For 2025, Harley-Davidson has given its Cruiser lineup of Softails an array of upgrades. Bringing six distinct models to the table, each is powered by one of three versions of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, tuned specifically for that model. This is the most significant update of the Softails since 2018 and includes dramatically upgraded suspension, new electronics packages that actually work, and improved performance. I went on quick rides of each of the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruisers, and here’s what I discovered.
RIDING IMPRESSION
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruisers are a massive upgrade over the previous editions, delivering improved performance and handling across the range. The motor has impressive grunt, especially in the sweet spot between 1800 and 2500 rpm. Smooth, easy gear changes with relatively light clutch action make for rapid progress when desired. However, there is no back-torque-reducing slipper-clutch function on the Low Rider S and ST, which I would have liked for late-braking hard slowdowns.
On bumpy roads at speed, the Softails soak up everything, riding straight and true. I was very impressed by the handling of each one. Although the fat-tire models are heavier to turn and have considerably less cornering clearance there is zero weave or wobble through fast corners. The S and ST handle amazingly well and can be placed very precisely on the road.
There is a noticeable difference between the riding modes. While the Sport and Road modes produce full power, the difference is in the level of throttle aggression. Fortunately, all modes have a great feel at the throttle, and the Sport mode is fully useable on the street.
Each model gets its own traction control and ABS algorithm based on the type of riding intended for that machine. I only had one wiggle at the rear over a damp patch, and the TC did its job very nicely. Remember, these are safety aids and are not designed for you to drift flat-track style through corners without consequence. Although braking requires a fairly heavy hand, the brakes have plenty of feel and no problem bringing each bike to a rapid stop when asked. This year, the brake lever has an adjustable reach.
I rode an outrigger-fitted Street Bob on a sandy patch of tarmac to determine the yaw level allowed in each mode. The results were interesting. There’s almost no yaw permitted in Rain mode compared to the plentiful controlled yaw allowed in Sport mode.
The round instrument pod is good-looking, and the information easily digested. Clicking the large left-thumb switch toggles through the usual fuel, range, mileage, and rev count information.
The new seats on the Softails are comfortable, and the riding positions make sense for long days in the saddle. While the sportier Low Riders have high-set footpegs that gave me a bit of a praying mantis stance, I loved the cornering clearance they made available for railing through corners.
Overall, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruisers are seriously desirable machines.
ONE ENGINE, THREE TUNES
The six Softails run in three distinct pairs: The traditional Heritage Classic and Street Bob, the statement-making Breakout and Fat Boy, and the sporting Low Rider S and ST.
All six models ditch the 107 ci and 114 ci displacements from 2024 for just three tailored variants of the 117 ci Milwaukee-Eight engine—Classic, Custom, High Output—with all versions offering more power and torque. The three new powertrain variants are tuned via intake and exhaust schemes, as well as ride mode programming, to provide performance that matches the personality of each specific model.
- Classic: Four percent more horsepower and one ft-lb more torque than last year’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. Peak torque: 120 ft-lbs. Peak power: 98 horsepower, and a 2-into-1 exhaust.
- Custom: Eleven percent more horsepower and six percent more torque over the 2024 Fat Boy 114. Peak torque: 126 ft-lbs. Peak power: 104 horsepower, and a 2-into-2 exhaust with individual catalyzers.
- High Output: Ten percent more horsepower and two percent higher peak torque than the Custom tune, 11 percent more peak horsepower than last year’s Milwaukee-Eight 117. Peak torque: 128 ft-lbs. Peak power: 114 horsepower. The rev limit is raised to 5900 rpm, and this tune uses the same camshaft as the CVO Road Glide.
The new Softail 117 motor also includes several features from the Milwaukee-Eight 117/121 engines used in the Touring and CVO models:
- New four-valve heads feature the same combustion chamber shape, oval intake ports, and low-profile intake valve seats for improved performance and fuel economy.
- Engine oil is now routed from a frame-mounted oil cooler through the enhanced cylinder-head cooling passages, which circulate a coolant solution through the heads. This air-/oil-cooled version of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine weighs less than the Grand American Touring and CVO versions, and does not require a liquid-coolant system.
- The new intake tract has a contoured aluminum intake manifold. This provides a more direct air path that enhances intake airflow for improved power and reduced exhaust emissions.
- The muffler, intakes, and calibrations have been designed to emphasize sound quality and match the character of each engine variant.
- The mufflers use advanced lightweight material that trims high frequencies and emphasizes low frequencies for a powerful sound.
- Each engine meets Euro 5+ standards.
SUSPENSION
Harley-Davidson has retuned the fork and shock to work with new single-rate springs, replacing last year’s progressive springs. The engineers were aiming for better balance, less harshness, and more predictable action. It works!
ELECTRONICS
- All 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruiser models offer a choice of three ride modes—Sport, Road, Rain—that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle and the level of technology intervention.
- Each ride mode has a specific non-adjustable combination of power delivery, engine braking, cornering traction control, and cornering ABS settings.
- Cruise control and a USB-C charge port are standard on all 2025 Softail Cruisers.
2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruiser Lineup Quickstart Guide
2025 Low Rider S
Why it stands out: It’s the most powerful Softail, built for riders who crave speed with a healthy dose of attitude.
It boasts 114 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque. It sports a club-style handlebar, solo seat, and mini fairing. For 2025, it gets red accents, a restyled LED taillight, and a taller rear shock for expanded cornering clearance. Dual front discs and Michelin Scorcher 31 tires add to its sporty edge. Price: from $20,399 MSRP.
2025 Low Rider ST.
Why it stands out: It blends performance with practicality for riders who want it all.
The sport-touring twist on the Low Rider S, with frame-mounted fairing and saddlebags with a capacity of 1.9 cubic feet. It matches the S’s 114 horsepower peak and delivers 127 ft-lbs of torque. The 2025 updates include the same suspension retune and electronic aids, plus a focus on long-distance comfort. Price: from $23,999.
2025 Breakout
Why it stands out: This model has an aggressive, stretched-out style for riders who want to turn heads.
Long and low with a chopper-inspired 36-degree fork angle, the Breakout has a 21-inch front wheel, 240mm rear tire, and a pull-back handlebar. The 5.75-inch round headlight is new for 2025. The Custom 117 engine delivers 126 ft-lbs of torque for action from stoplights, and suspension upgrades smooth out the ride. Price: from $23,099.
2025 Fat Boy
Why it stands out: It is big, bold, and dripping with nostalgia—think Terminator 2 vibes.
Iconic fat-tire styling with a 240mm rear and a beefy front end. The Fat Boy is powered by the Custom 117 engine with 126 ft-lbs of torque. Updates include a tank-mounted five-inch LCD display and retuned suspension for a smoother ride. A 35th Anniversary edition might also be in the mix as an Icon model, though details are still trickling in. Price: from $22,599.
2025 Heritage Classic
Why it stands out: Vintage charm meets modern touring capability.
This is a heavy nod to the 1950s, with lockable saddlebags, a detachable windscreen, and a single exhaust with a symmetric bag design. The Heritage Classic has a five-inch tank-mounted display and nine-spoke cast wheels, with wire-spoke wheels optional. The suspension tweaks improve balance and expand its touring capabilities. Price: from $22,999.
2025 Street Bob
Why it stands out: This is perfect for riders who want a stripped-down, agile cruiser with a classic vibe and a price well under $20k.
A lean, nimble bobber with a mini-ape handlebar, a chopped rear fender, and a smaller 3.5-gallon fuel tank, it’s the lightest (634 pounds) and most affordable ($17,199) bike in the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruiser lineup. The new single-rate coil suspension improves ride quality, and the new Street Bob has a blacked-out look. Laced wheels are optional. Price: from $17,199.
Watch for comprehensive tests of these six models in the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruiser lineup in the coming year.
RIDING STYLE
Photography by Brian J. Nelson and Kevin Wing
2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Cruisers Review Photo Gallery
