WWII replica style. From the tank badge, the low slung bars, the spoke rims, the air box would have been on the left, the floor boards, and the faux gas cap. The left side was for fuel the right was for your engine oil. Even the fat front tire. Great attention to detail Harley-Davidson. That’s why I bought one. 🙌🏾
The Softail Slim is the only existing motorcycle that Personifies an old school Harley-Davidson that's true to its roots. The other being the Softail Deluxe, which of course is discontinued.
I've been thinking about getting the iron 883 as my first bike but then they told me the Softail slim is more lower to the ground so it gets riders more confidence I'm going to get that bike
The Slim's handlebar does have an advantage ... it's easy to strap on a roll bag (dry bag) for luggage for overnight trips. For saddlebags, the Nelson Rigg NR-400 can be fitted easily (the mounting brackets from Nelson Rigg may need to be filed / grinded slightly to provide clearance for the rear turn signals).
I owned this bike. I needed to swap out. Mostly because my arms and seat position is not adjustable. With 12" Apes. I mounted a leather bag. The added benefits was storage and less wind to the chest. Once I ditched the seat. I had zero problems riding for 12hrs.
I've got a 2018. I'm with you on the 114 motor option, this bike would rock even more. First thing owners need to do, is ditch the seat for something better. I've done my Slim up for touring with Leather Pro saddle bags. I've also added DK Custom Products floorboard relocation kit. I've tinkered with the idea of upgrading to a tourer, but I love the idea of being able to strip this bike down to it's bare bones for around town and up in the hills. Great video man✌✌✌.
Been riding since 1969. Love this bike because it fits. I'm short. Plus it looks like a motorcycle not something Bug like or weird. Only 2 things I don't like is the LED headlight & the blacked rim on the spoked wheels. That's wrong on all counts. Not a fan of footboards but they'll do.
As someone who just bought a 2021 slim I would def have put the cash up for a 114 engine. Although for almost the same cash you can get a big bore kit so idk if it’s really worth it for HD to put that option on the list
@@throttleblip9854 I probably will in the future. Going to just enjoy the bike for now as is. Wish we had tuning options on 21’s though. Can’t even do full exhaust right now at least from my research
I’m a sport bike rider for most of my life. I just bought my first Harley. And it’s this 2015 softail slim. It was purely for looks. I’m glad I bought this bike. Still not a Harley fan since they went to Japanese parts in the late 80’s early 90’s. I wish they kept the idiot lights off it. Not sure why people need the light for what gear you’re in. As a bike rider since the 70’s, I always knew what gear I was in!!
So HD doesn't make this model anymore however you can easily find a good deal on a used one. The Slim has a very low seat height with works well with your height and gives you leverage in your legs to help with the weight.
I’m 6’ 3” and I have one. Was just stopping by to see what’s changed on the 2021. Huge dudes used to ride choppers with 20inch seat height in the mid 2000s. The softball slim is a good all around bike. It’s hard to say anything bad about it, minus that seat and stock exhaust sounding like a sewing machine.
For short riders, 5,2 5,5 ect ect Harley nailed this BUT the forward controls are mmmmm ok but I personally like my feet underneath me on standard mid controls. Now also finding the right risers and bars is just as important! You can bring the bars to you more so your body isn’t in a C position lol.. sure on the highway on long runs it’s nice to be able to stretch out yrs legs once in a while but for city riding it’s not cool, not to mention dangerous. If yr short you want yr feet underneath you n also this bike is much heavier than a lowered sporty. You want to b in the most upright position with yr feet underneath you as much as possible. You’ll be way way more comfortable and safe bc you’ll have so much more control of the bike. Don’t worry about looking cool bc you won’t when you crash bc you were more concerned about how you look. It’s about being able to enjoy the ride!
I think it is a good lookin’ basic Harley. The fat front tire is nice. Like several of these other Softails, it would make a great “second bike” for me. Or, something for somebody who either was just getting started riding or just moving up from smaller bikes.
@@throttleblip9854 right after I asked I found it on the Harley website where you can buy the windshield but it's out of stock right now. That's okay cuz I don't have a Harley-Davidson softail slim either LOL... Yet!
love that bike but I love the bike I have even more my 2015 cvo deluxe seat height was about an inch lower then the slim it took alot for me to trade it for the 2020 cvo roadglide what a beautiful bike
@@throttleblip9854 you're right could have swore it was around 24 no it wasn't lowered I'm 5 11 maybe it just felt that low could of swore when I looked it up I saw 24 oh well it was pearl blue and silver the roadglide cvo is nice but I miss that deluxe didn't care to much for the prior year deluxe cvo'!s I think in 2015 there was a black one also I would have kept the deluxe but it beat the shit out of me not very many suspention options for the softails in those years I just love HD hope I'm not a dying breed
At first, I was put off by that, but then I realised that the crossbar made it easy to strap on a roll bag for overnight luggage, so it turned out to be a plus.
16K MY BIKE WAS 26 BUT IT'S ALL BLACK NO SILVER.. i have had the front suspension, clutch cable, belt, front-wheel rim, and rear-wheel rim replace all defective. the belt was way eating itself within the first 100 miles. The clutch cable at 250 had stretched to the point it was no longer able to be adjusted. the wheels could not be balanced and it was causing crabbing. front suspension let the fluids out and cracked.
One needs to be a large silver flake Candy Red. The other is the large silver flake Admiral Blue. Third one could be Polar White. The rear fender needs to come down 8 1/2" more.
Harley got a LOT of things right on the FLSL, then they went and FKed it up and put a rear fender on it that you could do motocross jumps with. Why Harley? Just why?
@@maddawg4599 Same goes for the front fender ... it doesn't provide enough coverage to the oil cooler. And buyer beware with the OEM spokes ... they are chrome and will rust easily (I'm talking from experience).
You'd have to sit on it and see if it's a comfortable weight. Seats, bars, and other things can be changed to make it comfortable for you. You can't change the weight. Go test ride one. Only way you'll know
The Softail Slim is a raw machine, 'Spartan' in many ways. You need to take the bull buy the horns, but once mastered, you can be a gentleman on a cruiser and enjoy the good life. Just watch out for rusty spokes with these machines.
Im 6'5" 225lbs. I went to a Harley Davidson dealer today (Summerville SC) and sat on about 10 bikes. This was the only one that felt comfortable for me. I'd want a tallboy seat for sure but at least my knees were below the tank. The new Fatboy I felt cramped forward on, the 883 iron felt like a child's bicycle to me. Anyway I like the bike, the classic looks, the ergos, etc. I kinda want one! My local dealer wants 20k for a red 2021 new old stock with a handful of miles...seems like a lot, I'd feel better at 16k for this bike.
@@robertsamueljr2878 Extended reach seat. Heated grips. Detachable sissy bar with slim pad. Locking gas cap. Stage 1 air filter with ECU tune. Dean Speed slip-ons. That's it for now!
At least it has forward controls. I'm 6'3" long legs and going on a test ride. I love my 2005 FLSTC! I want an around to red light to red light like my 72 Sporty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Depends on your comfort level and experience as well as your size. If you've ridden dirt bikes and were comfortable id say start with a 1200 or a dyna/ smaller softail. If you are a bigger person start there either way. If you've never ridden at all I'd start with a small off road bike and work your way into a road bike like an 883 or 1200.
I’d never ridden before. One dirt bike for 3 hours 26 years ago. I HAD ridden bicycles (about 50 miles a day for a decade). I mention that because knowing about being exposed seemed to make a difference. My first actually ride was last month at the MSF on a Harley 500. My bike is a Vulcan 650. Almost got a KTM390 but bit on the Kawa. It’s been amazing. Forgiving on the throttle under 4K rpm and KICKS up to any speed I want over 5K. Knowing that, I can ride in my comfort level. Do research. Drive dealerships nuts by showing up and sitting on bikes. I’ve actually heard that Slims are pretty good for starters. But I wholly endorse the Vulcan. Just remember, if you’ve never ridden or rarely ridden, look where you want to go. Target fixation happens fast! Again, I didn’t fail there because I did it plenty when peddling! 🥴 Good luck!
With a stage 2 kit (Cycle Rama cam from Wes & Pam Brown) will wake up the 107 so it's above the 114 stock for a price that would be cheaper than buying a 114 if HD were to offer the larger engine.
Dude if you think that sounds like a sewing machine you should hear my Honda Hornet. Screams up with a really nice induction noise when you rev it up though.
Sport Glide is the BEST value in the softail range. You get cruise control, a hand control for the rear suspension adjustment and cast wheels, PLUS... the saddlebags and clip on mini batwing faring. You pay a bit more, but get a whole lot more in so many ways.
If you think it sounds like a Honda you need to check your hearing. VERY different exhaust notes. Different crank design. Different firing intervals. Etc...
Why is this bike burning my calf? Is that normal? I’m 5’4 slim 2020. I keep my right let away from the tank as much as possible and It still cooks my leg. Anyone else?
Would anyone recommend this bike as a starter bike? I was looking into a sportster 1200 and this softail slim. I love the way this slim looks and have been leaning towards this but I also hear the sportster is a great starter bike.
I'd definitely say you could start out on this. The low seat hight makes it super easy to hold up and move around. You would likely eventually grow out of the sportster for a few reasons. You could stay on the Slim for a good while if not forever. You may already know this but HD stopped making the Slim so you'd be looking at used ones which there are plenty to be had.
They are a homage style ... also known as Hollywood bars. I agree, the styling doesn't match, however it's easy to strap on a duffle bag for an overnight trip.
WWII replica style. From the tank badge, the low slung bars, the spoke rims, the air box would have been on the left, the floor boards, and the faux gas cap. The left side was for fuel the right was for your engine oil. Even the fat front tire. Great attention to detail Harley-Davidson. That’s why I bought one. 🙌🏾
The Softail Slim is the only existing motorcycle that Personifies an old school Harley-Davidson that's true to its roots. The other being the Softail Deluxe, which of course is discontinued.
No shit ? They discontinued the deluxe? Wtf 😂🤦🏻♂️
@@rashedalsuwaidi3648 yes they did! Along with Breakout (another great looking motorcycle) and FXDR.
@@rashedalsuwaidi3648 2020 was the last one. but im sure they will start back up because money
Well the slim is being discontinued too..
Why they stop the production of Softail slim ?
I use to want this bike but now I'm getting the 48. And couldn't be happier 😊
They are both my favorites! Enjoy!
I've been thinking about getting the iron 883 as my first bike but then they told me the Softail slim is more lower to the ground so it gets riders more confidence I'm going to get that bike
Im at a loss as to why this was Discontinued 😮. IMHO- one of THE best looking bikes the company has ever made
Got a 2015 slim ,ended up putting a set of Vance and Hines exhaust with a high flo air cleaner and a tune.
Nice!!
The Slim's handlebar does have an advantage ... it's easy to strap on a roll bag (dry bag) for luggage for overnight trips. For saddlebags, the Nelson Rigg NR-400 can be fitted easily (the mounting brackets from Nelson Rigg may need to be filed / grinded slightly to provide clearance for the rear turn signals).
I owned this bike. I needed to swap out. Mostly because my arms and seat position is not adjustable. With 12" Apes. I mounted a leather bag. The added benefits was storage and less wind to the chest. Once I ditched the seat. I had zero problems riding for 12hrs.
I've got a 2018. I'm with you on the 114 motor option, this bike would rock even more. First thing owners need to do, is ditch the seat for something better. I've done my Slim up for touring with Leather Pro saddle bags. I've also added DK Custom Products floorboard relocation kit.
I've tinkered with the idea of upgrading to a tourer, but I love the idea of being able to strip this bike down to it's bare bones for around town and up in the hills. Great video man✌✌✌.
Nice! Im lookin at one and Mini Apes, V&H and tailight for SURE! I gotta check the stock seats now that you posted this but DANG these ride well!
How's riding two up?
I'm 6'1 I guess that blows this
2018 slim review
I was looking at a new Street Bob but I love the bigger gas tank and floor boards. I might get the Slim but with the mini apes.
Been riding since 1969. Love this bike because it fits. I'm short. Plus it looks like a motorcycle not something Bug like or weird. Only 2 things I don't like is the LED headlight & the blacked rim on the spoked wheels. That's wrong on all counts. Not a fan of footboards but they'll do.
As someone who just bought a 2021 slim I would def have put the cash up for a 114 engine. Although for almost the same cash you can get a big bore kit so idk if it’s really worth it for HD to put that option on the list
Yeah thats kinda what I thought. Are you going to do the kit on yours?
@@throttleblip9854 I probably will in the future. Going to just enjoy the bike for now as is. Wish we had tuning options on 21’s though. Can’t even do full exhaust right now at least from my research
SERIOUS Contender for my next Bike. It just looks 50’s badass
No doubt!
Red (laced) wheels and white walls would look cool too…
@@JJ-cg3rn way cool! Damn good idea
I’m 511 220 I have this bike with app hangers. This bike is great! Limbless is right on, it’s fast and definitely looks amazing.
I’m a sport bike rider for most of my life. I just bought my first Harley. And it’s this 2015 softail slim. It was purely for looks. I’m glad I bought this bike. Still not a Harley fan since they went to Japanese parts in the late 80’s early 90’s. I wish they kept the idiot lights off it. Not sure why people need the light for what gear you’re in. As a bike rider since the 70’s, I always knew what gear I was in!!
Japanese parts ? Most likely Chinese parts.
Japanese parts would be great
Chinese well you know ...
Thanks bro so much! I love and want to buy it but I am 5”4. It will be ok or not, it’s heavy for me. Please give me some advises . Best regards
So HD doesn't make this model anymore however you can easily find a good deal on a used one. The Slim has a very low seat height with works well with your height and gives you leverage in your legs to help with the weight.
I love the look of this bike.. I’m 6’4 is it more aimed towards shorter riders..? Would it just need a little customising..?
???
I’m 6’ 3” and I have one. Was just stopping by to see what’s changed on the 2021. Huge dudes used to ride choppers with 20inch seat height in the mid 2000s. The softball slim is a good all around bike. It’s hard to say anything bad about it, minus that seat and stock exhaust sounding like a sewing machine.
@@giovanidiamonds cheers for the info mate.. I’m so stuck on what to get 114 street bob, fatbob, low rider s to much choice I want them all haha!
My girl 5 ft 3 just traded her 2016 Switchback for a slim. The switchback felt too big and tall for her. She seems to like the slim much better
For short riders, 5,2 5,5 ect ect Harley nailed this BUT the forward controls are mmmmm ok but I personally like my feet underneath me on standard mid controls. Now also finding the right risers and bars is just as important! You can bring the bars to you more so your body isn’t in a C position lol.. sure on the highway on long runs it’s nice to be able to stretch out yrs legs once in a while but for city riding it’s not cool, not to mention dangerous. If yr short you want yr feet underneath you n also this bike is much heavier than a lowered sporty. You want to b in the most upright position with yr feet underneath you as much as possible. You’ll be way way more comfortable and safe bc you’ll have so much more control of the bike. Don’t worry about looking cool bc you won’t when you crash bc you were more concerned about how you look. It’s about being able to enjoy the ride!
This bike or the Indian chief dark horse?
Perfect to add next to my 21 Forty Eight and my 05 1200 S&S. I think you gave me the trigger pull I needed to go get it!
I think it is a good lookin’ basic Harley. The fat front tire is nice. Like several of these other Softails, it would make a great “second bike” for me. Or, something for somebody who either was just getting started riding or just moving up from smaller bikes.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have an "18 Slim" and love riding it.
Can you easily add a clear windshield for this bike
You can! Not cheap but it is easy. haha
@@throttleblip9854 right after I asked I found it on the Harley website where you can buy the windshield but it's out of stock right now. That's okay cuz I don't have a Harley-Davidson softail slim either LOL... Yet!
love that bike but I love the bike I have even more my 2015 cvo deluxe seat height was about an inch lower then the slim it took alot for me to trade it for the 2020 cvo roadglide what a beautiful bike
I love the CVO Deluxe! They come through the dealership from time to time. Was yours lowered? Those came at 25.8 seat height and the Slim is 25.5.
@@throttleblip9854 you're right could have swore it was around 24 no it wasn't lowered I'm 5 11 maybe it just felt that low could of swore when I looked it up I saw 24 oh well it was pearl blue and silver the roadglide cvo is nice but I miss that deluxe didn't care to much for the prior year deluxe cvo'!s I think in 2015 there was a black one also I would have kept the deluxe but it beat the shit out of me not very many suspention options for the softails in those years I just love HD hope I'm not a dying breed
29 degree lean angle won't work for me. Is the pegs that drag?
Yes, they do. I've got skid plates bolted to mine. When they wear down, it's out with the welder to build them up again :)
I love the bike except for the handlebars. I don't like the crossbar on them.
At first, I was put off by that, but then I realised that the crossbar made it easy to strap on a roll bag for overnight luggage, so it turned out to be a plus.
As a guy about 5'9 175lbs this bike seems perfect
I’m 5’7”, 165lbs, and she is perfect for me! 👍
@DBZ4lifebruh 😎👍🇺🇸
16K MY BIKE WAS 26 BUT IT'S ALL BLACK NO SILVER.. i have had the front suspension, clutch cable, belt, front-wheel rim, and rear-wheel rim replace all defective. the belt was way eating itself within the first 100 miles. The clutch cable at 250 had stretched to the point it was no longer able to be adjusted. the wheels could not be balanced and it was causing crabbing. front suspension let the fluids out and cracked.
One needs to be a large silver flake Candy Red. The other is the large silver flake Admiral Blue. Third one could be Polar White. The rear fender needs to come down 8 1/2" more.
Harley got a LOT of things right on the FLSL, then they went and FKed it up and put a rear fender on it that you could do motocross jumps with. Why Harley? Just why?
@@maddawg4599 Same goes for the front fender ... it doesn't provide enough coverage to the oil cooler. And buyer beware with the OEM spokes ... they are chrome and will rust easily (I'm talking from experience).
The rear fender does suck.@@maddawg4599
Camera angle is just fine. ✌️
If someone wanted to put mag wheels on this bike where would you suggest they get them? Harley doesn't seem to have any available.
I'm not sure man, sorry!
After 2019 they used a different frame and they scrape floorboards much less
Is that the same seat that comes on the street Bob and softail standard?
I know the Street Bob and Standard have the same seat and I do believe the Slim is the same as well even if the stitching is slightly different.
Would bike be good for a new rider ?
You'd have to sit on it and see if it's a comfortable weight. Seats, bars, and other things can be changed to make it comfortable for you. You can't change the weight.
Go test ride one. Only way you'll know
The Softail Slim is a raw machine, 'Spartan' in many ways. You need to take the bull buy the horns, but once mastered, you can be a gentleman on a cruiser and enjoy the good life. Just watch out for rusty spokes with these machines.
Im 6'5" 225lbs. I went to a Harley Davidson dealer today (Summerville SC) and sat on about 10 bikes. This was the only one that felt comfortable for me. I'd want a tallboy seat for sure but at least my knees were below the tank. The new Fatboy I felt cramped forward on, the 883 iron felt like a child's bicycle to me. Anyway I like the bike, the classic looks, the ergos, etc. I kinda want one! My local dealer wants 20k for a red 2021 new old stock with a handful of miles...seems like a lot, I'd feel better at 16k for this bike.
I'm 6'3 thinking about getting something soon. Glad i seen this
@@robertsamueljr2878 Side note: wound up getting a 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited. Real comfy and the 116 is a great engine.
Any mods ?
@@robertsamueljr2878 Extended reach seat. Heated grips. Detachable sissy bar with slim pad. Locking gas cap. Stage 1 air filter with ECU tune. Dean Speed slip-ons. That's it for now!
At least it has forward controls. I'm 6'3" long legs and going on a test ride. I love my 2005 FLSTC! I want an around to red light to red light like my 72 Sporty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is it still available
What’s a good bike to start on
Depends on your comfort level and experience as well as your size. If you've ridden dirt bikes and were comfortable id say start with a 1200 or a dyna/ smaller softail. If you are a bigger person start there either way. If you've never ridden at all I'd start with a small off road bike and work your way into a road bike like an 883 or 1200.
I’d never ridden before. One dirt bike for 3 hours 26 years ago.
I HAD ridden bicycles (about 50 miles a day for a decade). I mention that because knowing about being exposed seemed to make a difference.
My first actually ride was last month at the MSF on a Harley 500.
My bike is a Vulcan 650. Almost got a KTM390 but bit on the Kawa.
It’s been amazing.
Forgiving on the throttle under 4K rpm and KICKS up to any speed I want over 5K.
Knowing that, I can ride in my comfort level.
Do research.
Drive dealerships nuts by showing up and sitting on bikes.
I’ve actually heard that Slims are pretty good for starters.
But I wholly endorse the Vulcan.
Just remember, if you’ve never ridden or rarely ridden, look where you want to go.
Target fixation happens fast!
Again, I didn’t fail there because I did it plenty when peddling! 🥴
Good luck!
Probably go with the 2022 Indian Chief after last weekends test ride. Rode them both
The blue is nice in person
The lack of the 114 option really hurts this bike.
Yeah I was also disappointed they didn’t do it. I guess the idea was to keep it cheaper because if it costs much more why not just get the heritage?
With a stage 2 kit (Cycle Rama cam from Wes & Pam Brown) will wake up the 107 so it's above the 114 stock for a price that would be cheaper than buying a 114 if HD were to offer the larger engine.
Love this bike , I owned it in 2020, best regards from Santiago
Excellent review.
Glad you liked it!
Just bought one. In River Rock/Denim. Agree about the engine option. That would be nice.
Dude if you think that sounds like a sewing machine you should hear my Honda Hornet. Screams up with a really nice induction noise when you rev it up though.
They really handle nice
I want the sport glide
Sport Glide is the BEST value in the softail range. You get cruise control, a hand control for the rear suspension adjustment and cast wheels, PLUS... the saddlebags and clip on mini batwing faring. You pay a bit more, but get a whole lot more in so many ways.
I want to hear the bike.
I need to know. Tires have tubes or no tubes?
Tubes
Cool bike bro does it come in man sizes 👉👈
That’s a helluva sewing machine! 🎶👍
The seat definitely sucks on this bike. Would not advise anyone to do long trip without upgrading the seat.
FACTS!
I would totally buy this if they went to a 114, and blacked it out.
Great video,thanks
I have a 2019, it's awesome 👌
My favorite bike
Like the Bike everything but the floorboards pegs feel much more in control
Not a fan of those rear fenders
Russell mitchell Exile cycles.
I've had 3 Harleys since 2014. That Slim sounds like a Honda.
Hey Nick . Never ridden a Honda , but I can tell you the Slim is all Harley , bare bones . You should test ride one ...
If you think it sounds like a Honda you need to check your hearing. VERY different exhaust notes. Different crank design. Different firing intervals. Etc...
Why is this bike burning my calf? Is that normal? I’m 5’4 slim 2020. I keep my right let away from the tank as much as possible and It still cooks my leg. Anyone else?
Definitely shouldn't be. Might be a silly question but you are wearing long pants?
@@throttleblip9854 😂😂 yes.
looks best in billiard blue.
Would anyone recommend this bike as a starter bike? I was looking into a sportster 1200 and this softail slim. I love the way this slim looks and have been leaning towards this but I also hear the sportster is a great starter bike.
I'd definitely say you could start out on this. The low seat hight makes it super easy to hold up and move around. You would likely eventually grow out of the sportster for a few reasons. You could stay on the Slim for a good while if not forever. You may already know this but HD stopped making the Slim so you'd be looking at used ones which there are plenty to be had.
@@throttleblip9854why do you know? Does it make any difference for buyers like hard getting parts etc?
A good looking bike.
Can you add a cigarette lighter for charging GPS or phone?
It comes with a USB port on the left side
You can add a “cigarette lighter” to anything with a battery.
Review awesome 👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👍👍👍 brother
Much appreciated!
Nice one.
GREAT REVIEW 👍⭐5
Exile cycles. Russell Mitchell
How in the world did someone get away with putting dirt bike handlebars on a Harley slim?! They look ridiculous.
They are a homage style ... also known as Hollywood bars. I agree, the styling doesn't match, however it's easy to strap on a duffle bag for an overnight trip.
Best Softail, now discontinued.
First time riders wouldn't it be too powerful
That’s what my mother rides 🤷🏻♀️
😎👍🏽
Thank you!
I always thought of it as a Fat Boy after a diet.
Why not show how a person looks on the bike… that would’ve been so simple…
Fatboy look alike handlebar
👍👍👍👍👍🇹🇭
All the way from Thailand! Love it!