2016 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S - FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Harley-Davidson's S-branded models are about added performance and style, and today I'm testing the latest addition to the lineup, the 2016 Low Rider S, out in North Hollywood and the local mountains.

As with the 2016 S models that came before it, the Low Rider S gets upgrades for more power, improved styling, and better handling, with the biggest additions being its Screamin’ Eagle 110 ci engine, Premium Ride suspension, Heavy Breather intake, and cruise control. There’s more updates, like a new 5.5-inch handlebar riser, solo seat, and chopped fenders, and quite honestly, since I first laid eyes on this thing last night at the technical presentation I haven’t stopped thinking that it could very well be one of the better-looking bikes in Harley-Davidson’s lineup.

I’m happy to admit that the lust hasn’t worn off after a few hours in the saddle, either, with the Low Rider S hitting on all the main points that Harley said it would almost from the minute I threw a leg over it this morning. It’s clearly more powerful, yet still relatively light-handling and stops okay (though not great, I’ll admit).

More than that, it’s still comfortable, with the new solo seat and handlebar providing a slightly more aggressive riding position, but not one that has me wishing I was heading straight to a chiropractor’s office instead of home.

I had done right around 200 miles by the time I had to hand the key back an hour or so ago, and yet still hadn’t made enemies with the seat, which Harley staff is telling me was inspired by the seat/tail fairing of an XR750, but is no doubt thinner and more firm than the one on the Low Rider, which I sat on earlier in the day for comparison sake.

So it’s more performance-oriented, looks better (depending on your tastes), and fits well. Is that everything? I plan on sitting down later tonight and deciding, and will have a full first ride report up as soon as I scavenge through more of my notes and have it all figured out. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, here’s a look at how our first day went on the Low Rider S, and a closer look at some of the updates via the wonderful world that is social media.