Softail Slim Question?
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 22
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From: Salt Lake City
Softail Slim Question?
My wife wants a "Slim" due to the low seat height and great retro look. The dealer has a 2013 carryover vivid black for $1200.00 discount no ABS. The 2014 model is full MSRP no ABS. The salesman told me that they do not order ABS on any of their stock orders for Softails. If I buy non ABS then it is probably best to buy the carryover for the savings. My question is, what are everyone's thoughts on ABS for a Softail? Good, bad? I have no problem waiting on a special order for an ABS model. I have ABS on my Street Glide and like it. My opinion is ABS is a good decision on a dresser but I don't have a lot of experience with the Softails. Opinions?
BTW, I hate paying full MSRP for a bike, but the dealers around my area band together and charge full price for current models.
BTW, I hate paying full MSRP for a bike, but the dealers around my area band together and charge full price for current models.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,714
Likes: 1,803
From: In a house
I had it on my 11 Heritage and don't have it on my 13 RG, wish I did but I didn't want to wait. What's your wife think about it? If it makes her more comfortable having it I would find one with ABS, if she's fine without it take the hold over. It's kind of like a concealed weapons permit, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Salt Lake City
Good analogy. That is the very reason that I have my ccw. I don't carry very often but if I feel it is needed there is nothing holding me back.
I like the idea of anti locks due to the urge to hammer on the brakes in an emergency. Are the anti locks on Softails linked like they are on my SGS? Pretty scary deal to wash out the front end. The thing that I keep thinking about is I have them on my SGS because they make me feel safer. She should feel the same out riding.
$1200.00 savings on the hold over is a lot of money, but not a lot when it comes to safety. I can't figure out why my dealer doesn't order stock or inventory softails with ABS. The sales guy had no reasoning other than they don't sell well.
I like the idea of anti locks due to the urge to hammer on the brakes in an emergency. Are the anti locks on Softails linked like they are on my SGS? Pretty scary deal to wash out the front end. The thing that I keep thinking about is I have them on my SGS because they make me feel safer. She should feel the same out riding.
$1200.00 savings on the hold over is a lot of money, but not a lot when it comes to safety. I can't figure out why my dealer doesn't order stock or inventory softails with ABS. The sales guy had no reasoning other than they don't sell well.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I have ABS on both my softails and they work GREAT! You can apply full pressure even when you go over a bump in the road and the brakes still don't lock up or pulsate. There is no linked system on the softails although some now come standard with ABS.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 784
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From: Texas
I have to play what if with this one I dont want abs on any bike.
ABS is a great thing IMO right up until the point it fails.
My dad had the abs system go bad in his durango it would occasionally lock the brakes randomly at any speed. It was bad in a car could easily be deadly on a bike.
ABS is a great thing IMO right up until the point it fails.
My dad had the abs system go bad in his durango it would occasionally lock the brakes randomly at any speed. It was bad in a car could easily be deadly on a bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 3
From: Virginia raised, stationed in Alaska
I have to play what if with this one I dont want abs on any bike.
ABS is a great thing IMO right up until the point it fails.
My dad had the abs system go bad in his durango it would occasionally lock the brakes randomly at any speed. It was bad in a car could easily be deadly on a bike.
ABS is a great thing IMO right up until the point it fails.
My dad had the abs system go bad in his durango it would occasionally lock the brakes randomly at any speed. It was bad in a car could easily be deadly on a bike.
In a panic situation no one pumps the brakes anymore and will just press and hold on so I think ABS is the best bet. I always leave myself a lot of distance from the vehicle in front of me, but ABS would be great.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 206
From: Jax FL
none of the dealers are 'stocking' SLIMS with ABS, because the Slim is supposed to be a budget bike to bridge from a sporty to a big bike.
i could not find one with ABS within several hours of my home.
i did, however find a used SLIM on cycle trader for $5500 less than the "out the door" price of a new bike.
how much will she REALLY ride it? i mean, will she use it as transportation?
or only on days when she KNOWS it will not rain.
http://www.cycletrader.com/search-re...odelkeyword=1&
one on there for $13k.
i could not find one with ABS within several hours of my home.
i did, however find a used SLIM on cycle trader for $5500 less than the "out the door" price of a new bike.
how much will she REALLY ride it? i mean, will she use it as transportation?
or only on days when she KNOWS it will not rain.
http://www.cycletrader.com/search-re...odelkeyword=1&
one on there for $13k.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 12
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From: new zealand
I have a 13 Slim with ABS they come standard here in NZ.I think it's a lot safer especially with the rear being so light.
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Los Angeles
My wife wants a "Slim" due to the low seat height and great retro look. The dealer has a 2013 carryover vivid black for $1200.00 discount no ABS. The 2014 model is full MSRP no ABS. The salesman told me that they do not order ABS on any of their stock orders for Softails. If I buy non ABS then it is probably best to buy the carryover for the savings. My question is, what are everyone's thoughts on ABS for a Softail? Good, bad? I have no problem waiting on a special order for an ABS model. I have ABS on my Street Glide and like it. My opinion is ABS is a good decision on a dresser but I don't have a lot of experience with the Softails. Opinions?
BTW, I hate paying full MSRP for a bike, but the dealers around my area band together and charge full price for current models.
BTW, I hate paying full MSRP for a bike, but the dealers around my area band together and charge full price for current models.
You get in a situation where you have to use abs, and most likely you're screwed anyway.
Last but not least, having abs may make you subconsciously over confident and drive less safe thinking you can always just "slam on the brakes".
Last edited by Slimshadey; Jan 12, 2014 at 11:02 AM.
