Harley’s Coolest Retro-Styled Cruiser Just Got Better Looking and More Affordable

In addition to timeless shine and visual pop, going old school with the trim can actually save you a grand.

Close-up of a chrome V-twin motorcycle engine with visible exhaust pipes and part of the black frame.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published March 10, 2026

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Updated March 10, 2026

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When it comes to throwback motorcycle aesthetics that stand the test of time, a few that jump to mind are round headlights, teardrop tanks and V-twin engines.

Another unmistakable element, however, is most definitely chrome, which adds a splash of vintage class to any bike it touches.

The Vivid Black and Chrome Low Rider S treatment is the most classic and arguably the best looking, too.

Harley-Davidson

While blacked-out finishes have dominated the past few years, style is cyclical (pardon the pun) and chrome is mounting a comeback.

Already rocking all those other classic touches, Harley-Davidson’s 2026 Low Rider S now features a Chrome Trim Option that simultaneously shines and saves you some scratch.

Anywhere I chrome…

This addition is actually one of three recently announced by Harley, the other two being a solo trim option for the Road Glide and chrome for the Road Glide 3 trike.

It’s easily the most compelling, as it not only restores a classic finish to a classic bike but also is the rare case where a new option actually costs less than what was previously available.

Silver Harley-Davidson motorcycle with black seat and chrome exhaust pipes on a white background. — Opt for Dark Billiard Grey and Chrome and the starting price flirts with $19,000.

While the black trim treatment for the bike is a $1,000 add-on, meaning a starting price of $19,999, the chrome trim is now essentially the de facto base option, starting at $18,999 with the standard Dark Billiard Grey paint scheme.

Upgrading to Vivid Black paint costs $300 more, while White Onyx Pearl and Olive Steel Metallic go for an additional $650, meaning all four configurations still dip well below the $20,000.

White cruiser motorcycle with black seat, chrome engine, and black wheels on a white background. — While parsing “White Onyx Pearl” hurts my brain, there’s no denying the aesthetic appeal.

Where does it pop up? The engine and exhaust are the most obvious spots, but the look is reflected in bright machined details on the cast aluminum wheels and echoed on the gauge, mirrors, bars, indicator housings, tank strip and rear fender assembly.

The overall effect is basically a time machine, taking us back to earlier days, with the Vivid Black edition in particular recalling the gorgeous black-and-chrome 1960s Harleys featured in everything from The Girl on a Motorcycle to The Bikeriders.

Modern moto magic

Of course, opting for throwback aesthetics and a lower price tag does not translate to any sacrifice on the performance end, as the Chrome Trim Option retains all the power and sneaky tech that make the Lowrider S so compelling.

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 high-output motor makes a rousing 114 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque, with the distinctive rumble emerging from the lean, mean performance-tuned 2-into-1 exhaust.

Olive green cruiser motorcycle with black seat, chrome engine, and black alloy wheels on a white background. — In conjunction with Chrome, the Olive Steel Metallic option gives off a vintage military vibe that is not unwelcome.

The headlight may be retro-inspired round, but it is nonetheless part of a full LED system extending to the taillight and indicators for safety, boosting visibility.

Rideability is ensured thanks to qualities both tangible and technical. Regarding the former, the steep-backed solo seat not only gives a locked-in feel but, at 27 inches high, it lets even shorter riders stay in touch with terra firma.

Rear view of a black motorcycle with wide rear tire, dual rear lights, and chrome exhaust pipe against a white background. — Modern touches such as full LED lighting make this bike much safer than anything people were riding in the ’60s.

As for the latter, the Lowrider S packs Harley’s latest rider safety enhancements, including Cornering ABS, Traction Control, Drag-Torque Slip Control, plus three ride modes (Road, Rain and Sport).

In other words, you’ve got lots of help to keep the shiny side up, which is always critical but especially when it’s this shiny.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S with Chrome Trim Option rolls into authorized dealerships this spring, starting at $18,999.

Harley-Davidson

2026 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (Chrome Trim Option)

Starts at $18,999

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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