Softail Slim vs. Heritage
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Texas
Softail Slim vs. Heritage
Speaking more toward the 2017 and earlier models. Is it safe to say the difference of seat height between the two comes down to the bulk of the stock seats? Do they both (and generally all softail models) employ the same set suspension? Or is there something more to frame differences that make the difference of how they sit? Reviews always classify the slim as one of Harley's "lowest sitting models". But seats being equal, wouldn't the two generally sit the same height?
Tourer
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 444
Likes: 305
From: Michigan
I'm surprised no one has answered. I'm a complete novice, but I ride a Slim and here's my take....since the seats for a Slim are specific to that bike and the Blackline, I'd say there are a number of variables including frame and fender differences between the Slim and Heritage. The seat for a 2015 Heritage, for instance, fits various years of the Heritage, Deluxe, and Springer.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 402
Likes: 18
From: Lake Bluff, Illinois
The main differences that you will see on the pre-M8 softails will deal with the rider geometry and accessories that come factory installed.
As I'm sure you're well aware, the softail slim is sold as a bare bones bobber. The slim does happen to have one of the lowest ride heights as well. This might be due to the factory saddle being quite thin. You will notice that the fenders are all chopped and that there is a low clamped handlebar. This setup lends itself to providing a specific rider geometry. In my case, it had me in a more low slung sit and reach stance. It felt good and cool, but isn't something that would be comfortable to tour with for long distances.
In the heritage you will be getting a more touring ready setup. The biggest differences will be full fenders, factory bags, auxiliary lights, and taller handlebars. This setup should lend itself to a more up-right rider geometry, since most riders won't be required to "reach" for those bars. Obviously each person's body measurements are unique, which will affect this.
The best way to see and experience the differences between the Slim and the Heritage would be by actually see them. I recommend that you get to a dealership and check them out.
As I'm sure you're well aware, the softail slim is sold as a bare bones bobber. The slim does happen to have one of the lowest ride heights as well. This might be due to the factory saddle being quite thin. You will notice that the fenders are all chopped and that there is a low clamped handlebar. This setup lends itself to providing a specific rider geometry. In my case, it had me in a more low slung sit and reach stance. It felt good and cool, but isn't something that would be comfortable to tour with for long distances.
In the heritage you will be getting a more touring ready setup. The biggest differences will be full fenders, factory bags, auxiliary lights, and taller handlebars. This setup should lend itself to a more up-right rider geometry, since most riders won't be required to "reach" for those bars. Obviously each person's body measurements are unique, which will affect this.
The best way to see and experience the differences between the Slim and the Heritage would be by actually see them. I recommend that you get to a dealership and check them out.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 415
Likes: 149
From: new zealand
+1 this reason alone pushes me towards heritage. They just ride so much nicer.
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 58
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From: omaha
Ive never ridden a slim but I ride a 2010 Heritage. From what Ive heard the slim is more of a bar hopper set up. Great for short rides in town. With the Heritage youre somewhere in the middle between a touring bike and an in-town ride.
From my experience, the Heritage fits the bill for what I was looking for. Key word there is I. Every rider has their own wants and needs when it comes to what they want to do with their bike.
The Heritage is nimble enough to ride back and forth to work and comfortable enough for some light touring. I rode from Nebraska to the Black Hills and put on about 1800 miles throughout the weeks trip and my *** felt fine. Also I commute to work and back with it.
From my experience, the Heritage fits the bill for what I was looking for. Key word there is I. Every rider has their own wants and needs when it comes to what they want to do with their bike.
The Heritage is nimble enough to ride back and forth to work and comfortable enough for some light touring. I rode from Nebraska to the Black Hills and put on about 1800 miles throughout the weeks trip and my *** felt fine. Also I commute to work and back with it.
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