Is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output on the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST easy to live with in Fort Washington, MD?
Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC - Is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output on the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST easy to live with in Fort Washington, MD?
The short answer is yes — the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST makes the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output feel remarkably livable around Fort Washington, MD, while still delivering the hard-hitting torque riders expect. Around Indian Head Highway and the Capital Beltway, the bike’s tuned 2-into-1 exhaust, Heavy Breather intake, and performance-oriented mapping translate into confident launches and clean roll-on power, not constant drama. When the road opens toward National Harbor or out across the Potomac, the High Output character wakes up with urgency. When traffic tightens, the Low Rider® ST settles down with smooth fueling, thoughtful gearing, and electronic aids designed to manage traction and deceleration.
On paper, the numbers are compelling — 114 HP and 128 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm — yet what matters day to day is controllability. Selectable Ride Modes help you tailor response for city streets or weekend sweeps, and the chassis backs it up with a single-cartridge 43 mm inverted fork and a hidden coil-over monoshock that balances precision with comfort. The result is a motorcycle that feels poised from the first block on Livingston Road to long stretches of I-295, with the FXRT-inspired fairing cutting wind pressure so your shoulders and neck stay relaxed.
For riders comparing daily practicality to weekend performance, these are the details that make the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST easy to live with in our area:
- Ride Modes: Selectable Ride Modes tailor throttle and braking feel to conditions, supporting smooth control in stop-and-go traffic or spirited backroad runs.
- Rider Safety Enhancements: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Brake System (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS), and Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS) add confidence across dry, wet, and off-camber surfaces.
- Suspension: A 43 mm inverted fork and hydraulic-preload rear monoshock keep the bike composed over patchwork pavement and freeway joints.
- Fairing and Ergonomics: The FXRT-inspired fairing manages airflow to your helmet and torso, while the Performance-Adapted Solo Seat supports an athletic, all-day riding posture.
- Tires: Michelin® Scorcher 31 tires deliver predictable grip and feedback in variable Mid-Atlantic weather.
- Display and Power: A 4-inch analog speedometer with a digital information screen, cruise control indicators, and USB-C charging simplify your cockpit and daily routine.
Space, stance, and stability also play a major role. A laden seat height of 27 inches and balanced weight distribution make parking lot maneuvers straightforward, while generous 31.3-degree lean angles let you carve confidently on sweeping ramps onto I-495. All-LED lighting improves conspicuity at dawn and dusk, and the 2 cu ft of integrated storage adds everyday utility without detracting from the West Coast stance. When it is time to stretch beyond Fort Washington, the 5-gallon tank and an estimated 47 mpg offer a range that fits day trips and long weekends.
Fit and finish speak to the same dual mission. Premium paint such as White Onyx Pearl and the Black trim option underscore the Low Rider® ST’s purposeful design. Radiate Cast Aluminum wheels, split 7-spoke floating rotors, and clean cable routing give the front end a planted, modern look. The 2-into-1 exhaust is tuned for bite without droning on the highway, and the refined intake note complements the engine’s broad torque curve rather than overwhelming it.
At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, our view is simple — a sport-touring cruiser should be just as rewarding at 25 mph as it is at 75 mph. The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST delivers that balance. From neighborhood streets to regional highways, the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output is easy to live with because the chassis, ride tech, and aerodynamics are all working with you. If you want a motorcycle that feels agile in town and relentless on open pavement, this one checks both boxes for Fort Washington, MD riders.
Ready to dial in fit, color, and features for your riding goals around the DMV? Our team at Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, in Fort Washington, MD, can walk you through Ride Modes setup, luggage use, and how Rider Safety Enhancements complement your everyday routes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output feel jumpy in city traffic?
No. With Selectable Ride Modes, refined fueling, and the Traction Control System (TCS), the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST delivers smooth launches and predictable roll-on in stop-and-go situations. Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) helps stabilize the rear wheel during abrupt downshifts or rapid throttle roll-off on slick surfaces.
How does the FXRT-inspired fairing help on the Beltway and I-295?
The fairing reduces direct wind pressure to your chest and smooths airflow around your helmet, which helps minim ize fatigue on longer stretches. Paired with All-LED lighting, you get improved visibility ana d more relaxed posture during dawn commutes and late returns.
Is the seat height approachable for different rider sizes?
Yes. The laden seat height is 27 inches, which, combined with a narrow midsection and hydraulic preload adjustment on the rear monoshock, helps riders of various sizes find stable footing. The chassis geometry also supports confident cornering with 31.3 degrees of lean on both sides.
Is the Low Rider® ST set up for longer rides out of Fort Washington, MD?
Absolutely. The 5-gallon tank and an estimated 47 mpg support longer routes, cruise control eases highway miles, and USB-C charging keeps devices powered. Integrated storage provides 2 cu ft of capacity for essentials.
Does the bike adapt to changing weather and road conditions?
Yes. Cornering Enhanced systems — C-ABS, C-TCS, and C-DSCS — adjust intervention based on lean angle, helping maintain stability on wet paint lines, off-camber ramps, and uneven surfaces common around the region.
If you are evaluating whether a high-torque V-Twin fits daily life here, the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST proves that the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output can be both approachable and thrilling. Connect with our team at Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC to explore color options, fitment guidance, and how to make this motorcycle your own for the roads in and around Fort Washington, MD.