Ups
- Engaging and entertaining real-world power from the 107ci engine
- Carries its 671-pound weight well
- Brakes have relatively admirable performance especially considering a single disc setup on both ends
- Classic Harley-Davidson design
Downs
- Because it lacks a windscreen/fairing and storage, the Slim isn’t quite fit for long-distance cruising
Verdict
The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is a stripped-down cruiser powered by an entertaining V-twin. The Slim handles and stops relatively well making it an enticing option for shorter stints.
Overview
The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim brings bobber simplicity to the Softail lineup with spoked wheels, chopped fenders, floorboards, and a 107ci V-twin. Light touring and around-town cruising are in store for riders of this classically styled cruiser.
Updates for 2021
Aside from Vivid Black there are three new colors: Billiard Red, River Rock Gray Denim/Black Denim, and Midnight Crimson/Stone Washed White Pearl.
Pricing and Variants
Pricing for the Softail Slim can range between $15,999 and $16,749 depending on paint. Tack on an additional $795 for the optional ABS.
Competition
Solo riders can also look to the Indian Chief and Triumph Bonneville Bobber as the Softail Slim’s primary competitors.
There’s also plenty of competition within Harley-Davidson’s own seven-model Softail lineup, including the Softail Standard, Street Bob 114, Low Rider S, Sport Glide, Fat Boy 114, Fat Bob 114, and Heritage Classic. Sharing the same basic chassis and components, these are similar models with different aesthetics and focuses. Take your pick.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Harley-Davidson is known for its emotion-stirring V-twins and within the 2021 Softail Slim resides its 107ci (1,746cc) V-twin engine. On our in-house dyno, this motor sends 73.7 hp at 4,860 rpm and 98.4 pound-feet of torque at 2,790 rpm to the rear wheel via a belt final drive.
While these performance numbers are modest, during testing we found the real-world power to be engaging and seriously entertaining. Throttle response is crisp and minimal vibration is felt at freeway speeds when in sixth gear.
Handling
The Softail Slim has very neutral handling. Don’t let the Cycle World measured 671 pounds (fully fueled) fool you. This cruiser carries its weight exceptionally well, making for easily manageable slow-speed maneuvers and relatively light steering, as noted in Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert’s MC Commute.
The 49mm telescopic fork and coilover monoshock glide over the road with the exception of the latter sometimes struggling with big bumps.
Brakes
Sure, there may be complaints that the 671-pound Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is equipped with only a single four-piston caliper and 300mm disc setup up front, but during performance testing the H-D recorded a 60-0 stop in a relatively quick 138.4 feet.
The single rear caliper is a two-piston unit clamping to a 292mm disc. ABS is an additional $765 charge.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
In real-world testing, the Softail Slim has a 36.7 average mpg.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Whether putting feet down at a stop or putting feet down on the floorboards, the rider has an easy reach to the ground and relaxed ergos, especially for our 5-foot-7 tester. Seat height is at a measured 26.4 inches. Reach to the swept-back handlebar is also reported to be relatively relaxed.
A couple of things that limit the Softail Slim’s comfort factor for longer rides is its lack of a windscreen and fairing because without them we report that there is moderate windblast that gets tiresome.
Electronics
ABS is optional, but an LED headlight with incandescent front signals and taillight, USB power outlet, and a tank-mounted analog speedometer with digital display make up the standard electronic features.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Softail Slim comes with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Quality
The Softail Slim is an enticing around town cruiser with classic H-D styling and an aesthetically pleasing design.
2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $15,999–$17,544 |
| Engine: | 1,745cc, SOHC, 45-degree Milwaukee 107 V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 100.0 x 111.1mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic Sequential Port fuel injection w/ 55mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | N/A |
| Frame: | Tubular frame |
| Front Suspension: | 49mm telescopic fork w/ Dual Bending Valve, nonadjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Coilover monoshock, spring preload adjustable; 3.4 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston caliper, 300mm disc |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston floating caliper, 292mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Gloss black, steel laced, 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 3.0 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Dunlop D401; 130/90-16 / 150/80-16 |
| Rake/Trail: | 30.0°/5.8 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 64.2 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.7 in. |
| Seat Height: | 25.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.0 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 671 lb. |
| Contact: | harley-davidson.com |
Cycle World Tested Specifications
| Seat Height: | 26.4 in. |
| Wet Weight: | 671 lb. |
| Rear-Wheel Horsepower: | 73.7 hp @ 4,900 rpm |
| Rear-Wheel Torque: | 98.4 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm |
| 0–60 mph: | 4.4 sec. |
| 1/4-mile: | 13.13 sec. @ 104.13 mph |
| Braking 30–0 mph: | 35.8 ft. |
| Braking 60–0 mph: | 138.4 ft. |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com