Harley-Davidson Softail Slim: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

After covering the detailed reviews of the Harley-Davidson Sportster, Dyna, Touring, and Street range, we have now come up with the reviews of the Harley-Davidson Softail range as all sitting at the top of our cruiser grin factor list. The Harley Softail Slim is the Bobber of the range and a real blast.

Harley-Davidson always stunts its admirers with the same question of how individual each model is? Whether they are built on the same platform, many with the same engine, and even with common primary and secondary gearing in some cases, instead of having the same Harley-Davidson classic style each model carries an individual identity.

However, there are some significant but basic features like the suspension set-up and steering geometry, combined with the rider triangle really change the handling characteristics of all models. While the various exhaust designs and rolling wheel/tire diameters add a difference to each model sharing engine capacity.

Each Softail model has many advantages and a few disadvantages, and all of the present models have been extensively advanced and perfected over many years of development. The Softail Slim is no exception. It is considered the smoothest and easiest ride of the Harley Softail range, the standard a close second.

You can read the tech below in this article to find out all of the nuts and bolts stuff about the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim motorcycle.

The Heritage Softail was first released in 1988, and each subsequent model has seen modifications and refinements. It's the ideal blend of vintage design and cutting-edge technology.

The Softail Slim is lighter than previous Softail models since it only has the basic elements and was added to the line-up in 2012. The motorcycle was created to have a vintage appeal that harkens back to the post-war 1940s period of bikes. Harley fans were quickly drawn in by the visual appeal of the black powder-coated engine and polished covers. Furthermore, its retro appearance and feel take the riders back in time.

The Softail frame was totally overhauled five years later, in 2017. A single rear shock absorber was positioned under the seat, and a new type of swingarm construction was used in the redesign. This variant of the Softail kept the original's classic style, but with a lighter design and a stiffer frame.

Later on, the company kept improving the technology and also put some extra focus on the ergonomics of the Harley Slim. There were two Milwaukee-Eight variants, the 107 and 114. Although the bike was built for urban riding, the company had to choose the engine variant accordingly.

Another feature that differentiates the Slim from other Harley models is its Softail frame. The frame retains the classic Softail lines, but its lightweight design and stiffness translate to a responsive ride, unlike anything you have felt before.

Therefore, another feature that increased the liking rate of the Harley Softail range is the replacement of standard shocks with the high-performance adjustable mono-shock rear suspension. Except for the improved handling and better road stiffness, the mono-shock also preserves the hardtail look of the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim.

Gets the classic look of spoked wheels, chopped floorboards on the Softail Slim. It’s 35 pounds lighter, with a great lean angle than Slim models from just a couple of years ago. And it has the power and soul-satisfying sound of the Milwaukee-Eight 1027 V-Twin engine. Moreover, a stripped-down, souped-up, bobber with a post-WWII era look.

The classic look of spoked wheels, chopped fenders, and Hollywood handlebars, with a blend of dark and polished, finished enhancing the Harley Softail Slim a Vintage H-D style.

Softail Frame: The Softail Slim chassis is perfect for city riding. With a relatively narrow midsection that's how the Slim got its name-and 26-inch seat height, it’s always easy to touch your boots down to the pavement at shops. Even though the Harley Softail Slim is 671 pounds, its low center of gravity keeps it from feeling clunky.

The frame keeps the original Softail aesthetics, yet the lightweight construction and sturdiness equate to a responsive ride, unlike anything you've ever experienced. Signature LED forward Darkness-defying lighting gives you great visibility at night.

Handling: The steering is light and stays that way from a crawl in first gear, where some heavier cruisers become extremely difficult to manage, to high-speed riding, all while maintaining rock-solid stability, which is no easy accomplishment with a 16-inch tire but one that Harley experts have mastered. The Hollywood bars are quite comfortable and attractive, they can simply be rolled forward and backward.

The levers, like the handlebars, are in a natural location and are the standard bulky Harley things, which you may dislike. The clutch is heavy to use, but this is a big engine with a cable-actuated clutch. However, the process of engagement is smooth and easy. In this type of clutch, two fingers are used for shifting and slipping, but four fingers are used to hold it. The general movement of the gearbox is smooth and neutral, making it simple to use.

Low-Slung Solo Saddle: A low-slung solo saddle that matches the bike’s clean, back-to-basic attitude, setting you “in” the bike so you ride the bike like you are part of it and the open road ahead.

Suspension: The sophisticated suspension technology provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork for reduced weight with linear damping characteristics. The mono-shock rear suspension is easily adjustable and enables aggressive cornering thereby maintaining the hardtail aesthetic.

Braking System: The Softail Slim comes up to a halt thanks to a single front 300mm rotor and four-piston caliper, which is backed up by a 292mm rear rotor and two-piston floating rear caliper. The positive is that the mild initial bite and power will be ideal for beginner riders and will make braking in the rain a breeze, but for harder braking, both brakes must be fully used. 

Cruise control and anti-lock brakes are included standard on the Softail® Deluxe. Optional wheel upgrades are also available. Anti-lock brakes are available as an option on the Softail Slim®, but they are an extra cost, and cruise control and a wheel are not available.

In 2012, the Softail Slim® was added to the range. Its design was influenced by post-World War II bobbers. Customized motorcycles were known as bobbers. The builder would remove all "unnecessary" pieces from the bike, getting the title "slim." The Softail Slim is lighter than previous Softail models since it only has the basic elements.

The company slipped the Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin engine to the chassis of Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. The M8 engine packs 92.5 HP and 110 ft-lb of Torque that provides plenty of power for effortless cruising.

It's an excellent bike for a beginner with zero riding experience, a man under 170 pounds, or a woman of similar stature. In addition, unlike the teeth-chattering rides Harleys were once known for, the Softail Slim offers a buttery smooth ride, complete with a rumbling, visceral engine.

The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim provides a clean and unadulterated motorcycle riding experience. The chassis evokes confidence in you, and its aesthetic matches that wonderfully. While it may not strike your eye on the showroom floor, the Softail Slim could be exactly what you're looking for.

For more detailing and giving your Softail Slim a custom and modified look, you have a lot of aftermarket luggage and modification options like motorcycle handlebars and motorcycle seats. There are multiple vendors out there committed to providing the best quality motorcycle luggage and aftermarket parks but Viking Bags is providing the same quality under affordable price tags.  

Make sure you are getting the model-specific motorcycle saddlebags, though the Softail slim doesn’t have revealed rear shocks, make sure you are picking up the panniers specifically made for Harley-Davidson Softail Slim.