Harley Low Rider ST Overview (2022–Present) | Specs & Fit
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2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST Overview: What It Is and Who It’s For
If you’ve ever wished Harley would sell a bike that feels like a hot-rod cruiser and can knock out real highway miles without beating you up, that’s the idea behind the Low Rider ST.
It’s not a full-dress touring rig. It’s not a stripped-down bar-hopper either. Think of it as a performance cruiser that shows up with a fairing and hard bags already in the fight.
What the Low Rider ST is (in plain English)
The Low Rider ST is Harley’s Softail-based answer to riders who want:
A big-torque V-twin feel
Wind protection that actually helps on the interstate
Just enough locking storage for an overnight run
A bike that still feels sporty compared to the big touring chassis bikes
Harley describes the current Low Rider ST as an FXRT-inspired, frame-faired sport-touring machine, with modern rider safety tech and a Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output engine in today’s lineup (details vary by model year). You can see the latest official specs on Harley-Davidson’s Low Rider ST model page.
What it isn’t
This matters, because a lot of buyers go in with the wrong expectations.
The Low Rider ST is not a Road Glide or Street Glide replacement if you want:
Maximum wind protection for rider and passenger
Big infotainment, big audio, big fairing coverage
Big “stuff everything in here” bag space
And it’s not the best pick if your riding is mostly slow, stop-and-go city traffic in hot weather. Multiple reviewers have noted heat off the exhaust area can be noticeable on warm days.
The frame-mounted fairing: why it’s the whole point
A lot of bikes can wear a windshield. The Low Rider ST’s party trick is the frame-mounted fairing—the FXRT-inspired piece that gives the bike its “club style” look and, more importantly, changes how the wind hits you.
In their first-ride write-up, RevZilla called it “sport-touring, Harley-Davidson style,” and noted the fairing did a solid job reducing helmet buffeting at highway speeds in their testing (their article goes deep on vents and airflow management in RevZilla’s Low Rider ST first-ride review).
Here’s the practical takeaway: the ST fairing can reduce fatigue on long runs, but it’s still a compact setup. You’re getting a cleaner pocket of air—not a full touring bubble.
Pro Tip: If you ride in crosswinds a lot, don’t just chase a taller windshield. A good setup is about managing where the air breaks off the fairing, not just stacking height.
Saddlebags: enough for a real ride, not a full move
From the factory, you get locking hard saddlebags in the neighborhood of 1.9–2.0 cubic feet combined, depending on the source and model-year spec sheet.
That’s a sweet spot for:
A light jacket layer
Rain gear
Small tool roll
Gloves, snacks, a bottle of water
It’s not usually big enough for a full-face helmet—RevZilla made that point clearly in their first ride review.
The other nice part: the bags are removable. When you want the bike to look and feel more like a stripped performance cruiser, you can pull them and go.
The engine: Milwaukee-Eight 117, and why riders love it
This bike is all about torque and midrange punch.
On the earlier 2022 launch model, outlets like Ultimate Motorcycling listed output around 103 hp and 125 ft-lb (with torque arriving low in the revs), and described the Low Rider ST as the kind of machine that’ll do twisties, commuting, and long highway runs “without flinching” in their 2022 Low Rider ST fast facts.
On the current Harley spec page for recent model years, you’ll also see the “High Output” flavor of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 listed, along with updated claimed numbers and tech.
Bottom line: if you like a motor that doesn’t need to be screamed to make progress, the 117 is a big part of why the ST makes sense.
Handling, weight, and comfort: what it feels like on the road
The Low Rider ST isn’t a lightweight bike, but it’s still notably less bulky than Harley’s big touring chassis machines.
2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST specs at a glance
If you’re searching for Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST specs, here are the numbers most riders care about (always confirm the exact model year on Harley’s site):
Engine family: Low Rider ST Milwaukee-Eight 117 (some later model years list the “High Output” version on the official spec sheet)
Fuel tank: 5 gallons
Seat height: 27 in. laden
Saddlebags: about 1.9–2.0 cu ft combined
Those specs don’t tell the whole story, but they do explain why the ST works as a “tour light, ride hard” kind of Harley.
Depending on model year and source, you’ll see running/wet weight figures around the low 700-pound range. Harley’s current spec page lists 712 lb in running order for the current model year.
What matters more than the number is how it’s set up:
The suspension and geometry aim for more cornering clearance than your average cruiser
The riding position is more performance-minded (it wants you engaged, not reclined)
The fairing is frame-mounted, which can help the bike feel steadier compared to fork-mounted windshields at speed
Seat height is typically listed at 27 inches laden on Harley’s current specs, which keeps it approachable for a lot of riders without feeling slammed.
Tech and rider aids: check your model year
Harley’s current Low Rider ST spec sheet includes a modern set of rider safety features—ABS, traction control, and additional cornering-enhanced systems—plus ride modes, cruise control, and a USB-C port on the latest page.
Because the Low Rider ST spans multiple model years (2022–present), treat tech as year-specific. When you’re shopping, verify your exact year’s features on the official model-year page or spec sheet.
⚠️ Warning: If you’re comparing bikes across years, don’t assume “it’s the same bike.” A small change (lighting, modes, safety tech) can matter a lot to you on long runs—especially if you ride in rain, at night, or in heavy traffic.
Low Rider ST vs Low Rider S (and when to go bigger)
If you’re torn between the ST and the Low Rider S, here’s the rider-to-rider version:
Choose the Low Rider ST if…
You want the wind management and hard bags without building the bike from scratch
You run highways often and want less fatigue
You like the West Coast FXRT-inspired look
Choose the Low Rider S if…
You want the same general hot-rod Softail vibe but prefer it stripped
You don’t care about bags, or you’d rather run a different luggage setup
You want the cleanest, simplest performance cruiser feel
If your rides are regularly two-up, you want maximum weather protection, or you’re carrying serious gear, that’s where stepping up to a Road Glide or Street Glide starts to make more sense.
Setting up your Low Rider ST for real highway miles
The ST is already “touring-capable” out of the box—but most riders still tune it to their kind of miles.
A few practical upgrades and habits go a long way:
Wind management: Dial in the windshield and airflow to reduce fatigue (especially if you do long interstate days).
Pack smart: Keep heavier items low and balanced in the bags.
Visibility and etiquette: If you fly colors or a US flag, make sure the setup is secure and won’t whip into your bike or another rider.
If you’re building a rally or long-trip setup and want a secure way to fly a flag, start with a purpose-built mount that’s designed for highway speeds—this is where MotorFlagKing flag mounts can help.
And if you’re going down the “more storage” road with a Tour-Pak-style setup, it’s worth doing the mounting hardware correctly from the start. Here are two useful resources:
The quick verdict
If you want a Harley that can feel aggressive when you lean on it, but won’t punish you on the highway, the Low Rider ST is one of the cleanest “do-it-all” factory setups Harley’s offered in years.
It’s best for riders who tour light, value wind management, and want performance cruiser attitude without stepping into the full touring chassis world.
