2021 Softail Slim Makes For a No-Compromises Thrill Ride

Nothing Slim About It

Harley's 2021 lineup is quite expansive, providing a number of options for a number of different riders. Thus, at least a few are bound to be overshadowed by others, and that seems to be the case with the Softail Slim. With fat tires and a larger footprint, it's also somewhat humorous that this bike has "Slim" in its name, but at the same time, it's also a fantastic bike to ride, as Ultimate Motorcycling recently found out.

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Deluxe in Disguise?

The new Slim is essentially a slightly modified version of the discontinued Softail Deluxe, albeit with some black trim in place of chrome and a single headlight. Still, the familiar features are there - fat tires, wire-spoke wheels, swept-back handlebars, a dished solo seat, and floorboards. 

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Easily Approachable

Regardless, the Slim's layout makes it easily approachable, according to Ultimate Motorcycling. "The Softail Slim's chassis is perfect for city riding. With a relatively narrow midsection - that's how the Slim got its name - and 26-inch seat height, it's always easy to touch your boots down to the pavement at stops. Sure, the Slim weighs in at 671 pounds, but the low center of gravity keeps it from feeling ponderous." 

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>>Join the conversation about this 2021 Softail Slim right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Comfy and Powerful

The urban-focused Slim also has plenty of power on tap thanks to its 107-inch Milwaukee-Eight powerplant, which provides a hefty 110 pound-feet of torque at low rpm. Up front, the Showa Dual Bending Valve fork provides five inches of travel, while the rear shock provides 3.4 inches. When combined with the chunky tires, it makes for a fairly comfortable ride around town.

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>>Join the conversation about this 2021 Softail Slim right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Urban Dweller

Riding around town proves to be a pleasure, though the highway is a different story. "I have nothing but praise for the ergonomics of the 2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim," our reviewer notes. "I went out for a ride around the Los Angeles metropolitan area and, before I knew it, I had put in three hours of riding without lifting myself out of the nicely padded tuck-and-roll seat. I just kept riding because I was having so much fun that the time just flew by. I limit the freeway portion due to the seating position. It's fine for short connecting spurts, and the 107 motor will take you up to extra-legal speeds without a thought. Just make sure you're holding on against the windblast."

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>>Join the conversation about this 2021 Softail Slim right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Corner Carver

Thankfully, the Slim is a competent corner carver, too. "Urban canyons - Chevy Chase and Mulholland Drives, for example - are pure pleasure. In many places, the pavement isn't in great condition, so you rely on the Dunlops. Fortunately, the tires never disappoint, and you can take advantage of the available cornering clearance without any hair-raising moments. I touched down here and there, though not enough for it to be bothersome."

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>>Join the conversation about this 2021 Softail Slim right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Ride of Choice

All of these characteristics make the Softail Slim a compelling option for those that don't plan on taking days-long cross-country journies. "The 2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim offers a pure and undiluted motorcycle riding experience," Ultimate Motorcycling concludes. "You feel the motor, the wind, and the road. The chassis gives you a quiet confidence, and its appearance dovetails with that perfectly. While it might not catch your eye on the showroom floor, the Slim might just be the ride you want."

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>>Join the conversation about this 2021 Softail Slim right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with the service and maintenance of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com