HARLEY-DAVIDSON Low Rider (1979-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1979, the American motorcycle manufacturer released the Harley-Davidson Low Rider, a classic cruiser also known as the FXS that outsold every other motorcycle in H-D's range in its first full year of production.

The Harley-Davidson Low Rider was in its third consecutive year of production and came without any significant modifications, retaining its classic styling with a low-slung profile and relaxed riding position.

The bike featured a low riding position with a 69 cm (27-inch) seat height and was perfect for many riders of different shapes and sizes. It rolled on lightweight alloy wheels and packed a two-into-one exhaust system that delivered a deep chopper rumbling note.

In the appearance department, the 1979 Harley-Davidson Low Rider came with a small, round headlight, a wide handlebar, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single-piece dual seat, a hardtail design, and nine-spoke alloy wheels.

As for power, nothing was changed for the 1979 model year, wearing the same 1,207cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine fed by a single carburetor, delivering 58 hp with a maximum peak at 5,150 rpm.

The power produced by the engine was handled by a four-speed manual transmission and sent to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the motorcycle to 158 kph (98 mph) max speed.

The bike's suspension was handled by a telescopic fork on the front and dual shock absorbers on the rear, while the stopping power featured a triple-disc system with two 250 mm discs on the front and one on the rear.