I’ｍ Kenny Sagawa, a motorcycle journalist.
I've tested riding on Harley-Davidson's New Softail series, Low Rider 107.
As you can see, attractiveness of Low Rider 107 brings back an image of 70's WILD Chopper.
The engine changed from Twin Cam 103 to Milwaukee Eight 107 yet inheriting the low and long mods taste.
The new model has adopted the beautiful round shaped air cleaner cover and crank cover.
The exhaust system is 2 in 2, Shotgun styled tail end is beautifully aligned.
The angle of the exhaust is also perfectly aligned along with the ground that gives even more Low and Long image of the the motorcycle.
The design of distinctive twin shock and battery case has also changed on this new model.
The brake also has changed from double to a single disc.
The design of the cast wheel has also changed beautifully.
Many people might say, "Twin shock goes well for Low Rider" from the image of Dyna.
However, You will have to let go of THE traditional Low Rider image to evaluate this New Low Rider.
Low Rider has been traditionally characterized as good riding bike.
Dyna Family is known to be a model which combined with the power of Big Twin series with running performance of a Sportster Series.
Among them, this Low Rider is the most popular symbolic model.
As part of the New Softail family, its riding was further refined.
The curb weight of new Low Rider is 300kg, making it 11kg lighter then previous model.
It's the lightest among new Softail family.
Spacious handling derives from 19 in. front wheel has not been changed.
Adopting single disc brake rotor helps better maneuverability on top of that.
Brake caliper on a new model has changed to 4-pods which of course gives better stopping power.
It’s now more controllable.
I can feel it's handling being better from the previous model by the lose of total weight.
The size of the rear tire has changed wider from 160 to 180.
The stability of cornering has improved.
The bank angle has also increasing by the improvment of the vehicle dimension.
Let's look at the riding position.
You don't have to worry too much about foot grounding when you talk about Harley-Davidson.
The step isn't too far ahead in position, it's more like a mid control position.
Position of the handle is just in the right position.
The upper body feels very natural grabbing on to this handlebar.
The position is an upright.
I think it's very confortable.
Seat hold me very firmly and it's very easy to sit on.
This would probably not going to kill your butt even on a long ride.
The size of the engine has increased from Twin Cam 103 1689cc to Milwaukee Eight 107 1745cc.
Obviously, engine perform stronger.
It's simply nice to glide on a highway with my own pace.
In conventional Dyna frame, rubber bush absorbed vibration.
However, the New Softail family mount engine directly to the frame.
By doing that, the throbs are empasized and I can literally feel them directly.
On the other hand, equipped balancer helps to reduce vibration.
This too helps the rider for the long ride.
So as a conclusion, Harley-Davidson have done some great job on new Low Rider in terms of pfercetion of building a motorcycle.
The design and equipments of the motorcycle are modernly refined while it continues to provide excitement riding derives from previous Low Rider.
I couldn't find anything to complain about the new model.
This is pure evolution.
Of course, some riders would say that the twin shock of the Dyna family are better, but the new Low Rider I've test is the Low Rider for today.
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