Harley-Davidson has announced two new models for 2020, as well as some technological updates for multiple models.
The Low Rider S is a hot-rodded take on the existing Low Rider model from the Softail lineup. That machine’s current configuration was introduced during the Great Softail Overhaul of late 2017, and was a bit of a sleeper, handling better than expected.
As for the Low Rider S, it’s basically the same machine, but with the Milwaukee Eight 114 engine as standard, and “styling cues inspired by the coastal build scene.” That means you get a smallish headlight fairing, tall, wide handlebars, a solo seat and a blacked-out engine and pipes, very close to the style of the bikes the outlaws used to ride in Sons of Anarchy (white sneakers and black hoodies not included). MSRP is $23,599, compared to $18,599 for the standard Low Rider model.
Then there’s the CVO Tri Glide, a highly tarted-up version of the Tri Glide three-wheeler from the Custom Vehicles Operations department. It’s the first Harley-Davidson three-wheeler in the CVO lineup; it’s actually surprising it’s taken this long for this to happen.
Anyway, the Tri Glide was already one of Harley-Davidson’s more expensive machines, but this version ups the price tag considerably, with custom aluminum wheels, heated grips and seats and other trick trim from Harley-Davidson’s Kahuna collection, all-round LED lightning, trimmed front fender, luggage rack, power locking trunk, and a CB radio. It’ll be available in two different paint schemes, and MSRP is $59,999.
Harley-Davidson also announced some techy updates for 2020; its ABS system has been refined on some models to become the new Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System. As per the press release, “C-ABS is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of a two-wheel motorcycle, or the lateral acceleration of a Trike model.” In other words, it’s cornering ABS.
Harley-Davidson also introduced cornering-sensitive traction control and drag-torque control systems. If you’re wondering what a drag-torque control system is, the press release says “DSCS is designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip under deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt down-shift gear change or decelerates on wet or slippery road surfaces. When DSCS detects excessive rear wheel slip under deceleration it will adjust engine torque delivery to better match rear-wheel speed to road speed.”
Another system that Harley-Davidson is hyping heavily for 2020 is its updated H-D Connect Service, which is basically a smartphone link to your motorcycle. H-D Connect links you to your bike via LTE, so , it’s no good if you don’t have cell service. It can tell you things like battery status, fuel level, available range, and infotainment software updates. It will also tell you if someone is monkeying around with your bike, and can track the machine if stolen.
These technical updates will only be standard on a few specific models, and will not be available for all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as not every bike is equipped with features like traction control.
