- Table of Contents
- 1. SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 2. DETAILED SPECS: SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: SOFTAIL SLIM & SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 4. Design: SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 5. Engine & Performance: SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 6. Comfort & Ergonomics: SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 7. Technology & Features: SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 8. PROS & CONS: SOFTAIL SLIM VS SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
- 9. FAQ
- 9.1 What does the “Softail” in Harley Davidson Softail mean?
- 9.2 What is the difference between a Fat Boy and a Softail?
- 9.3 What is the main difference between the Fat Boy and the Fat Boy S?
- 9.4 How long does the Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S last?
- 10. Takeaway
1. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
The American motorcycle company HARLEY DAVIDSON was founded in 1903. Harley Davidson has launched many remarkable motorcycles over the years, having set the standards for other motorcycle companies. The Harley Davidson SOFTAIL series was first introduced in 1983. The first model was a vintage-style motorcycle with a hard-tail frame with steel tubes along the rear axle, similar to a bicycle. This motorcycle’s most unique feature was the hidden shock, giving it a more retro-style look.
The first HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM was introduced in 2012, its design resembling the Harley Davidson Fat Boy. The Harley Softail Slim had a similar front and low-end seating position as the Fat Boy models. Since 2012, slight changes have been made to the Softail Slim, the majority of the changes being more performance-oriented.
The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY was first released in 1990 and has since become a trademark of Harley Davidson CRUISERS. Since then, numerous changes have been made to the SOFTAIL FAT BOY, both physical and performance-oriented.
Read Also: HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM: DETAILED SPECS, BACKGROUND, PERFORMANCE, AND MORE
2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON BETWEEN HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
| Harley Davidson | Harley Davidson | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC INFORMATION | ||
| Year | 2021 | 2022 |
| Model | Softail Slim | Softail Fat Boy S |
| Motorcycle Type | Cruiser | Cruiser |
| Base Price | $15,999 | $19,530 |
| Colors | Vivid Black, Billiard Red, Midnight Crimson/Stonewashed White Pearl, and River Rock Gray Denim/Black Denim | Vivid Black, Reef Blue, and Midnight Crimson/Vivid Black |
| ENGINE & SYSTEMS | ||
| Displacement | 107 cu in (1,753.4-cc) | 114 cu (1,868-cc) |
| Engine Type | Four Stroke, V-Twin | Four Stroke, V-Twin |
| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Stroke | 111 mm (4.374 in) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Bore | 99 mm (3.937 in) | 101.6 mm (4.0 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Belt | Belt |
| Transmission | Six-Speed | Six-Speed |
| Clutch | Mechanical, 10 plates wet | Mechanical, 10 plates wet |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-Two, catalyst in the muffler | Two-into-Two, catalyst in the muffler |
| Fuel Delivery System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY | ||
| Horsepower | 86 hp | 94 hp |
| Torque | 110 ft-lb (149.1 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm | 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Mileage | 47 MPG (19.9 km/l) | 47 MPG (19.9 km/l) |
| Oil Capacity | 5 quarts (4.7 L) | 5 quarts (4.7 L) |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Trail | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Rake | 30o | 30o |
| Seat Height | 647.7 mm (25.5 in) | 657.8 mm (25.9 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,630.6 mm (64.2 in) | 1,666.2 mm (65.6 in) |
| Weight | 671 lb (304.3 kg) | 699 lb (317 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 114.3 mm (4.5 in) |
| Length | 2,308.8 mm (90.9 in) | 2,369.8 mm (93.3 in) |
| Width | 970 mm (38.2 in) | 985 mm (38.3 in) |
3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM & HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S
| Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Both have floorboards for the rider Both have the same headlight style Both have their license plates position at the same place Both have dual exhausts on one side Both have their speedometers on the fuel tank Both have similar handlebars and side mirror styles Both have side indicators with similar styles positioned at the same places at the front and rear Both have a belt drive train and a six-speed transmission system Both have the same rake angle |
The Softail Slim has a solo seat, while the Fat Boy S has two seats The Fat Boy S has thicker front and rear tires than the Softail Slim The Fat Boy S has a metal fairing around the headlight, while Softail Slim does not The Softail Slim’s engine is covered in a matte finish, while the Fat Boy S’s engine is covered with a chrome finish The Fat Boy S has a bigger rim size and low-profile tires compared to the Softail Slim’s smaller rim and high-profile tires The Fat Boy S has cast wheel rims, while the Softail Slim has laced wheel rims |
4. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S: Design
4.1 Harley Davidson Softail Slim: Design
The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM is a bobber-style cruiser. From the front, it resembles older classic Harley Davidson cruisers. The Harley Softail Slim has the same round headlight with wide front shocks. The Softail Slim has wide handlebars that ensure good handling while cruising across long distances. Like the older cruisers from the 1980s and 1990s, the Softail Slim does not come with a windshield or SADDLEBAGS, though they can be easily bought from aftermarket stores. It has a floorboard towards the front and dual exhaust on one side of the motorcycle. The Softail Slim does not produce a wobbling sound from its stock exhaust. The mudguards and fuel tank are the only colored parts, the exhaust and engine are covered in chrome, and the rest of the motorcycle is covered in a matte finish. At the front is a 49 mm telescopic fork that can deliver wheel travel of 130 mm (5.1 in). It also has a single 300 mm disc brake with a tire size of 130/90B16 53H BW at the front. There is a 43 mm stroke preload adjustable mono-shock at the rear which can deliver wheel travel of 86 mm (3.4 in). For longer rides, many riders prefer to install SADDLEBAGS to increase luggage space.
Read Also: 20 TIPS FOR LONG-DISTANCE RIDING?
4.2 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S: Design
The HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY S is a traditional-looking cruiser with a slight touch of modern design and color. It is a DUAL-SEAT motorcycle with floorboards for the rider and traditional footrests for the passenger. The Softail Fat Boy S has a bulky front design and a chrome metal fender alongside the headlight. The mudguards and fuel tank are the only colored parts while the rest of the motorcycle is painted chrome. Like other Harley cruisers, the Softail Fat Boy S does not come with SADDLEBAGS and SISSY BARS, but they can be easily bought from aftermarket stores. The Harley Fat Boy S has a dual exhaust on one side. At the front is a 49 mm telescopic fork that can deliver wheel travel of 130 mm (5.1 in). It also has dual 300 mm disc brakes at the front with a tire size of 160/60R18 70V BW. However, at the rear, it has a 43 mm stroke preload adjustable mono-shock which can deliver wheel travel of 86 mm (3.4 in). It also has a single 292 mm disc brake at the rear with a tire size of 240/40R18 79V BW.
5. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S: Engine & Performance
5.1 Harley Davidson Softail Slim: Engine & Performance
The Harley Davidson Softail Slim has a four-stroke V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine which can produce a maximum torque of 110 ft-lb (149.1 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm and a peak horsepower of 86 hp. It can deliver a lot of torque at lower rpms because of its large stroke of 111 mm (4.374 in) and slightly small bore of 99 mm (3.937 in). It has a six-speed transmission system which operates on a belt drive train. The belt drive train is more reliable and requires less maintenance than the chain drive train.
5.2 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S: Engine & Performance
The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S has a four-stroke V-Twin Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine with a size of 114 cu (1,868 cc). This engine could deliver a maximum torque of 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) @ 3,000 and a maximum horsepower of 94 hp. The Softail Fat Boy S could produce large amounts of torque at lower rpms due to its larger stroke and bore sizes of 114 mm (4.5 in) and 101.6 mm (4.0 in) respectively. Like many Harley Davidson cruisers, the SOFTAIL FAT BOY S also uses a six-speed transmission system and a belt train drive.
6. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S: Comfort & Ergonomics
6.1 Harley Davidson Softail Slim: Comfort & Ergonomics
Photo Credit: @southsideharley
The HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM provides a comfortable riding position for all riders due to its seat height of 647.7 mm (25.5 in) and overall length of 2,308.8 mm (90.9 in). To make longer rides more comfortable, the Harley Softail Slim is fitted with floorboards. It has a rake angle ofand a trail of 147 mm (5.8 in), contributing to its good ergonomics. With a weight of 671 lb (304.3 kg), the Harley Davidson Softail Slim is considered a heavyweight cruiser. With a good ground clearance of 119 mm (4.7 in), the Softail Slim is a good MOTORCYCLE FOR HEAVYWEIGHT GUYS and taller riders.
6.2 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S: Comfort & Ergonomics
Photo Credit: @bikeme.tv
With a seat height of 657.8 mm (25.9 in) and an overall length of 2,369.8 mm (93.3 in), the SOFTAIL FAT BOY S is a comfortable motorcycle for shorter riders. This motorcycle has floorboards for the rider and passenger, providing a relaxed position for both. Although the Softail Fat Boy S is suited for touring, there are no SADDLEBAGS already installed, though they can be easily bought from aftermarket stores. Due to being a heavyweight motorcycle, the SOFTAIL FAT BOY S offers stable handling at higher speeds and rpms.
7. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S: Technology & Features
| FEATURES | HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM | HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital | Digital |
| Clock | X | ✔ |
| Engine Kill Switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speedometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Odometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tachometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gear Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel Gauge | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel Warning Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low Battery Indicator | X | X |
| Low Oil Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Slip & Assist Clutch | ✔ | ✔ |
8. HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S: PROS & CONS
8.1 Harley Davidson Softail Slim: Pros & Cons
| HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM PROS | HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM CONS |
|---|---|
| Suitable for all riders Comfortable on longer rides Good ground clearance ABS is included (optional) Requires less maintenance Low vibrations at higher rpm |
Headlight has poor illumination in pitch black darkness No wobbling sound Clunky gear shifter No extra luggage included Uncomfortable seat on long rides, especially for heavyweight riders Not an entry-level motorcycle No riding modes No cruise control |
8.2 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S: Pros & Cons
| HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S PROS | HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL FAT BOY S CONS |
|---|---|
| Comfortable on longer trips Good ground clearance ABS is included (optional) Requires less maintenance Good throttle response Low vibrations at higher rpms Great sound |
Not recommended for riding within the city More expensive No riding modes No extra luggage included Not an entry-level motorcycle |
9. FAQ
9.1 What does the “Softail” in Harley Davidson Softail mean?
SOFTAIL refers to the softer rear suspensions installed on Harley Softail models In the 1950s, the rear wheel on Harley motorcycles was hard-mounted to the motorcycle frame. Despite having a cool aesthetic, this design caused discomfort as any bumps would cause discomfort to the rider’s back and teeth. The Softail series was built using the same design as theHardtail models, except that a hidden mono-shock was installed at the rear.
9.2 What is the difference between a Fat Boy and a Softail?
The Softail is a Harley Davidson motorcycle series, while the Fat Boy is a model part of the Softail series. Softail models are typically heavyweight cruisers with a hidden rear mono-shock. The Softail Fat Boy shares the same features as other Softail models, except that it has a wider front and a bulky frame.
9.3 What is the main difference between the Fat Boy and the Fat Boy S?
Both are part of the Softail series, the Fat Boy is an older model, while the Fat Boy S is a newer variant. The main difference between these two Softail models is their engine sizes. The Fat Boy has a 107 cubic-inch engine, while the Fat Boy S has a 114 cubic-inch engine.
9.4 How long does the Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S last?
The Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy S is a heavyweight cruiser that can possibly reach a mileage of over 35,000 miles. However, it is possible that this motorcycle can last even longer than that. If the Harley Softail Fat Boy S is maintained properly, it can potentially last over 100,000 miles.
10. Takeaway
Both the Harley Softail Slim and the Harley Softail Fat Boy S are heavyweight motorcycles with bulky frames. Both are extremely comfortable, have reliable engines, and share similar specs and dimensions. However, they do not handle as well when traveling through a city. However, the Softail Fat Boy S has a bigger engine, provides more torque, and has more horsepower. In terms of pricing, the Softail Slim is more affordable by about $3,500. It is possible to install motorcycle LUGGAGE and BAGS suitable for cruising and touring.
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