Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Slim

• Table of Contents
• 1. Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 2. A Brief History: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 2.1 A Brief History: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 2.2 A Brief History: Harley Softail Slim
• 3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 4. Design: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 4.1 Design: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 4.2 Design: Harley Softail Slim
• 5. Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 5.1 Similarities
• 5.2 Differences
• 5.3 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Slim
• 5.4 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Slim
• 7. Technology and Features: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 8. Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 8.1 Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider
• 8.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Davidson Softail Slim
• 9. Which Is Better?
• 10. Colors and Cost: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim
• 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 11.1 What Does Softail Mean in Harley Davidson?
• 11.2 Is the Harley Softail Slim a Good Beginner Motorbike?
• 11.3 Why Is It Called a Softail Slim and Why Is It Good for Shorter & Women Riders?
• 12. Takeaway

1. Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim share similar features, including a Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine, separate dual chrome mufflers, hidden rear suspensions, and fuel tank-mounted gauges. Both motorcycles have a rake angle of 30°, but the Harley Softail Slim has a bigger front wheel and trail that gives it a more chopper look.

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim is an ideal cruiser with a comfortable solo seat and ergonomics. Meanwhile, the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider is better for two-up riding and the mid/forward foot controls ensure a comfortable ride over short distances. This article provides a detailed comparison between the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim.

2. A Brief History: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

2.1 A Brief History: Harley Softail Low Rider

The first Harley Davidson FXS Low Rider was introduced in 1977. It came with a chopper-style front end with a 32° rake and a seat height of 26 inches. The Harley FXS Low Rider became the most popular Harley Davidson motorbike during its first year. Over time, the Harley FXS Low Rider received several updates. In 2012, its engine was replaced with a Twin Cam 103 engine. Like other Harley Davidson Dyna models, the Harley Low Rider was also moved to the Harley Softail series after the Dyna series was discontinued in 2017. In 2018, the Twin Cam 103 engine was replaced with the more powerful Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine.

2.2 A Brief History: Harley Softail Slim

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim was introduced in 2012 and quickly became popular among Harley fans due to its vintage style. The Harley Softail Slim has a simple design which made it ideal for customization. The Harley Softail Slim’s design was kept simple to reduce its overall weight. However, it still remains one of the most stylish motorcycles in the Harley Davidson lineup. The 2012 Harley Softail Slim was equipped with a Twin Can 103B V-Twin engine which was later upgraded with a Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine in 2020.

3. Detailed Specs Comparison: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

	2020 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider	2021 Harley Davidson Softail Slim
Identification
Maker	Harley Davidson	Harley Davidson
Series	Softail	Softail
Model	Low Rider	Slim
Year Model	2020	2021
Motorcycle Type	Cruiser	Cruiser
Base Price	$14,899	$15,999
Engine and Performance
Displacement	107 cu in (1,753 cc)	107 cu in (1,753 cc)
Engine Design and Type	Milwaukee-Eight® 107, V-Twin	Milwaukee-Eight® 107, 45° V-Twin
Cooling System	Air-Cooled	Air-Cooled
No. of Cylinders	Two	Two
Valves Per Cylinder	Four	Four
Horsepower	86 hp at 5,020 rpm	92.5 hp
Torque	149.16 Nm at 3,000 rpm	149.16 Nm at 3,000 rpm
Stroke	4.37 in	4.37 in
Bore	3.94 in	3.94 in
Fuel Injection System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio	10:01	10:01
Transmission	Six-Speed	Six-Speed
Final Drive	Belt	Belt
Clutch	Multiplate with a Diaphragm Spring in Oil Bath	Mechanical, 10 Plate Wet, Assist & Conventional
Fuel Economy	47 mpg	47 mpg
Muffler	Catalyst in Mufflers	Catalyst in Mufflers
Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Shotgun Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Shotgun Exhaust
ABS	Optional	Optional
Frame	Mild Steel, Tubular Frame	Mild Steel, Tubular Frame
Starter	Electric	Electric
Dimensions and Weight
Trail	6.4 in	5.8 in
Rake	30°	30°
Fuel Tank Capacity	5 gal	5 gal
Ground Clearance	5.1 in	4.7 in
Width	N/A	38.2 in
Height	N/A	43.1 in
Length	92.7 in	90.9 in
Seat Height	26.2 in	25.5 in
Wheelbase	64.2 in	64.2 in
Wet Weight	299.82 kg	304.36 kg
Dry Weight	287.12 kg	291.2 kg
Lean Angle (Right)	29.6	27.4°
Lean Angle (Left)	29.6°	27.4°

4. Design: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

4.1 Design: Harley Softail Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has a bobber-style front fender and a chopped rear fender with the tail light and license plate bracket mounted. The Harley Softail Low Rider comes with a single-piece rider and passenger saddles. It has a large front wheel and a 30° rake that gives it a chopper look.

The Harley Softail Low Rider has a small round headlamp with a chrome plate on top to give it an aesthetic appeal. The chrome side mirrors and front turn signals are mounted on wide swept-back handlebars . The Harley Softail Low Rider’s fuel gauges are mounted on a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. It has a thin front tire and a fat rear tire wrapped around chrome nine-spoke wheels. The Harley Softail Low Rider has both chrome and blacked-out parts and comes in four vintage color schemes.

4.2 Design: Harley Softail Slim

The Harley Softail Slim also comes in chrome and blacked-out finishes. The chrome side mirrors and front turn signals are attached to the low-mounted, swept-back handlebars . The Harley Softail Slim comes with a comfortable solo rider seat.

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim’s stylishly cut front and rear fenders, high-spoked wheels, and fat front and rear tires give it a bobber look. To improve its level of comfort, it comes with rider floorboards. The Harley Softail Low Rider also has a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with gauges mounted on it.

5. Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

5.1 Similarities

Both the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim are fitted with a 107 cu in (1,753 cc) Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine capable of producing 149.16 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. The Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine has a stroke of 4.37 inches, a bore of 3.94 inches, and a compression ratio of 10:1.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim’s engines have two cylinders, four valves per cylinder, and air-cooling systems that maintain the temperature of the engines.

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim come with a six-speed transmission that power the rear wheel via a belt drive. Both motorcycles have identical two-into-two shotgun exhausts with catalysts in the mufflers to improve power output. Both motorcycles have Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that provides an improved fuel economy of 47 mpg and a fuel tank capacity of 5 gals.

5.2 Differences

Despite having similar engines, the Harley Davidson Softail Slim can generate a higher horsepower of 92.5 hp compared to the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider's horsepower of 86 hp.

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim has a low ground clearance and a long wheelbase of 64.2 inches. The Harley Softail Slim has a wet weight of 304.36 kg, making it difficult to lean while cornering. The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has a greater lean angle of 29.6° than the Harley Softail Slim’s lean angle of 27.4°. Therefore, the Harley Softail Low Rider can maneuver better on twists and turns.

5.3 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Slim

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim’s engine ensures smooth power delivery and better acceleration at all gear levels. To effectively reduce vibrations, the Harley Softail Slim’s engine is fitted with counterbalancers to replace the previous rubber-mounted technology.

The Harley Softail Slim’s produces a horsepower of 92.5 hp, making it suited for highway cruising. The Harley Softail Slim’s low seat height and center of gravity make handling easier.

The Harley Softail Slim’s four-piston caliper front brake and two-piston floating caliper rear brake along with an optional ABS ensure reliable braking. The Harley Softail Slim is a versatile cruiser, being able to ride through traffic and cruise on highways. However, steering can be a bit difficult for novice riders due to the Harley Softail Slim’s heavier front forks. Installing a few add-ons, including a large windshield and SADDLEBAGS can transform the Harley Softail Slim into an ideal touring motorcycle.

5.4 Engine and Performance: Harley Softail Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has better maneuverability due to its streamlined design. The Harley Softail Low Rider’s low wet weight of 299.82 kg makes handling easier. Being a fun and easy-to-ride motorcycle, this ensures better maneuverability while riding through traffic or turning corners. The Harley Softail Low Rider has a smooth clutch operation, ensuring easy gear shifts.

6. Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

6.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Low Rider

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider has a comfortable two-up seat and swept-back buckhorn handlebars. The mid/forward foot controls are uncomfortable for average and taller riders on longer trips. Despite having a seat height of 26.2 inches and swept-back handlebars, the rider still has to sit in a forward riding position to reach the handlebars. Overall, the Harley Softail Low Rider is easy to ride, good for daily commutes, and riding through traffic.

6.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Harley Softail Slim

Photo Credit: @cycleworld

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim has ideal cruiser ergonomics with its forward foot controls, low-mounted and swept-back handlebars, and a low seat height of 25.5 inches. It also comes with rider floorboards that allow the rider to rest their feet. The Harley Softail Slim’s low seat height, adequate legroom, and relaxed back position ensure a stretched riding position, even for taller riders. The Harley Softail Slim’s comfortable ergonomics and low center of gravity make it better suited for touring.

7. Technology and Features: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

	2020 Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider	2021 Harley Davidson Softail Slim
Technology and Features
Gauges	Fuel Tank-Mounted	Fuel Tank-Mounted
ABS	Optional ($795)	Optional ($795)
Speedometer	Analogue	Analogue
Tachometer	✓	✓
Fuel Level	✓	✓
Tripmeter	✓	✓
Clock	✓	✓
Odometer	✓	✓
Gear Level	✓	✓

8. Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim

8.1 Pros and Cons: Harley Softail Low Rider

Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider Pros	Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider Cons
Good handling
Aesthetically appealing	No windscreen
Good for two-up riding	Uncomfortable for taller riders
Comfortable stock seat	Uncomfortable on longer rides
High ground clearance	No storage capacity
Good acceleration	Forward riding position
Smooth power delivery	Mid-mounted foot controls
Good for shorter rides
Smooth clutch operation

8.2 Pros and Cons: Harley Davidson Softail Slim

Harley Davidson Softail Slim Pros	Harley Davidson Softail Slim Cons
Stretched riding position
Relaxed back position
Low seat height
Forward-mounted foot controls
Powerful engine
Ideal cruiser	Smaller lean angles
Rider floorboards	Lower ground clearance
Customizable	No passenger seat
Good for city traveling	No wind protection
Good for touring	No storage capacity
Large fuel tank capacity	Not ideal for two-up riding
Low center of gravity
Stylish cruiser design
Cheap & affordable
Good handling
Stylish fat tires

9. Which Is Better?

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim are stylish and versatile cruisers with similar performance but different ergonomics. Both motorcycles have good handling capability and quick acceleration at all gear levels. Both motorcycles have simple designs to keep their overall weight low and ensure better maneuverability.

The Harley Softail Low Rider and the Harley Softail Slim’s engines may not produce much horsepower but they are still fun and easy to ride. Built with an ideal cruiser design, the Harley Softail Slim is built with comfortable riding ergonomics suited for touring and longer rides. Meanwhile, the Harley Softail Low Rider is more nimble, suited for shorter rides, and operates best when traveling within the city.

10. Colors and Cost: Harley Softail Low Rider Vs. Harley Softail Slim 

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

11.1 What Does Softail Mean in Harley Davidson?

The Harley Davidson Softails have a separate small frame for the rear mono-shock suspension hidden under the seat, ensuring a smooth riding experience. They have a soft rear/tail end, hence the name Softail.

11.2 Is the Harley Softail Slim a Good Beginner Motorbike?

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim can be a good beginner motorbike. It provides a comfortable riding experience and smooth handling. But ideally, a novice rider with no prior riding experience should start with a 125-500 cc motorbike. The Harley Davidson Softail Slim has an engine size of 1,753 cc which can be too big and powerful for some beginners.

11.3 Why Is It Called a Softail Slim and Why Is It Good for Shorter & Women Riders?

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim is named after its overall simple design and slim fuel tank and seat section. The Harley Davidson Softail Slims’ low center of gravity, low seat height, low weight, and simple and slim look make it better suited for shorter and women riders. It is also popular among custom builders.

12. Takeaway

The Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and the Harley Davidson Softail Slim share similar features and specs but have different ergonomics. Both motorcycles have stylish designs, versatile performances, and excellent handling.

The Harley Davidson Softail Slim is better suited for touring and longer rides due to its relaxed riding position, swept-back handlebars, and adequate legroom big enough for even taller riders. The Harley Softail Slim is also a good option for riding through traffic and cruising on highways.

Meanwhile, the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider comes with a two-up seat. The Harley Softail Low Rider’s mid/forward foot controls and forward riding position make it uncomfortable on tours and longer rides. The Harley Softail Low Rider is also uncomfortable for taller riders to operate.

The Harley Softail Low Rider and the Harley Softail Slim can be transformed into touring bikes by increasing their storage capacities. Viking Bags has specially designed saddlebags for the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider . Viking Bags also has specially designed sissy bars for the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider and Harley Davidson Softail Slim . There also has BACKRESTS available for Harley Davidson motorcycles to improve comfort.

Photo Credit: @cycleworld , @cycleworld