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Softail Slim comfort level on longer rides

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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 01:37 PM
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Default Softail Slim comfort level on longer rides

Hey guys,

How would newer Slims, say 2010-2020 compare on 100mile+ rides, to a 2004 Road King Classic ( only bike Ive ever owned....just 3 yrs)

Looking to MAYBE add to the stable and dont want another touring bike and love the look of the Slim but I want to be able to do short 100-200 mile jaunts without breaking my bones.

Thanks for any advice.
 

Last edited by ve9aa; Oct 31, 2019 at 03:28 PM.
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ve9aa
Hey guys,

How would newer Slims, say 2010-2020 compare on 100mile+ rides, to a 2004 Road King Classic ( only bike Ive ever owned....just 3 yrs)

Looking to MAYBE add to the stable and dont want another touring bike and love the look of the Slim but I want to be able to do short 100-200 mile jaunts withing breaking my bones.

Thanks for any advice.

Suggest you go ride the two (TC / M8) verions. FLS (twincam) is from 2012-2017, FLSL (M8) is '18+

I have a '13 Slim and can tell you that 100-200 shouldn't be any issues, but the new FLSL is better.

Just my opinion,

T.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 03:29 PM
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Thanks T
 
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 04:21 PM
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2017 Softail Slim S, No problem after getting a Corbin Classic Saddle. Stock seat was unbearable after 50km.
This picture is identical to my bike except I don't have the flames stitched in. Same passenger seat also.
 

Last edited by donhoe; Oct 31, 2019 at 04:27 PM.
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 04:51 PM
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I have a 2017 Slim S with the Mustang Vintage Wide Solo Seat. As the other poster said, the stock seat has to go.

I have ridden the new Heritage Softail and the ride is definitely smoother. But I wanted a "S" with the ABS and cruise and none since 2017 so I have this. The windsplitter windshield for sure makes it more comfortable. But in terms of ride the newer softail setup smooths out the bumps better, IMHO. But that is not to say the twin cam with rattle your teeth out, plus it sounds awesome with the FP3 tuner and Rinehart 2 into 1. You should try both and see what you think. I could do a couple hours in a stretch on mine. After that I would want to get off for a few minute break.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 05:13 PM
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I'll have to admit I've addressed both the seating and the ride.
I have an ol' school police seat and Shotgun Shock (air ride).







T.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 06:29 PM
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A couple FANTASTIC lookin' bikes there guys.

So, do I understand correctly, that if I want "cruise" on a Softail Slim, I have to get a pre-2017 "S" model? Sorry, I know virtually nothing whatsoever about Softails.
I won't pretend to know a whole lot about Harley's in general, as I have only had my Road King Classic about 3 yrs now and no Harleys before that.

I do know the cruise is awesome, but wasn't sure what Softails have cruise and which ones don't.

Thanks for the pix and advice.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ve9aa
A couple FANTASTIC lookin' bikes there guys.

So, do I understand correctly, that if I want "cruise" on a Softail Slim, I have to get a pre-2017 "S" model? Sorry, I know virtually nothing whatsoever about Softails.
I won't pretend to know a whole lot about Harley's in general, as I have only had my Road King Classic about 3 yrs now and no Harleys before that.

I do know the cruise is awesome, but wasn't sure what Softails have cruise and which ones don't.

Thanks for the pix and advice.
The 2016-2017 FLS/FLSS both use ECM #41000057 and are TBW (throttle-by-wire). It can command/control cruise control.
Cruse control is standard on the FLSS and it appears you can add it to the FLS yourself, but have to have a dealer enable it.

The '18+ are TBW as well, so you probably can add it to those, but I do not
think it comes "standard".

good luck,

T.
 
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Old Oct 31, 2019 | 11:01 PM
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The "S" comes with ABS also and the 16's and 17's came with the 110 Screaming Eagle motor which was previously in the CVO models. And here is another picture because I like looking at these bikes
​​​​​​​
 
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Old Nov 1, 2019 | 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by JakeC7R
The "S" comes with ABS also and the 16's and 17's came with the 110 Screaming Eagle motor which was previously in the CVO models. And here is another picture because I like looking at these bikes
How do you like the windshield? worth it?
 
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