2018 Harley-Davidson Low Rider (FXLR) Review│Compared to Low RIder S and FXR

First Ride and Detailed review of the new 2018 Softail Low Rider. Get a comparison of past Low Rider models such as the Low Rider S and the Legendary FXR. Get the info you need to make an educated purchase on this bike. Test Ride and review performed by Matt Laidlaw.
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[@MattLaidlaw]

Hey Guys thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I always try to answer all comments and questions but sometimes that's impossible. Please checkout my Patreon Page to Support my Harley-Davidson content Creation and become part of that community where I can answer all questions. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@philo2808]

Matt Laidlaw great vid dude, thanx.

[@mattgee8064]

Can you get forward controls on the low rider ?

[@aryarefalza1328]

Number one your HARLEY...like BEAUTIFUL GIRL...VERY CLEAN...but HOW ABOUT YOUR LADIES...?😂... JUST KIDDING MAN.... CICIHARYATI.

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

I like how you have other riders on your channel also ride bikes and give there opinion along side yours and you also show peoples totally honest opinion. It’s a genuine channel with real riders thats are different sizes and have different opinions. I really want to thank you for that! I’ve been watching hours and hours of your videos!

[@pnwbryce]

Really liked the format. Thanks for including David and Scott! David is really articulate and had great thoughts.

[@scudonepercenter]

Awesome channel. I love all your uploads. Despite you being a dealer and selling Harleys, your reviews are very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@sacandinavidave7183]

I loved hearing the feedback from the other riders. A great format.

[@hogluvr1]

Had an 85 low glide, FXR Custom. My first Harley. Seeing that FXR brought back some memories.

[@BigMoeFo]

Once again u read my mind. Pls continue the comparisons!!! Excellent idea! Especially to all the naysayers. Ur the best man!

[@MinnerQ]

It was a great format to have a couple of other riders (of different stature) give their brief impression. If they're experienced riders it really gives the video credibility and a broader perspective.

[@dansmusic5749]

Best reviewer. Don't change the style of the reviews. The web info is good and really gives me a complete picture. You are very thorough in your descriptions and extraneous info and anecdotes. The mini reality style shows are also good for a once in a while change. Subbed.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate the feedback.

[@lionlocs8951]

Love the new HD Low Rider! format is perfect how you get different opinions on the old and new Low Rider👍🏾

[@2hotFL]

Well done as always. Just saw one of these at the local dealer the other day and I think it's my favorite softail now.

[@Brink1957]

Hi Matt, I’ve been waiting for your review of the 2018 Low Rider and it didn’t disappoint. Great idea to put it into context with previous year models. As I have mentioned before, I own a 2013 Dyna Super Glide and am a fan of the pull back style handlebars.

[@RainyRider1970]

I just saw this, as I am looking at a 2018 FXLR at my local shop. It's everything I needed to make my choice. Thanks

[@krutherford305]

Another excellent review of the new HD line-up. Well done Matt.

[@kylepoirier1102]

i like this format with a few different riders perspective and like always full of information thanks Matt for another awesome video

[@donaldsoncole3095]

I found the night riding to be another level in quality for viewers. I was looking at this bike in Md and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Handlebars, Thanks!

[@armybiker]

Love the new format Matt..keep up the awesome and best Harley vids on youtube

[@sttuppidd]

Great video guys. My first Harley was a 1984 FXRS, it was a beautiful deep coral blue and silver two tone. Back then people called me a fool as many of my friends were buying the new Honda v-4 sabre's and they were nice, and very fast. I put 80k miles on that bike in 10 yrs and the Hondas were all gone, traded or EOL. I Loved that bike's handling and solid feel, the way it would hold a line in a corner, great bike, great engine. I commuted from Milton Mills to Portsmouth NH every day it was possible to ride it and I ran it a 9/10's the whole way, of mainly interstate, and many times wide open for miles at a time, it never so much as hiccupped. I purchased three more similar bikes (never liked the big heavy baggers), including my current 04 Dyna low rider with an 88 CI fuel injected which is still a shiny as the day I bought it with tons of money in chrome, seat, cams, rear shocks and infinite beauty. I couldn't trade it as I just love the bike, everything about it and I have it customized just so. I did test the new low rider and it was nice but I thought about what it would cost to get it as nice as the one I have and just couldn't let go of the '04. My biggest gripe was the handlebars...what engineer approved those turned back things? My wrist wont even twist that direction to open the throttle fully. The ride was slightly better but Mine does have upgraded 43MM fronts with a cartridge and chrome lowers and progressive Fox shocks on the back which are very compliant over minor imperfections yet never bottom out. And, of course, the stock exhaust is horridly quiet, so number 2, SE slip on's. But still so much more to get to where I am with my current bike to get it just right. Thanks for the video!

[@CUInMySights]

Awesome comparison Matt. Hey both Laidlaw grandsons can't go wrong. Thanks

[@twolaneblacktop8034]

I like it Matt, love the throw back pieces and paint scheme on the bike you used for the demo. Still agree with you this is the best platform yet and that's coming from a FXRS owner from way back, bought my 84 new in 86 as a lay over model that got lost in the shuffle (long story)and I ended up with a sweet ride.

[@steviesplate5559]

Thanks Matt. Keep going. Your blogs are super informative.

[@dekeama]

Another great video Matt. You're videos are a great resource. Thanks!

[@stevenpeltier1376]

Excellent review and I enjoyed this format. That FXRS is pretty sweet. The generational comparison and perspectives of different riders was great. It seems like this new low rider has a much shorter wheelbase than previous models and is overall a smaller bike.

[@anthonygm85]

Got a 2018 low rider delivered the other day love how it sits and feels even stock. With time she'll be my own

[@MattLaidlaw]

It’s a great bike.

[@darkoflight4938]

Excellent review as usual and such a refreshing thing with the comparisons! The contributions from other people in the staff is a great addition. It gives a more colorful width to the reviews! A little more spit an´shine on the bike there from your brother wouldn´t hurt tho ;) Keep em´coming sir!

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Dark Of Light haha. Thanks man

[@tonywalker6745]

Great review of the bike...enjoyed hearing the different opinions...thanks for all the information on this bike

[@mas3292]

Love the new Softail Low Rider. Great entry level bike (for the money) with a lot of positive upgrades for 2018. Great job Matt.Thank you.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Agreed. Thanks for watching

[@garycoutts6821]

Hi Matt thanks for your review on the 2018 M8 Lowrider . It certainly helped me make my decision to buy a 2018 M8 107 Low Rider and i love it all the best from the land down under cheers from Australia .

[@alb6100]

Like what you produced, and the comments of the other riders!

[@able75dev60]

This was the best review on this bike that I've seen.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. Glad I could help

[@Walt1960]

I own a 2020 low rider and I love it. Awesome review sir.

[@anthonygm85]

I sat on this bike yesterday and love how i feel and fit in it the saddle. Im getting one soon. Jumping from sportys finally

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice, you'll enjoy it more than your Sportster

[@gardengnomes995]

Great Video! Had 5-6 past FXS/FXSB/FXDL/FXBS Low-Riders (78' thru 2005) out of 12 Harleys ~ always my first choice. Rode 45+ years... sadly done now. Agree totally on the bars... the setback risers w/drag bars were Most comfortable ~ at least for me. Reminded me how much I Hated L.A. (and CAL in general!) TOO Much TRAFFIC!! 28 years here now in the Black Hills... Nuff' said.

[@lawrencedurden3673]

Great overview of the low rider. I bought this bike in May 2018. I use it as a daily rider. I am going to get a windshield so I can do some longer rides.

[@grimeyhonkyracing3938]

Great bike and review, i have wanted this exact same bike for a couple years now, hopefully soon i can make it a reality. I also love your psychedelic rock riff theme song 😂

[@stirlingshire]

Ride the FXR hard, it won't break. Progressive suspension fork springs are a must for FXRs, and a better camshaft, especially for California models. Nice review, and good to see the comparisons.

[@Markotto09]

Fantastic channel. I appreciated your video on the FXLR comparisons to the Dyna’s of old. I’ve owned a few Dyna’s and was on the fence, however I pulled the trigger on a 2019 FXLR and haven’t looked back. The term Softail in my opinion is a misnomer as these bikes are mono shocked Dyna’s. Kudos to the Motor Company... Again, awesome channel.

[@mrt076]

awesome review - can’t get better than this - thank you!

[@Mrdrivereight]

I wasn't sure about the low rider softail switch but it looks great. Probably the most beautiful tank since they disco'd the k model, I love that HD painted on graphic.

[@PropsandWings]

This is a very clean, well put together Harley. You don't see wires or lines all straggled out and not tucked like other brands. On a bike, I want to see the gadgets, clean machined metal and things that make it pop. I applaud Harley for keeping the classic look yet still go for a modern day style. 110 ft lbs considering how Harley is known for low to mid range power should be a blast to ride.

[@thomasangelo4219]

Thanks for all the information on a lowrider and Softails thank you Matt and Scott take care

[@renniesmith8073]

The lowrider reminds me of my old superglide custom loved that bike!

[@mikeessary7691]

Congratulations on 50 k subs matt!!

[@rickrhodes7032]

Matt, this format was great..

[@arthurleino]

Nice looking motorcycle. I had friend that had a 78, but I will keep and ride my 1983 FXWG. It survived Pinatubo so it is my reliable steed.

[@gregmilona2159]

Just another awesome vid Matt,top work mate ,cheers

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Greg Milona thank you.

[@lisaross3256]

Thanks for the video. I bought this exact bike and I love her.

[@AlexanderNejadeh]

Nice that you used "my newly" bought for this video :) With all the commentary, I can see that it was the right choice.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Alexander Nejadeh it was ridden with care my friend. Enjoy the bike!

[@georgewaddlesjr.9178]

Excellent review. One of my favorite bikes in the new line...

[@davidknows3320]

Those tank graphics and colors! Yes sir, loving that Low Rider! Yes! AMF! I am typing this as you talked about the graphics. Lol.

[@tltate]

Great info, man. I'm thinking about getting this bike. Right now I have a Suzuki M-50, my first bike. I've had it for 11 years. Time to move up.

[@lazzyrj1]

Best Harley Davidson reviews/videos on KZbin .I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that wants to see an all blacked out version for 2019 . They also need to make the 2019 version with inverted forks . Give me those 2 options & I will buy one right on the release date .I am sure others would agree . If they do that I would even trade in my Lowrider S . Matt I hope you can pass this along to the H-D powers that be .

[@MattLaidlaw]

We are building a blacked out Low Rider right now. Yes, it would be nice to see the factory do one.

[@thomasangelo4219]

Best video yet keep them coming

[@Big.Ron1]

Excellent review. I still love the previous heritage best but, I think that this bike set up like the blue one in the catalog, well, it deserves serious consideration. I guess I need to run over to the local dealer. Buddy Stubbs here I come. I'm 58 years old and 5 foot 8 so it should be a nice fit. Small or medium apes, windshied, bags and a sissy bar with pad and luggage rack. In blue. My new daily ride. Thank you Matt. I like this style video with different inputs. Very cool. And yes, there is a hint of AMF in the logo.

[@ozweepa]

I'm 5'8" and I felt cramped with the mid foot controls. Thanks for the review.

[@wcraiderevo8078]

I know I am late to the party but, this is a great video. Picking one up next weekend.

[@TheJohnChiara]

Thanx a lot for this man. I've been asking for this from you, and I love the attention you gave it and multiple opinions from your shop. I'm going to stick with my 2016 FXDL and do my thing with it, but looking forward to the life of this new model. If you can get the SE two into one (so i can put my larger saddle bags on them), additional forward cruise pegs, as well as put in the SE 114 engine and output upgrades, I'll consider these in the future. Thank you again, been really looking forward to this.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks John. Glad you enjoyed the video. Enjoy the Low Rider

[@ivand.3201]

I gotta say Matt, your videos are what is convincing me to buy one of the new M8 Harley's. I currently ride an Indian Scout, and while its nimble and powerful, it feels too small for me and I have been a been wanting something more "Dyna" sized. Great videos

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. The new Softails are legit man. You’ll love it.

[@flavodave1]

Yes the format was good. I like your standard formats as well. Having driven So Cal freeways for 19yrs. I understand the traffic is complicated. Never rode a bike in that area. Gotta say as a result of seeing your videos i may wanna give it a shot andvisit some old friends. I understand it is a marketing tool for you but i like the videos.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. It’s a marketing tool but I also do it for the love of motorcycles. It isn’t just a job for me. It’s my life.

[@hammy1704]

Thanks Matt, love the channel. You made my mind up and will pick it up on Friday, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scotland UK🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sardinho]

great tank decal design, beautiful bike

[@nickthinkpainting1978]

That 107 stock low end torque is right there. I have a 110 2014 and the 107 torque does come on earlier.

[@motogrey3707]

loved this start to finish ... just sacrificed my bagger to the local wildlife and am wanting to try something more flexible in my cycling fun

[@todddelisle3941]

I'm 5'11" and the 018 Lowrider fits great and I would not want the controls any more forward, they are already more forward then a traditional Dyna. Also I like the dual discs on the Dyna like I owned however the dual disc does not give you more stopping power only easier grip to activate them. If anything needs to be changed which people will do straight off is to modify or change the exhaust.

[@cjsmith]

Great review! That bad boy is in dire need of some T-Bars and a 2 into 1 exhaust 🤘🇺🇸

[@80sruler]

CJ haha - that’s got Bassani written on it

[@nbt3663]

Matt we got to get you to 100,000 subs buddy!!!

[@iwannaride321]

I loved the comparison, and ik it was a long video already, but I would have liked to hear more about the dyna low rider s. Keep up the good work!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. Thanks for watching.

[@kakhidzeoto]

Scott debriefing his ride is just so genuinely funny :D

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Oto Kakhidze haha. Glad you saw the humor in it.

[@rickheroux3694]

Hey Matt, Thanks for the detailed review on the low rider. I was aiming for the Softail Deluxe, which has pretty much been my first choice, but a little higher priced. I definitely love the new frame, suspension & 107, which the low rider has also. I'm about 5'6", so the fit on the low rider may be a better option, although I felt comfortable on the deluxe also. I'm looking to upgrade from my 2000, Sportster 1200 Custom. Been weighing on this for a while and beginning to lose my sanity.

[@dansmusic5749]

I love the look of this bike. I am not big on decals. I prefer medallions. But this looks class. Love the tach on THIS model.

[@mindfield7]

Nice review- if I weren't going Road King crazy right now I'd take a serious look at the low rider.

[@slickimilano]

Finally was waiting for htis review. So basically cant have an engine boost on the new softail low rider!!! Comes with only the MILWAUKEE-EIGHT 107. Matt i believe it is still good for long distance cruising especially with the 5gal tank. Perhaps with your hight not so much but for other shorter people its a no brainer!. Cheers

[@Justdog95]

Great vid! Really made up my mind on a used S vs the new low rider! Thank you !

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. Enjoy.

[@harleyflfbsflip8747]

Great reviews. Made me like new Harley's a little more.

[@nicholasharr8525]

Matt thanks for all the reviews on the 2018 Softail line-up. So far you have made it really hard for me to decide on which bike I am going to buy. One question for you though, are you planning on doing a video on the new Sport Glide?

[@sunsetusa6926]

Man it's good to see someone flog the '18 Lowrider. I love that '16 Lowrider S paint job and fairing setup but to me, especially in SoCal, I would've ponied up instead for a set of Ohlins and swapped the forks out (assuming they're compatible, seems to be the cheapest option) for an inverted set off the '16 CVO Softail. That setup would make the ole dyna LRS untouchable on any '18. That's the ONLY beef I have with the '18 Softail lineup, you're locked in to the factory lean angle and ride height. Until the aftermarket comes out with a swingarm option you're stuck; maybe you can eek out a little more ride height on a shock change? And tbh Matt I guarantee, without a doubt, that I would scrape hard parts even lowside on any softy despite my best efforts. The Lowrider S was fine alone and with its kind, when you add any sportbike to the group I couldn't keep up. When I lifted the rear end a little it became easy to blow them out of the water.

[@lafomerrick9631]

Excellent video. Really enjoyed it. Would be great to see a side perspective of you on the bike riding.

[@WillSmalls]

I enjoyed the mix up with the other guys giving a bit of review and the night ride! Looking forward to more videos with aftermarket parts on the new bikes. Some of the stock exhausts are so ugly!

[@petterin1]

Great format, works!

[@CunoWiederhold]

Seat "ribbed" for her pleasure! LOL Just kidding. I love all your videos as they are so well crafted, thorough and comprehensive. I know this is for the Low Rider (which I had one back in the late 70's) but currently I have a 2014 Fatbob which I love for many reasons! So much value for the money! Keep up the great work!

[@jayejaye9760]

Jesus you come from a family of frigging giants. Love your videos. I think I'm gonna try a get into the sport

[@danbailey1229]

Like the format of the video

[@BigMoeFo]

BTW Great choices in music lately!!

[@georgecostanza2695]

Omg, you gotta have Scott on more often, this was the first video of yours that made me laugh out loud! Btw, isn’t the Dual Bending Valve a Showa innovation? Never knew HD used Showa suspension... that’s cool.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes it’s a Showa Shock. Yea, I need Scott in my videos more often. He isn’t really a camera guy. I’ll force him though

[@tyee4u]

That FXR 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@rudeawakening3833]

Great format Matt - loved this presentation ! I bought this motorcycle off the showroom floor . My 13 th HD since the 1970’s . ( yes - I’m older ) My favorite of all my bikes . To be honest : 1.) WHY did HD block the clean air to the front cylinder with the oil cooler ? JAGG proved to the world that mounting onto the down tube allows the clean air to cool BOTH the oil cooler off to the side AND allow this cool air to hit the cooling fins on the front cylinder . 2.) Excessive pressure needs to be placed onto the right rear brake peg ! I was told and read that HD “ dumb - downed “ the rear brake purposely to force less experienced riders to utilize the front brakes ! Either way - not impressed with that decision . The single front disc with (4) piston caliper has SO much brake , I use two fingers to apply them . 3.) the last complaint is the “ wanna be “ Gunfighter seat . I HAD to spend $550.00 for a seat to make a person over 10 years old satisfied … Peace ☮️

[@Charger8921]

Thank you for the night riding portion. That light is surprisingly wide of a beam for how narrow the reflector is. That halo around the light assembly lights up the ground a fair bit, In the video it looks like it's aimed a little low for my preferences. I like a nice level beam. DEFINITELY needs a set of switchbacks. Other than that, if I were to buy a bike after my future CVO Road Glide this would be in contention with the Softail Deluxe. Thank you again for the night riding portion of the video.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Charger8921 No problem. After watching the video I thought the same thing - it should be aimed up more.

[@jessekuchinski1172]

Man, is that a awesome looking bike or what..so cool with the 70s amf graphics

[@simonclark8176]

Always a great watch ...thanks again ^^

[@leibstandarte1stSS]

That was an awesome review .Thanks.

[@MalcolmTodd1966]

As always Matt, good and informational video! Out of the 18's you were on the only one I really like. Honestly, add a wide glide and a 21" skinny wheel and tire you have a slick new Softail Custom! All you would be missing are the forward controls. FXR's forever! :0)

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha Thanks man

[@garysmith9918]

Thanks for the Low Rider review.....my California buddy (Peter) just bought one...he loves it.....I had a 1984 FXRS....strange how everyone loves these bikes now but, then???......not at all....I took alot of flack for a 5-speed/isolated motor in a FXR frame....as the world turns>Matt

[@NotaFlea]

Matt. Love the new format. It was not a snow job but an honest opinion from several guys. I never was a Dyna Fan, Loved my old fxr but found the Dynas weak. I have ridden the new softail and think it is way better than the Dyna, and as far as the old softail, well lets just say do not take one of those on any street with a bump. I will be buying a new softail, Probably a Fat Bob. This was a great video comparing the platforms.

[@ronclark387]

Hey Matt new to the Chanel but enjoying your vids. Enjoyed the club custom builds on 16 low rider S and the soft tail 18 street bob. Any future plans to do one on the soft rail 18 low rider?

[@jayteesgear]

Im finally seein good prices on these ‘18s. Im all about 70’s inspired bikes and im hopin to demo one in good condition

[@Ronald-YouTube]

Currently have a 2015 Low Rider. Have also had a 2001 Dyna Sport. After such a big change can't understand why they would keep the upright licence plate. Next year please put it under the tail light. Here in Western Australia we aren't allowed side mounts. Other than that the new bikes are growing on me big time. Excellent reviews!

[@JithinPv]

Im 5'1" and please suggest me a good model from harley line up. My short listing is as follows Street 750 Forty Eight softail Low rider 2018

[@jaytouvelle2359]

Best MC HD ever made for the price and power to weight ratio plus handles better than any other HD.

[@2012jhm]

Great channel Matt. I have learned very much from your videos. I grew up on dirt bikes, and bought a brand new ‘96 Fat Boy when I was in the Army. I had to sell it in ‘98 and I haven’t rode since. You make it less intimidating to reenter the Harley world with seasoned riders. I do have a question. What helmet do you wear? I like it. As far as bikes go, I’m partial to the CVO Street Glide... just unsure about the radiators.

[@ausoff-road7795]

The best part was he beat the cbr600 who wasnt racing haha love it. So keen to get one of these new lowriders.