Slim vs Fatboy
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 30
From: Orlando, FL
All of these this vs that threads come down to the same answer: Ride, ride again, then ride some more. There's no better way to tell what bike is right for you.
I haven't ridden a Slim, but when I bought my FB Lo I also rode the Breakout and turning the Lo felt like a sportbike compared to the Breakout. It sounds like going from the Lo to the Slim may offer the same experience.
I feel like whatever you just got off of will have a big effect on how the next bike feels, so if you're comparing two, make sure you ride the first one a second time after riding the second one. You'll end up noticing more things than you did the first time and get a more clear view of what feels "right" for you.
I haven't ridden a Slim, but when I bought my FB Lo I also rode the Breakout and turning the Lo felt like a sportbike compared to the Breakout. It sounds like going from the Lo to the Slim may offer the same experience.
I feel like whatever you just got off of will have a big effect on how the next bike feels, so if you're comparing two, make sure you ride the first one a second time after riding the second one. You'll end up noticing more things than you did the first time and get a more clear view of what feels "right" for you.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 44
From: VA
Being vertically challenged I was immediately attracted to both the fatboy lo and the slim, rode both numerous times on test rides back to back and it was very tough overall I chose the slim just seemed a touch more agile and turned in easier if that makes sense?
(Own a slim).
(Own a slim).
Last edited by rowan; Apr 5, 2016 at 09:59 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: where I want
I've owned a '98 FLSTF and I now own a '14 FLS. Below are some things I consider/noticed.
Fatboy
stock seat is more comfortable
primary, cam, trans, rockers, oil are all chrome standard (if that's your thing)
the standard FLSTF sits higher so turns can be more aggressive without dragging floorboards.
not sure about now, but in '98 the FLSTF came standard with 2-up seating out the door.
Slim
Seat is a bit rough
all above covers are aluminum and subject to tarnishing eventually depending on how long you keep it.
Does not come with 2-up seating standard. Will need to buy pillion, and pegs.
have to be careful in turns to avoid scraps to floorboards.
lastly I would say (from what I remember) my fatboy was better at highway speeds handling wise.
Everything else is just personalization or whatever you want to do with it.
Fatboy
stock seat is more comfortable
primary, cam, trans, rockers, oil are all chrome standard (if that's your thing)
the standard FLSTF sits higher so turns can be more aggressive without dragging floorboards.
not sure about now, but in '98 the FLSTF came standard with 2-up seating out the door.
Slim
Seat is a bit rough
all above covers are aluminum and subject to tarnishing eventually depending on how long you keep it.
Does not come with 2-up seating standard. Will need to buy pillion, and pegs.
have to be careful in turns to avoid scraps to floorboards.
lastly I would say (from what I remember) my fatboy was better at highway speeds handling wise.
Everything else is just personalization or whatever you want to do with it.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 26
Likes: 5
From: Port Hueneme
New Fatboy
I just purchased a 2016 Fatboy S and love the feel and the look. The wide tire seems to be pretty comfortable in my opinion.
I've already thrown out the stock seat and replaced it mustang wide (17") touring and passenger seats. Through the HD dealership, I've ordered 14" black apes, 21" black braced windshield, black mustache bar, and 3" black HD footboards.
I've already thrown out the stock seat and replaced it mustang wide (17") touring and passenger seats. Through the HD dealership, I've ordered 14" black apes, 21" black braced windshield, black mustache bar, and 3" black HD footboards.
Last edited by THECPT; Apr 6, 2016 at 04:17 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
I made the decision considering several bikes including the Fat Boy (what I went with) the Softail Slim, and the Dyna Switchback.
I went with the Fat Boy because
a) I found it very easy to handle at slower speeds; the low center of gravity makes cornering very easy, and handling in close confinement a snap.
b) very very stable on the Freeways. Here in California the Freeways are fast and merciless, except at rush hour.
c) low profile. I am 5'8" dripping wet and I can flat-foot the Fat Boy no problem.
d) looks. I just plain love the looks of the Fat Boy.
You won't go wrong with either one. I personally wanted and like the fat rear tire.
I went with the Fat Boy because
a) I found it very easy to handle at slower speeds; the low center of gravity makes cornering very easy, and handling in close confinement a snap.
b) very very stable on the Freeways. Here in California the Freeways are fast and merciless, except at rush hour.
c) low profile. I am 5'8" dripping wet and I can flat-foot the Fat Boy no problem.
d) looks. I just plain love the looks of the Fat Boy.
You won't go wrong with either one. I personally wanted and like the fat rear tire.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 16
From: Montgomery,Il.
Don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm having same issue between Fat Boy Lo & Heritage. Love the look of the Lo but also the added versatility of a Heritage,would like to test ride both however winter refuses to leave.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
Having not ridden a Fat Boy, I do very much enjoy my buddy's Heritage. And given the pricing, this year Harley made the Heritage a tough one to pass up, it comes stock with a lot of items, saddlebags, pillion, backrest (I think) and windshield that will set you back $1000+ if you want those items on a Fat Boy.
That Teal & White is a great combo too. Now this is blasphemy in the Softail forum but I'd be hard pressed to buy anything but a Road King next time. I like the bigger bike for highway riding which is mostly what I do.
That said Lauren has a tough looking FB so I'll appreciate her opinion.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
Having ridden both.... take that softail on a long ride to ensure you won't be missing the road king too much....