Road test: Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Harley-Davidson’s Low Rider, a model first released in the Seventies, has been absent from the line-up for several years but recently made a welcome return for 2014.

Unashamedly retro, it drips with chrome, lovely attention to design and detail and has plenty of attitude. It’s belt-driven for a smooth ride and is powered by a torquey 1,690cc engine, V-twin of course, coupled to a satisfyingly positive six-speed gearbox with an easy-to-find neutral.

First impressions when you sit on it are that you’re on something from Easy Rider, with your feet way out in front. The handlebars feel nice and high. The weight is well distributed; nice and low down, making it a great bike for mooching around town.

On the move it proves extremely well balanced. Twist opens the throttle and you soar forward on a glorious wave of torque. It’s nowhere near as smooth as a Japanese bike and that’s precisely what Harley owners like, demand even.

I spent too little time on the open road and a lot of time in London, where, actually, it felt right at home.

Confession time: I lost the key and its electronic fob on day one. It’s a “contactless” key (a mixed blessing) so it works from your pocket; it must have fallen out en route. So if you find one in south London, you know where to come...

Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Seat height: 680mm;
Weight: 302 kg;
Torque: 136Nm @ 3,500rpm;
Price: £12,395