Low Rider ST vs Road Glide: Which Harley Truly Rules the Road
Harley-Davidson’s bagger lineup presents two wildly different approaches to eating up miles. When comparing the Low Rider ST vs. Road Glide, the ST offers aggressive performance with touring capability, while the Road Glide delivers traditional touring comfort with highway dominance.
The ST strips down touring to its rebellious essentials with a 117 engine and sporty handling. The Road Glide embraces every comfort feature for serious long distance riding. Both excel in their respective lanes, but choosing between them requires understanding what each bike does best.
Design Philosophy: Two Different Styles
The visual contrast tells most of the story before firing up either engine. The Low Rider ST carries forward the minimalist, blacked out aesthetic with a low slung 26 inch seat height and compact bikini fairing.
Everything screams performance cruiser rather than touring rig. The Road Glide embraces touring heritage with that distinctive frame mounted shark nose fairing. It sits taller, looks bigger, and broadcasts long distance intentions.
The ST hides touring capabilities behind rebellion, while the Road Glide wears them proudly. Waterproof Solid Textile Jackets keep comfort high on either machine.
Engine Performance: Power Delivery Tells the Tale
The Low Rider ST packs the Milwaukee Eight 117 as standard equipment. This powerplant hits hard in the lower rev range, making backroad carving genuinely thrilling. The Road Glide typically rolls with the 114, though 117s exist in some trims.
Despite similar displacement, the engines feel different. The ST wants aggressive throttle work and rewards active riding. The Road Glide prefers relaxed cruising with smooth, endless momentum.
Throttle response varies noticeably in this Low Rider ST vs. Road Glide matchup. Neither approach is wrong, just different.
Handling Characteristics: Corner Carver vs. Highway Cruiser
Drop into twisties and differences become crystal clear. The Low Rider ST handles more like an oversized sportbike with decent ground clearance and a lower center of gravity. The suspension encourages pushing harder than expected.
The Road Glide handles highway sweepers beautifully but reveals touring geometry in tight switchbacks. That frame mounted fairing stays rock solid at triple-digit speeds.
Summer Mesh Jackets provide breathability during hot weather rides. Suspension tuning reflects purpose too. The ST feels firmer and more responsive while the Road Glide soaks up bumps with plushness.
Touring Comfort: The Long Haul Reality Check
Comfort gets personal because everyone feels things differently. The Low Rider ST works well for a few hundred miles before some riders feel the minimalist approach. The compact windscreen leaves the chest exposed to wind blast on highways.
The Road Glide transforms long distance riding into something almost effortless. The larger fairing creates calm air, the seat accommodates all day sessions, and cruise control comes standard.
For serious cross country adventures, this comfort gap matters enormously. Passenger comfort follows similar patterns in the Low Rider ST vs. Road Glide debate.
Storage and Practicality: How Much Stuff Fits
The Low Rider ST provides adequate storage for weekend trips with around 27 liters combined capacity. Packing for week long adventures requires strategic skills. The Road Glide laughs at storage concerns with capacity exceeding 35 liters.
The tour pack option adds even more space. Weight distribution affects handling too. The ST feels more affected by heavy bags while the Road Glide barely registers the difference. Protective Denim Jeans offer style and safety without sacrificing comfort during long saddle sessions.
Technology and Features: Modern Conveniences
The Low Rider ST keeps things simple with a compact display showing essentials. Navigation requires a phone mount and audio quality stays basic. Some riders prefer this stripped down approach.
The Road Glide goes all in with the Boom Box GTS infotainment system. The large touchscreen handles everything with smartphone ease. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly.
Rider aids differ too. Both offer ABS, but the Road Glide includes cornering enhanced ABS, traction control, and multiple ride modes. The ST keeps intervention minimal.
Price Point: What’s the Damage
The Low Rider ST starts lower despite packing the larger 117 engine. Base models sit comfortably in the mid 20s. The Road Glide demands more initial investment, starting in the high 20s and climbing quickly.
Fully loaded trims push into the 30s. The price premium buys genuine touring refinement and modern technology. Resale value tends to favor the Road Glide slightly thanks to established reputation.
Both represent solid investments that won’t crater in value. Mesh Pants provide airflow and safety when temperatures climb.
Real World Ownership: Living with Each Bike
The Low Rider ST feels more engaging during regular rides, encouraging spirited riding even on mundane commutes. The lower seat height makes parking easier. Fuel economy hovers around 40 to 45 mpg.
The Road Glide settles into its role as dependable touring companion. Every ride feels effortless rather than exciting. The size can feel cumbersome in tight parking.
Fuel economy drops slightly to around 38 to 42 mpg. Maintenance costs run similar since they share components. Insurance depends more on rider history than bike choice.
Making the Choice: Which Bagger Fits Best
Choosing between the Low Rider ST vs. Road Glide comes down to riding priorities and style preferences. The ST makes sense for riders wanting touring capability without abandoning sporty character.
It rewards active riding and handles backroads with surprising competence. The Road Glide serves riders planning serious miles year after year. It excels at Interstate slabs and provides comfort that prevents fatigue.
Neither choice is wrong because these bikes serve different masters successfully. Test riding both reveals which philosophy resonates more. Ready to gear up? Check out Six Gear for complete touring protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is faster, Low Rider ST or Road Glide?
The Low Rider ST accelerates harder thanks to its 117 engine and lighter weight. The Road Glide prioritizes smooth power delivery over outright acceleration performance.
- Is the Low Rider ST comfortable for long trips?
The ST handles several hundred miles comfortably but lacks the Road Glide’s plush touring setup. Weekend trips work great while week long adventures might test comfort limits.
- Which bike handles better in corners?
The Low Rider ST dominates twisty roads with lower center of gravity and sportier geometry. The Road Glide feels stable but less eager when carving technical canyon roads.
- Does the Road Glide have more storage space?
Yes, the Road Glide offers significantly larger saddlebags with optional tour pack available. The ST provides adequate storage but can’t match true touring capacity.
- Which motorcycle costs less to maintain?
Both bikes share similar maintenance costs since they use comparable Harley Davidson components. The Road Glide’s extra electronics might cost more if repairs become necessary.
- Can shorter riders handle the Road Glide?
The Road Glide sits noticeably taller with a 27.5 inch seat height compared to ST’s 26 inches. Shorter riders often find the Low Rider ST more manageable at stops.
- Which bike gets better fuel economy?
The Low Rider ST edges ahead slightly with 40 to 45 mpg versus Road Glide’s 38 to 42 mpg. Weight and aerodynamics account for the modest difference between these baggers.
