HD Low Rider S Makes a Prime 2020 Return

Dark Style

After a brief hiatus, the Low Rider S is back. First introduced in 2016 on the Dyna chassis, the FXDLS was an instant favorite but had a short two-year run. Packaged in the new Softail chassis, the 2020 FXLRS Low Rider S re-debut keeps its club-style looks and dark finishes. Question is, will the new Softail version earn the same cachet as its defunct Dyna cousin?  

Future Look

The Low Rider S is billed as an aggressive performance-cruiser with “plenty of attention-grabbing attitude.” The styling challenge at Harley-Davidson is finding the right balance of heritage while pushing boundaries. Brad Richards, Vice President of Styling and Design, stated in an August 2019 promotional video that the new Low Rider S is a “nod to the past and a look to the future.” 

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Rigid Torque

The Low Rider S comes packed with a 114 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight. Coupled to a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, the engine cranks out a 119 foot-pounds of peak torque. Independent Dyno testing, like one done by Baggers Magazine in 2018, has pegged the 114 M8 horsepower at around eighty. The M8 is solid-mounted, making for a more rigid chassis, and uses double counterbalancers to quell vibrations. 

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Black Canons

Straight out of a modern art studio, the Low Rider S sports a set of blacked-out staggered dual mufflers. The satin black-capped Street Canon-style exhaust emits a hearty grunt at low RPMs and winds up to a loud growl at the 5,500 rpm redline. While owners have a tendency of replacing stock exhaust systems for less restrictive units, this set of cans is not too bad. 

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Aggressive Ride

The Low Rider model was introduced in 1977 as the FXS. The unmistakable characteristic of all Low Riders is the analogue tachometer below the dash-mounted speedometer. The Low Rider S is no exception. Tall risers and motocross-style handlebar provide an excellent riding position. Dias Nagao, the Lead Designer, and Stylist, proudly explained that “you can ride this bike aggressively, but very comfortably.” 

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Sport Brake

Inspired by late-1960s race cars the new FXLRS sits on Matte Dark Bronze cast-aluminum wheels. Verging into sport bike territory, the Low Rider S is fitted with a 43mm inverted fork with single-cartridge triple-rate springs. For quicker handling, the rake was tucked in from 30 degrees to a steeper 28-degree angle. Four-piston, dual-disc ABS-equipped Brembo brakes make short work of stopping this 680 lbs machine. 

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Classic Lay-back

There is a lot more fender on the FXLRS than its Dyna-predecessor. An LED headlight and a lay-back taillight come stock, but the turn signals remain as incandescent units. Reverting back to a more classic Harley-Davidson look, the rear fender and taillight are ripe for custom aftermarket modifications. Daring new owners might even be tempted to break out the hacksaw for a DIY bob-job.

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

With Attitude

Talking about the original Low Rider S, Brad Richards admitted in a Bike EXIF interview that he “wanted to make the ultimate Dyna.” Dias Nagao summed up the new FXDLS the best by stating, “It's all about looks, sound, and feel and this bike has all that with attitude.” There is a lot of passion behind the 2020 Low Rider S — odds are it is going to be another winner. 

>>Join the conversation about this 2020 Low Rider S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with servicing your own bike, check out the how to section of HDForums.com