Dyna Low Rider Channels 1970s Cool Factor

Popular Custom

First introduced in 1977, the Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider was one of the first factory customs. Absent from the Motor Company lineup in 2010, the FXDL Low Rider reappeared in 2014 with a new look. Apart from a five-year hiatus, the Low Rider has been available, in one variation or another, for just over forty years.

Sales Appeal

A hit in 1977, the FXS outsold all other Harley-Davidson models in its first year of production. Mag wheels, dual front brakes, 2:1 exhaust, and a low seat height defined the FXS. The same popular features found their way onto the redesigned 2014 FXDL Low Rider. The result was a 'throwback' machine with timeless appeal.

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Chassis Changes

The FXDL was introduced in 1995 with the Dyna platform. The FXDL supplanted the FXRS Low Rider that was first released in 1982. Prior to FXRS, the Low Rider was the FXS, a derivative of the 1971 FX Super Glide — the first factory custom. Dropped in 2009, the FXDL returned as an unusual mid-year release in 2014, only to be replaced in 2018 by the FXLR Low Rider using the new Softail chassis.

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Contemporary Drivetrain

There is no doubt that the Low Rider is an iconic Harley-Davidson. Capturing the vibe of the 1970s, the 2014 FXDL prompted media responses like 'flashback' and 'groovy.' Far from antiquated, from 2014 and up, the FXDL sported the 103 cubic-inch Twin Cam coupled to the Six-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission — one of the smoothest gearboxes Harley-Davidson has produced to date.

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Tailored Fit

The reworked FXDLs offered unique ergonomic features. Short or tall, the FXDL could accommodate a range of riders with a removable seat bolster, pivoting risers, and mid-mount controls. While a selling point on the showroom floor, seats and handlebars are among the most replaced items on new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. After all, who really wants a booster seat on their motorcycle?

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Narrow Glide Genes

Like any other Dyna, changing handlebars on the redesigned FXDL is fairly straightforward. Complications arise when performing a riser swap. While a useful and innovative design, the integrated Sportster-style shroud top-mounted headlight adds a measure of difficulty when replacing the stock pivoting risers. The entire contraption must be removed and a bottom-mounted headlight sourced.

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Future Classic

The FXDL did not simply revive a name without regard to its original purpose and personality. The 1970s FX series pushed aside tradition and pulled from popular custom bike trends of the day — where performance and handling were the objectives. From the dash-mounted tachometer to the Keystone mag wheels, the custom ethos of the 1970s is still alive and well with the FXDL.

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