2020 slim compared to 2017 slim s
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 978
Likes: 423
From: UK
Fat Boy isn't an upgrade. Same bike with different bits added, including a back wheel that slows down handling. If you prefer the look of a fat Boy, fair enough. Otherwise, what's the point?
The suspension was improved for 2018+. Ride height and lean angle were also improved. Otherwise it's about the M8 vs. the TC. That's a real can of worms. FWIW, I appreciate the sound, feel, performance of the M8.
Out the box:
- one is quicker than the other
- character is a bit different, one vibrates more, sound is different
- both will have good parts supply and tech support for many years.
But it will be your personal preference, not up to us here!
Again FWIW, my M8 Slim is not the best bike I've ever owned, but I don't recall liking any other bike this much. My previous M8 fatbob comes close though.
The suspension was improved for 2018+. Ride height and lean angle were also improved. Otherwise it's about the M8 vs. the TC. That's a real can of worms. FWIW, I appreciate the sound, feel, performance of the M8.
Out the box:
- one is quicker than the other
- character is a bit different, one vibrates more, sound is different
- both will have good parts supply and tech support for many years.
But it will be your personal preference, not up to us here!
Again FWIW, my M8 Slim is not the best bike I've ever owned, but I don't recall liking any other bike this much. My previous M8 fatbob comes close though.
Last edited by Mart; Sep 4, 2020 at 02:57 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 630
Likes: 345
From: Cary, NC
Besides from the motor, M8 vs TC, it's an entirely different frame and suspension, lean angle, handling, power delivery, ect. In addition, as for the power, the M8 makes a significant amount more power compared to a TC overall. For instance, there are plenty of dyno charts for a 114 M8 that can get around ~120HP/130TQ with just a bolt on cam and tune....you'd have to do extensive work on a TC to get anywhere near there for comparison.
The M8 is just a better powerplant....its on its 4th year in production now and several issues people talk about have all been worked out for 2020.
Completely different bikes besides sharing the name....not just the motor either.
Id suggest riding an M8 slim and make a decision from there.
The M8 is just a better powerplant....its on its 4th year in production now and several issues people talk about have all been worked out for 2020.
Completely different bikes besides sharing the name....not just the motor either.
Id suggest riding an M8 slim and make a decision from there.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 220
Likes: 56
From: CA
I agree that a Fat Boy isn't an upgrade; it's just a lateral move. They are both great and different bikes.
OP I would just say go ride one. If it doesn't blow you away compared to your current bike, then why switch?
If your 17 is the Army green model.. Keep it. Would have bought one brand new if I could have afforded it back then.
OP I would just say go ride one. If it doesn't blow you away compared to your current bike, then why switch?
If your 17 is the Army green model.. Keep it. Would have bought one brand new if I could have afforded it back then.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 220
Likes: 56
From: CA
Price has nothing to do with anything. The 2020 Low Rider S is by every determining factor a "better" bike than a 2020 Fat Boy, but costs $2,600 less.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 2,393
From: Florida
Where were you born, China?
Also, it depends on how you ride. I've owned three Fatboys and ridden a 2020 Low Rider S extensively.
The Low Rider S is a great bike, but pales in comparison to the Fatboy on the Interstate. Not even close. So, if you like to ride on the Interstate - or MUST ride on the Interstate - the Fatboy is superior and deserving of the fatter price tag.
It also has more high-end accessories. Cruise control to name one example. Take the Fatboy S on a trip across the country. Now take the Low Rider S. See which one is superior.
My reasoning is irrefutable.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 815
From: Middle America
I have a 17 Slim (not an S, just a base model) with a full Stage 1: OEM round hi flow A/C cleaner, Cobra 3 slip ons, and a FP3.
Last year, I had 2 bikes: the Slim above, and a 2018 Deluxe that I had a full OEM Stage 1 installed on because I hated the stock mufflers, but I also wanted to keep the warranty due to the M8 being a little iffy at the time. So the Deluxe had SE slip ons, an OEM round hi flow air cleaner, and whatever the base tuner Harley uses.
I sold the Deluxe after 2 full riding seasons. It was a drop dead gorgeous bike, but the M8 is just meh, IMO. It didnt feel right, it didnt sound right, and it was slow. My 17 Slim smoked it on every level.
My advice? Go ride the M8 Slim before you do anything. Personally, I think the M8 Slims do not look nearly as good as the TC Slims. They raised the tank angle a bit, the stock pipes look like they were lifted off an Indian Scout, and they put too much chrome on it, which is not the point of a Slim. Also, I bet your Slim S is faster than the M8.
Last year, I had 2 bikes: the Slim above, and a 2018 Deluxe that I had a full OEM Stage 1 installed on because I hated the stock mufflers, but I also wanted to keep the warranty due to the M8 being a little iffy at the time. So the Deluxe had SE slip ons, an OEM round hi flow air cleaner, and whatever the base tuner Harley uses.
I sold the Deluxe after 2 full riding seasons. It was a drop dead gorgeous bike, but the M8 is just meh, IMO. It didnt feel right, it didnt sound right, and it was slow. My 17 Slim smoked it on every level.
My advice? Go ride the M8 Slim before you do anything. Personally, I think the M8 Slims do not look nearly as good as the TC Slims. They raised the tank angle a bit, the stock pipes look like they were lifted off an Indian Scout, and they put too much chrome on it, which is not the point of a Slim. Also, I bet your Slim S is faster than the M8.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
M8 models up to June '19 run an oil pump that has probs, it was revised 3 or 4 times trying to correct it. Finally HD began installing their new 2020 oil pump.
They knew they had an oil delivery issue but no warranty bulletin. In March of 2020 they also issued a service bulletin for a larger oil filter.
Once again, no warranty bulletin. These bastids have been not wanting to deliver to the M8 owner a fix for the issues.The water cooled models had more probs than the softail oil cooled..
There is so much info on the web over this, it's disgusting how HD turns their heads.
I fought and fought with them over the oil pump to no avail. Had to bite the bullet and out of pocket to put the newer one in.
Also, the 2020 models bring a tad more performance to the table.
Part numbers below: A lot of dealers still throwing the old filters on trying to get rid of their old stock.Beware.
M8 oil filter # 62700296 (filter is 4" tall)
M8 updated oil pump # 62400247
My two cents: sales will blow smoke up your butt looking for a sale, service will blow smoke up your butt to get your scoot in their door. Today, parts are 10 days plus before delivery to them.
Do your research.
Know what your dealing with, dont confront them about it, move on to a dealer thats up front. Thats the one you keep.
They knew they had an oil delivery issue but no warranty bulletin. In March of 2020 they also issued a service bulletin for a larger oil filter.
Once again, no warranty bulletin. These bastids have been not wanting to deliver to the M8 owner a fix for the issues.The water cooled models had more probs than the softail oil cooled..
There is so much info on the web over this, it's disgusting how HD turns their heads.
I fought and fought with them over the oil pump to no avail. Had to bite the bullet and out of pocket to put the newer one in.
Also, the 2020 models bring a tad more performance to the table.
Part numbers below: A lot of dealers still throwing the old filters on trying to get rid of their old stock.Beware.
M8 oil filter # 62700296 (filter is 4" tall)
M8 updated oil pump # 62400247
My two cents: sales will blow smoke up your butt looking for a sale, service will blow smoke up your butt to get your scoot in their door. Today, parts are 10 days plus before delivery to them.
Do your research.
Know what your dealing with, dont confront them about it, move on to a dealer thats up front. Thats the one you keep.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Sep 5, 2020 at 01:14 PM.