2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim Review | MC Commute

It’s a rousing, nearly reminiscent feeling to burn miles across town on the 2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim—a stripped-down variation of the popular Softail cruiser platform. Its relatively low-positioned solo saddle and comfortable ergonomics, classic American cruiser aesthetics, and an emotion-evoking V-twin rumble make it an enticing option as an around-town cruiser with the capability of light touring.

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The Softail Slim is one of seven models that complete Harley-Davidson’s cruiser lineup. Each share the same basic Softail chassis with a hidden monoshock, but vary in styling, ergonomics, and amenities. So what separates the Slim from its bloodline, you ask? A relaxed rider triangle with a neutral, upright riding position and floorboards offer comfort and light touring capability, packaged in a stripped-down vibe with short-cut fenders for classic H-D styling.

And there’s no doubt that Harley-Davidson has hit the mark. Aesthetically, the Softail Slim is a stunner that gathers significant looks at every stop. But, for the rider, the reach to the swept-back Hollywood handlebar is relatively relaxed, while the measured 26.4-inch seat height makes for an overall compact and rider-friendly ergonomic setup that adds a degree of control, especially in low-speed maneuvers. At a 5-foot-7-inch stature, I find the Softail Slim’s setup allows for an easy, flat-footed stance at a stop, while the floorboards offer a relaxed position while in motion.

Pair the ergonomic triangle with the neutral handling of the Harley-Davidson Softail chassis and be rewarded with a praiseworthy ride quality. The Slim tipped the Motorcyclist scales at 671 pounds with a full tank of fuel, but carries its weight exceptionally well and better than the measurement suggests. Steering is relatively light and is easily maneuverable, which makes navigating dense traffic a breeze. Suspension action of the telescopic fork and monoshock strike a balance to comfortably glide along the road, even if the shock sometimes struggles to cope with big-hit bumps as seen in our test.

Stopping the Softail Slim is a single four-piston caliper clamping to a 300mm disc up front and a two-piston caliper binding to a 292mm at the rear. And with good results. The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim stops from 60 to 0 in a relatively impressive 138.4 feet. ABS (a $795 option) intervention can be a nuisance, and may hinder the motorcycle’s stopping ability without smooth application of the brake levers.

The Softail Slim is powered by Harley-Davidson’s Big Twin Milwaukee-Eight 107ci (1,745cc) engine, meaning there’s enough grunt to become your next addiction. Placed on our in-house Motorcyclist Dynojet 250i dyno, the Slim produced a relatively modest 73.7 hp at 4,900 rpm and a peak torque of 98.4 pound-feet at 2,800 rpm. Real-world performance, however, is engaging and seriously entertaining. Throttle response is crisp and quickly ushers the motorcycle away from corners and stoplights. At 70 mph, the Slim settles around 2,700 rpm in top gear, cruising down the highway with very minimal vibration to report while retaining enough punch left in reserve to zip ahead of traffic. A truly excellent balance.

But would we take the Softail Slim for a long-distance cruise? Probably not. The Slim was designed for short stints, around-town cruising without a fairing or windscreen. The result is a moderate windblast at highway speeds that grows tiresome after more than a few miles. Storage in the form of saddlebags would be welcome here as well to pack needed gear. But that’s why Harley-Davidson created six more models to complete the Softail lineup, including the Sport Glide, which comes pre-equipped and ready for longer hauls, while the touring models are built to handle the big miles.

That said, the combination of relaxed ergonomics, Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin power, positively neutral handling, and killer styling make the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim an impressive around-town cruiser. It’s one that will impress the rider and bystanders alike. Hats off, Harley-Davidson.

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Videography/edit: Alec Dare
Photography: Jeff Allen

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