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22 | WheelsOfGrace.com | Issue 52 If I owned a second bike and it could be any bike it would be this one! High bars and horsepower define the Harley- Davidson ® Low Rider ® S model, a cruiser that takes a performance-first approach to customizing. The Low Rider S model is built around a Harley-Davidson Softail ® chassis enhanced by premium suspension components tuned for aggressive riding stoked by the unrelenting power of a muscular Milwaukee-Eight ® 114 engine, with styling cues inspired by the coastal build scene and Harley heritage. "The look of the Low Rider S is really rooted in the legacy of the Low Rider models of the 1980s, that has a devoted following which has spread world-wide from origins in Southern California, and in the recent Dyna-based Low Rider S model," said Brad Richards, Harley- Davidson Vice President of Styling & Design. "We've applied that coastal style and performance-first attitude to the Softail chassis to create a Low Rider S that's more powerful and agile than ever, with a heavy dose of tough-as-nails attitude." HARD-EDGE COASTAL ST YLE Raised hand controls are a defining element of the coastal custom influence. The Low Rider S model mounts a one-inch diameter motocross-style handlebar on four-inch high straight risers to put the rider in an aggressive and active position. A color-matched mini-fairing frames the headlamp and blocks the wind when chasing down the freeway. A high back solo seat is shaped to hold the rider in place under hard acceleration. All bright finishes are replaced with black finishes for an aggressive look. The powertrain, primary cover and tank console are finished in Wrinkle Black; the derby cover, intake, and lower rocker covers are Gloss Black. Mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black. Forks, triple-clamp, riser and handlebar, and rear fender supports are Matte Black. The LED layback tail lamp has a smoked lens. The five-gallon Softail fuel tank features an iconic Harley-Davidson graphic. Radiate cast-aluminum wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) are finished in Matte Dark Bronze for an intriguing contrast to the motorcycle's dark A Softail ® Chassis, Milwaukee-Eight ® 114 Engine Muscle, and Defiant Attitude components. Two solid color options are available: Vivid Black and Barracuda Silver. THE SOFTAIL MODEL FOUNDATION The Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle frame is a foundation for performance. The frame design is optimized to reduce weight without sacrificing stiffness while maintaining the classic look of a hard tail with a thoroughly modern ride. The rigid-mounted Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine contributes to a platform that delivers strong acceleration and responsive handling and braking performance. A single coil-over shock features emulsion technology and an optimized angle between the frame and swingarm for enhanced travel and response. Under-seat hydraulic pre-load adjustment allows the rider to maintain optimal suspension performance for the prevailing load and road conditions. A 43mm inverted fork stiffens the front end for improved response to steering input. Single-cartridge internal technology responds quickly to inputs and keeps the front wheel planted for improved braking and handling performance. Fork rake is reduced to 28 degrees from the 30-degree rake of the standard Low Rider® model, resulting in more-responsive handling. Dual front brakes with 300mm discs deliver stronger braking performance with less lever effort than the single front disc brake on the standard Low Rider model. Standard ABS (antilock braking system) provides confident braking performance when conditions are less than ideal. The Low Rider S model rolls on high-performance Michelin ® Scorcher ® 31 tires. MILWAUKEE-EIGHT 114 ENGINE MUSCLE The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine (114 CID; 1868cc), the only engine choice for the Low Rider S model, delivers the most displacement offered in the Softail chassis from the factory, cranking out 119 ft. lb. of torque at 3000 rpm. A dual internally counter-balanced system reduces engine vibration while maintaining the familiar Harley-Davidson feel, while deep- breathing, four-valve cylinder heads and dual spark plugs HARLEY-DAVIDSON ® LOW RIDER ® S 22 | WheelsOfGrace.com | Issue 52