Power and Control on the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S for Memphis, TN Roads

Lawless Harley-Davidson® - Power and Control on the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S for Memphis, TN Roads

Some motorcycles are defined by their engine; others by the way they corner. The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S is memorable for both. Built around the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output powerplant and paired with a re-tuned suspension, taller rear shocks, and serious braking hardware, this West Coast-styled performance cruiser turns real-world roads into its comfort zone. If your rides include the stop-and-go of urban connectors, quick two-lane sprints, and the occasional sweepers along the river, the Low Rider® S’s balance of thrust, feedback, and stability fits the map.

Let’s focus on two aspects that most riders ask about first: the engine’s street-ready character and the confidence tech that quietly supports you when the weather shifts or a corner tightens. Together, they define how this model feels day to day — immediate, planted, and adaptable.

The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output delivers a deep well of torque that is easy to access and even easier to enjoy. Thanks to the Heavy Breather intake and a performance-tuned 2-into-1 exhaust, the engine’s response is crisp off-idle and strong through the midrange, where highway merges and passes happen. ESPFI fueling keeps delivery clean, and the six-speed gearing spreads the torque so you’re not hunting for the right ratio when traffic opens up. It’s a motor built to be lived with: flexible in the city, relaxed in top gear, and eager whenever you ask for more.

Confidence technology is standard and thoughtfully integrated. Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements include ABS and Traction Control to help stabilize braking and acceleration on questionable surfaces. DSCS helps smooth abrupt deceleration or downshifts, especially if a surprise stop appears just beyond a blind turn. Cornering variants — C-ABS, C-TCS, and C-DSCS — account for lean angle so the bike behaves predictably mid-turn. Add the TPMS alert in the display, and you have a suite designed to help good riders handle bad conditions with more margin.

What you see and feel day to day also matters. The All-LED Lighting Package brightens your path and your presence with a powerful LED headlamp, LED Bullet Turn Signals, and a modern LED tail/stop lamp. The cockpit blends a classic 4-inch analog speedometer with a compact digital display that shows gear, fuel level, ride modes, and indicators for ABS, TCS, TPMS, cruise control, and more. It’s a clean layout that respects the Low Rider® S aesthetic while delivering the facts without clutter.

Ride quality completes the equation. A 43 mm inverted fork steadies the front end under trail-braking and quick transitions. The hidden monoshock offers hydraulic preload adjustment, making it simple to tune for luggage or a weekend pace. Brakes are stout and predictable, with a 4-piston fixed front caliper and a 2-piston floating rear caliper biting Split 7-spoke floating rotors. Michelin® Scorcher 31 tires, mounted on Black, Radiate Cast Aluminum wheels, deliver a planted feel that communicates grip without harshness.

If you’re plotting your first low-slung performance cruiser or moving from a standard to something more muscular, Lawless Harley-Davidson® is ready to help you understand how these systems work together to create a bike that feels dialed from mile one. We’re committed to serving Memphis, Evansville, and Marion with guidance that’s practical, detailed, and tailored to how and where you ride.

  • Engine character: Broad torque with immediate response, tuned for roll-on power in real traffic.
  • Chassis poise: Inverted fork and taller rear shocks for sharper feedback and added cornering clearance.
  • Confidence tech: Rider Safety Enhancements with cornering-sensitive support that stays out of the way.
  • Lighting and info: All-LED lighting and a hybrid analog-digital display that keeps essentials clear.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output feel different from smaller-displacement engines?

The 117 cubic-inch displacement paired with the Heavy Breather intake and a performance-tuned 2-into-1 exhaust delivers stronger low-end and midrange torque, so roll-on acceleration is immediate without downshifting as often. It’s tuned for everyday street speeds, not just spec-sheet numbers. 

How do the selectable ride modes change the motorcycle’s behavior?

Ride modes adjust throttle response and, in certain cases, the intervention thresholds for traction and braking assists. The result is a bike that can feel relaxed on a rainy commute or highly responsive on a dry backroad, all without changing hardware.

What do the cornering enhancements actually do in a turn?

C-ABS, C-TCS, and C-DSCS factor in lean angle to modulate brake pressure and torque delivery when you’re not upright. That helps maintain tire contact and stability if you need to brake or adjust throttle mid-corner.

Is the lighting package truly an upgrade over halogen setups?

Yes. The All-LED Lighting Package produces a brighter, whiter beam pattern with quicker illumination for brake and turn signals. That improves what you can see and how quickly others see you.

Can I adjust the suspension for added luggage or a firmer feel?

Absolutely. The rear monoshock provides hydraulic preload adjustment, allowing quick setup changes for load, passenger weight, or a sportier weekend pace without complex tools.

Request more 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® S information