The Motorcycle That’s Worth Buying New
In the motorcycling community, conventional wisdom almost always points toward the pre-owned market when value is the priority. Let someone else take the biggest depreciation hit, find an example with a few thousand miles on the odometer, and enjoy most of the same motorcycle for less money. While this strategy makes plenty of sense, there are exceptions, and sometimes buying used isn’t the smart motorcycle deal. When a brand has spent years sharpening a platform into something that truly rewards the first owner, saving a few thousand dollars can mean giving up meaningful performance and technology.
Buying A Used Motorcycle Isn’t Always The Best Value
The used market is undeniably appealing. Lower upfront costs, slower depreciation, and a wide selection of nearly-new machines make pre-owned bikes a sensible choice for many riders. However, that equation changes when a model receives significant updates in its latest iterations that improve performance, safety, and overall ownership value.
Used bikes can also hide unexpected expenses that quickly erase any initial savings. More importantly, buying second-hand means inheriting another rider’s maintenance habits and treatment of the machine. Unless the previous owner cared for the bike meticulously, you are taking a gamble that could affect reliability and long-term costs.
Some Motorcycles Are Worth Paying More To Get Brand New
Certain motorcycles occupy a sweet spot where buying new isn’t merely a luxury, but the smarter choice, and performance cruisers sit near the top of that list. These are big, torque-heavy machines where chassis dynamics, suspension tuning, and electronic aids matter as much as outright engine performance. When a manufacturer refreshes a flagship model, the latest version isn’t simply a cosmetic update; it can be a fundamentally better motorcycle to live with every day.
Add a factory warranty and the latest safety technology, and the case for ‘buying new’ becomes even stronger. That’s precisely why one American performance cruiser makes a compelling argument for skipping the used market. Its latest iteration retains the attitude that made earlier versions desirable while delivering substantially more performance, capability, and technology.
The Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Offers Better Value Than Its Used Versions
Starting MSRP: $18,999
The motorcycle in context – that completely flips the used-versus-new value equation – is the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. Born from Harley’s Softail family and refined over successive generations, the Low Rider S has evolved from a stylish cruiser into a genuine performance machine. Early Low Riders offered a stripped-down, agile alternative to the brand’s heavier tourers. The latest generation, however, takes the formula to its zenith with a factory-built performance cruiser that doesn’t force you to compromise between comfort and capability.
In fact, the Low Rider S represents the pinnacle of West Coast club-style performance cruisers. With the 2026 model, Harley-Davidson doubled down on its identity, equipping the cruiser with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output engine, selectable ride modes, and standard rider safety enhancements.
Why This Makes Great Financial Sense
With a starting price of $18,999, this sits in a sweet spot for riders who want top-tier Harley performance without stepping into the CVO territory. As for value, older examples can still command $14,000–$17,000 despite high mileage, unknown tuning histories, and extensive modifications. For a modest premium, buying factory-fresh delivers greater confidence and peace of mind and is simply the smarter choice.
The Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-Twin Brings Serious Muscle
At the heart of the Low Rider S sits the massive Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-Twin engine. Spanning a massive 117 cubic inches (1,917cc) of displacement, it churns out 114 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and a whopping 128 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 RPM, which is a significant jump over its earlier iterations. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox, and it gets an assist and slipper clutch as well.
The important part, however, is how that output fits the motorcycle. On paper, the new 2026 Low Rider S is the most powerful non-CVO cruiser in Harley’s lineup, and on the road, it feels like it. Roll on the throttle, and it launches with authority with the kind of muscular shove that makes highway passing and canyon carving equally satisfying.
The High Output engine is also paired with a Heavy Breather intake and performance-tuned 2-into-1 exhaust. The result is a motor that not only pulls hard from low rpm but also revs more freely toward the limiter, giving the big cruiser a surprisingly eager top-end. Moreover, it is reasonably fuel-efficient for a large-displacement cruiser, with Harley claiming a fuel economy of 47 miles per gallon.
It’s Also Built To Corner Hard With Confidence
While cruisers have historically suffered from limited lean angles and soft suspension setups, the Low Rider S shatters those stereotypes. Its chassis and ergonomics are designed to put its performance to use without compromising control. A 43mm single-cartridge inverted fork with triple aluminum clamps stiffens the front end, while the rear gets a mono-shock featuring a 2.2-inch stroke and hydraulic preload adjustment. Moreover, its ergonomics are tailor-made for aggressive riding.
A low 27-inch laden seat keeps the center of gravity approachable, while the solo saddle, mid-mount foot controls paired with wide, raised handlebars encourage the rider to become an active part of the motorcycle. The 63.6-inch wheelbase and 28-degree rake also give it a relatively purposeful stance for a big American cruiser. Weighing in at 670 pounds in running order, the Low Rider S feels remarkably agile once rolling, thanks to its rigid Softail frame architecture and lightweight Radiate cast-aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 16-inch rear) wrapped in sticky Michelin Scorcher 31 tires.
Modern Electronics Make The Big Cruiser Easier To Exploit
This is perhaps the biggest reason to consider a new Low Rider S instead of an older used example. While earlier versions relied purely on mechanical grip and rider skill, the latest Low Rider S brings a comprehensive suite of electronic aids to make that performance accessible. It gets ride-by-wire throttle, a six-axis IMU, and hi-tech safety features, including traction control, ABS, drag-torque slip control – along with their cornering-enhanced versions – and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
There are also selectable Ride Modes (Road, Rain, and Sport) that alter throttle response, traction control intervention, and ABS behavior to suit road conditions and rider preference. Braking performance is equally formidable, utilizing dual 300mm discs at the front and a 292mm unit at the rear. A crisp 4-inch analog speedometer equipped with a multi-function digital display keeps riders informed on key riding statistics.
The Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Is Worth Buying New For The Right Rider
The Low Rider S isn’t for everyone. Riders seeking plush comfort, long-distance touring ability, or classic Harley styling may prefer the Heritage Classic, Fat Boy, or Low Rider ST. But for performance-focused enthusiasts who want a factory-built cruiser capable of carving canyons, dominating backroads, and turning heads, the Low Rider S makes a strong case for buying new. Its rivals, including the Indian Chief Dark Horse and BMW R 12, offer compelling tech and classic styling, but few match the Low Rider S’s aftermarket support, resale strength, and street presence.
Source: Harley-Davidson
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