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Please do more Harley reviews. The problem with Harley reviews is that they're often done by Harley lovers and they're always full of praise. I prefer a Harley review by a non-Harley guy like you because I trust the review more. I suggest Street Bob and Fat Bob next please.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Agreed thanks

@rayfriedman9625

Жыл бұрын

What's to trust? If you're into Harleys (or want to be), you're telling me this non-Harley rider's opinion is going to persuade you one way or the other? Don't make me laugh! Oh--wait--maybe you'll buy an Indian instead? Haha-haaa!

@Cabooseified

Жыл бұрын

@@rayfriedman9625 and here lies the problem with the Harley community. Drink the Kool aid and live by the Kool aid. The OP is correct. If Harley wants to reach out to non Harley riders they need to send bikes to non Harley riders. The Harley community is one of the reasons why people stay away from Harley.

@rayfriedman9625

Жыл бұрын

@@Cabooseified Bit of an Echochamber isn't it?

@Cabooseified

Жыл бұрын

@@rayfriedman9625 yup, kinda my point with die hard Harley riders only doing reviews. It's kinda like North Korea doing reviews on North Korea. Only say what the party thinks.

As a motorcyclist who is brand agnostic and has had bikes from all categories I recently bought my first Harley Davidson (M8 Softail) and I agree with a lot of the points here. Overall, I absolutely LOVE the bike, the riding experience and the style. I know HD gets a lot of hate from riders who aren't into the cruiser aesthetic but there is something special about them. The smiles per mile factor is pretty high.

@flippy66

10 ай бұрын

If you love turning fuel into sound they're brilliant! And you can get the experience of being on a HD at idle by sitting on a washing machine.

@243wayne1

9 ай бұрын

@@flippy66 Wrong. This bike will dust you and your crotch rocket unless it says Ducati on it. Which yours does not. Class dismissed.

@IndyMotoRider

8 ай бұрын

@@243wayne1 you're funny.

@243wayne1

8 ай бұрын

@@IndyMotoRider It WILL dust you.

Ian, no drop/lift test????

@Dave-sw2dm

Жыл бұрын

With the optional drop guards it would have been pretty easy.

@jokermtb

Жыл бұрын

We’ll give him a pass on this beast

@renano95

Жыл бұрын

If you drop a harley you just leave it there and buy a new one :p

@Dave-sw2dm

Жыл бұрын

@@renano95 , only if you are wimpy office worker.

@Dave-sw2dm

Жыл бұрын

@@renano95 , even a girl can pick up a full touring bike. kzread.info/dash/bejne/X4phzdlrqrjRg6w.html

It's a strong, positive testament for Harley-Davidson to have the courage and confidence to offer its products to an impartial, albeit non-HD enthusiast, solid moto-journalist with a reputation for thorough and objective product reviews. I've watched nearly all Big Rock Moto reviews and am always impressed by your thoughtful, detailed and concise offerings. I always learn a lot about motorcycling! Thanks.

@dsiz9421

Жыл бұрын

Still behind the 8-ball and asking to much for the name.

@2kanchoo

Жыл бұрын

One really would think so. But once you've had one of the many many many that have had tons of issues you get soured a bit. I have this bike and its had tons of things wrong or falling apart etc that a new bike should simply not have and the way most of the dealerships have been handling it has been LESS than what one expects or should get, especially considering the premium price you pay just for the name ontop of the what the bike is actually worth in the total cost.

Great review. Harley has clearly vastly improved their bikes over the years. I gave up on them when my evo ultra classic fragged the engine a $600 tow bill & $4500 repair bill (90’s dollars) from anywhere on a 100 degree day. Replaced it with a BMW that I sold a fat boy to fund and never looked back. BTW, pullback bars & a backrest makes the feet forward position all day comfortable.

These videos are really well done, man. I mean that truly, as I'm someone that practically lives on KZread watching videos and reviews and yours always stand out for me.

I Love the looks of these and probably the only Harley (Pan America excepted) that I would ride. My main issue (and yes I’ve ridden a Harley before) is the stupid peg position. It’s not dynamic or even particularly comfortable. Even these ‘mid’ pegs are way too forward. Put the pegs in the position for proper control of a motorcycle and Harley might actually get some younger customers. For a motorcycle this expensive to not come with premium, fully adjustable suspension is outstandingly crap too.

@geeeee8268

Жыл бұрын

Depends how tall you are. If you are taller than 5.7, even mid controls will give you cramps. This is just a nature of low-seat cruiser in general. As for suspension, well... welcome to "premium brand" LOL... I own Iron 1200, the now extinct, with forward controls and that's the only somewhat comfortable position. And as you said, except maybe Pan America, no plans on overpaying for any other HD offering any time soon. Those bikes simply way too expensive for what they are if you are not bound by some MC rules or something.

I ride adventure bikes and have a Harley Softail Deluxe. 90% of the time my rides are short, after work jaunts and the 90% of the time I jump on the Harley. Looks great, love the grunt... wouldn't want to ride it more than an hour or two. I think of it as an old muscle car vs a new BMW M3... each has a place. As usual, great review Ian!

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Well said

@bryanmathew2079

Жыл бұрын

Great Discription Of Bikes HeLps me Decide, GLad You Left Comment.... i`m Leaning Towards a.d.v StyLe Bike Now. But This Do's Look CooL.

Great job on this. I think your direction of reviewing different bikes is great. I’m a fan of the same type of bikes as you so it’s nice to see what you think of other types

I'm so glad you talked about the seating position not being the most comfortable - most people think I'm crazy for saying foot forward controls are not comfortable due to my hips being too cramped. Glad I can point them to this video instead.

@revilok8698

Жыл бұрын

But the good thing about Harley is that you can make easy mods to make the bike fit anyone. Not every bike can do that to the same degree.

@davidknows3320

Жыл бұрын

unless you are me. Having my left knee cramped up under me with rear set pegs hurts after a short ride. Ill take a forward control bike every time. Different flavors for different needs.

@martinXY

Жыл бұрын

Harley make a catalogue that fixes that. I added pullback risers to short dude foot controls to my 2015 Fat Bob. Perfect. Nearly. Still 1 foot down at lights.

@DerpEye

Жыл бұрын

@@revilok8698 Most bikes don't need being modded though.

@revilok8698

Жыл бұрын

@@DerpEye ​ You couldn't be more wrong. That's why the aftermarket parts companies are able to exist. Just go on ANY forum and you will see it. Yes, there are a handful of people that don't like spending the extra money or their stature just fits the bike they bought, or they just put up with it, but modding a motorcycle is common throughout. It's just that some brands have way more options than others.

First 5 mins kind of summarized my issue with the seating position, the then the heavy weight, then the pretty high cost makes it even less desirable for me. It is a good looking machine and I would like to maybe give it a ride but not sure I'd want to buy one. Great review and the filming was very cool too. I think your comment on the traction control was also spot on.

Nice review! Your riding commentary content is some of the best. Although I would probably never own one of these, it is a good looking bike.

Awesome, unbiased and honest review. I own a Harley Road Glide Special with full Ohlins suspension, motorcross handlebars, and basically stock 114 engine and love it. Kind of similar to this bike but much more comfortable. I also own a 2020 Africa Twin with the DCT and I installed the optional foot shifter. Love it too. Love your channel. Keep it up!

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

thanks!

The sitting on bike segment is so helpful and then to explain further based on bike what’s problematic about it is icy on the cake 👍🏼

Another great review! I ride a Multistrada 950 and am looking to buy a lowrider S, the same bike without the fairing and bags. This was the best review I have seen to date. Thank you!

I tried this same bike a few weeks back and agree with the windshield. Despite many reviewers saying "it's amazing and you don't feel any wind at all!" there definitely was the wind pushing right onto my visor (I'm 176cm or 5'9" for reference) at speeds over 100 km/h which are really the speeds that you need a windshield at in the first place. Fortunately it wasn't terrible because indeed there wasn't that much turbulence, but to say you are in a windfree pocket is a major overstatement

You have the rider position critique correct. I had a 2019 Lowrider and had to change the handlebar to help me sit back some, and the seat to help change my leg position. I tried to make mine a touring bike but it never worked out. I now have a Goldwing and a Africa Twin, so no discomfort on any ride now.

Absolutely love your reviews, even bikes I don’t think I’m interested in, you seem to get my attention. Not a Harley guy, but love your input. I am hoping and praying you get to review the new vstrom DE. I think they actually turned it into a adventure bike. Thx!

Nice to see you expanding your tests to other genres. I wasn’t expecting your review to be so good either. It’s a cool bike although I found it a bit cramped for my 6ft 3 frame. Foot pegs are rather too high for me. I’ve ridden a lot of cruisers and the low rider st was one of the most uncomfortable for me. Nicely done.

Great review. I've owned and ridden Harleys (and Hondas, Kawasakis, BMWs, KTMs) for 30 years, and the leg to seat position is the primary ergonomic issue. My H-D XR1200 is significantly better, with rearsets closer to below the seat and a higher seating position. The Pan America is an excellent choice for the "sport-touring" rider, and the new engine is a MONSTER.

Honestly I never though I'd see you reviewing a bike like this but I'm very grateful but your reviews and very comprehensive.

Great review as always. I’d be interested in a review from you of the new Indian Challenger compared to this. Thanks for your reviews. Thanks to you I went with the AT over the Norden. While it’s a nice do it all bike, I may end up getting a dedicated cruiser and something like a KTM 500 or 300 Rally for dirt. Missing out this weekend though. At the hospital with a Crohn’s flare-up but will be back to riding soon! I know you understand how that can be. Thanks for everything you do Ian! I appreciate you.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Feel better!

@danmiezejeski7735

Жыл бұрын

I got a 790 ADV, and then added a KTM 500 xcf-w (plated). Now I want to get rid of the 790 for something more like a AT, but a 1290 Adventure S is VERY tempting.

Well.. honest review it was . Coming from someone who has two Harley’s softail deluxe and street glide I did enjoy the honest review . I watch your channel and you def helped me on choosing my next bike which it was the husky Norden 901. So far I love it . Thank you again for all the detail info and honest reviews. Folks all men are not created equal and neither are the bikes . This is Y they make handle bars, seats , pegs and tons of aftermarket accessories. Be comfortable and enjoy the ride . Love the dirt bike content too👍🏼

Simply the best reviews out there, my go-to place.

Fair review👍completely agree on the riding position and lack of TC

I've been waiting for this review! Awesome!

I bought a 2022 Lowrider S (FXLRS). My 40th motorcycle and 1st Harley. Built it up the way I wanted, including an FXRT style fairing. Rode it from PA to Cape Cod, around the New England area, then back to PA. I traded it in on a Road King Special when I got back. Couldn’t take the riding position. Despite the terrible riding position, I loved that bike but it had to go. In addition to the Road King, Im planning on getting a Pan America. Your P.A. review helped me decide on one. Despite having owned such adv bikes as two GSs, an F800GSA, Aprilia Tuareg, and a KTM 950 Adv, Im very excited about the bike. Thanks for the great, insightful reviews.

@user-oo5gp6ps7q

2 ай бұрын

To bad your not educated on parts , bunch of company’s made true mids or foward controls and hella different handlebar applications ..

I'm 80 yrs old and have been riding, off and on, since 1955. I've never wanted a HD. To me they're over priced, too heavy and too big. There are fans galore, and many toe-dippers who bought the myth, hence, they bought the bike, yet don't like them. There are rifts of used HDs for sale, at any time in any decade; but then, thru 1950s-1970s, what other choice was there? For those who want them, buy what you like. For me, Triumphs, BSAs, and Nortons were what I wanted and got thru 1962. Honda's revolution of the motorcycle industry was God's gift to the motorcycle riders. My most favored bike of all time was Yamaha's '78 1100E; shaft drive, tubeless tires, shimmed valves, straight seat, ride like a Cadillac, and Deluxe rode-eater. Motorcycles are like guns, buy what fits you, out of the factory. The failure of HD has always been that thousands of customers had to modify the motorcycle to fit them. It's ridiculous to have to modify a brand new motorcycle to fit you. It is a FU to the consumer. HD has had that attitude for decades.

Appreciate taking a stab at something that's not your cup of tea, and the cope from comments is palatable. Regarding comfort, this is why you'll see guys on the West coast have 6-10" risers into a moto-bar. Due to the front-end rake, they controls come back towards you. Try a customized one if you can.

Not into cruisers but your reviews are great and I learn about all models.

Thank you for the in depth review Ian. I’ve watched a few videos on the bike from other channels, but no one has mentioned the seating position like you have and I really really appreciate hearing your insight. I thought the bike looked really cool and fun, and thought this might be the first Harley I’d consider buying. But seating position and comfort is a much more important quality of a bike over style. That’s why my DR650 looks so goofy with its big windshield!

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Laksujaakso

Жыл бұрын

Changing the seat and risers on a Harley to fix the rider triangle is a no-brainer. I so much want this bike but I’d need to get a test ride with an aftermarket seat so I could figure out whether the fairing works at highway speeds or not 😅

@revilok8698

Жыл бұрын

Almost no one keeps their Harley in stock configuration. A simple bar/ riser swap, new seat, and mini boards would do a world of improvement towards comfort. Harley's are so easy to make it fit you compared to other bikes.

@oleran4569

Жыл бұрын

@@revilok8698 Yeah. Different bars/risers, seat and windscreen cost should probably be considered as part of acquisition cost. It's just part of setting up a "new" bike.

Good on you for branching out - you wouldn’t get this honest a review from a brand specific channel. And your product B-roll is on point! Remove the fairing and bags and this bike would look good, but that seating position - no. For about the same money, a Road Glide, or spend the extra money and go for the Road Glide Special. I love my Road Glide Limited (and GSA!). Great review 👍

Looking at getting into riding next year, I'd be a total beginner, but man do I want to get one of these. I like the look of it.

Actually Harley Started this style back during the FXR Days. Nothing holds the road, especially in high crosswinds better than Harley-Davidson Motorcycles with all that engine weight down low. Also nobody offers as much customization at the factory and dealership as H-D. Having ridden them for 30 years I know a bit about them. Having said that I love my 2021 T7.

@feloniousmonk3049

3 күн бұрын

My Milwaukee 8 powered 2018 Sport Glide at 700+ lbs rode like sh*t in gusty crosswinds. No comparison to my BMW 1250 RT.

Had a wee Strom (which I loved) but had trouble with my knees cramping on long rides because of the riding position, bought a softail sportglide (which I love) no more problem....keep up the good work Ian 👍

Finally a honest, detailed review about seating position. Good looking motorcycle, especially in this colour, but only for yoga instructors. A ST, similar to “King of the baggers”, but with relaxed ST seating position instead of sporty and with such engine would be a motorcycle with a lot of character. Not only to look at but also to ride it……

I have never owned a HD but have come to appreciate their role in the market and given more space, time and $$ would consider having one in my garage. I would think there are handlebar and seat options, etc to address ergonomic challenges.

I rode this bike several times, ergonomics killed it for me. Not only the rider triangle, but at 6'1" my right shin was in constant contact with the air cleaner and was quite painful. I loved the handling and power, but couldn't justify dropping $25k plus on a bike that I would then have to spend $2-3k more to make it fit me, between pegs, air cleaner, bars and windshield.

@IndyMotoRider

8 ай бұрын

Also 6'1" thanks for the info.

Thanks mate, a good fair well rounded summary.

Totally agree re riding position. BMW made the same mistake on their cruiser

It's funny how you don't like things Harley riders don't care about (weight, handlebar set up: that's something everybody will change) and you like things Harley riders don't like (the stock sound of the exhaust for instance). But it is refreshing to see a difference perspective. Great review.

Nice review Ian. I also own and enjoy a variety of motorcycles including a Road King and an adventure bike. What drives me broke is Harley gear only looks and feels right on a Harley.

Still waiting for the drop and pick up of the bike section… Nice review 👍

Great review, it is spot on. I just bought one and am working on adjusting items to make it work for comfort, like starting with a forward seat.

I just did two Iron Butt rides the last six weeks with my H-D Softail Deuce, which has forward controls. I find the forward controls very comfortable. I test rode this model and hated the foot position. This is a mid-control, but also a bit higher than previous mid-controlled H-D for better lean angle. The pegs and the Heavy Breather intake banging my shin drove me nuts. I can't believe you didn't mention the intake.. must not have been a factor for you. I enjoy your vids because we have the same build and height, and ride very similarly. Also in my stable are a GS, KLX300R with plates/lights, and Ural Gear Up.

As always, another great review Ian. Not knocking Harley, I've just never been into them.

Great review! I really appreciate the fact that even though you clearly wouldn’t have one in your garage you can give a in-depth review. Not my thing either but honestly I think it may be one of the coolest looking bikes period! If I had a ton of money I’d get one just to look at and take on short rides.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@rayfriedman9625

Жыл бұрын

Mmm hmm--that's one way to rationalize it.

@turtle19dad

Жыл бұрын

I’m getting towards the older side and appreciate that it’s lighter than the touring bikes. I would so do one.

My two bikes - Norden 901 and the Low Rider ST. Absolutely love both of them and always debate which to take out for a given ride.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Awesome

Hello BRM, I have a cruiser Victory XC and love it, 600 mile days use to be no problems , but my back at 61 is saying no no no, 4 crushed disks & arthritis. Hence why i am following you, ride positions & your content, etc etc, ( I'm in Australia) tested the Pan America, CMF Moto 800mt, and the 890R. loved/disliked all of them for different reasons, now i'm waiting to test ride the Desert X when one becomes available, they landed in oz mid September. BMW1200R will be the last thing I'll test, love the look and the seating position,(not ridden one yet) but must give the others a ago. So in closing I'd like to thank you for your channel and the way you show case the motor cycles.

Great looking motorcycle and review!! While I'm not a Harley Owner, I do believe that M8 is their best platform ever to build upon. Thanks for the inspirational posting!!

Love the reviews miss riding just don't have the money for a bike any more but keep them up

I ride a Himalayan in India year round. But in USA I bought a Road king and on long US rides on interstates and highways it was great for up to 500miles a day. Next time I am home I will adjust the handle bats though as I don't like the outstretched arms

Another solid review Ian. You mentioned a few things that are very true, if you know how to ride it is quick. I like the way the look but like you would not own one.

I enjoy your reviews but I also enjoy seeing people who don't traditionally ride HDs review them. I started riding MCs on Harley b/c that's what my friends would ride. I eventually tried some Euro bikes and added a Ducati Monster to my garage. I found out all about lean angle and I was hooked. I sold my HD and Monster (b/c it was used and problematic), bought a BMW RT and didn't look back for several years after another Ducati and then Triumph Speed Triple. Tried another HD for about 6 months and then back to Ducati on a Multi. I've been on that style of bike since about 2015. I do love HDs but after having ridden other bikes, the seating position is an adjustment and I find pain in my lower back after 15 minutes on a demo ride.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Agreed

My problem with cruisers is on the two i have, a Yamaha Road Master and a HD VRod, I scrape the pipes and floorboards on both of those motorcycles. I really like to dig into corners, picked that up from sport bikes.

I would say this bike is in the same marketing segment as the Triumph Rocket 3, and it is pale in comparison. The Triumph has more power, control, and electronic enhancements. Way more bang for your buck on the Rocket.

I realize this is a year old. My wife has had hers for a year now and as a non-harley rider, this review is pretty spot on. What I would add in the cons section is how ridiculously expensive this bike is for what you don't get. The suspension sucks, has to be upgraded. Stock bags are more for looks than real function and have a wonky mounting system that is incompatibile with every other aftermarket bag out there, zero electronics - I mean not even heated grips. It does have cruise control, but no ride modes or active suspension components. The bike cost more than my BMW GSA and my GSA needs nothing to updgrade. Lastly I will add that the engineering on these bikes is low brow, basic crap. In order to service this bike I have to carry a mix of standard/metric/torque bit/allen and some very wonkey U-adapters to get at some really tight exhaust bolts. Oil changes are twice as long and require different oils because the trasnmission and engine are separate. No center stand of course and the bike has a really wonkey long throw side stand. You need a lift to properly work on it.

I'd love for you to get a hold of a BMW K1600B. Crazy I know, but I'm interested in that and this as a first bagger/cruiser as a GS guy! Great review as always!

I'm primarily an ADV guy, however the Low Rider ST is the only bike that interests me in 2022.

Nicely done!

Great review, as usual!!! I am one of those open-minded riders; but I agree with you about the riding position. At least for me, it is far from being a comfortable one. Best regards from Spain

Brilliant as per usual. Cheers

Great review, I agree mids are moved back.

Great material! Could you do some unusual session about using some other types bike for touring?? Just as an experiment. Example cb650R. Is this reasonable if someone is in love with those bikes but would like to travel on it??

@Ringer1982

Жыл бұрын

You can travel on anything really. I would recommend to rent the bike you like for a day and go riding for 300-400 km. If the bike is comfy enough for you to ride for one hour in a row, or if you see an easy fix which would allow you to be comfortable on it for an hour then it's totally fine for touring. Of course on a dedicated touring bike you'll be much less tired in the end of a long ride. Another thing to keep in mind is luggage, think about how you are going to take stuff with you. For example if there are no cases offered on the bike, are there any mounting points to attach a net, etc... Touring with a backpack on the back is very uncomfortable for most people, so as a very least you need to be able to strap your backpack to the back seat.

Great review Ian! Currently ride. F900XR which is a great around town bike, but looking shopping for a “Sport Touring” bike that I can log some miles on and carve corners with along the way. This bike intrigues me as I am Harley curious. Sport bike styled bikes have always captured my eye, but there is something about the looks of this bike that I like. I have a hard time accepting the lack of technology & adjustability vs the Harley MSRP, when compared to German or Japanese bikes.

Great review all most got me to want to buy a HD . Is that a factory air filter because I ride a lot in rain and that does not look good for rain?

@mrman487

Жыл бұрын

It has to be a complete downpour for you to feel it. At highway speed in rain and speeding up to 80 it will momentarily bog down for a second. You can just throw a rain sock over it. I believe the ST comes with one.

I like this bike a lot but the issue with most HD dealers are the blown up pricing and the overcharging in fees... also Harley ended with the Sports Glide one of my other favorite bikes...

Don’t like the riding position. But the bike appears to have several features that provide easy upgrade paths via subsequent improvements to the base model and/or via Screaming Eagle upgrades. My 02 Triumph Daytona 955i with a Matt Capri Stage one tune puts out more than 60% HP and is noted for its solid engine, smooth handling and broad power curve. Got mine with 12K miles. Only problem is I only saved about $17K over the Lowrider. Got to give it to HD for generating lots of revenue by trickling out incremental improvements. But I could add a track bike and still have $10k or so left. See you at the next traffic light. 😎

Good honest review.

You nailed it with the riding position. I ride with a few die hard Harley guys and they swear I'm the one who is uncomfortable but I can only ride their bikes for about 30 minutes before my back and shoulders start feeling weird. Not to mention I don't feel like I'm RIDING a bike but rather riding a two wheeled car. You are just sort of sitting on it.

I'm a cyclist (gravel and mountain) human-engine, but come here to dream.....this bike is dreamy !!!

On a new Harley, the bars, usually the seat, usually the pipes, often the windshield, usually the pegs/other controls pass the "Wow!" test on the showroom floor but fail the riding test. In my opinion this is an integral part of the HD marketing genius. For just a few thousand dollars more you can hit up the Parts and Accessories department with your temporary 10% off new buyer discount and hit up the shop for labor and have a different seat, different bars, and different all the rest. Also, the absolutely vast HD aftermarket thrives due to these factors.

Man where are you riding? The view is awesome.

I was surprised at how fair and balanced this review is. Most Harley reviews are done by people who love or hate Harleys. I currently own a Royal Enfield Himalayan but I did own a Road King and 1200 Sportster for 10 years. I watched this review because I kinda missed them. I thought that my Road King was very comfortable but I changed the bars the seat and the shocks. The Road King also has floor boards. You are right that you can’t take the weight off your butt when there is a bump. The bike does something to your lower back. On long rides I would have to wear a kidney belt. On my Himalayan, I have never felt the need for a belt, although to be fair a long day on the Himalayan is about 500 miles when I was on the Road King a long day would be 800 miles. I found that the Road King was very easy to ride, especially at low speeds. I think that’s why they are so popular with seniors. I’m 68 by the way.

You might be surprised what guys who “ride bikes like this” actually do with them. It’s not all group rides down the interstate…. I ride both ADV bikes and Harley-Davidsons - have for decades - and do my best to rip on both. The only thing I don’t do is group rides. Go easy on the bias and don’t pigeon hole the group/brand. BTW - I appreciate the solid review and am glad you liked the bike. Your comments about the foot controls are spot-on. I typically put rearsets, top shelf suspension, different risers/bars on my H-Ds. Only then am I ready to ride them and really enjoy them for what they are.

@sv650nyc7

Жыл бұрын

Harley riders do a very fine job of pigeonholing themselves, they don't need any outside help.

@JarrodSWeaver

Жыл бұрын

@@sv650nyc7 Can't argue with that statement unfortunately....

Thanks for the great review. I sell Harleys for a living and agree with everything you said. I also don't like the seating position on the bike but for your audience that may not know Harley that well is that you can change every nut and bolt on these bikes. This bike is styled after the old FXRs and current styling that people are doing with Dyna's. A big difference between the new softails and old Dyna is that the softail frame drops you in that V under the seat where as the dyna was flat where the oil tank was. The Dyna was way more comfortable as you sat "on" the bike and not "in" the bike. The remedy to a better seating position is to get a club style seat or something taller which will raise you an inch or two. That will get your hips level with your knee and the comfort will improve greatly. The one advantage that Harley has is if you don't like something you can change it with the endless amount of parts available.

@militaryminedid2011

Жыл бұрын

Whenever I buy a Harley I have to change it with endless amounts of money. For the prices I've paid for new bikes, half of the parts I end up swapping out should have come stock to begin with. No sense in paying $28k and then having to dump another $4k into it just to make it more comfortable and perform like it should.

Harley wasn't even really on my radar until a couple of months ago when my neighbor insisted I ride his. I was enamored by it and I've wanted one ever since. I was set to get the LRST and did test ride one. The markup on these bikes is quite high and the best OTD price I found here in CA is $26,200. After talking with a number of long-time Harley riders I've been convinced to go with the touring platform over the Softail and am now planning to purchase a Road Glide ST. I'm 6'1" and also found the LRST pretty uncomfortable but I understand there are seat and peg options to address this. I absolutely love the power and engine characteristics of the 117.

With that "Dashboard" at $22k I'm not sure who should be embarrassed more, HD or the people who buy the bike...

I’m coming from a long list of GS’s and Bonnevilles and strangely enough, I don’t find the ST to be that uncomfortable. Yes, it does have that “cruiser slump” which can be remedied with a more pulled back riser or bar combo. But my back doesn’t seem to mind the high pegs and I don’t know why. I guess it maybe depends on the lenght of your torso and arms. I am also 5’11, 32” inseam and with the stock setup my shoulders are just a tad rolled forward. Bringing the bar 2 inches closer makes me totally upright. And when upright, the lower back and hip bend ratio ceases to be too tight.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

thanks, good info

@mfuchs2004

Жыл бұрын

Agreed on moving bars back. It made all the difference on my RG. It's the only bike in my garage that I can ride all day without pain.

SO what would happen if you got one of these and moved the pegs backwards and got different bars that put your hands in the right place? Would that handle better and be more comfortable, or would that not work right on a Harley, with the weight distribution being different from a traditional sport touring bike?

Great consonants on “Cup of Tea” …..very English and easy to understand

A fantastic, honest review.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

120,000 subscribers? Dang man I watched your content when it was far less than that before I subscribed. I think you should know that you don’t need to be a stereotype riding HD. I ride all gear all the time and enjoy life with my Road Glide. I also have a GSA. Nice to have variety. All HD I’ve owned, I have to buy parts to adjust for comfort. Seats, bars, peg position. When it’s right there ain’t nothing like em.

Ian, I know it's counter intuitive, but this bike is WAY more comfortable with the foot pegs farther FORWARD! They call these mid controls, but to me with this seat height, it feels like my knees are in my ears, and I'm only 5'8"! You'd have to raise the seat height about 6 inches to put them where you were thinking. They did do that at one point; it was called the XR1200.

I'm in the category of usual watcher. I've never owned a cruiser and don't anticipate that I ever will unless someone just gave one to me. Still, I enjoyed the review. Sounds like the bike is sort of like my Ford Super Duty with a diesel. It's big and heavy but its acceleration is impressive and the truck's deceptively fast when it's not weighed down hauling an RV. Cruise control is the only thing that keeps me from getting a ticket.

@BigRockMoto

Жыл бұрын

Pretty good analogy

I had a HD Low Rider (2015?) and loved it. However, the mid-leg position was one of those things that I learned to hate. I don't know if the faring changes anything, but on the naked bike, the wind stream would push my knees outward. For short jaunts around town I'd never notice. But getting on the highway for any period of time, I'd get serious thigh fatigue fighting against the wind stream. It got to the point of considering velcro on my inner knees to hold them in on bike so I could relax my muscles while on cruise control. For folks considering these cruisers, they're fine bikes. But make sure your road test includes some highway miles to see if that feeling bothers you.

@243wayne1

9 ай бұрын

Quit complaining, or maybe you should quit riding altogether. Perhaps buy a bike that says Barbie on it...

@IndyMotoRider

8 ай бұрын

@@243wayne1 asshat comment #2, let's see how many more I can find.

The thing about bikes like this typical american cruiser that you have to remember is that people can and will customize everything on the bike to optimize it as they see fit. Ergonomics, performance, cosmetics. Someone else mentioned a backrest and pullback bars. I second that lol. It takes all of the pressure off of my lower back, and allows me to thoroughly enjoy the time I spend on my VTX1800. I wouldn't be comfortable on it for more than 30 minutes otherwise. Some people swear by T-bars, some love ape hangers. Foward controls, mid controls, fairing/windscreen. Just depends on what all works for you.

I have the the Lowrider s and have a love-hate going on with the seating position. It's a fun ride.

Your view is beautiful! Where in California are you?

Thanks great independent review ,HD fitted traction control for 2023

yes, agree to idea of open minded.....I have enduro, I have adventure, I actually have a honda cruiser, I have a sports bike and yes I like your review of harley low rider .... I am keen to find out more before i go down to my local dealer to work on seeing if I will purchase another bike for my collection...

I Will buy a 2023 low rider st. I am 6 foot, have long arms, I sit straigt up with my back on it. The mid controls I Will try to get used to it, have heard it Can take a littel time to get use to, but It Will be great and good controls in corners. Think is very good looking bike, love all the things you Can use this bike for, and it is good in motorway with the wind shield. You still get Wind, but it is good Wind, and it is comfortable.

A significant percentage of HR riders simply don’t want complex electronics, like traction control. It seems that sport and ADV riders generally love all the tech they can get, with 8 rider modes, etc. For many of us, all,that electronic crap just guarantees that the bike will become obsolete as soon as the manufacturer no longer supports the electronics. Personally I have a couple Harleys that are more than 20 years old, and are simple and reliable.

I test rode one today, agree with everything about riding position. I would need a taller seat because my hips and spine were taking a beating and/or lower bars with more pull back. I could probably like it with some adjustments but as it is it's an unnatural riding position for me. I did find I got used to the higher pegs after a while. It's like a bigger Sportster. The brakes on my Road King do feel stronger though.

@user-oo5gp6ps7q

2 ай бұрын

Not buying a motorcycle cause you can’t get a different seat ? I don’t get u dude

Excellent video. Make more cruiser reviews.

good review, question, do you think your changing view of the big torque cruisers is due to the bikes improving or perhaps you are moving into the target demographic for the model.

I am late to comment on this excellent review. As a former ADV rider I had to give up going hard off road. My 60+ year old body couldn't take the hits any longer. After a lot of searching and test riding I purchased a HD Road KIng Special. I never pictured myself on an HD......Ever. I grew up riding enduro. The cruiser had no appeal to me. But after just one demo of that Road King and I was hooked. In response to Ian's comment about riding position I will note two things. First, a Dyna / Softail frame bike, like the FXRT, has a more feet forward position than the HD's built on their touring frame. I did not care for the riding position of the Softail or FXRT. They are beautiful and impressive but just not as comfortable, and especially on longer rides. The touring frame bikes sit more upright with your feet in a position like you're sitting in chair. That makes them all-day comfortable. Secondly, with every HD you have to find the righ saddle and handlebar set-up that works best for you. Once I found my saddle and the right bars riding all day long was a pleasure..........Thanks to Ian for a very good review of a motorcycle he would normally never consider. Nicely done.

I'm crazy waiting to get in the train and to see this video.

Ian, I just found your channel and I appreciate what you do, 😊so I have 268 videos to go. Wanted your thoughts on the Indian Sport Chief. I am getting back into riding after years of being off. Looking at the adventure bikes so will watch all those vids. Any thoughts on the Indian lineup in general.