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I am in the market looking for a 2013 softail slim but I have opportunity to purchase a 2015 Softail Slim with very low mileage at a good price,
I remember some talk back in 2014 about changes to the bikes and that some aftermarket parts that would fit the 2013 would not work on the 2014 and above, can anyone clear up the confusion I am having?
1. What changed from the 2013 to the 2014, 15?
2. Is there still a problem finding aftermarket parts for the newer bikes?
3. Any other pro's or con's I should consider before making the purchase?
I might want to add The bike is in California so I don't know if that makes any difference?
I'm no expert but I have a '14 slim and I've been buying a lot of stuff for it lately and most things say they will fit all years of slims. I will say though if you plan on putting a detachable backrest on it or bags your more than liking goin to pay a nice chunk of change to do so. You have to relocate the liscense plate and signals and only HD sells the sideplates that fit
As far as I know 2016 is the only real change to the slim and that is just the throttle by wire and cruise control. Otherwise ABS or non ABS are the only things you need to check for buying parts.
No Expert here mines a 2015 but I think a slim is slim is a slim no matter what year only thing I know of is not many seat choices. about to change my seat out this weekend and it going take a view little mods to do what I want but that's mostly me........
I like what you've done to your Slim Bamjoop ....
No Expert here mines a 2015 but I think a slim is slim is a slim no matter what year only thing I know of is not many seat choices. about to change my seat out this weekend and it going take a view little mods to do what I want but that's mostly me........
I like what you've done to your Slim Bamjoop ....
There were changes to the brake system, calipers, etc. I believe this started on 2015...
Edit: From the HD website for the 2015... brakes did change as of 2015-on:
New Front Brake System
A new front brake system on the SoftailŽ models this year delivers a 40 percent reduction in the amount of lever force required at peak braking. The handlebar master and front cylinders have been restyled. There's a new 4-piston fixed caliper with 32 and 34 mm pistons, premium caliper piston coating to minimize initial displacement and a larger 300 mm rotor. It all adds up to more stopping power with less effort.
2016 then have the 103B engines...
New High Output Twin Cam 103B™ Engine
The knowledge of what makes an engine truly move a rider runs deep at The Motor Company, and it was put to good use when we created the High Output Twin Cam 103B™
engine. We sweated bullets perfecting...
So to the OP - no changes from 2013-214
In 2015 Upgrade to the brakes
In 2016 Upgrade to the engine
There isn't anything on a 2015 that wouldn't fit to the 2015, other than if either were equipped with ABS braking, as wachuko mentioned.
There's plenty of aftermarket stuff, genuine HD accessories, etc.
Have a look at the Slim and the Softail S threads for examples of diversity and ideas.
I'm sure either model will prove to be a good choice.
I'm no expert but I have a '14 slim and I've been buying a lot of stuff for it lately and most things say they will fit all years of slims. I will say though if you plan on putting a detachable backrest on it or bags your more than liking goin to pay a nice chunk of change to do so. You have to relocate the liscense plate and signals and only HD sells the sideplates that fit
I own a '14 and love it. But, I think there were some changes to the Electrical system from 13-14. But, I am not an expert. So, please don't quote me. But, i've seen parts listed for 14-15 differently than prior years or '16's.
When did the Softails go to the two were ignition and turn/brake signal stuff?
I do think some of the biggest changes were the drive by wire stuff.
For the most part, I have had no problem finding anything I wanted for my bike... Well, other than finding the funding! LOL
I'm no expert but I have a '14 slim and I've been buying a lot of stuff for it lately and most things say they will fit all years of slims. I will say though if you plan on putting a detachable backrest on it or bags your more than liking goin to pay a nice chunk of change to do so. You have to relocate the liscense plate and signals and only HD sells the sideplates that fit
If you do a simple mod to the detachable racks or backrest, they will fit without having to relocate anything. I did it. Documented in my build thread.
Thanks everyone for your input, I remember the Sportster's getting some upgrades in 2014 which were causing exhaust modification problems at the time so I just assumed it was across the board on all models. I bought the Slim on Friday and so far I'm loving it. Thanks again.
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Softail Slim Question (s)
