2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim

It’s mighty hard to beat the styling of the Low Rider, but the Softail Slim has a go at it, with mild custom-shop touches such as gloss black wire-spoke 16-inch front and rear wheels, a blacked-out fork and rear fender stays, a stubby solo saddle, and a 1950s Bobber—as opposed to 1970s cruiser—visual vibe. Underneath, though, the Slim is still a new-generation Softail, which means the latest Big Twin engine (which utilizes a single camshaft, four-valve cylinder heads, a combo of air and oil cooling, a balance shaft, and numerous other refinements).

In case you’re wondering, the name Slim refers to neither dimensions nor weight, as the bike is more than 7-1/2 feet long and weighs a chunky 671 pounds with its 5-gallon gas tank filled. More like, it’s the bodywork, including the truncated saddle, bobbed rear fender, and low-rise handlebar. If the 2-into-2 shotgun pipes seem rather large, it’s because muting the exhaust noise of the big Milwaukee-Eight 107ci engine requires ample muffler volume, and also because the pipes carry catalysts for cleaner emissions.

Likes: The Softail Slim carries the 1950s bobber look into the modern epoch.

Dislikes: No passenger capability, and plump 16-inch wheels and tires do not the sharpest handling make.

Verdict: More expensive than the Low Rider, with less versatility.

Harley-Davidson’s New 2018 Softails Offer Huge Improvements To The Dyna And Softail Lineups They Replace

This Is The New 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim