Howdy,
I'm new to Harley, have a 2017 Softail Slim. Twenty-five years ago I had a couple of Hondas. I remember the feel of them on the road. I got a similar feel from a friends BMW and his wife's Kawasaki. The other bikes weren't so.... um... responsive. I recall feeling really solid on the road. This new Harley - if I so much as twitch an *** cheek the bike responds. Going into corners or slow speed avoidance of obstacles - it's neat how quickly the bike responds but when I'm clipping along at 110 km (70 mph) - and i wiggle my numb *** to wake it up - the whole bike wiggles. If an 18 wheeler goes by and buffets me enough to move my shoulders - the bike moves a bit. Is this normal?

1) No - it's because you got real fat since you had the Hondas
2) Yes, it's the nature of a Softail suspension compounded by the fact that the slim is lowered
3) no - it's just you

 

The responsiveness of my Slim was a huge selling point for me after having to fight my old bike, a XL1200X, to do anything.

 

I just bought a Slim S and getting the mods done now. I did ride it for about 30 minutes and was really impressed by the responsiveness of the bike. Now mind you that my last 3 bikes were 2 Roadglide CVO's and a RG with a Motortrike conversion on it. Responsive is not a term I would use for any of them. My first Harley was a 2007 Softail FXSTC that I did a 113 build on it. That bike was fast (for a Harley) and responsive and that feel is what I am trying to replicate with this Slim. Once I get my Slim done and have a chance to spend some time on it, I will be better able to vote in your Poll

 

I imagine this has a lot to do with the 140 rear tire.

 

@Ludwig von Buzzthoven - I think of it mostly as a positive thing, but it still (3 weeks ownership) takes me by surprise

@CVOJOE - Congrats on your new acquisition!

@Gimper - might well be

thanks for the replies & votes y'all

 

Agree with Gimper. Its the slim rear tire. Went to a test ride intending to buy the Breakout (240 rear tire) took it out and had to force it to turn at slow speeds...saw the slim and took it out next...night and day difference. Obviously bought the slim and its handling was one of the main reasons. 15K miles later and I still think I made the right choice.

 

Did you adjust the preload? I don't know what your weight is, but in the FLSS Owner's Manual there is a chart that shows how much preload you should have based on your weight. I don't know where Harley presets that but it may not be enough for your weight.

I've been riding all kinds of street bikes for over 30+ years. Just bought an FLSS. What completely surprised me was just how well it handled. My last experience riding a Softail was a friend's FatBoy and I really disliked how slow, unresponsive, and heavy the steering was.

Over the weekend I took a 200 mile ride which involved highway and twisty mountain roads and found the FLSS to handle amazingly well.

Steering was lighter than expected, it had a slight tendency to wander on highway grooves and yes when I'd shift my weight around a bit, the bike would respond. But nothing scary or unexpected.

 

They are definitely a quick twitch bike, but nothing scary. I switched up to a 150 rear tire and while very minuscule there is a slight difference in stability without much trade off in handling. I hammer on my bike, ride 85-90 all day long and the thing runs and handles like a champ down the freeway, through the twisties, everything.

Typical on most heavier bikes, rear tire pressure is super important on this bike. Let it get low and big sweepers bring some serious undulation as the bike wiggles it's way through the turn.

I am a heavier rider though, 260-280 lbs.

 

I went to a 150 rear as well, I believe it made a big difference to stability and I think just ditching the OEM Dunlop helps as well, I went with the Dunlop American Elite . Big difference between a Harley and the handling characteristics of a BMW or Japanese touring bike. Comparing apples to oranges in my opinion.

 

I did the same thing. Went in for a Breakout and left with a Slim. No regrets. It's a great bike.