2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim

[Hugh Janus]

2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. (Harley-Davidson/)

Ups

• Engaging and entertaining real-world power from the 107ci engine
• Carries its 671-pound weight well
• Brakes have relatively admirable performance especially considering a single disc setup on both ends
• Classic Harley-Davidson design

Downs

• Because it lacks a windscreen/fairing and storage, the Slim isn’t quite fit for long-distance cruising

Verdict

The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is a stripped-down cruiser powered by an entertaining V-twin. The Slim handles and stops relatively well making it an enticing option for shorter stints.

2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. (Harley-Davidson/)

Overview

The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim brings bobber simplicity to the Softail lineup with spoked wheels, chopped fenders, floorboards, and a 107ci V-twin. Light touring and around-town cruising are in store for riders of this classically styled cruiser.

Updates for 2021

Aside from Vivid Black there are three new colors: Billiard Red, River Rock Gray Denim/Black Denim, and Midnight Crimson/Stone Washed White Pearl.

Pricing and Variants

Pricing for the Softail Slim can range between $15,999 and $16,749 depending on paint. Tack on an additional $795 for the optional ABS.

Competition

Solo riders can also look to the Indian Chief and Triumph Bonneville Bobber as the Softail Slim’s primary competitors.

There’s also plenty of competition within Harley-Davidson’s own seven-model Softail lineup, including the Softail Standard, Street Bob 114, Low Rider S, Sport Glide, Fat Boy 114, Fat Bob 114, and Heritage Classic. Sharing the same basic chassis and components, these are similar models with different aesthetics and focuses. Take your pick.

2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Dyno Chart. (Robert Martin Jr./)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Harley-Davidson is known for its emotion-stirring V-twins and within the 2021 Softail Slim resides its 107ci (1,746cc) V-twin engine. On our in-house dyno, this motor sends 73.7 hp at 4,860 rpm and 98.4 pound-feet of torque at 2,790 rpm to the rear wheel via a belt final drive.

While these performance numbers are modest, during testing we found the real-world power to be engaging and seriously entertaining. Throttle response is crisp and minimal vibration is felt at freeway speeds when in sixth gear.

Handling

The Softail Slim has very neutral handling. Don’t let the Cycle World measured 671 pounds (fully fueled) fool you. This cruiser carries its weight exceptionally well, making for easily manageable slow-speed maneuvers and relatively light steering, as noted in Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert’s MC Commute.

The 49mm telescopic fork and coilover monoshock glide over the road with the exception of the latter sometimes struggling with big bumps.

Brakes

Sure, there may be complaints that the 671-pound Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is equipped with only a single four-piston caliper and 300mm disc setup up front, but during performance testing the H-D recorded a 60-0 stop in a relatively quick 138.4 feet.

The single rear caliper is a two-piston unit clamping to a 292mm disc. ABS is an additional $765 charge.

2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. (Harley-Davidson/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In real-world testing, the Softail Slim has a 36.7 average mpg.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Whether putting feet down at a stop or putting feet down on the floorboards, the rider has an easy reach to the ground and relaxed ergos, especially for our 5-foot-7 tester. Seat height is at a measured 26.4 inches. Reach to the swept-back handlebar is also reported to be relatively relaxed.

A couple of things that limit the Softail Slim’s comfort factor for longer rides is its lack of a windscreen and fairing because without them we report that there is moderate windblast that gets tiresome.

Electronics

ABS is optional, but an LED headlight with incandescent front signals and taillight, USB power outlet, and a tank-mounted analog speedometer with digital display make up the standard electronic features.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Softail Slim comes with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Quality

The Softail Slim is an enticing around town cruiser with classic H-D styling and an aesthetically pleasing design.

2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. (Harley-Davidson/)

2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$15,999–$17,544
Engine:	1,745cc, SOHC, 45-degree Milwaukee 107 V-twin
Bore x Stroke:	100.0 x 111.1mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic Sequential Port fuel injection w/ 55mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Engine Management/Ignition:	N/A
Frame:	Tubular frame
Front Suspension:	49mm telescopic fork w/ Dual Bending Valve, nonadjustable; 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Coilover monoshock, spring preload adjustable; 3.4 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston caliper, 300mm disc
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 292mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Gloss black, steel laced, 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 3.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop D401; 130/90-16 / 150/80-16
Rake/Trail:	30.0°/5.8 in.
Wheelbase:	64.2 in.
Ground Clearance:	4.7 in.
Seat Height:	25.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.0 gal.
Wet Weight:	671 lb.
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

Cycle World Tested Specifications

Seat Height:	26.4 in.
Wet Weight:	671 lb.
Rear-Wheel Horsepower:	73.7 hp @ 4,900 rpm
Rear-Wheel Torque:	98.4 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm
0–60 mph:	4.4 sec.
1/4-mile:	13.13 sec. @ 104.13 mph
Braking 30–0 mph:	35.8 ft.
Braking 60–0 mph:	138.4 ft.

Source

[Tym]

The proportions are all wrong. 

[Buckster]

8 hours ago, Tym said:

The proportions are all wrong. 

That guy is too tall for it, it would be fine for a short arse like you.

[Tym]

I dont ride with my feet forward, recumbents are gay. 

[Buckster]

57 minutes ago, Tym said:

I dont ride with my feet forward, recumbents are gay. 

Says the guy whose girlfriend has a cock.

[Tym]

5 minutes ago, Buckster said:

Says the guy whose girlfriend has a cock.

Dont have a girfriend right now so there is that.