The Softail Slim: first impression - Lotta juice! That 103 pulls strong. The next impression - Smooth! The ride is very nice, incredibly stable, even at low speeds. The motor pulls nice and accelerates very smoothly with the EFI.

Brakes are smooth (not ABS) and seem adequate. The custom levers with the finger grooves are awesome! Very comfortable! Pull on the clutch is easy and smooth. Good friction zone control.

Shifting is firm. Not as clanky as my last Shovel was, but a little smoother. Except Neutral. Neutral is a bitch! I'm hoping it's because I am only going to crack the 1500 mile mark on her today and she will smooth out some (or I'll get used to her!). Six speeds? F' me, can't get into it till at least 65 or 70! Everything else feels good on the trans.

Seat is thin and not overly padded. It's good for most of the riding I'll do, but long hauls may require a little more plushness! But, for now, I'm happy. No tingly butt.

The foot boards are great, no vibration through my feet. Break pedal is in the right place. Enough room for my boots, enough leftover space on the board. The shifter arms are long enough to fit my foot on the left and be able to move it around a bit. I love footboards, the last bike had 'em.

The exhaust is not as loud as I was afraid it would be. It's about the right volume. Enough to be heard without be crazy. It's a bit cracker than slip-ons would be, like on a dresser. It's a nice tone. Bassani Radial Sweepers. Not the look I'da gone with if I was buying.... I'm sure I'll change it before too long. But, no rush.

Speaking of exhaust... With the air cleaner, it needs a tuning. I ordered a Vance & Hines Fuelpack 3. Should be here Tuesday. I've got a good bit of popping on decel.

Probably gonna pick up one of those swingarm saddle bags. Need a little storage. I threw my long round tool bag on the front of the frame.... It's just a pain to get in and out of easy. But, I don't want full bags. Also gonna pick up a luggage rack and passing lamp bracket.


The wife's bike, the Forty Eighty: First impression - Clackity Clack! That motor is noisy compared to mine! LOL. The next thing? That bike is light and nimble, much better balanced than the old ironheads! And boy, that 1200 wants to sh** and git!

I like it! It's very different than mine. More of a sports car than mine. Mine is a muscle car, here is a sports car. Quick, wants to move.

There is a lot more vibration. But, mostly through the foot pegs. Compared to my footboards, it's like a paint shaker! LOL

The handlebar position is a little far forward. It's a touch of a stretch for me. I know it will be worse for the wife. But, I think a set of risers should fix it up.

The seat she has is a bobber style sprung seat. It is hard. But, surprisingly still comfortable. The springs are nice. Fun to hear them squeak.

Stock exhaust and stock air cleaner... Gonna need to fix that.

Love the big tire up front. I think it really helps tracking.



Overall, I love both bikes. They are very different. Both very fun in their own right. I ran the sporty a bit this afternoon to get used to it, take some more notes. Gotta learn some of it's peculiarities so I can help my wife as she continues to learn.

 

Sweet ! Looks great, enjoy! I traded my 2010 forty Eight for the Slim. Great bike.

 

A few more pics....

 

Excellent move. You will NOT be sorry.
If you think it runs and sounds great now, wait until that FP3 does it's thing - and say goodbye to decel pop...