In this episode, we talk about the 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser lineup. I had the opportunity to attend the press event in Austin, Texas, and ride these new cruisers. Keep in mind I only got a few hours with these bikes, but I give you my impressions of the six cruisers that were upgraded. All six received the Milwaukee-8 117 engine and rider safety enhancements.
Test Ride Impressions
Street Bob 117: A Lightweight & Agile Cruiser
- Ideal for shorter riders: At 5'8", I found the ergonomics to be comfortable with mid-controls and a well-positioned handlebar.
- Analog Speedometer with Digital Readout: Displays essential ride data, including RPMs, fuel range, and tire pressure monitoring.
- Torque & Power: The Classic variant of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 delivers 98 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque, making it a punchy yet easy-to-handle ride.
Breakout 117: A Bold & Stylish Power Cruiser
- Fat rear tire: While it adds to the aggressive look, it makes handling a bit heavier, especially in corners.
- Forward Controls & More Vibration: Riders experience more road feedback through handlebars and pegs.
- Custom Variant Power: 104 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, with a more rev-happy powerband.
- Single Front Brake Setup: Works well but lacks the stopping power of dual-disc setups.
Fat Boy 117: Classic Comfort & Power
- More Comfortable for 5'8" Riders: The handlebar placement is better than the Breakout, allowing a more relaxed posture.
- Floorboards Instead of Pegs: Adds comfort for long-distance cruising.
- Lean Angle Considerations: 25.6-degree lean angle limits aggressive cornering but suits the bike's cruising nature.
Low Rider ST & Low Rider S: Performance-Oriented Cruisers
- High Output Variant: 114 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, delivering a more aggressive ride.
- Inverted Front Forks: Improve handling and front-end stability.
- Low Rider ST vs. S:
- ST: Features a club-style fixed fairing and saddlebags for light touring.
- S: A more stripped-down, performance-driven variant.
- Ergonomics: At 5'8", I found the bars well-placed and mid-controls comfortable, but longer trips might benefit from forward controls.
Heritage Classic: The Underrated Tourer
- Classic Styling: Traditional Harley look with leather saddlebags and a detachable windshield.
- Most Comfortable Seat in the Cruiser Lineup: Ideal for long rides.
- Perfect for Touring: Though classified as a cruiser, it's a mid-level touring bike with great wind protection and relaxed ergonomics.
Safety & Rider Aids
Advanced Rider Safety Enhancements
All 2025 Harley-Davidson cruisers come with modern rider safety aids:
- Cornering & Straight-Line ABS & Traction Control
- ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
- Drag-Torque Slip Control
I had the chance to test these features in controlled conditions, and they proved highly effective in preventing full loss of traction.
Upgraded Handlebar Controls
- Cruise Control Now Standard across all cruiser models.
- Refined Switch Housings: Mode selection, turn signals, and traction control toggles are more intuitive.
Cable Clutch vs. Hydraulic Clutch
Harley continues to use cable-operated clutches, which require periodic adjustments. While functional, I strongly prefer the consistency of a hydraulic system, which would be a welcome upgrade in future models.
Final Thoughts: Which 2025 Harley Cruiser is Right for You?
Best for Performance Riders: Low Rider ST / Low Rider S
