yesterday. I had read tons of reviews, loved the power-to-weight ratio, the fairing, the hard bags and especially the sleek looks. I loved the idea that to me it's sort of a powerful baby bagger.

Then I rode it. I hated it. I felt awkward from the moment I sat on it. When we actually got out on the street, I got gale-force wind in my face, my knees were up around my ears, my arms were stretched out to the bars like a cartoon character and the pipes - despite a stage 2 - were quiet as a church mouse. I didn't check but they were most likely Screamin' Eagle.

The sales gal who rode with me was stunned when we got back and I told her, thanks but no thanks. I would need to change the seat, the bars, the windshield and the foot controls to get comfortable. I would need an exhaust I could hear. I would have to spend a small fortune on top of the asking price, which we never even got around to discussing.

They were cool about it. No problem, they wanted me to have a bike I enjoyed riding. I'm bummed because, like I say, it is really a great-looking, performance-driven motorcycle. Just shows to go ya, better test ride before you buy.

The upside is that it gives me further proof that my M8 Heritage is the best HD - for me - in the lineup.

Ha!, so true. I like keeping a salvage project bike going. I drove from Charlotte, NC to Dayton OH to pick up a '22 FXLRS Copart project bike. Blind love for the FXLRS(T) style and the 117. I sat on it and realized it was the worst riding position of any bike I've put my leg over. No cruiser, roadster, sport, sport tourer has your knees above your hips and a reach for the bars. I have no idea what H-D was thinking. I rode a stock Heritage across the US and back. 8K miles in 22 days. Comfortable all day long.

Mar 25, 2023 | 02:36 PM

#13

natural gasser

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 862

Likes: 417

From: In the mountains

The guy talks about having to change the handlebars, pipes etc. yet his profile pic, appears to show his bike with wannabe ape hangers, and different pipes.

Last edited by natural gasser; Mar 25, 2023 at 02:38 PM.

Mar 25, 2023 | 02:41 PM

#14

tmac00333

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 5,301

Likes: 2,398

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by natural gasser

The guy whines about having to change the handlebars, pipes etc. yet his profile pic shows his bike with wannabe ape hangers, and different pipes.

I checked out your profile pic: It shows a flat-head mouth-breather who has managed to stick his head up his own ***.

Question, genius: How can ape hangers be "wannabe?" They're either ape hangers or they aren't.