Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider FXDL

Built:2005-172005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017

The Harley Davidson Low Rider tested by us is built in 2015. On the engine side, the 103 kubikinch Twin Cam engine provides propulsion. The engine was developed in the mid-1980s by none other than Porsche. The Low Rider comes from the Dyna series. It is located between the sporty and light Sportster models and the big ships from the Touring family. First impression: a typical retro bike. But it isn't, the Low Riders already existed in the 70s. Over the years, it has been adapted to the requirements of brakes, noise and exhaust emissions.

First impression

The bike impresses with an emphatically long wheelbase, low seat height (66 cm), lots of chrome and a captivating color called Amber Whiskey. Very pleasant is any renunciation of plastic fray, streetfighter ambitions or skull applications. The processing of the bike with regard to the welds of the frame, as well as cable laying together with plugs, is at the level of its competitors. Disappointing, on the other hand, are the cheap hardware with which the exhaust manifold chrome trims are fixed. The same applies to the horn, the worst Far East scrap.

This is how she drives herself

With a hard blow, the starter hits the wheel, unusually quiet with pulsating vibrations, the Low Rider runs idle. Admittedly somewhat disappointing, we expected more sound from two bucket-thick pots. In our case, a Kesstech exhaust system with flap control, a larger air filter and an additional control unit from Screamin' Eagle provide a remedy. A quick press on the button on the handlebars and the flap opens with the sound of a repeating Winchester. Wow, deep-bass whimpering, not too intrusive, escapes the tip top processed system. This is how prepared are about 85 hp and a torque of 130 Nm. This may not sound so exciting, but 100 Nm pull on the belt even at increased idle speed. The driving experience is appropriate. With a loud knock, the first gear snaps in and it takes little gas to accelerate quickly. Striking is the rich road position, due to the low centre of gravity and the large 19 inch front wheel.
 
The six-speed transmission can be switched up silently in the warm state, while well-dosed intermediate gas helps when switching down. The sixth gear is designed as an overdrive, it is probably more due to the noise regulations. The most frequently used speed range is between 1,800 and 3,500 rpm, but it also spins up to 5,500 tours without any problems, where the limiter puts an end to the fun. It is a special pleasure to stretch the tap in the middle of long country road bends. So it is actually clear that tight radii or hairpin bends are not the preferred area of the low riders. However, we will examine this on an Alpine tour next year and report on it. The maximum speed we have determined is 192 km/h, but it is more academic. At the speed, the hurricane tugs all over the body, slowly pushing the rider off the bike. So stricken, it can be good at about 100 km/h. The brakes are very good for Harley conditions thanks to double disc in the front wheel. We are not talking here about a one- or two-finger brake, it is also called a handbrake. The braking distance is acceptable, thanks to the relatively high weight on the rear axle, the rear disc contributes significantly to this.