The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is designed as a performance-oriented sport-touring motorcycle that emphasizes mechanical efficiency, controlled handling, and rider-focused engineering. This model combines a high-output V-twin engine with a structurally rigid chassis, purpose-built suspension components, and integrated rider-assistance systems. Every major component supports measurable performance outcomes such as torque delivery, lean-angle stability, braking control, and long-distance usability. The motorcycle features a compact touring profile supported by functional luggage capacity, balanced dimensions, and electronic systems intended to improve ride management rather than add complexity. Its design prioritizes engine performance, chassis geometry, and safety integration while maintaining straightforward instrumentation and minimal infotainment distractions. The result is a machine defined by its specifications, mechanical layout, and technical execution.
Engine Configuration and Mechanical Output
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine. This powerplant uses a pushrod-operated overhead valve design with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters and four valves per cylinder. The engine displacement measures 117 cubic inches, equivalent to 1,923 cc. A bore of 4.075 inches and a stroke of 4.5 inches establish a long-stroke configuration intended to support strong torque characteristics at lower engine speeds. The compression ratio is rated at 10.3:1, contributing to efficient combustion and consistent power delivery across the operating range.
Fuel delivery relies on Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection. This system improves throttle precision by controlling fuel flow electronically according to engine demands. Air intake is handled through a Heavy Breather intake equipped with synthetic media and a washable exposed element, supporting sustained airflow while enabling maintenance-friendly servicing. Exhaust routing uses a 2-into-1 system with an integrated catalyst in the header, supporting emissions compliance while maintaining exhaust flow efficiency.
Engine performance figures show 128 ft-lb of torque produced at 4,000 rpm and a certified power output of 114 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. These numbers demonstrate a performance profile focused on torque-rich acceleration and mid-range responsiveness. Lubrication is managed through a pressurized dry-sump system with an oil cooler, assisting thermal regulation under prolonged operation and higher load conditions.
Drivetrain Engineering and Gear Ratio Structure
Power transfer occurs through a chain primary drive paired with a belt final drive. The chain primary provides direct mechanical engagement between engine and transmission, while the belt final drive reduces maintenance requirements and minimizes mechanical noise. The clutch is a mechanical 10-plate wet design that uses assist and conventional engagement principles to maintain stable lever feel and consistent load handling during acceleration and downshifts.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST uses a 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission. Gear ratios are progressively spaced to balance launch performance with highway efficiency. First gear carries a 9.311 overall ratio, allowing controlled initial acceleration. Second through fifth gears gradually reduce gearing to maintain torque availability as speed increases. Sixth gear features a ratio of 2.79, supporting lower engine rpm at cruising speeds. This configuration helps reduce engine vibration and fuel consumption during sustained travel while preserving acceleration capability through lower gears.
Dimensional Layout and Ergonomic Measurements
The dimensional footprint of the Low Rider® ST contributes directly to rider control and maneuverability. Overall length measures 92.9 inches, with a width of 35 inches and a total height of 50.8 inches. The wheelbase is set at 63.6 inches, supporting stability during high-speed travel and directional consistency during cornering.
Seat height is measured at 27 inches in laden condition and 28.1 inches unladen, creating accessible rider ergonomics for varied rider heights. Static ground clearance is rated at 5.7 inches, providing adequate space for lean angles while maintaining a low center of gravity. Steering geometry includes a rake angle of 28 degrees and a trail measurement of 5.7 inches, both contributing to predictable steering input and balanced stability.
Fuel capacity is rated at 5 gallons with a reserve fuel warning light indicating approximately 1 gallon remaining. Oil capacity with filter is 5 quarts, while the transmission holds 1 quart and the primary chain case accommodates 1.25 quarts. Running order weight is specified at 712 pounds, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 1,160 pounds. The motorcycle also includes luggage capacity totaling 2 cubic feet, supporting functional touring applications without altering the core handling profile.
Frame Architecture and Suspension Components
The chassis of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST uses a mild steel tubular frame with stamped, cast, and forged junctions joined through MIG welding. This structural combination provides torsional rigidity while maintaining controlled flex characteristics necessary for predictable handling. Aluminum forged fender supports reduce localized weight and enhance structural efficiency. The swingarm also employs mild steel tubular construction with stamped cross-members and forged axle junctions, supported by MIG welds and a removable belt spacer.
Front suspension consists of a single-cartridge 43 mm inverted fork equipped with aluminum fork triple clamps and a single-rate spring. The inverted design increases front-end stiffness and improves feedback during braking and cornering. Rear suspension uses a hidden coil-over monoshock with a free-piston design and a 56 mm stroke. Hydraulic preload adjustment allows adaptation to rider load or luggage changes while maintaining consistent ride height and suspension response.
Suspension travel measures 5 inches at the front and 4.4 inches at the rear. This arrangement balances ride comfort with handling precision, allowing controlled movement without excessive chassis pitch under braking or acceleration.
Wheels, Tires, and Braking Mechanics
Wheel construction features radiate cast aluminum designs, available in chrome or optional black finishes. The front wheel measures 19 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in width, while the rear wheel measures 16 inches in diameter with a width of 5 inches. These measurements support a combination of steering responsiveness and rear tire stability.
Tire selection includes Michelin® Scorcher 31 models for both front and rear positions. The front tire specification is 110/90B19, while the rear uses a 180/70B16 profile. This pairing provides balanced traction and predictable behavior across varied road conditions.
Braking components include dual front rotors measuring 11.8 inches with four-piston fixed calipers. The rear braking system uses a single 11.5-inch rotor paired with a two-piston floating caliper. Rotor construction uses black split 7-spoke floating designs that maintain consistent braking performance under repeated usage. Anti-lock Braking System functionality is standard and provides controlled braking intervention during reduced traction situations.
Electrical Systems and Rider Interface
Electrical power is supplied by a sealed absorbed glass mat battery rated at 12 volts with 17.5 amp-hours and 310 cold cranking amps. Charging occurs through a three-phase 48-amp system capable of generating up to 624 watts at higher engine speeds. Starting is managed by a 1.6 kW electric starter utilizing a solenoid shift engagement system.
Lighting systems are fully LED-based. The headlamp includes low beam, high beam, and signature position lighting. Tail and stop lighting uses LED units, while front and rear turn signals use LED bullet-style indicators. LED implementation improves energy efficiency and increases visibility while reducing maintenance needs.
The gauge system combines a four-inch analog speedometer with digital information display features. Digital indicators include gear position, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, heated gear status, traction control, anti-lock brake system status, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, clock, trip data, range estimation, and tachometer functionality. A USB-C power outlet supplies 5V at 2.4 amps for device charging. Dedicated infotainment, navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity, and speaker systems are not included, reinforcing the model’s emphasis on riding data rather than multimedia integration.
Performance Metrics and Fuel Efficiency
Performance testing indicates engine torque output of 128 ft-lb measured under standardized methodology. Power output reaches 114 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Lean-angle capability is measured at 31.3 degrees on both the left and right sides, reflecting chassis tuning that supports controlled cornering performance without asymmetry in rider input.
Fuel economy is estimated at 47 miles per gallon under combined city and highway testing conditions. This efficiency level supports extended riding range when paired with the 5-gallon fuel tank. The combination of torque-focused gearing and engine tuning contributes to reduced strain during cruising speeds while maintaining performance accessibility.
Integrated Rider Safety Technologies
Rider assistance systems are integrated to enhance stability and control without overriding mechanical engagement. Standard safety features include Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control System, Drag-torque Slip Control System, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. These systems operate by monitoring wheel speed and traction data to assist rider control under changing conditions.
Cornering-enhanced versions of ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control are also included. These systems account for lean angle during operation, adjusting intervention thresholds to maintain predictable response while cornering. Electronic linked braking, vehicle hold control, and wheel lift mitigation are not listed as included features, keeping system complexity focused on core stability and traction management.
Schedule a Test Ride near Bentonville, AR
Riders interested in evaluating the technical characteristics of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST can schedule a test ride through Pig Trail Harley-Davidson® near Bentonville, AR. A controlled ride allows direct assessment of the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine performance, transmission behavior, and suspension response. It also provides the opportunity to experience braking feel, rider safety systems, and instrumentation usability under normal operating conditions. Our dealership team can explain specification details and setup adjustments while you evaluate the motorcycle’s handling and ergonomics. Contact us to arrange a test ride and examine how the engineering and technical features perform in motion.
