Is the Harley Low Rider S Good for Beginner Riders?

Those who have experienced riding a Harley Davidson motorbike know what it is like. Considering the current Harley lineup, it is difficult to find a suitable beginner Harley. The Harley Sportsters and the Harley Street models were the only entry-level Harleys with low-powered engines and lightweight designs.

After their discontinuation, you can only find the Harley Sportster Nightster as the only low-capacity, low-powered Harley model good for novice riders. Nonetheless, those new riders who want to ride a Harley don’t want to settle on anything less than a true classic Harley cruiser bike.

On the top-end spectrum of Harley models, we have the Harley Fat Boy, Harley Fat Bob, and Harley Softail Heritage Classic, which is way bigger for a beginner. Falling somewhere in the middle, the Harley Low Rider S is something that most Harley lovers ask if it is good for the first-time rider.

There are two extremes or divisions in the Harley or motorbike community. There is one who recommends only the Harley Sportster Iron 883 as the only better option for beginner riders. On the other hand, there are Harley riders who find the Low Rider S a decent bike for beginner riders.

As a responsible citizen and a part of the passionate bikers community, we have to suggest the best bike for new riders that offers both safety and a better learning experience. However, at the same time, we must respect the opinions of different bikers who consider the Low Rider S as a good beginner option.

Continue to read this article to learn whether the Low Rider S is good for first-time riders or not. However, before we talk about the suitability of the Low Rider S for beginners, we must discuss this bike, including the engine size, weight, power figures, and other features.

The Harley Low Rider S is a modern take on the original 1977 Harley Low Rider that belonged to the Dyna family. In 2016, a new and more sportier variant, known as the Harley Dyna Low Rider S, was introduced in the Dyna family with two external rear shocks. The 2016 Dyna Low Rider S featured a Screamin’ Eagle 110 cubic-inch (1,801 cc) Overhead-Valve Air-Cooled, 45° V-Twin engine.

Soon after the introduction of the Harley Softail family with a hidden rear mono-shock for a hardtail look, the Low Rider S became a Softail in 2020. Nonetheless, the Screamin’ Eagle 110 cu-in engine was replaced with the newly-developed 1,753 cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine in 2018.

The Milwaukee-Eight engine installed in the Low Rider S got bigger and more powerful in 2020. The engine size was increased to 114 cu in (1,868 cc). In 2022, the Low Rider S’ engine size was upgraded to become a 1,917 cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 cu-in engine.

The 2025 Low Rider S model also has the same Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output engine, ensuring a horsepower of 114 hp (85 kW) at 5,000 rpm. The M-8 117 engine generates a high torque figure reaching up to 128 lb-ft (173.54 Nm) at 4,000 rpm. With such powerful figures and a sportier stance, the Low Rider S is the performance cruiser in the Harley lineup.

The Low Rider S has become one of the premium Harley models, with a price reaching a maximum of $20,499. It features a solo rider seat, reaching only 27 inches above the ground. The most notable features of the Low Rider S, making it easily identifiable, are its small nose fairing and the mushroom-style iconic air filter for high air intake and maximum performance.

Being a muscle cruiser, the Low Rider S is among the quickest Harleys. It can achieve a top speed of around 120 mph and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 4 seconds.

Ideally, the Harley Low Rider S is not designed for beginner riders. It is a big and heavyweight muscle cruiser bike built for advanced riders. The large displacement of above 1,800 cc makes the Low Rider S an out-of-the-league bike for new riders. A novice rider must start with a small-capacity bike, starting from 300 cc to no more than 500 cc.

However, if it is a cruiser, a 750 cc bike would be enough for a new rider. Also, it has to be lightweight enough so the beginner can easily handle the bike. A 250-300 cc bike offers an ideal learning platform.

“Is the Low Rider S good for beginners?” It is among the most popular questions on the internet. When asked formally, you will always get to hear the same answer, which is “No”. Harley Low Rider S is not at all suitable for beginners.

It is one of the easiest things to say when asked whether the Low Rider S is suitable for novice riders. Nonetheless, we are discussing this topic because we also have views and opinions from the other side, which considers the Low Rider S to be suitable for new riders.

There are many beginner riders you will find on the internet and YouTube who started bike riding with the Low Rider S. They don’t seem to have any issue with the Low Rider S as a novice rider. In fact, they have become better as bike riders overtime on the Low Rider S.

So, it is not completely right to say that the Low Rider S must not be used by new riders. It can vary from rider to rider whether they can operate or start with the Low Rider S or not. Let’s get more into the details by exploring the pros and cons of getting the Low Rider S as a new rider.

Most of the time, when someone asks whether the Low Rider S is good for new riders, they usually compare it with the Harley Sportster models. Sportsters are considered to be the most ideal beginner Harley bikes, especially the Sportster Iron 883. It is a small, lightweight, low-powered, and nimble bike for new riders.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that the Low Rider S is quite big in size and heavy in weight for new riders. The dimensions of this bike are way too big for a novice rider. The Low Rider S weighs 670 lbs (303.9 kg), which can take years to get used to. You may require years of practice as a beginner to learn how to manage the Low Rider S in a safe manner.

As we have discussed already, the Low Rider S is among the fastest Harleys with top power figures and specs. Being a sportier muscle cruiser, it can pick up the pace quicker than the rider can expect. The 1,923 cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine is way out of the league of new riders. If you are completely new to bike riding, the Low Rider S can be unsafe to operate, especially when riding in busy or fast traffic.

The Low Rider S deserves respect. It must be handled with great care, especially if you are a beginner. Not all the power is to be used by the rider. This is what respecting a machine is all about. As a beginner, you must not open the full throttle. If you wish to be safe while riding the Low Rider S, respect this bike. Control your urge to fully twist the throttle.

The Harley Low Rider S falls under the premium Harley bikes. The 2025 Low Rider S model starts at a base MSRP of $20,499. For a beginner, it is something extraordinary. Nobody would suggest that a new rider invest such a large amount in buying a motorbike. This is because novice riders may not be able to take good care of a bike. They are also more prone to drop the bike during the learning phase.

Dropping the Low Rider S can cost the rider a good deal of money. The more expensive a bike is, the more expensive the upkeep, repair, and replacement of parts will be. Therefore, cost-wise, buying a Low Rider S is not a good idea for a beginner.

You must have heard experts recommending the Harley Iron 883 to beginners. Without a doubt, there is no better beginner Harley than the Iron 883. It is very ideal for beginners who want to start on a Harley.

However, most beginner riders are seen very quickly getting over the Harley Iron 883 and find it low-powered. It is true. If you are a good learner, you will love to switch to the next bike in no time. Most beginners are seen purchasing the Iron 883 as their first bike but then get the Low Rider S within a year or six months.

Some beginner riders who learn very fast get bored of the Harley Iron 883 in a month or two. It is also because you don’t get the charm of riding a real Harley Davidson cruiser bike unless you ride the Low Rider S, the Fat Boy, or the Harley Street Bob.

Beginners who learn too fast can avoid this hassle and waste their money by purchasing the Iron 883 first and then switching it with the Low Rider S. It not only wastes time and effort but also money. Such beginners with the ability to learn super fast can buy the Low Rider S as their first bike.

As a beginner, if you choose to buy the Low Rider S as your first bike, you are most likely to never switch it to a more powerful option. The Low Rider S is a very capable bike you may never outgrow if you are into muscle cruiser bikes with sportier stances.

Unless you want a fully-dressed touring bike, the Low Rider S is more than enough for you. It is primarily designed for expert and skilled riders.

The Low Rider S is a versatile “do it all” bike. It can be your daily commuter, city traveler, or highway cruiser, and can even serve as a touring bike if equipped with some parts, including saddlebags, sissy bars, windscreen, crash bars, tank bag, and a more comfortable seat.

You can also replace the bars with a more pulled-back and taller one for a more upright back stance. With these add-ons and mods, the Low Rider S can become an ideal touring bike for long-distance rides.

We have already discussed and established in the previous sections that the Low Rider S is ideally not a beginner bike. Now, we will look into this bike from another point of view.

There is nothing wrong with getting the Harley Low Rider S as a novice rider. If you think you can handle it, considering your skills and learning abilities, you should get the Low Rider S as a new rider rather than getting the Iron 883.

Not every person, or even every beginner rider, is the same. As beginner riders, we may start from the same point, but some new riders may excel in riding a bike more quickly than others. There is something called “God-gifted” and “quick learning”.

It is natural. We may start school at the same point, but not every student is alike. Similarly, when it comes to motorbike riding, there are some novice riders who can start with the Low Rider S or a powerful bike like this.

However, never forget that safety is the most important factor while riding a bike. Never get carried away with the thrill and fun the Low Rider S can offer. Always be respectful and self-aware while riding the Low Rider S. If you feel intimidated by its big size and heavy weight, do not get the Low Rider S as a new rider.

If you choose to get the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S as a beginner rider, there are a few tips that you must consider if you want to ride safely.

Respecting the bike means the beginner must show due respect to the bike. Also, respecting the bike means respecting its power. The Low Rider S is a muscle cruiser; it is more geared towards sportier performance and quick rides. The throttle response is quick, and the engine is quite responsive.

For a new rider, the Low Rider S can be tricky or dangerous if you can’t handle it. Therefore, to be safe, ensure you never go beyond the limit. Always consider your limits before riding the Low Rider S.

If you are a beginner and choose to start with the Low Rider S, do not use the full power of the bike by opening the full throttle. It will be unsafe for you and the other road users. This bike is faster than you can imagine as a first-time rider.

Before you start taking the Low Rider S on the Road, make sure you get used to its weight. Start by dragging this bike when its engine is turned off. If you are familiar with the term, practice duckwalking with the bike to get used to its weight.

The Low Rider S is heavy for a beginner. As a new rider, you are most likely to drop it while maneuvering this bike.

As a beginner, you must slow down the Low Rider S before taking a turn or entering a curve. Being lower to the ground, the Low Rider S doesn’t like leaning too much. On top of it, due to its heavy weight, the Low Rider S can be difficult to lean while turning a corner.

If you are capable enough of getting the Low Rider S as a new rider, do not go for the latest model. It is much better to invest in the 2021 Low Rider S or previous-gen models. This way, you can save some money. Also, the 2021 Low Rider S had a 114 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. You can also choose to buy the Harley Dyna Low Rider S, which features the 107 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.

No matter which bike you start your bike riding career, you must start by riding in an empty and open place where you can practice. Do not start riding on busy roads or highways where there is heavy and fast traffic. Especially if you are riding the Low Rider S as a beginner, the fast lanes and busy traffic can be an issue.

Learn to ride the bike in a straight line first. Then, learn how to turn the bike or take a turn in an empty parking lot. Gradually start practicing the expert riding skills on your Low Rider S over time.