I have a ‘17 Slim and an ‘18 Deluxe (which, granted, is not a Slim, but there are more similarities between the two than not). I love my Slim, so much so that I didn’t want to trade it in for the Deluxe. But the difference between a ‘17 Slim and an ‘18 Softail is apples and oranges. Different suspension, different engine... You really won’t know which one you like more until you ride both bikes.
Personally, I like the way the ‘17 Slim looks better than the ‘18 Slim. Something about the way the back fender and tank sits on an ‘18 looks odd to me, and the stock mufflers look like an Indian Scout.
I have a 17 Slim, (bought just as the 18's were relesed) and being tall @6'5" I'm very happy with my purchase. In fact I couldnt have lived with an 18 Slim due to the cramped Ergo's.
The boards on the 18 have been raised significantly and cockpit feels tight with seemingly less room everywhere. In fact teh whole range of 18 bikes feel smaller to sit on.
Handling and weight savings? they still handle like **** compared to a sports bike...Harley are going after Ducati Diavel etc power cruiser sales, and I personally feel that a harley will never be that...
They are a cruiser, with looks, sound and a strong heart.
Ride both and choose which one makes you happy, don't be seduced by the latest must be greatest mantra...A twin cam can make 120 hp and 120lb of torque with less than the difference in price between the 2.
I don't know if you're like me, but I would be haunted by the "should've gotten the new model" demon for at least 6 months, when I would then trade the 2017 model in on the 2018 model and lose money in the process.
Cheaper for me to go with 2018 in the beginning. LOL
I'm about 6'1" and noticed the different ergonomics between the two. Sitting on it in the showroom is different to the road though. I think you are right, I'll just have to test ride both of them.
Yes the ergo difference is quite pronounced for taller riders...Even more so when you consider the 12-17 Slims could easily move the foot controls forward an extra 3 Inches (with an Arlen Ness extension kit - or forward controls.
The extension kit made a big difference in opening up the legroom further, and I don't see any current options for doing so on the 18's - the foot mounts are integrated into the frame...Time will tell what solution they come up with here, but right now, I couldn't live with an '18 on ergo's alone.
Just digging up an old thread. I didn't end up buying a slim after all. I settled on a Heritage 114.
The Heritage has a lot of the classic styling I liked in the slim but also has some handy extras. The saddle bags and screen are a nice bonus for long trips as is the much more comfortable seat for rider and passenger. The 114 motor is a beast and this thing accelerates like no bike this size should. It also comes with cruise control as standard.
I also like how I can change the whole look of the bike with about 15 minutes work. Screen comes of easily and 4 bolts to remove the bags.
The only things done to it so far are a set of slip on mufflers to un-cork the sound and a backrest for pillion comfort.
Now I'm wishing the weather would warm up so I can get out on some decent rides (Winter down here in Australia)
03-20-2018 | 06:03 AM
