Harley Davidson Softail Slim vs Harley Davidson Softail Standard

HARLEY DAVIDSON launched the SOFTAIL series in 1983 and has since remained in production. Over the years, the SOFTAIL STANDARD series has been launched as several models. The SOFTAIL SLIM was released in 2012 with a 1,690 cc engine and has received several upgrades to its engine, performance, and design.

The SOFTAIL STANDARD was first released in 1998. It had wide chopper-style handlebars and a low seat height. The SOFTAIL SLIM and the Softail Standard have the lowest seat heights among Harley Davidson models. The Softail Standard shares many similarities with the SOFTAIL STREET BOB, including seating position, chopper-style HANDLEBAR, a bigger front rim, and chopped fenders. However, the Softail Slim and the Softail Standard also share the same engine size and performance but differ in riding position.

The bobber-style Softail Slim is a classic cruiser motorcycle with a single seat and floorboards at the front. There are no pre-installed CRASH BARS or SADDLEBAGS. The fuel tank and the small fenders are the colored part of the Softail Slim and the rest is chrome-painted. At the front, it has a 49 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel capacity of 5.1 in. It also has a tire size of 130/90B16 53 H BW with a single disc brake at the front. On the other hand, it has a hidden mono-shock of 43 mm of a stroke at the rear with a wheel travel capacity of 3.4 in and a tire size of 150/80B16 77H BW with a single 292 mm disc brake.

The SOFTAIL STANDARD is a chopper-style cruiser with high HANDLEBARS and a solo SEAT. It has mid-mounted footrests. The fuel tank and chopped fenders are the only colored parts, with the rest of the motorcycle covered in a black or chrome finish. The Softail Standard has a two-into-two dual exhaust system. At the front, it has 49 mm telescopic suspensions with a wheel travel of 130 mm (5.1 in) and a single 300 mm disc brake with a tire size of 100/90B19 57H BW. At the rear, it has a 43 mm hidden mono-shock stroke with a wheel travel of 86 mm (3.4 in) and a single 292 mm disc brake with a tire size of 150/80B16 77H BW.

The Softail Slim has the capacity to produce a maximum torque of 110 ft-lb (149.1 Nm) @ 3,000 and a maximum horsepower of 86 hp with 107 cubic inches of Milwaukee-Eight four-stroke, V-Twin Engine. It has a stroke size of 111 mm (4.374 in) and a bore size of 99 mm (3.937 in), which makes it possible to produce more torque at lower rpm. The Softail Slim requires low-maintenace because of the belt drive train. With a fuel capacity of 5 gal (19.9 L) and an ESPFI (Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection) system, it can give a good fuel economy of (19.9 km/l).

The SOFTAIL STANDARD is equipped with a four-stroke 1,753 cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine. It has a bore size of 99 mm (2.937 in) and stroke size of 111 mm (4.374 in), making it possible to produce a peak torque of 110 ft-lb (149.1 Nm) at 3,000 rpm. The engine requires low maintenance due to its belt drive train. It has a small fuel tank capacity of 3.5 gal (13.2 L) and an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) capable of fuel mileage of 47 MPG (119.9 km/l).

The Softail Slim has a seat height of 647.7 mm (25.5 in) with an overall length of 2,308.8 mm (90.9 in) and a wheelbase of 1,630.6 mm (64.2 in), providing a comfortable riding position for tall and heavyweight riders. However, it can be hard for shorter riders to handle due to being a heavyweight motorcycle weighing 671 lbs (304.3 kg). Being a heavyweight motorcycle, it does provide better stability at higher speeds and rpm.

The Softail Standard has a seat height of 655.32 mm (25.8 in) with an overall length of 2,319.02 mm (91.3 in) and a wheelbase of 1,630.68 mm (64.2 in), providing a comfortable riding position for tall and heavyweight riders. The seat height is ideal for short riders as well, however, because of the high handlebars and overall weight of 655 lbs (297.1 kg), it can be hard for shorter riders to handle.

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL STANDARD is not a good option for newer riders because its powerful engine and heavy weight can make handling difficult for the inexperienced. It has a small digital display that is difficult to see in direct sunlight.

The Softail Slim has a lower handlebar position and has more weight than the Softail Standard. The Softail Slim is also cheaper than the Softail Standard. Other than the ergonomics and dimensions the other main differences are the external changes like Softail Slim has floorboards, bigger headlights, a speedometer on the fuel tank, two caps on the fuel tank, etc. While the Softail Standard lacks all these features, it has a smaller fuel tank, digital speedometer, and standard footrests. The other main difference arises in the price of both motorcycles.

Both motorcycles share many similarities and have very much the same engine and performance and both provide a very comfortable riding position to the rider. The main difference between both these motorcycles is the handlebar position and the tire size. However, for people who are fond of high handlebars, the Softail Standard is a very good option. On the other hand, the Softail Standard has lower and wide handlebars with a wider tire and it is a good option for riders who like wide motorcycles with wide lower handlebars.

In terms of power and comfortable riding, both motorcycles are very good. Some people might prefer, a high handlebar or some may prefer a lower and wider handlebar. In terms of overall maintenance, both require the same cost for maintenance but the huge difference is Softail Slim costs $15,999 and Softail Standard costs $20,499. That makes the Softail Slim more affordable motorcycle.

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim and Softail Standard have similar specifications in terms of engine and performance. However, there are minor differences in their design, aesthetic, and handlebar position. Both share similar dimensions with only slight differences in their weight, width, and trail. Both Harley models are heavyweight vehicles that make it difficult for new riders to handle. Both motorcycles are made for touring and cruising but neither has luggage to carry extra belongings. For any experienced rider, both motorcycles are a complete package of a powerful engine and a comfortable riding position. Although, the Softail Standard can produce more horsepower and has slightly less weight compared to Softail Slim. It also has a higher handlebar that is liked by many riders but a smaller fuel tank of 3.5 gal (13.2 L) compared to the 5 gal of fuel capacity of Softail Slim.