Get a Grip: 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST’s New Hand Controls on Portsmouth Roads
Portsmouth is a rider’s playground. The city’s blend of historic streets, waterfront highways, and bustling urban roads makes every ride an experience. But if there’s one thing every seasoned motorcyclist knows, it’s that control is everything. And that’s exactly where the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST shines with its redesigned hand controls.
This year’s model brings a fresh approach to rider interaction, making handling easier, more intuitive, and tailored to different riding styles. If you’ve ever struggled with reaching your controls in heavy traffic, wished for a more comfortable grip during long rides, or simply wanted better functionality at your fingertips, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST’s new setup is built for you.
So, what makes these controls a standout feature? And why are they especially useful for riders in Portsmouth? Let’s dive in.
Riding through Portsmouth presents unique challenges. The mix of narrow colonial-era streets, modern intersections, and scenic waterfront routes means you need a bike that can handle quick stops, tight turns, and unpredictable traffic patterns. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST’s redesigned hand controls address these needs with precision.
Ride Mode Selection: Adapt Instantly to the Road Ahead
One of the most practical improvements on the new 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is the Ride Mode selection now integrated directly into the hand controls. This means no reaching down awkwardly or fumbling with settings while you ride. A simple button press allows you to switch between different riding modes, adjusting the bike’s throttle response, engine braking, and traction control in real-time.
Picture this: you’re cruising down High Street, where traffic can be unpredictable. A quick mode change lets you soften throttle response for smooth urban riding. But the moment you hit a more open stretch near the Victory Boulevard exit, you can instantly switch to a more aggressive setting, maximizing performance without skipping a beat.
Flash-to-Pass: A Quick and Effective Safety Feature
Portsmouth’s traffic can get tricky, especially near key intersections like Effingham Street or when heading toward the Naval Shipyard. One of the most underrated yet incredibly useful updates to the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is the repositioned flash-to-pass switch. Located near the left forefinger, this button allows you to alert other motorists with a quick flick—perfect for navigating through crowded streets or making your presence known in low-visibility conditions.
Imagine heading down the Midtown Tunnel, where sudden lane merges are common. A fast, well-placed flash of your high beam can alert drivers who might not have noticed you otherwise. It’s a simple yet effective way to improve safety without interrupting your ride.
Adjustable Brake Lever: Comfort Meets Control
Riders come in all shapes and sizes, and what feels comfortable for one person might be awkward for another. Harley-Davidson® understands this, which is why the adjustable brake lever on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is such a welcome addition. This feature allows you to fine-tune the reach and positioning of the front brake lever to match your hand size and grip preference.
For Portsmouth riders, this means better control in stop-and-go traffic near the waterfront, on busy city roads, or when rolling through the Portsmouth Marine Terminal area. Instead of straining your hand to find the right braking position, the lever adjusts to you—making those quick stops smoother and less fatiguing.
Ergonomic Switch Placement: Less Distraction, More Focus
In heavy traffic or at highway speeds, every second counts. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST’s updated hand controls have been strategically repositioned for easier access, allowing riders to operate turn signals, horn, and cruise control without having to shift their grip. The thoughtful placement ensures that every function is exactly where it should be, reducing distraction and enhancing confidence on the road.
When you’re weaving through Portsmouth’s streets or merging onto I-264, this improved layout ensures that your hands stay where they belong—firmly on the grips, with everything you need just a thumb’s reach away.
So, what does all of this mean for motorcyclists in Portsmouth? The city’s unique layout, mix of urban and open-road riding, and unpredictable traffic conditions make precise control essential. These upgraded hand controls make the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST an ideal fit for riders who navigate the area regularly.
- Better traffic maneuverability: Tight turns in Olde Towne or slow-moving traffic on London Boulevard? The new ergonomic controls reduce effort and improve reaction time.
- Increased safety: The repositioned flash-to-pass switch and quick-access ride mode selection help riders adapt to changing traffic conditions on the fly.
- Enhanced long-distance comfort: Adjustable levers and intuitive button placement mean less hand fatigue, especially on extended rides to nearby areas like Chesapeake or Suffolk.
While the hand controls are the main attraction, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST comes packed with additional features that make every ride through Portsmouth even better.
Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output Engine
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 High Output engine, designed for riders who crave performance. It delivers impressive torque, smooth power delivery, and a satisfying rumble that makes every twist of the throttle feel purposeful. If you’re rolling along the scenic Western Branch or pushing through highway traffic, the refined mid- and top-end power ensures you’re always in control.
Tall Rear Suspension for Confident Handling
Portsmouth’s roads can be unpredictable, with uneven pavement and unexpected dips. The tall monoshock rear suspension on the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST raises the rear end, giving you improved cornering clearance and stability. This means you can take sharper turns with confidence if you’re riding near Portsmouth City Park or heading toward the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel.
Two-Into-One Exhaust and Heavy Breather Intake
For those who appreciate both function and aesthetics, the two-into-one exhaust system provides a sleek, balanced look while also optimizing performance. The heavy breather intake enhances airflow, leading to increased power output and a smoother ride—something every Portsmouth rider can appreciate, especially on longer trips outside the city.
USB-C Charging and Digital Display
Modern riders need modern features. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST includes a USB-C charging port, ensuring your devices stay powered while you ride. Meanwhile, the four-inch digital display provides essential ride data at a glance, including ride mode selection, gear position, and tire pressure monitoring.
The best way to understand how these new hand controls transform your ride is to experience them yourself. Bayside Harley-Davidson® in Portsmouth, VA, is ready to put you in the saddle of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST for a test ride.
See firsthand how these thoughtful improvements make a difference in handling, comfort, and overall ride quality. If you're a seasoned H-D® rider or new to the brand, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Low Rider® ST is built to enhance your riding experience in Portsmouth. Schedule a test ride today!