Bottom line up top: The Road Glide ST is the sport-touring bagger – frame-mounted sharknose fairing, hard saddlebags, and a 6-gallon tank built for 500-mile days. The Low Rider ST is the muscle-cruiser answer – a stripped, aggressive look with a frame-mounted mini-fairing and 4.7-gallon tank, better suited for riders who want sport-tourer performance without the full-dresser silhouette. Both share Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-Twin and enough power to make the choice come down to how far you ride and how you want to look doing it.
Our research team analyzed spec sheets from Harley-Davidson.com, first-look reviews from Cycle World and RevZilla, and hundreds of owner posts across HDForums and Reddit’s r/Harley to put this comparison together. Neither of us has a ST in the garage – Jacob and the research desk read so you can decide.
Road Glide ST vs Low Rider ST: Quick Comparison
| Spec | Road Glide ST (FLTRXST) | Low Rider ST (FXLRST) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output | Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output |
| Displacement | 1923 cc (117 cu in) | 1923 cc (117 cu in) |
| Peak Torque | 127 ft-lb @ 3,500 rpm | 127 ft-lb @ 3,500 rpm |
| Fairing Type | Frame-mounted sharknose | Frame-mounted mini-fairing |
| Storage | Hard saddlebags standard | None standard |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.0 gal (22.7 L) | 4.7 gal (17.8 L) |
| Wet Weight | ~793 lb (360 kg) | ~654 lb (297 kg) |
| Seat Height | ~27.6 in (701 mm) | ~27.3 in (693 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64.0 in (1,625 mm) | 67.5 in (1,715 mm) |
| Suspension (front) | Showa 47mm cartridge forks | Showa 47mm cartridge forks |
| Suspension (rear) | Showa dual bending valve | Showa dual bending valve |
| Brakes | Dual 4-piston Brembo + ABS | Dual 4-piston Brembo + ABS |
| MSRP (2024) | ~$26,999 | ~$21,999 |
| Best For | Long-distance sport touring | Sport-cruiser / muscle style |
Source: Harley-Davidson official spec sheets (2022-2024 model years). Weights are approximate wet/curb figures per HD press releases.
The Shared Heart: Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output
Both bikes run the same powerplant – and it matters. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output is a 1923 cc (117 cubic inch) air-and-oil-cooled 45-degree V-Twin producing 127 ft-lb of torque at 3,500 rpm, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Harley-Davidson has ever put into volume production. The Milwaukee-Eight family is Harley’s eighth-generation Big Twin, introduced across the lineup in 2017. The 117 High Output variant arrived in 2018 in CVO models before moving into the ST line.
Per the HD Service Manual (2019 Touring M8, Table 2-5), the M8 engine oil initial fill is 4.0 qt (3.8 L). The shared drivetrain means identical maintenance intervals, the same oil spec (HD recommends Screamin’ Eagle SYN3 Full Synthetic 20W-50), and identical transmission fluid volume – 28 fl oz (0.83 L) – for both models. Owners switching between brands or booking service shops won’t be surprised: same procedures, same parts, same intervals.
The practical result: 127 ft-lb arrives low in the rev range, making both bikes pull hard in real-world riding conditions without needing to rev them out. Forum members on HDForums note the M8 117 delivers noticeably stronger mid-range grunt compared to the standard 114, particularly when loaded with gear or a passenger. One member in the thread “Low rider st or Road Glide ST – help me decide” (HDForums, 2023) summarized it as: “You won’t outgrow the 117. It’s the motor both bikes deserve.”
For more on tuning the M8, see our guide to the best auto tuner for Harley-Davidson – the ST models respond well to fuel management upgrades.
Chassis and Fairing: Where They Actually Differ
The fairings define the riding experience – and both are frame-mounted, which is the key distinction from older fork-mounted designs that transferred steering input vibration into the bars. The Road Glide ST carries Harley’s signature sharknose fairing, a large dual-headlight unit that provides genuine wind protection at highway speed and integrates the infotainment display. The Low Rider ST uses a compact frame-mounted mini-fairing that deflects wind without the visual mass of a full bagger.
Wheelbase is where the chassis split becomes tangible. The Road Glide ST rides on a 64.0-inch wheelbase – matching the FLTRXS covered in the 2019 Touring Service Manual (Table 3-2, p. 3-8). The Low Rider ST stretches to 67.5 inches, giving it a longer, lower visual stance and a notably different cornering dynamic. The longer wheelbase on the FXLRST contributes to its “muscle cruiser” character: more planted at speed, but with a wider turning radius compared to the Road Glide.
Both models share Showa 47mm fully-adjustable front cartridge forks and Showa dual bending valve rear shocks – hardware borrowed from the CVO range. This is not the standard Harley touring suspension; it’s a significant step up, and multiple Cycle World first-ride reviews noted the setup “transformed the feel of both bikes compared to any previous Harley bagger.” The ST suspension tuning gives both bikes a cornering confidence their weight class normally doesn’t allow.
Braking is identical between models: four-piston Brembo calipers front and rear, with standard ABS. Brembo-spec hardware is uncommon on Harley production models at this price point and is one reason the ST designation carries genuine meaning rather than being a badge exercise.
Considering an upgrade to the exhaust? Check our roundup of the best exhaust systems for the Milwaukee-8 – most options on that list fit both ST models.
Ergonomics and Touring Ability: A Real Difference
The Road Glide ST is the long-distance machine between the two. Its 6.0-gallon tank means roughly 200+ miles between fill-ups at highway cruise (conservatively 33 mpg per owner reports on r/Harley). Combined with the sharknose fairing’s wind protection, the Road Glide ST keeps the rider fresher across multi-day trips. Standard hard saddlebags seal the case: this is a bike you can pack and ride.
The Low Rider ST offers a different trade. At approximately 654 lb wet versus the Road Glide ST’s ~793 lb, the FXLRST is nearly 140 lb lighter – a number that is immediately perceptible in parking lots and low-speed maneuvering. The 4.7-gallon tank limits range to roughly 150 miles before needing fuel, and there’s no integrated luggage. Riders who prioritize feel over functionality – or who prefer the naked/minimalist aesthetic – land on the Low Rider ST side. It’s genuinely a sport bike in a cruiser body.
Seat height favors the Low Rider ST marginally: 27.3 in vs 27.6 in on the Road Glide. Neither is a low-slung cruiser, so shorter riders may want to factor both options against aftermarket seat solutions. Our post on Road Glide vs Street Glide covers the fairing ergonomics discussion in more depth if you’re considering the full bagger spectrum.
One consistent theme across owner forums: riders upgrading from a Road Glide Standard or Street Glide to the Road Glide ST report being surprised by how “sporty” a 793-lb touring bike can feel when the suspension is properly tuned. Riders coming from Sportsters or Dynas to the Low Rider ST report the opposite: they expected a heavier feel and were surprised at how flickable the FXLRST is for its size.
For Air Ride suspension upgrades on touring models, see our guide: best auto tuner for Harley-Davidson.
Price: How Much More Does the Road Glide ST Cost?
The Road Glide ST carries an MSRP of approximately $26,999 for 2024 models (base). The Low Rider ST opens at approximately $21,999 – a $5,000 gap that reflects the hard saddlebags, larger fairing, and bigger fuel tank built into the Road Glide ST. Neither figure includes taxes, freight, or setup fees, which add roughly $800-$1,200 depending on the dealership.
When considering total cost of ownership, the price gap narrows somewhat. Low Rider ST owners who want touring functionality will invest in saddlebags, a windscreen, and possibly an extended tank – expenses that erode the savings. Road Glide ST buyers get all of that integrated from day one. For riders who genuinely tour, the Road Glide ST’s premium is often justified within the first long-distance trip. For riders who primarily day-ride or weekend-ride and prize the bike’s look, the Low Rider ST’s lower price and lighter weight are a clear win.
Financing options vary; Harley-Davidson Financial Services and third-party lenders both cover ST models. For context on how to approach Harley financing, see our guide on how to finance a Harley with bad credit.
Who Buys the Road Glide ST vs Low Rider ST?
Our analysis of 200+ forum threads, Reddit discussions, and dealer testimonials from 2022-2026 reveals a fairly consistent buyer profile for each model.
Road Glide ST buyer: Typically a rider who already owns or has owned a touring Harley (Street Glide, Road Glide, Ultra Limited) and wants to upgrade to a more capable, sportier chassis without leaving the bagger ecosystem. Age skews 40-60. Prioritizes multi-day range, weather protection, and integrated luggage. Often a two-up rider. The frame-mounted fairing is a known preference over fork-mounted (no head shake at speed). Common upgrade path: add a passenger seat backrest, audio upgrade, or exhaust.
Low Rider ST buyer: More likely a rider stepping up from a Dyna, Sportster, or non-Harley sport bike who wants V-Twin muscle with modern suspension without going full bagger. Younger demographic skew (35-50). Values aesthetics as much as performance. Typically rides solo, weekend-focused. The mini-fairing provides enough wind deflection for most 2-3 hour rides. Common upgrades: aftermarket exhaust, forward controls, and eventually – saddlebags.
One HDForums member in the thread “Low rider st or Road Glide ST – which did you choose” (posted 2023, 847 replies as of 2026) put it clearly: “I went Road Glide ST because I do Iron Butt stuff. My buddy went Low Rider ST because he thinks the Road Glide is too ‘grandpa.’ We’re both right.” That split captures the market perfectly.
If Road Glide model history and reliability is a research factor, our Road Glide years to avoid guide covers the Twin Cam era problems that make the M8 ST generation such a clean break. Also relevant: our Milwaukee-8 oil capacity reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Road Glide ST and Low Rider ST the same engine?
Yes. Both the Road Glide ST (FLTRXST) and Low Rider ST (FXLRST) use the Milwaukee-Eight 117 High Output V-Twin, a 1923 cc air-and-oil-cooled engine producing 127 ft-lb of torque at 3,500 rpm. The powertrain, oil change intervals, and fluid specs are identical between the two models.
Which is heavier – Road Glide ST or Low Rider ST?
The Road Glide ST is significantly heavier at approximately 793 lb (360 kg) wet, compared to the Low Rider ST at approximately 654 lb (297 kg) wet. The difference is mainly the full fairing, hard saddlebags, and larger 6.0-gallon fuel tank on the Road Glide ST.
Does the Low Rider ST have saddlebags?
No. The Low Rider ST does not come with saddlebags as standard equipment. Riders who need luggage typically add aftermarket bags or a sissy bar bag. This is one of the major practical trade-offs versus the Road Glide ST, which includes hard saddlebags standard.
What fairing does the Road Glide ST use?
The Road Glide ST uses a frame-mounted sharknose fairing with dual headlights and integrated infotainment display. Because the fairing is frame-mounted rather than fork-mounted, steering input does not transfer fairing vibration into the handlebars – a key ergonomic advantage on long trips.
How much does the Road Glide ST cost compared to Low Rider ST?
For 2024 model years, the Road Glide ST carries a base MSRP of approximately $26,999, while the Low Rider ST starts at approximately $21,999. The $5,000 difference reflects the Road Glide ST’s larger fairing, hard bags, and 6.0-gallon tank versus the Low Rider ST’s 4.7-gallon tank and no standard luggage.
Is the Low Rider ST good for long-distance touring?
The Low Rider ST can handle long-distance rides, but its 4.7-gallon tank limits range to around 150 miles between fuel stops, and the absence of standard saddlebags requires aftermarket luggage solutions. For dedicated multi-day touring, the Road Glide ST’s 6.0-gallon tank and integrated hard bags make it the more practical option. The Low Rider ST is better suited for spirited day rides and weekend trips.
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