Should you "DOWNGRADE" to a Low Rider ST from a Touring bike? My thoughts!

After 1500 miles on the Low Rider ST, I have some thoughts about how I feel after downgrading from my 2020 CVO Street Glide.
The Low Rider ST is a fantastic motorcycle, but it ain't all rainbows and cupcakes.

[@Meldelkel]

Thanks for giving us your wisdom - this is a very fair and open set of thoughts and it is valid from an experienced real owner who has actually made the switch which many of us are considering. Well done.

[@MyDpatrick]

Great advice. I agree 100%. As a previous Ultra Classic owner and now riding this bike, you’re spot on. The saddlemen explorer seat, 10inch windshield, and thrashin mini floorboards have been great mods so far to bridge the gap for me. This bike is exciting.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Yeah, that's where I'm at. This isn't a bike that, out of the box, I would've been okay touring on. I'm used to a few extra creature comforts for the money, which is why I've also gone the route of adding a few different mods to-as you mention-bridge the gap between a Touring chassis and a Softail. I know there are definitely guys out there that this is EXACTLY what they're looking for. I kinda thought I was that guy too, but at some point I just have to admit it to myself. Without a doubt, this bike is exciting and I still can't wait to see what mods are brought into aftermarket for it and what guys end up doing to it.

[@remembertofocus]

did the same thing. over 15 years I've had sportsters, an FXR, a dyna, street glides, and a road glide...just sold a fully built '19 RGS, and I mean built out performance bagger. did the "downgrade" to this and love it. cashed out, put some money in the bank, bought the ST cash. it needs bars, and flare windshield, and some foot control adjustments but it's already growing on me out the box. we tour 2-3 nights max and around town and day rides. this is the bike for that. we're on the same page...enjoy it.

[@HDR20]

Sounds like you are an indecisive guy with a lot of cash. That's a lot of bikes in a short time. Hopefully, you find happiness with a certain bike. Great video, I was thinking about the LRST but now hearing from a guy who made the switch and is ready to go back to the full touring bike help with my decision. I will keep my RGS

[@HAMC_POPEYE]

I kept my street glide but after a week on my ST I have no interest in riding the street glide. I took my ole lady out on the SG yesterday and it felt like a bus. What a turd. I’m gonna sell the SG and get the RG next summer. I still need a full size touring bike.

[@powerman1972]

I have this bike and love it! However, i wish i was about 25 years younger and a tad shorter. So far i have changed the seat, put taller risers on it, and currently waiting on forward controls to put on it to fit me better. I also own a 2020 Roadglide limited which is a much better fit for me, especially on longer rides. After awhile, the Lowrider gets a tad cramped and down right uncomfortable at times. I too fell into all the hype, not saying it's a bad bike, just not a bike for long distance for me.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Thanks for your take on it! What risers did you throw on yours? I was working on getting some thrown on mine, but the top clamp that I have for my new set isn't compatible with the Street Bob gauge cluster!

[@powerman1972]

@@rebelsroguesco i went with the Thrashin Supply 9.5” pullback risers. Very nice setup.

[@jamesspencer406]

Hey man cool video.Im waiting on mine soon to be here.Very excited. Liked your story of bikes you have owned.Sounds bout like me.Currently have Indian Challenger and soon the LRST .Here we go I know be looking to go diff exhaust. Keep em coming

[@UnrulyRider]

Nice full-face helmet and a Cardo or Sena would have you covered, even in the rain. Sounds better and far more clear at highway speeds too, with the added benefit of having blutooth communication.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Oh, yeah, I'm in the know on all of that. I do have a nice full-face and use a Lexin for touring/group rides. It's definitely better at highway speeds too, as you mention. But I don't always wear a helmet and having audio on the bike itself is important to me.

[@lowriderstliving]

You summed it all up when you said that you like putting in the long miles. While you can put in long miles on the Lowrider ST of course a bagger with all the comforts of a “real” touring bike Is the way to go. I have owned all of the above and have a Lowrider ST right now and I’m probably never going to buy another bike until I retire at 65 and I’m 50 now. It’s just like buying helmets or gloves it takes a while to figure out exactly what you want and along the way you hope you don’t drop too much money but it sounds like you’ve dropped a lot of money on a lot of different bikes so hopefully get it all figured out at some point.

[@cjsmith]

Road Glide Limited - Happy Wife, Happy Life 🙌

[@bobbyparson9229]

Yeah I was in the same boat as you. I sold a super nice street glide special with tons of extras for the lowrider st and never really enjoyed it until I got speakers but I can honestly say it wasn’t until I put taller bars that honestly put me in a totally different riding triangle a total game changer which is hard to believe but it really made a huge difference. Clokwerks shield was another. Then running boards instead of foot pegs. All this being said I sold it and bought a Road Glide ST. The truth is I’m more of a lowrider st kinda guy but I don’t know just at the end of the day went bag to a Bagger. Luv your video

[@rebelsroguesco]

Thanks for the comment! I am also going to move towards putting a taller set of risers on my bike to improve the rider triangle. The stock risers/bar positioning are way too uncomfortable for me. I'm 6'1" and I have to reach for them, causing lower back strain. I did put the 10" Klock Werks shield on my Low Rider ST yesterday, and am super happy with it. Breathes a bit of new life into the ride. And I totally get it dude, and understand the decision to move to a RGST! Baggers are life.

[@noelpogiako1]

Finally someone voice out what you really feel about this bike. Really impressed about your honest thoughts about Low Rider ST. Just to be honest I put a down payment and after couple of weeks the dealer called me that my bike is ready. It so happen that we went to AMERICADE at Lake George and test rode this bike and what a big disappointment. Just realized it's all about hype and HD marketing gimmick. I know one youtuber actually he spend a lot just to upgrade to make it sport touring bike and now he almost broke and selling his 2 other bike just to compensate all the expenses.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Yeah, I'm with you. My goal with the channel was never to tout the motorcycle just because I decided to buy one. It is definitely deserving of some criticism, as are all other motorcycles to some degree. I think there are some areas where Harley could've just done a better job, plain and simple. The lack of availability for the audio, thus far, has been a huge miss, especially for guys like me. In other aspects, I think the bike is great, but I find that rider preference/style trumps all else. There are plenty of bikes that are "better on paper" than an H-D, but people still buy H-D. Rider preference and riding style goes a long way!

[@hokiefan2281]

Yep Holy Shift Main reason will not step down is lack of traction control the RDRS with hill assist, tire sensor, rain mode, etc

[@HD-on2eg]

Thanks for your honest advice. I am in the same situation. I have had only HD touring bikes. Both Road Glides and currently a Street Glide. I have the Low Rider ST on order, and am really struggling on the decision to go through with getting it. I’ll admit, I got caught up in all the hype about this bike, watched all the videos of people that HD gave a vacation to for marketing (atleast my thoughts), seems every reviewer gave positive feedback about the bike. I then personally had a chance to test ride one twice. The second time it was windy and I couldn’t believe all the wind and noise coming in my fullface helmet. I remember all the “reviews” and videos saying how great the fairing was. I was really disappointed on that test ride. Yes, the bike is fast, and fun to ride, but is this really a freeway bike, or am I caught up in all the hype? I think it’s the latter. I am seriously considering canceling my order and going with a Road Glide ST instead. Thanks for your feedback.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

If Harley paid for my flights and motel and food of course I would love the Harley I am riding what a joke

[@rebelsroguesco]

I would say that, like many of us, you've got caught up in the hype. Sure, there is definitely a group out there that the FXLRST is pointed at and those people are going to continue to be ecstatic about the bike. Those people are generally the people who haven't yet found their way to a Road Glide or Street Glide. I don't think it's genuine for people, including the Motor Company, to say that this is truly a "bagger." While I am actually impressed by the wind deflection on this fairing, it most certainly isn't perfect and isn't going to miraculously shield you from the same amount of wind that a Road Glide or Street Glide fairing will, especially if properly kitted out. I think, hands down if you're a long-distance guy, the Road Glide ST would be better suited for you.

[@chasingtrail]

@@rebelsroguesco Thanks a ton for your feedback. I'm in the same boat as others. I love the performance aspect and perceived pricing of the LRST, but at 6'1" 32" inseam and 230 lbs I'm prob going to be happier on a Road Glide. Looking at the Challenger as well. Really appreciate your insight and taking the time to make this video.

[@rollinreaper]

I have the ‘22 S. If they had the ST on the floor, I would’ve purchased it for the extra $3k. I put the Memphis Shades Road Warrior fairing with an 11” vented smoked windshield. Works OK, say 6 out of 10 stars with wind deflection, but a 10/10 compared to having nothing. I became inventive with the lack of the hard shell saddles by using a swing arm bag, tank bag (which btw is unbelievably awesome) as I have it on my rear fender actually, and a Thrashin Supply fork bag. So for what I do, it works fine. I’m not riding out of state or going on super long runs. I ordered the same sissy bar you have a month ago. Still waiting on it.

[@Yodegaard]

I'm moving up from a 97 Sportster so pretty much anything after 97 would be an improvement, but I can't wait to get my hands on one and let it rip.

[@joeplem5329]

While I'm not coming from a "bagger" I am riding a built up 2011 dyna street bob 110 (106hp/122tq) and finally got to see one of these in the flesh. Looks even more sic in person and now I'm having an internal debate if I should trade up the dyna for it once the hype calms down a bit more or just order one and wait like everyone else!!!

[@rebelsroguesco]

Not a bad idea if you're looking for some extra utility and creature comforts (such as the audio if you can find one, lol)!

[@davidrome]

Thanks for being honest about it! I'm on the edge, so I'm wondering your thoughts especially regarding the vibration and how's your lower back after some miles comparing between the ST and the tourers. The touring bikes I've been on have been super glassy smooth on the highway and you can ride all day, but the softails I tried were harsh in the hands and feet. I haven't had a lot of time to test, never on the highway.

[@2kanchoo]

Good advice. This is what every single rider needs to think about before they get excited about the newest thing or buy a new bike. What are you going to do with the bike the most. What are you looking to get out of it the most. My suggestion for you would be to sell it now since the demand is high and go get a streetglide ST. From all you've said it seems like that would be more fitting to your usage and needs.

[@rebelsroguesco]

100%! That's what I was hoping to get across in this video, even if I danced around it a bit. I have been poking around at the Street Glide ST a little bit-dropped by a dealer to check one out on Tuesday. I also really like the new Blue Steel color for the 2022 CVO, so I may go that route too. But yeah, at the end of the day, you're exactly right-you need to really think about what you're trying to get out of the bike. And while you can definitely tour on this, it just doesn't hit all the same notes that a touring bike does.

[@2kanchoo]

@@rebelsroguesco I think unless a rider is more one dimensional in their wants/needs from a bike it's all about compromise and what fits your bill the best with the least amount of compromise. For me between the lrst being more my style, smaller, lighter, nimbler, faster, and the RG and SGst's being 12-15k more up here(and still needing mods after that) in canada I decided to use the money difference to force my lrst into what I want/need through mods instead. It won't get it 100% of the way there but it will get it close enough I can be happy with the compromises.

[@tigerxav]

@@2kanchoo exactly the same choice, power, nimble, light and some money to make her really really fantastic instead of my revival way too big. 👍

[@lakegeneva4851]

I am in exactly that position, but with one difference. I have a Pan American and Road Glide CVO. I also like long miles. I found I gravitated to the PA more often than the CVO and so have decided to size down to the LR ST with music.

[@paulligon7447]

great perspective. keep up the good work

[@rebelsroguesco]

Thanks! I appreciate you!

[@Nobody-xh5qe]

Wow hell of a review👍

[@turtle19dad]

My wife is constantly complaining how I have 2 bikes. May trade both for FXLRST/S or FLHCS (Heritage). My hang up is definitely the music. FXLRST is the way for music.

[@destinationh-d1]

I'm going back and forth between a touring bike and the low rider st. I'm leaning towards a street glide because it has everything you need for any type of riding. I don't ride "hard" either, but I also don't really tour right now.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Street Glide is never a bad choice! Still my favorite bike honestly.

[@destinationh-d1]

Thx for the comment.@@rebelsroguesco

[@a.r.o7697]

I'm glad they came out with the Low Rider ST, but I'd never trade my Road Glide for one. Granted, the LR ST puts out more power than my 2016 103 Twin Cam, but I like the Twin Cam. I've also put too much money into my bike to want to trade it in and start all over with a new one.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Twin Cam is tried and true! I am also glad that they came out with the bike. I feel like it's a bike that is indicative of Harley listening to their customer base. That being said, it doesn't need to be for everyone. If and when you ever make the jump for mo' power (if you didn't go the FXLRST route), you can always go the route of a 131 crate into a RG!

[@markmcintosh7095]

I just got mine 3 days ago. Mine rides better than my Road King with Fox . It's worlds better than the street glidesa I've owned. I put the tall boy seat and higher windscreen on so far. And it made the bike much more comfortable for me. I thought the motor would have more power than it does. I think a torque cam will fix that. It was designed for sport touring and for that it's great. I have a 2018 Heritage 114 and it would be hard to give it up over the st.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Really great insight, man -- thanks for the comment.

[@slyguyaction]

Always chuckle at the guys with the step-down from full touring rigs with the cheap, chineseum eBay and Amazon top trunks. Lots of good points. Glad I have a '17 RGU and a '13 Sportster 72. Both are perfect for what they're designed for. Great video. Ride safe. Liked and subbed.

[@wrongthinker350]

I live in the mountains and I ride a Road King. Looking at getting the St as I'm wanting to do more hard cornering in the twisties.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Not a bad way to go!

[@red.riot.2280]

The audio should have came on it. And a screen would have made it a no brainer. I was looking at this. I am looking at streetglides.. but I guess I’ll just wait. Lol.

[@rebelsroguesco]

I agree. Audio should've been thrown on straight out of the box, even if they had to increase the MSRP a bit.

[@vincetoreno6178]

Great video and I appreciate your insights. You mentioned owning the Indian Challenger. How did you like the Challenger compared to the Street Glide?

[@rebelsroguesco]

I loved the Challenger. Tons of power. Great fairing. Electronic windshield is not a gimmick at all-it works. Unfortunately, I had issues with the motor. Mine would randomly die out at idle and flash error codes at me for cylinder misfire. I think Indian was still working out some kinks at that time. I'm hoping their tunes are better in 2023.

[@ArizonaDesertRat426x]

I’m torn between the Lowrider ST and a Road King special. Mostly just casual around town riding with weekend trips and the occasional out of state trip. 75% of the time I have my wife with me on the back. We’re currently on a CBR1000RR so pretty much anything is more comfortable than that. What would you choose ST or Special? Lots of twisties where I’m from.

[@rebelsroguesco]

I would say, if 75% of your riding is two-up, it would make more sense to go with the Road King Special. The bike is heavier and more planted with two riders. The overall center of gravity is most likely lower due to the lower shock and your wife not sitting up as high. There is no doubt in my mind that the Low Rider ST will do you guys just fine, but the utility of a touring chassis and the plethora of storage options it has is probably more suited for your longer trips as well.

[@lawtondevil]

yeah the RKS for Sure the king is not all the heavy when putting it to a RGS I have a RKS and I ride around town all the time. and good for long hall and the hours you can put in on the touring bike. and put the right stage 2 in the RKS its a bad ass bike. even without the stage 2 I love my RKS. I traded a 2021 lowrider s to get in the RKS. my opinion. RKS is the best cruiser Touring bike made. my opinion like this guy there is a difference your so planted on the RKS I could not even belive it. now he's talking about going back to a touring chassis its a lot of money to keep switch up as I'm sure all aware of.

[@kylenoll1602]

With the ST currently priced $4k more than the S, it’s hard for me to find the value in the ST.

[@leonardstanford1877]

I been riding fxrts & FXR for a long time now also had a flht for 15 years & the new fxlrst is an up grade not a down grade & I will add that I'm not a fan of the M8 motor but the new ST is a bike HD should have made a long time ago not just because of the popularity of the old FXR !

[@aamerwali3781]

Did you perform a tune after installing the TBR full exhaust system? I am thinking of getting the same system. My understanding is that a tube isn’t necessary unless you are also upgrading the air cleaner - the 2022 st already comes with a very nice one. What are your thoughts?

[@rebelsroguesco]

I have not run a tune, but my intention is to throw a DynoJet PV4 onto the bike. With the TBR Comp-S, you'll get some decel popping once you put the new pipe on. I've heard that the tune reduces that to some degree, but doesn't completely eliminate it. I think the tune is probably a good idea so that you're actually getting the numbers you want out of your upgrades.

[@dougbelasco6261]

Thank you i just bought one my question is can you and your wife ride comfortable on it ?

[@rebelsroguesco]

Yeah, my wife is comfortable on it. I bought an Advanblack tour pack for it and she likes it just as much as any of my previous baggers. Biggest thing is the seat, more so than the frame you're on.

[@solacegrove9752]

Low rider st is a step up from the sporster. Low rider st only if you are young dumb and… I wouldn’t trade the comfort of my Road Glide for a flying broom 🧹.

[@derrickbarnett8851]

I’m mixed between the low st or road st I don’t know which one I want I love to take corners and ride the mountains in ky where I live.

[@rebelsroguesco]

They'll both do a fine job, but I'd just look at what you do the most of. If you ride hard in the twisties and aren't taking long commutes, day/weekend trips, etc., the FXLRST will do ya fine. If you do some touring stuff here and there, it's probably not bad idea to step up into a Road Glide ST.

[@johnbatten836]

If you can handle a touring bike comfortably why would you ever want to down grade and ride something less????????🥴

[@rebelsroguesco]

Because you get a little bit of both worlds. The weight and handling of a softail with the some of the touring capability of a bagger. It has it's place, which is why it's easily one of the most popular bikes H-D sells right now.

[@Soulriderpowder]

So if ur into touring long distance, u would pick road glide or street glide. Is that correct? More comfortable?

[@rebelsroguesco]

Yeah, you've got a few options on the "touring" chassis. You can go the Street Glide, Road Glide, or Ultra Limited (in SG or RG variants) route. Generally, the consensus is that they are more comfortable, but you can do a lot to a bike to make it comfortable. The FXLRST is more than capable of touring, but if you're looking for something to do big miles on, and do it better straight out of the box, a touring model is more ideal.

[@jonstegmeir2388]

What about for someone who rides hard and wants the performance but would be coming off a road king? I also do long trips…AZ to Yellowstone and back next month for example.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Honestly, I'd say it's pretty subjective. Can a Low Rider ST do that trip? No question. You're already used to minimal wind protection since you're coming off a Road King. You might get offered better protection from the ST actually. The bigger difference I notice, especially at speed, is that the M8 in the FXLRST is not rubber-mounted. You'll have more vibration. But that's not to say that vibration is a "bad" thing. Some people even like it more. I'd go rip an ST and think about what mods you'd like to throw on it to make it yours. I'm taking mine from WI to MT and back in a week or so here. I have zero reservations!

[@jimunger6830]

Hey have you found any taller windshields besides the one Harley offers?

[@eleakalevitch6492]

no one makes one yet

[@rebelsroguesco]

Like Elea said, I don't think anyone else is manufacturing one.

[@mikeprimeaux9071]

I love my road glide. Until I can be a 2 bike guy, they burry me with it :)

[@bigleftlcn]

If you still have the stock muffler shields and want them out of your garage I need em please.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Sorry, just got rid of them last week!

[@hootertexas9711]

You’ve been through a bunch of bikes!

[@rebelsroguesco]

No kidding! I didn't go through everything in this video, but I think the running count is at 12 since I got my endorsement at 16.

[@CodyMcDonald89]

I have a 21 ultra snake venom and did add cams and what not to it. But I’ve been debating on selling and getting a low rider st. But only thing holding me back is I’m 280lb wife is 190lb so don’t know if would be good for 2 up

[@rebelsroguesco]

My personal opinion is that if you're looking to do a lot of two-up riding, I'd lean towards your Ultra. If you're looking for the performance aspect more, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make a switch.

[@paulson9616]

Great video. Who makes the sissy bar and how tall is the sissy bar?

[@rebelsroguesco]

Edward Richie is the guy who makes it. He's on Etsy. I want to say it's 12", but I don't have actual measurements 😂 Might be able to check his Etsy page to get actual dimensions

[@duosable]

Does the Bike have heated grips? Do they have a option for it?

[@drainmonkeys385]

Downgrade? Who says it’s a downgrade ?

[@rebelsroguesco]

That's why I put the quotes in there, haha! Thanks for the comment!

[@dakotaslama7874]

why did you get rid of the challenger?

[@rkindred4005]

Sounds like you aren’t an aggressive rider and you made the wrong move

[@rebelsroguesco]

I mean, that's basically exactly what I said in the video, so yeah. Aggressive or not, there are plenty of options outside of the FXLRST that are better for that type of riding. I have no issue riding hard in the twisties but, overall, I'm a long distance rider more than anything else, and that's why I made a video geared towards people that are in the same boat.

[@isaacserrano9652]

What tuner do you have?

[@breakfast00club..11]

It's not a downgrade it's a upgrade. Baggers suck

[@rebelsroguesco]

I like both. 🤷‍♂️😂

[@breakfast00club..11]

Haha. Ya big expensive most 90% of them maybe get 1000 miles per year.. but ya be yourself..

[@sidebar4018]

A Honda Vtx is a Superior motorcycle 🏍

[@rebelsroguesco]

To each their own! Not a fan of the VTX's, but glad you like them!

[@talkingrock7011]

Your climbing to the price of a SGS with the money spent on the Lowrider S

[@eleakalevitch6492]

Buy a road glide.

[@rebelsroguesco]

Haha, I've tried but the wife absolutely hates the way they look. If/when I decide to make a jump, that will again be a consideration.

[@HDR20]

@@rebelsroguesco but you bought a mini RG lmao

[@projectjfk972]

Wife lets you have 2 bikes WTF? Wait is she the one who buys them for you?

[@rebelsroguesco]

Lol what? 😂

[@projectjfk972]

@rebelsroguesco at around 4:38 you were talking about guys who's wives who control their husband's. Its different if the wives are paying for them.