Harley Davidson Softail Slim vs Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

The first HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL was launched in 1983 and has since remained in production. There have been numerous Softail models released, some of them being discontinued, while others are still in production. The SOFTAIL SLIM and the SOFTAIL BREAKOUT were last released in 2021 and 2020 respectively. However, they are still available brand new at Harley Davidson dealers. The first Softail Breakout was released in 2013 with a 103 cubic inch (1,690 cc) engine, receiving many upgrades over the years, with the latest model released in 2020 being fitted with a 114 cubic inch (1,868 cc) engine.

The SOFTAIL SLIM was first released in 2012, sharing many traits with the Harley Davidson Fat Boy. The Softail Slim was also released with a 103 cubic inch (1,690 cc) engine. Like all Softail models, the Softail Slim also had a hidden rear mono-shock.

The SOFTAIL SLIM is a bobber-style cruiser with a solo seat and floorboards at the front. There are no pre-installed CRASH BARS or SADDLEBAGS. The chopped fenders and fuel tank are the only colored parts, with the remaining parts being covered in chrome. The Softail Slim has a 49 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 130 mm (5.1 in) and a single 300 mm disc brake with a tire size of 130/90B16 53H BW. At the rear, it has a 43 mm stroke hidden mono-shock with wheel travel 86 mm (3.4 in) and a single 292 mm disc brake with a tire size of 150/80B16 77H BW.

The SOFTAIL BREAKOUT is a classic-style cruiser. It has dual seats and standard footrests for the rider and passenger. There are no pre-installed crash bars and SADDLEBAGS. The slim & short fenders and fuel tank are the only colored parts, while the rest is covered with a black and chrome finish. At the front, it has an inverted cartridge fork dual shock with a single 300 mm disc brake and a tire size of 130/60B21 63H BW. At the rear, it has a hidden adjustable mono-shock with a 292 mm disc brake and a tire size of 240/40R18 79V BW.

The Softail Slim has a Milwaukee-Eight 107 four-stroke V-Twin engine capable of producing a horsepower of 86 hp and peak torque of 110 ft-lb (149.1 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. It has a stroke size of 111 mm (4.374 in) and a bore size of 99 mm (3.937 in), allowing it to produce more torque at lower rpm. The Softail Slim runs on a low-maintenance belt drive train. It has a fuel tank capacity of 5 gal (19.9 L). Fitted with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), the Softa Slim has a fuel mileage of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).

The Softail Breakout has a powerful four-stroke V-Twin engine with a displacement size of 114 cubic inches (1,753.4 cc). The Softail Breakout has a stroke size of 114 mm (4.5 in) and a bore size of 102 mm (4.0 in) which helps it produce a torque of 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm and a horsepower of 100 hp. It has a small fuel tank capacity of 3.5 gal (13.2 L) but is equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) which provides a fuel mileage of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).

The Softail Slim has a length of 2,308.8 mm (90.9 in), a wheelbase of 1,630.6 mm (64.2 in), and a seat height of 647.7 mm (25.5 in). It has a perfect riding position for heavyweight and taller riders. It is possible for shorter riders to operate this motorcycle but it can be difficult to handle because of the Softail Slim’s weight of 671 lbs (304.3 kg). Despite being a heavyweight vehicle, the Softail Slim does offer stability at higher rpm.

The Softail Breakout has a wheelbase of 1,694.18 mm (66.7 in) and a seat height of 650.2 mm (25.6 in). With a weight of 672 lbs (304.8 kg), the Softail Breakout can be difficult for shorter riders to handle but is ideal for taller and heavyweight riders. With a 34° rake angle and a trail of 144.78 mm (5.7 in), this motorcycle provides a confident and relaxing riding position to the riders.

Harley Davidson is famous for its cruisers and touring motorcycles being built for comfort rather than speed. They tend to be built with heavy and bulky frames that provide stability but sacrifice speed.

Harley Davidson’s SPORTS MOTORCYCLES have more horsepower than its cruiser. Sports motorcycles have 500 to 1,200 cc engines, while cruisers have 800 to 1800 cc engines. Sports motorcycles are lightweight vehicles with aggressive riding positions, while cruisers are heavyweight vehicles with comfortable riding positions. Sports motorcycles are built for speed, while cruisers are built for comfort.

Both the Harley Softail Slim and Softail Breakout have a powerful and torquey engine and a comfortable riding position. However, the SOFTAIL BREAKOUT is more expensive due to having a bigger, more powerful engine than the Softail Slim. On the other hand, the Softail Breakout is way cheaper than the Softail Breakout. For riders who prioritize a reliable and affordable motorcycle, the Softail Slim is the better option. 

The Softail motorcycle series was launched in 1983. Before that, Harley Davidson was producing the hardtail series. The frames of hardtail models did not have rear suspension and the rear wheel was directly attached to the frame. Harley Davidson eventually launched its new Softail frame with a hidden mono-shock at the rear, ensuring better comfort and shock absorption on the road.

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim and Softail Breakout are heavyweight motorcycle models of the Harley Softail series. Both have similar dimensions with only a few differences in their design, chassis, handling, riding position, engine, and performance. Both are not entry-level motorcycles, being better suited for experienced riders. In terms of price, riders who are interested in buying a cruiser at a reasonable price tend to favor the Softail Slim. Neither of them comes with pre-installed SADDLEBAGS or LUGGAGE, requiring riders to buy them separately from aftermarket stores.