Low Rider St Fairing Vs Road Glide Fairing│ Battle of the Harley-Davidson Frame-Mounted Fairings 

The only problem with Matt’s videos are that I want every Harley now… and I cannot afford to one I already have.

First ride on my Low Rider ST was 1300 miles home from CO over 3 days. Filled the bags and a small duffel on the back. I’m sure it would’ve been more comfortable on a RG but I still thought it went great. I got the bike because I thought it’d be a good compromise between a touring bike and a Dyna/sportster and after doing 2500 miles in 2 1/2 months I definitely think it is.

That El Diablo may be one of the best looking factory customs Harley has ever made, can't wait to see the full look at that.

To be fair you should put the tall fairing on the lowrider ST, Love mine it checks off all the boxes

I've wanted a Harley since I was 5 years old. I'm 32 now. Been riding cheap motorcycles my whole life but I can finally afford a newer Harley in about 5 months. I've learned SO much from these videos. I thought I knew what I wanted years ago, but have a way better idea of what I should look at now. I'm 140 lbs, so I don't think I'll be able to truly narrow down my decision until I do some test rides. But I really appreciate these videos 👍

I'v been stuck betweent these two exact models and this video has greatly helped with my decision making. I still haven't completely decided, but the points made in this video hit the nail on the head for me.

When I bought my 1980 FLT, I immediately learned that the frame mounted fairing "was the shit." I just camped by a current1980 FLT owner at a big Mid-West Harley event who also rides a Softail Low Rider ST over 100 miles to work everyday. We both quickly came to the same conclusion, "the money difference between the two bikes is a tough call, because the ST is a great riding bike." Crushing miles with a pillion and a Tour Pak and Bags fully loaded, the Road Glide suddenly becomes, "value for money." Thanks for sharing, Ride Free

Another great review. Good points mentioned from Mickey and Andrew. Came across a Low Rider ST with just a Stage 2 cam, after market exhaust, tuner and dyno'd. It was a mean little beast. Highly suggest to go that route if you get one. Another point to mention is you can get forward controls for the Low Riders which some owners prefer.

So glad this video came out. I’m 280lbs 6ft 1 wife is 165lb looks like my 21 ultra snake venom is the bike to keep even though I like the low rider st more. Guess I’ll just take off the tour pack,change seats for a different feel and look and then throw on your pack when going out of town. I will say we only ride about 60-100miles on a day of riding not much so that’s what is making me wanting a low rider st because I don’t put a lot of miles riding

I don’t ride a bike but so pleasure & fun to watching it and I’m learning a lot, very informative as my husband said also I loved watching & listening to three handsome men!

Thanks Laidlaw's. See ya soon for a service! 🤘

I rode with contact lenses from the age of nine through 61 then I got vision correction. No more constantly getting dirt in my eyes, no more eyes drying out and having contacts sticking to my eye, no more contact lense going off center It’s wonderful to ride pain free now. Get it done!

Thanks for doing this comparison! I’ve been waiting on someone to put the road glide and LRST up against each other. I’m still a new rider, but videos like this really help put everything in perspective for me for when I upgrade to my next bike

I love the look of the ST. The only thing I didn’t like was the side opening bags. A top opening bag , SOLD!

This video was needed. I’m so stuck between these 2 bikes right now…..this helped a lot. Lol still want both but the road glide is probably the route for me.

Hello from Kentucky. Been watching your videos for some time now….maybe too much. Just traded my 2017 road king after falling in love with the 2022 road glide limited you covered. Pulled the trigger on a 2022 RGL in Apex. Your video about the RDRS was great…added that. Now I’ll stick to your ride videos to avoid future temptations. Thanks for great content

My first Harley was a Road King, then went to a Street Bob. Had the Dyna for 4 years now, and have my heart set on getting another Touring model. Miss the highway comfort and storage space. Plus, the girlfriend always wants ride 2-up

Great channel Matt I put the taller windscreen and tall boy seat on my st. Love the bike so far the rear suspension is unbelievable good for stock.

I used 3 inch mending plates to extend the bottom dowels of of my windshield out forward on my M8 Fat Boy's 15inch windsplitter. It worked fantastically, and the windshield is so much better without giving you stagnant hot air in the summer, or cold air blasts in the winter.

A very comprehensive video. Quality audio / video. Very well done. We benefit !

A softail chassis is a rider, a touring chassis is a driver. From ages 17 to 66 I love riding but never much cared for driving. Semi infested, straight lined freeways ain’t my kinda havin’ fun. My Vivid Black ST will be in the end of April.

Coming from a dyna to a street glide…I’ll say that I can whip my SG around the city without any issues. I love the touring chassis and I can’t see going back.

Great info, Matt you and your crew nailed another excellent video 👍 I'm still lookin to buy my first bike.

very educational review guys, given all the info you put out on YT I’m definitely going to you guys for my next HD.

That Gunship Grey Road Glide is so badass but if I were a smaller guy I'd look at the LR ST in Gunship Grey. My biggest disappointment with the LR is that I'm too big for it. The power to weight ratio outclasses the Road Glide and I would rock it all over Colorado mountains on 1, 2, 3 day trips no sweat. I'd be scraping those pegs like crazy. But my size keeps me on the touring platforms and my RK boards are all scraped up.

HD is now offering $2500 paint for $6000. Grab 'em while you can!

The Low Rider ST is what actually made me buy a Harley. As a sport/up right standard bike rider I am used to bikes with higher power to weigh ratios and lean angles higher than 30%. I almost settled for a Fat Bob a few years ago, I'm glad I waited I really wanted a "cruiser" Harley for the bags and static fairing and the Low Rider does not disappoint. I have no problem laying down 300mi on my Low Rider in one jaunt, very very comfortable platform. Looking to do the stage 4 131ci kit soon.

I was perusing your vids the other day trying to find that cool old vid you had of the 40s HDs out off road scrambling to no avail. But I did see that project bike you guys did a few years back that HD basically aped. I hope they're paying y'all royalties for your excellent design work!

Great content as always Matt. This is answering the very questions I have trying to decide on which bike to get. Love the LRST.

Great video on the difference between the fairings Purchased the lowrider s here in the UK with a custom paint. The lowrider st diablo really really taken my heart. If Harley Davidson had that colour available for the ST I would have purchased the ST model. I personally hate really really hate those standard colour options black or grey, bland boring. Believe me I would trade in my lowrider s for that diablo model but it's only a limited amount. Noooo!! 😢. UK already sold out. RRP £25,495.00 ST black £19,899.00 So the extra for that beautiful paint with the speaker system is correctly priced. Here in the UK grey clouds short summer's long dark winter's please please Harley Davidson make the diablo model available permanently to add some colour in our dark grey bland depression world.

Been looking for an LRST 😍 i want a 22 in black ima pull the trigger in 2 weeks

I traded in my SG for a low rider s and I think it’s way more comfortable than my glide was. I find the mid controls much more comfortable. I’m 6’1” but have very short legs so the mid controls suit me better. My wife and I just loaded up the bike and rode from Ohio to Maine and back and We can hammer out 7-8 hours a day without too much discomfort.

The updated touring bikes are so damn capable. They’re so damn good. I feel them as pretty agile and have great low speed manners and u can’t beat ‘em on the hwy. I will say I haven’t ridden the new softails.. so I’m sure they are much more capable. I just don’t see going back to anything other than touring frame. I don’t stack crazy miles on long trips a lot but I do ride a lot of miles on anything from day rides to commuting any day there not snow down. Love the comfort and storage I got a bad back and for some reason my back hurts less or not at all after a few hours on the road king than any chair or car I have

Always great info! Just recently got a 2022 fxlrs.....👍

Love the comparison, I will offer my own comparison...went from 2020 heritage to a 21 Street Glide, initially I was worried about the additional heft, am 135-145lbs and 5’4 with a 29” inseam, the wind protection on the heritage is laughable compared to the SG, no matter what I did with the Heritage, the buffeting was horrendous, with the SG, it is almost non existent with a clockworks 7” screen, sticking with the SG!

If you are taller but like the lowrider st… just put forward controls on it and the 10” Windshield … and you can put a mustang touring seat.. and an advanblack tour pack and you have everything

Test ride the Lowrider ST. The suspension was not great and the fairing sucked at deflecting wind. Knees were in my chest and got speed wobbles at 90+. I feel it’s a hype bike not worth the $. You would need to throw 5-10k into comfortable and ride right. It looks cool though. Road glide just needed more power but the ride was plush!

The price between the two is such a huge difference, most can only afford the ST. That’s probably why everyone leans to that choice.

I always appreciate your videos Matt

LRSF is the New Benchmark for My ridding style and purposes 😊

The weight of the touring platform is really negligible when you really learn how to ride at slow speed. I tell that to people all the time. I was fortunate to be able to take some pretty good motorcycle training to get to that point though. I haven't ridden a lower rider st but I think I would want a taller seat height just from looking at various rider's knee height in relation to their hips. I'm guessing that might throw off the aesthetics of the bike though. My only really gripe about the touring platform is the suspension. I really think Harley should rework the compression/rebound aspect of it. I'm not saying it has to come stock with Ohlins but it's way too soft, wallows and is more susceptible to wobble at high speeds as a result. I work off a 2020 Road King in a professional capacity so if you're not riding it really hard then you're probably fine with the 1980s cadillac feel.

I went into the dealership with a budget of 20k. My intention was to purchase a Lowrider S as my first Harley/cruiser style bike. My dealer convinced me to purchase the Lowrider ST for the fairing and saddlebags. In hindsight, if i was breaking my budget anyway, I should have spent just a little more and went with the Road Glide ST especially since I’m spending more now to add the audio, floorboards, crash bars, etc. which are all standard on the Road Glide. I wish I would have at least sat on the Road Glide when making my purchase and I’m sure it would have won me over instantly. However, given my budget… the Lowrider ST is a good value!

Loving the low rider my new favorite bike.

One per dealer. How much over MSRP do you think the dealers will get?

I have 3 Harley’s I have a softail and a Dyna! I r bar hop in my bagger! I think the Road Glide or street glide are all around just great bikes!

Thanks for this. I've been on the fence about my ST vs a Road Glide. I don't ride two up much, and do split lanes a lot... not a touring type. So... though the Road Glide is beautiful thing, the ST will stay in the garage. Man... I may have to get the Road Glide in addition to the ST. Which bank do I rob next.... ha ha.

It is a sweet ride. No question. But that Road Glide is a keeper. Nice job Matt.

If your still not sure between the two bikes, I’d recommend checking out Harley’s Demo Days at your local dealership. This event facilitates an opportunity to ride both bikes to compare and contrast them. By doing so, you can really narrow in on your decision to choose between the two bikes.

Nice video guys ,At Ocean City i was test ridding and just can,t do pegs any more lol Have a great weekend.

I own a touring right now, the Loweriderst makes a nice 2nd bike

Great overview and spot-on suggestions for choosing between two great bikes 👍

We should have more colors like the Diablo. I bought the ST it’s quicker than I imagined and corners fast and tighter. I didn’t realized how tight till I got on my Dyna and scrapped my peg going slower on the same corner. The bars suck and hunch me over and I prefer mounted gauges. The digital bar clamp gauge could have more information it lacks head temp, oil pressure. Which if you read owners manual, or skim it, operating temperature is 220 deg which is easily surpassed just riding in sun. I would rather read oil pressure lowering than to have a red lamp tell me I’m fucked. I almost bought an S and I’m glad I didn’t I love the fairing.

Love the look of the Low Rider ST and when I am riding solo would likely prefer that. I have Wide Glide right now, but I think my issue would be the same with the LRST as the WG. I 2 up ride frequently and it is just not comfortable for longer rides.

I know your tall. I’m 6’3”, which would you choose to be between sport and cruise while being able to maintain about a 45 minute commute daily

Both are cool. Prefer the batwing fairing, but would choose Road Glide over the low rider ST because you get the stereo and GPS with the Road Glide not to mention the added comfort.

Nice review with input from three different riders. I've owned a 07 Heritage Softail Classic, 15 SGS and now a 21 RGS and hands down the RGS is the most comfortable bike. I put 40K on that softail so I think that I have some knowledge on the subject.

I currently have a '22 Low Rider ST after having a '21 RG. The wind protection is better on the RG. I expected that though. The ST is good enough and is way more fun to ride.

Thanks for the comparison Matt.

Great reviews, real time rider info, My question for You is can You get analog gauges for the Fxlrst, and do away with the tiny speedo?

Nice video sir best of luck

Those bags look tiny compared to my electra glide. I can easily fit 2 6 packs of beer in each case and still have some room. Can you even fit 1 6 pack in the ST bags? They dont look like they open far

Hey Matt....I am buying a new Lowrider for my 62nd birthday next month. My last bike was a StreetGlide I sold 15 years ago and have not been on a bike since. Knowing the new lowriders have a 117 engine and is lighter weight makes this the perfect bike for me. Just out of curiosity is the standard fairing on the lowrider sufficient for a person 5'7"? I will be wearing a full face helmet. Back in the day I rode with a $10 brain bucket. You get wiser as you get older.

Can the Low Rider ST bags be switched to the Pan America bags or the non-stretch touring bags? Wish they used the Sportster S display on the Low Rider ST.

The more apt comparison to me would be how the Low Rider ST compares/contrasts with the Heritage. It would be very interesting to see how both of the "baby tourers" fit into that I want to road trip without getting a monster bike niche

ROAD GLIDE ALLLLLL DAY but I feel more comfortable on the SG but the RG is the best looking bike by far The fairing is just so damn far away feeling on the RG. I’m sure with a few miles on it .. would be all good. Currently I’m good with my 2019 FLHR. Yo Matt.. do u know if the Motor company is ever going to go back to the hydraulic clutch ? Was thinking when I upgraded in a few years I’ll gotta find a 2020 (last year of the hydraulic clutch yes?) I didn’t like the hydraulic clutch all that much when I first got the 2019. Never rode a bike with anything but a cable clutch. I didn’t like how the start of friction zone was so damn far out. Put on one of those Softbrake clutch levers and since then I fell in love with the hydraulic clutch. It’s so damn precise. Feels so smooth. I’m sure Hd went back to the cable for cost savings

At 5'6 30inch inseam the touring models aren't even an option for me, which is fine since i don't "crush big miles" anyway. Sitting on the low rider st at my dealership moving it side to side does NOT feel like a 700+ pound bike!!! Side note my dealership (Milwaukee Harley) had the new El Diablo and the red definitely pops in person.

Just buy one of each!!! Easiest way to decide.

Good stuff Matt,if you're not glading you ain't riding. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

Great Review as always!

Love the looks of the LRST but my knees are way too upward , the Touring is a better fit for me

Thanks

Thanks for making this informative comparison video

Really wish they would have done the Low Rider ST in the new Apex paint scheme. That would be so bad.

How about putting a tour pak on the low rider st. Some have done it even though HD doesn't show one to fit. But they are way better than putting up with strapon bags. I'd like to know exactly what is needed.

Thumbs up for the awesome informative video 🙂

I think harleys are old tech and very tractor like not suited to roads in the uk However that lowrider st has something about it, a wow factor and i really want one

I really don't like the look of that fairing on the LowRider ST at all. Good to hear him say he took his heel shifter off to be able to move his feet around. That is the same reason I don't like a heel shifter.

Nice review keep up the good work

As someone that has owned a touring bike before and went to a non touring bike, don’t do it! Once you are use to the wind protection, storage, etc you will regret getting rid of the touring bike.

Whats a good wind deflector for my 2011 fxdf which has an after market single headlight

Got an Roadglide st! Road glides are the way to go

The pros of the Low Rider ST is the real drop in weight from the Street Glide and Road Glide however the audio package really needs physical controls and the wind protection is decent for a Harley fairing but they really need to whip a complimentary set of lowers for this bike. However what disappointed me the most what the trim pieces like the center console leave a lot to be desired in an quality aspect. Why did they cheap out and not color match the battery cover? I am holding out hope that Harley revamps the Tour line chassis as its effectively a decade old running on a chassis easily older. Harley riders deserve better and that includes the lack of qualifty of life issues as compared to competitors in the same price range, BMW, Honda, and Indian, all offer far more quality of life features even at better price points. Use to be Harley riders could dismiss that criticism but the Revolution Max platform shames the tour line in features.

Lowrider ST… The fairing was clearly developed with airflow management and pressure relief in mind. The airflow above the fairing and tiny windshield makes for a lot of noise and buffeting around the helmet. Even at speeds starting at 50 mph. Could use a much taller screen above the fairing. The instrument strip… really? Cruise control would be nice. Monster 117 means I did not have to shift above 3k. Ocean of torque. Would add a taller seat. A great bike overall.

Hi guys, I want a low rider ST because I'm a light weight 150lbs 5'9" .... I know the Road Glide fairing is going to be a better fairing and deflect more wind when I do my 300 mile weekend ride at highway speed. I like the "clean" wind to keep me cool in summer, but I HATE helmet buffeting. Do you think the LR ST will cause me helmet BUFFETING? I'm not able to get a test ride in my country, so your opinion is greatly appreciate. Thanks guys for putting such great content out there for us 👍

I have a 21 FLTRK and wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s by far the best bike I’ve owned. All that weight on the steering is gone.

I really hope those who painted those 1500 models got a handsome amount of pay and recognition.

Matt, is the Diablo and the Lowrider ST. the same platform?

Hy matt. I think you ve compared both when you test ride for the first time the fxlrst

The problem with the with the Low Rider ST is no GPS and now way to add one either.

Hey Matt. I heard a rumor from a dealership in Lima Linda, that the FXLRST is not happening for 2023. Is that true??!!

I love my RGS. Wouldn't trade it for anything

Wish this dealership was on the east coast.

If you ride solo always, even long distance, especially, if you are light and travel light.. I would say the Low Rider ST is way better unless you are huge on tech. I am sort of a minimalist, so I preferred that, but not everyone is that way.

If harely had put a little bigger faring on the sport glide the same style that it comes with my option they would still be selling them in the usa.the sport glide handles like a dream.my opinion again the sport glide looks much better than the lowrider. Just my opinion!!

WHY CAN'T YOU USE THE ROADGLIDE FRONT FAIRING ON THE ST? AND IS THERE THE RT FAIRING TO FOR THE LOWRIDER? I LIKE A BIG FAIRING ON THE LOWRIDER WITH LOUD MUSIC ON IT, AND A BACKREST WITH A HARDBAG ON BACK, JUST FOR LONG RIDES! THANX

Geezer-Glide! Lol I’ve never heard that before, but I’ll take it. Thanks for another great video, from a grateful geezer.👍🏼😎

I’ll take Both!

Matt you've seen the paint work on many a new Harley Davidson. Do certain models paint hold up better than others? Is it me, or does it seem crazy to spend over 25 large on a Harley Davidson with a plain paint job? How can H-D sell a MC without standard pinstriping? Because people accept everything guys like Brad Richards design without question, maybe. I would have a gray bike only if it was candy paint. Making a MC to match a battleship went out of style in the 50's, and all your customers are saying they like it, but do they? Or are they being forced to like it because they have no other choice? Has H-D always been so short on colors?

My english is bad , but low Rider means low pilot . These boys are so tall . I think a médium or low guy stay confortable in the ST .

El Diablo looks to be just an FXLRST with a paint job that Harley will sell for more than 10k than the standard FXLRST imo