Epic Softail Slim Rant
My wife rode a slim for a couple of years. We tried lots of things to make it more comfortable. 3 different seats, forward controls, handlebar risers, windshields. Nothing worked. After 30 minutes of riding she was in pain and wanted to go home. Finally admitted to herself that it's just the bike. It's not made for long rides. Traded in for a Road King and couldn't be happier. Really I think anything would have been better than the Slim. It's a great looking bike and all, but damn it's uncomfortable.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
It's really grown on me since I put on the 2" go forward kit. That and adjusting the handlebars like 10 times.
IDK, it's what I have at this point, it's paid off, and I like the lack of chrom. I'm going to the HD Open House in York to ride all the touring stuff. Maybe I'll sell my bike in the spring.
But if the touring stuff doesn't trip my trigger I might trade this for an S. Bigger motor and cruise control.
IDK, it's what I have at this point, it's paid off, and I like the lack of chrom. I'm going to the HD Open House in York to ride all the touring stuff. Maybe I'll sell my bike in the spring.
But if the touring stuff doesn't trip my trigger I might trade this for an S. Bigger motor and cruise control.
I rode an '05 FXST for 10 years before upgrading to a touring model, and I am also on the tall side at 6'2". I know exactly what you are talking about when you say you feel like your knees are being forced apart by the wind. I ran forward controls on mine and it helps to have something to 'set' your feet against, felt more secure than boards IMO. When I switched to a touring model, first thing I added was lower fairings, they cut the wind out around your feel and knees and make the ride more relaxing at higher speed. Not sure if your slim has an engine guard, but you might try a set of highway pegs to set your feet against and straighten your legs so they aren't hanging out in the wind as far. That may help your leg issues without looking too out of place.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
I have no problems with the wind trying to spread my knees a part at any speed (95+ mph) on my '05 Fatboy (read: floorboards).
I also have zero problem riding in a straight line in a heavy crosswind even though I have solid rims.
Spend the time to learn about different riding positions and more learning how to ride in different conditions. It will be a lot more cost effective and enjoyable than dropping 20+k on a band-aid.
I also have zero problem riding in a straight line in a heavy crosswind even though I have solid rims.
Spend the time to learn about different riding positions and more learning how to ride in different conditions. It will be a lot more cost effective and enjoyable than dropping 20+k on a band-aid.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
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From: Mechanicsburg, PA
Sure. I have long legs. With the floorboards in the stock position I felt like one of those clowns on a really tiny bike. With the extensions my feet are a lot further forward and more "locked". Not a problem now.
Honestly if I don't get a touring bike it'll be a toss up between a Fatboy S and Slim S.
Honestly if I don't get a touring bike it'll be a toss up between a Fatboy S and Slim S.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 631
From: NorCal Rocklin
I hope you put SOFT LOWERS like most of the people here are saying. If you want to reduce buffeting, the wind from the bottom needs to be going slower than what goes above you. Like how an airplane works, the buffeting you are experiencing is called LIFT. That is why when you wear a T-shirt, the back of you shirt flaps up. (Only sportbike squids now about this)
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
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From: Mechanicsburg, PA
I only had buffeting from that asinine fairing. I ditched that long ago.
And there is no way in hell I'll put soft lowers on a bike. Can't anyway. You can't use a crash bar with this go-forward kit.
And there is no way in hell I'll put soft lowers on a bike. Can't anyway. You can't use a crash bar with this go-forward kit.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
Don't. It's a great hot rod second bike. I was just trying to "tour" to work. But like I've said about 20 times now the go-forward kit made all the difference for my long *** legs.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
Do they make engine guards for the Slim? If so, try that with some soft lowers. That should cut down on the wind on your legs.
For your upper body a tall windshield is probably the best approach. Get a removable one.
Alan
For your upper body a tall windshield is probably the best approach. Get a removable one.
Alan