2020 Low Rider S Cruise Control: Retrofit Solutions Explained
Long-distance riding on the 2020 Low Rider S is a visceral experience, but the lack of factory cruise control can take a significant toll on your right wrist and fatigue levels over extended highway miles. Many owners incorrectly assume they are permanently tethered to the stock manual-throttle setup because the feature was omitted at the factory. The reality is that this model is fully capable of supporting a seamless, integrated cruise system. This guide provides an expert-led, professional breakdown of how to retrofit the genuine Harley-Davidson electronic cruise system using official components and the mandatory software calibration process.
Decoding the 2020 Low Rider S Cruise Control Architecture
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Understanding why your bike didn’t arrive with this feature from the showroom floor is essential for effective upgrades. The 2020 FXLRS platform was designed for a minimalist, aggressive aesthetic, which often prioritized mechanical simplicity. However, the bike’s underlying electronic architecture is identical to touring models that include cruise as standard equipment.
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Why Factory Cruise Control Was Omitted
The omission was a strategic product differentiation choice by Harley-Davidson to maintain the “stripped-down” performance persona of the Low Rider S. Crucially, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S cruise control system is not mechanically different from its touring cousins; it is merely restricted by the absence of the switch interface and a corresponding ECM software flag. The hardware you install functions exactly like a factory-installed system because it communicates via the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.
Electronic Throttle Control vs. Mechanical Locks
It is vital to distinguish between a “cruise control” system and a mechanical friction throttle lock. A friction lock simply holds the grip in place, which is dangerous and fails to respond to road grade changes. By contrast, the true 2020 Low Rider S cruise control retrofit interacts directly with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Module. This system allows the Engine Control Module (ECM) to dynamically adjust the throttle blade position, maintaining a precise speed regardless of incline or wind resistance, providing a vastly superior and safer ride quality.
Essential Components for a Quality Retrofit
To perform a reliable upgrade, you must source the correct parts from an authorized Harley-Davidson Parts & Accessories (P&A) catalog. Using non-OEM switches can lead to CAN bus communication errors, as the electrical resistance values are often incompatible with the factory harness.
Sourcing the Official Switch Pack
The left-hand switch housing must be swapped entirely to accommodate the cruise control module. When ordering, always provide your VIN to the dealership parts professional to ensure the correct color and button configuration, as regional variances can occasionally exist in pin-outs for the 2020 Low Rider S cruise control system.
Required Harness and Component Upgrades
Because the Low Rider S lacks the cruise switches, the internal wiring pins in the existing left-side housing do not terminate in the switch contacts. You are essentially replacing the entire handlebar controls segment. This upgrade maintains the factory look, as the new housing is indistinguishable from the original, ensuring that the installation looks like a premium, professional effort.
Installation and Activation Guide
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Installation Sequence
Remove the clutch lever perch and carefully unscrew the original switch housing, taking care to manage the internal harness pins and prevent connector damage.
Mount the new cruise-enabled housing. Ensure that no wires are pinched when securing the housing halves, as the internal space is tightly tolerance-sensitive.
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Listen Free for 30 DaysTransport the bike to a dealer. The technician must use Digital Technician II to update the ECM configuration, which “wakes up” the cruise control software routines.
The Critical Role of Digital Technician II
Many enthusiasts make the error of thinking they can “plug and play.” Unfortunately, the bike’s computer is unaware of the new switches until a digital handshake is performed. Only an authorized dealership with the proprietary Digital Technician II interface can flash the ECM. This ensures the 2020 Low Rider S cruise control system is fully compliant with factory safety protocols, including automatic disengagement upon braking or clutch activation.
Hardware installation alone will not activate the cruise function. The cruise light will not illuminate, and the system will remain dormant until the ECM software flash is completed at a dealership.
Troubleshooting and Performance Insights
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If your system fails to engage after the hardware is installed and the software is updated, the issue usually stems from simple connection lapses or configuration oversights.
Common Installation Pitfalls
- Incomplete Software Flash: The dealer may have missed the specific software calibration flag. Verify the invoice clearly states that the cruise control functionality was successfully enabled.
- Switch Continuity: Ensure that the wire harness inside the handlebar control housing is properly seated. A loose connector will prevent the signal from reaching the ECM.
- Engagement Parameters: Remember the system’s operational constraints; the 2020 Low Rider S cruise control system will only engage between 30 and 85 MPH. Attempting to set it outside of this range will result in no response.
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Diagnostic Procedures After Software Updates
If the cruise indicator light flashes amber, it typically signals a communication fault on the CAN bus. Perform a power cycle by turning the ignition off for 30 seconds before restarting. If the light remains amber, the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) must be read via the Digital Technician II tool to pinpoint the specific sensor or module reporting the error.
Always verify the clutch and brake lever switches are properly engaged. The cruise system will immediately disengage if these sensors detect even slight input, which is a common “false positive” concern for riders who rest their fingers on the levers.
Final Guidance on Retrofitting Your System
Successfully adding cruise control to your 2020 Low Rider S transforms it from a short-range ripper into a capable long-haul machine. The process is straightforward provided you respect the necessity of authorized software tools and genuine factory components. While the aftermarket is filled with varied solutions, relying on the official Harley-Davidson ecosystem ensures your safety and bike reliability. Reach out to your local authorized dealer parts department today to confirm the current part number for the switch kit specific to your VIN and schedule your software activation session. Investing in this upgrade not only enhances the value of your motorcycle but significantly improves your riding experience every time you hit the open road.
2020 Low Rider S Cruise Control: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install 2020 Low Rider S cruise control myself?
Yes, you can perform the mechanical installation yourself. It involves replacing the left-hand switch housing and routing the internal wiring. It is a professional-level task that requires attention to detail regarding handlebar cable routing and connector safety. However, you cannot complete the installation fully at home because the system requires a software handshake with the motorcycle’s BCM, which only a dealer can perform.
Why is a dealer flash required?
The Harley-Davidson Body Control Module (BCM) operates on a closed-loop system. Even after you install the physical cruise control hardware, the bike’s computer does not recognize the new switch pack as an active component. The Digital Technician II, used by authorized dealers, is the only tool capable of updating the firmware to enable the cruise control logic within the bike’s internal electronics.
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See Annual PlansIs cruise control available for all M8 Softails?
While many Milwaukee-Eight Softail models share similar architecture, cruise control compatibility is model-specific. It is available for most Softail models as a bolt-on kit, but it is not universal. You must verify your specific VIN against the H-D Parts & Accessories catalog to ensure the cruise control kit is compatible with your specific year, sub-model, and electronic configuration.
Does installing cruise control void my warranty?
Using genuine Harley-Davidson parts for the cruise control retrofit will not void your factory warranty, provided the installation is performed correctly. If you utilize aftermarket, non-approved components, or if the wiring is improperly installed, the dealer may deny claims related to the electrical system. Using authorized parts and having the dealer perform the final software flash is the most trusted path to maintain warranty integrity.
Will an aftermarket tuner enable cruise control?
No, aftermarket tuning devices (like those from Dynojet or V&H) are designed to modify engine performance parameters, such as fuel maps and timing. They do not have access to the BCM logic required to activate the cruise control feature. You must visit an authorized Harley-Davidson service department to have the system properly ‘flashed’ and integrated into the motorcycle’s factory electronic architecture.
