The Softail Standard or the Softail Slim

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Jul 2, 2020 | 10:54 PM

Donald L

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 3

Likes: 1

From: Mesa, AZ

The Softail Standard or the Softail Slim

I haven't ridden a bike in almost four decades but seeing the Harleys going up and down the road near where
I live has made me want to get one. I went to Harley's website and found the Softail Standard. It was just what I was
looking for... bare bones, but a good sized Milwalkee Eight engine.
I was looking at a retailers site when I discovered the Slim. Wow!
So now it's between the two. I intend to ride mostly local but make an occasional recreational excursion say from 90 to 160 miles.
I have two questions:
1) Which is more comfortable for the longer hauls, the Standard with the high handle bars and thin front tire,
or the Slim with it's low handlebars, fat forks and front tire, and it's "running board" foot rests?
2) Which is more maneuverable/better handling in dealing with rough roads?

Your experience is appreciated,
thanks,
Don

Jul 3, 2020 | 12:54 PM

kgballer2442

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 249

Likes: 72

From: New York

I would go and sit on them before making my decision. When I was choosing between the Low Rider and Street Bob I was leaning more towards the Low Rider but then I sat on both of them and the Street Bob felt exactly how I wanted my bike to be. I haven't looked back sense then. Plus you will end up buying what you want for the bike anyways.

Jul 4, 2020 | 06:03 AM

Mart

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 978

Likes: 423

From: UK

Agree. For more than a couple of hours riding, the saddle on both would need replacing. Some prefer higher bars for comfort, I don't. I regularly ride further than 150 miles at a time and plan to tour, so a bigger tank (Slim) is useful to me. With the ugly Sundowner seat, I am now all day comfortable on my Slim. I am disappointed with the ground clearance on bends though.

Jul 4, 2020 | 07:48 AM

Agoober

Banned

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 3,036

Likes: 1,013

From: Nunya.

Once or twice a year I do a 2000+ mile round trip on a Street Bob, so you can have a bike that does it all but some of it not well.I am physically destroyed when I finish the first leg.
Knowing I have to head home at the end of my time with my friends is tough mentally too but the little Bobber gets me home. It's tough it is hell it really is but sometimes we push ourselves to the limit to see how far we can go.These M8 Softies really are great little sleds man.
The Slim will be more comfortable on longer runs(probably).
The Standard which is a chromed ***** FXBB Bobber will be a better pub to pub bike.
Test ride them both .

Jul 4, 2020 | 08:57 AM

Richris1

Intermediate

Joined: Mar 2020

Posts: 27

Likes: 55

From: FL/GA

I had this decision a few weeks ago, and my riding intentions are the same as yours. Not to mention I ride in the North GA mountains. I definitely looked/sat on both in the showroom before I made a decision, but the Slim was just a better “wow” bike for me, love the style, as well as being very comfortable. I haven’t been on any 2+ hour rides yet...about 65-70 minutes tops, and the comfort of the Slim has been just fine with the factory bars and seat.
Obviosly I chose the Slim and have no regrets! Love the look, the bigger tank, and like I said, the ride on the twisty mountain roads is fine (I’m not a ***** to the wall, lean as far as I can, rider though, just normal riding). Ive done a few small mods, and I may add the Heritage bars at some point, as I have a new Heritage as well, that I raised the bars upwards a bit, giving the mini-ape look, and I’m very comfortable on that as well. But for now, I like having the two different looks on my bikes.

Jul 4, 2020 | 09:20 AM

listentothenighttrain

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 220

Likes: 56

From: CA

I would say find a dealer that has used bikes of each, and go on good long test rides on both bikes. Try to get a solid gauging on how the bikes feel while you're on them. Ignore the handlebars; those can be easily replaced. Consider things like foot and leg positioning, handling, how the front end and wheel performs.. Those are the aspects that are unique to these bikes. You'll know which one you will want.