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WheelsOfGrace.com | Volume 9 Issue 6 | 7 Editor's note: We could not close the year 2017 without including a piece about the 40 years of the Low Rider. In Daytona in 1977, Harley-Davidson unveiled the FXS Low Rider® motorcycle. With its black paint engine treatments, highway footpegs and drag handlebars, the Low Rider mo- torcycle marked a major move in styling. It was the name of the motorcycle itself that pointed out the sea ng po- si on. It was low enough into the frame that encouraged the idea that you no longer sit on the bike, but in it. Over the coming years, the Low Rider model would prove to be the mainstay factory custom motorcycle in the Harley-Da- vidson product line. In some model years, it could be argued that you could not buy a cooler-looking bike than the Low Rider motorcycle. This is probably why in model years like 1988, riders could find Low Rider models in mul- ple incarna ons. The Low Rider Custom version appeared with a vintage 1917 gas tank logo and leather strap down the middle of the gas tank, among other appointments. That same year, the Low Rider Sport version offered simple by Bill Jackson, Senior Archivist cast wheels, low-rise handlebars, rubber isola on mounts, an -dive front suspension and dual disc front brakes. 1991 saw the beginning of the Dyna family of motorcycles (featuring rubber engine mounts, five-speed transmis- sions, more efficient oiling systems, etc.). Meanwhile the Low Rider model was being offered in further pla orms, such as the Conver ble model, and con nued in the Sport and Custom varia ons. The 1993 model year would mark the first year that the Low Rider motorcycles were avail- able as Dyna pla orm motorcycles. The year 2002 marked the 25th anniversary of the Low Rider motorcycle, and few motorcycles in Harley-Davidson history have been through more evolu onary changes. In 2002, the Low Rider model was back to one version, the way it began. However, de- mand has not decreased, and a rider who is seeking one of the most versa le and coolest looking machines on the road can s ll turn to the Low Rider model. of the Low Rider ® motorcycle WheelsOfGrace.com Volume 9 Issue 6 7