The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is a performance-focused sport-touring motorcycle designed with a clear emphasis on mechanical efficiency, structural integrity, and rider control. This model integrates a high-displacement V-twin engine, a rigid tubular frame, and a calibrated suspension system to support stable handling and consistent output. Its configuration prioritizes measurable performance characteristics such as torque delivery, braking efficiency, and chassis geometry. Each system functions in coordination to provide predictable behavior under varying riding conditions, including urban travel and extended highway use.
Engine Configuration and Output Characteristics
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine, which features a displacement of 117 cubic inches or 1,923 cubic centimeters. The engine uses a pushrod-operated overhead valve design with four valves per cylinder and hydraulic self-adjusting lifters. This configuration reduces the need for manual valve adjustments and supports long-term operational consistency.
The bore measures 4.075 inches and the stroke measures 4.5 inches, resulting in a compression ratio of 10.3 to 1. This ratio contributes to efficient combustion while maintaining durability across sustained operating conditions. The engine produces 114 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and generates 128 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute. These figures indicate strong low- and mid-range power delivery, which supports both acceleration and steady cruising.
Fuel delivery is managed through Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection, which meters fuel with precision based on engine demand. The intake system uses a Heavy Breather design with a washable exposed filter element, allowing consistent airflow into the combustion chamber. Exhaust gases are routed through a 2-into-1 system that includes a catalyst in the header, supporting emissions compliance while maintaining exhaust efficiency.
The lubrication system is pressurized and uses a dry-sump configuration with an integrated oil cooler. This design ensures consistent oil circulation and temperature control during extended operation or high-load conditions.
Transmission and Drivetrain Engineering
The drivetrain system combines a chain-driven primary drive with a belt-driven final drive. The primary drive uses a 34-to-46 ratio, while the final drive uses a 32-to-66 ratio. This combination supports efficient power transfer while reducing long-term maintenance requirements compared to fully chain-driven systems.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is equipped with a 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission. The gear ratios are calibrated to provide a balance between acceleration and fuel efficiency. First gear has an overall ratio of 9.311, while sixth gear has a ratio of 2.79. Intermediate gears are spaced progressively, with ratios of 6.454 in second gear, 4.793 in third gear, 3.882 in fourth gear, and 3.307 in fifth gear. These ratios allow the engine to operate within an effective power band across a range of speeds.
A mechanical 10-plate wet clutch with assist functionality reduces lever effort and supports consistent engagement. This design improves control during gear changes and reduces rider fatigue during frequent shifting.
Frame Design and Structural Composition
The frame is constructed from mild steel using a tubular design with a rectangular section backbone. It incorporates stamped, cast, and forged junctions that are MIG welded to ensure structural strength and durability. Aluminum forged fender supports are integrated into the design to reduce weight without compromising rigidity.
The swingarm uses mild steel tubular sections with a stamped cross-member and forged axle junctions. It is also MIG welded and includes a removable belt spacer, which simplifies maintenance and alignment adjustments.
This structural configuration supports stable load distribution and contributes to predictable handling characteristics during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Suspension System and Ride Control
The front suspension consists of a 43 millimeter inverted fork with a single cartridge design. It uses aluminum triple clamps and a single-rate spring, which contributes to consistent damping performance and front-end stability. The front suspension provides 5 inches of travel, allowing it to absorb road irregularities while maintaining steering precision.
The rear suspension uses a hidden coil-over monoshock with a free piston design. It offers 56 millimeters of stroke and includes hydraulic preload adjustment. This allows riders to adjust the suspension based on load conditions or riding preferences. Rear suspension travel measures 4.4 inches, supporting a balance between comfort and control.
The overall geometry includes a rake angle of 28 degrees and a trail measurement of 5.7 inches. These values contribute to stable steering behavior and controlled cornering response. The wheelbase measures 63.6 inches, which enhances straight-line stability while maintaining maneuverability.
Dimensions, Weight, and Capacity
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST has an overall length of 92.9 inches, a width of 35 inches, and a height of 50.8 inches. The seat height is 27 inches when laden and 28.1 inches when unladen. These dimensions provide a low center of gravity, which improves balance at low speeds and during stops.
Static ground clearance measures 5.7 inches, supporting a lean angle of 31.3 degrees on both the left and right sides. This allows the motorcycle to maintain stability during cornering without excessive risk of ground contact.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST has a weight of 686 pounds as shipped and 712 pounds in running order. The gross vehicle weight rating is 1,160 pounds, with a front axle rating of 450 pounds and a rear axle rating of 730 pounds. These values define the load capacity and structural limits of the motorcycle.
Fuel capacity is 5 gallons, with a reserve capacity of 1 gallon. Oil capacity is 5 quarts, while the transmission holds 1 quart and the primary chain case holds 1.25 quarts. The motorcycle also includes a luggage capacity of 2 cubic feet, supporting extended travel requirements.
Wheels, Tires, and Braking Systems
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is equipped with Michelin® Scorcher 31 tires on both the front and rear. The front tire is sized at 110/90 B19, while the rear tire measures 180/70 B16. These tire dimensions provide a balance between grip, durability, and stability.
The wheels are constructed from cast aluminum with a radiate design. The front wheel has a diameter of 19 inches and a width of 2.5 inches, while the rear wheel has a diameter of 16 inches and a width of 5 inches.
The braking system includes dual front disc brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers and a single rear disc brake with a 2-piston floating caliper. The front rotors measure 11.8 inches in diameter, while the rear rotor measures 11.5 inches. Both front and rear rotors use a split 7-spoke floating design, which improves heat dissipation and braking consistency.
Anti-lock Braking System is standard, providing controlled braking performance under varying traction conditions.
Electrical System and Instrumentation
The electrical system uses a sealed, maintenance-free absorbed glass mat battery rated at 12 volts, 17.5 amp-hours, and 310 cold cranking amps. Charging is handled by a three-phase 48-amp system, which provides 364 watts at 13 volts and 900 revolutions per minute, with a maximum output of 624 watts at 2,000 revolutions per minute.
The starting system uses a 1.6 kilowatt electric starter with solenoid shift engagement, ensuring reliable engine startup.
Lighting is fully LED-based, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and turn signals. The headlamp includes a low beam, a high beam, and a signature position light, improving visibility in various conditions.
Instrumentation is provided through a 4-inch analog speedometer combined with a digital display. The display includes gear position, odometer, fuel level, ride modes, traction control status, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, clock, trip information, range estimation, and tachometer readings. A USB-C power outlet provides 5 volts at 2.4 amps for device charging.
Rider Safety and Control Systems
The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST includes a range of rider safety systems designed to support stability and control. Anti-lock Braking System is standard and prevents wheel lock during braking. The Traction Control System monitors rear wheel slip and adjusts power delivery to maintain traction.
The Drag-torque Slip Control System manages rear wheel behavior during aggressive downshifting, reducing the likelihood of wheel hop or instability. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides continuous feedback on tire pressure, allowing riders to maintain optimal conditions.
Cornering-enhanced versions of the Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control System, and Drag-torque Slip Control System are included. These systems adjust their response based on lean angle, improving control during cornering maneuvers.
Visit Harley-Davidson® of New Port Richey for a Test Ride
Riders seeking a detailed understanding of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST can evaluate its specifications through direct operation. We invite you to visit Harley-Davidson® of New Port Richey near Brooksville, FL to schedule a test ride and examine its mechanical systems in operation. During the ride, you can assess the engine output, braking response, and suspension behavior under controlled conditions. The interaction between the drivetrain, chassis, and rider-assist systems becomes clear when experienced directly. Our team can provide additional technical details and assist with scheduling at a convenient time.
