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.
Little secret for you tmack, the low rider st is a low rider s with bags and a fairing. You know the low rider s the bike you have been given the same **** talking review for the last couple of years. Your not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer are you!
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.
Glad you discovered it before but there is absolutely no comparison between a heritage and this ST. Zero. I like the option for what HD presented, but it’s not a bike for this guy and I don’t need a test ride. Maybe if I was 30 years younger…
Little secret for you tmack, the low rider st is a low rider s with bags and a fairing. You know the low rider s the bike you have been given the same **** talking review for the last couple of years. Your not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer are you!
The ST makes my Fatboy feel like a couch. Faster, much smoother ride and handling on a different level. I'm very happy with it. It's also nice seeing them selling for more than I paid (new)on the used market. I guess I will test ride a Heritage this year.
Little secret for you tmack, the low rider st is a low rider s with bags and a fairing. You know the low rider s the bike you have been given the same **** talking review for the last couple of years. Your not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer are you!
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.
I bought my LRST without a test ride after reading all the great reviews. I have to say I was not wowed when I got it home. Thought I made a huge mistake. The Mid controls and reaching for the bars just felt awkward. My 2020 Fat Bob fits me perfectly and love the style comfort and looks. But that bike did not fit me out of the box either. The Fat Bob needed mini floorboards up front, risers and narrower taller bars, along with a Memphis fairing to make it rideable on the freeway.
My ST was the same. After putting on 6.5” pullback risers, mini floorboards, and a better seat, it’s a much better ride now.
I’m still torn as to which one will make the final grade, but that’s half the fun for me to explore, mod, ride, and decide. I might just keep both. Lol
Last edited by Calif Fat Bob; 03-25-2023 at 01:11 PM.
03-25-2023, 10:21 AM
Low Rider ST: DISAPPOINTED!
