2018 Softail Slim-500 Mile Review
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- This is a 500 mile review of the 2018 Harley Softail Slim. I hope you enjoyed this video if so please hit the like button for me and think about subscribing to my channel. Thanks for watching, Tony.
I tried to get the softail slim as my first bike, but it intimidated me when I saw it in real life, but I've been riding a 48 for almost a year, and I feel like I'm finally ready to go back and trade it in for this bike. Can't wait.
I did the same. I rode an Iron for two years then traded up. Slim is a fantastic bike.
Tony Cox did you bike lose a lot of value in those two years?
No, not at all. I did a bit of upgrading but trade in was more than fair.
Hey tony, nice. I own a daily ride a 2017 XL1200X 48 stage 1 full v&h short shots, fp3 tuner, intake. Love my xl1200x but i also have been thinking of trading up. The only drag about the 48 is it kinda blows on long rides. The small 2.1G tank is a constant gas station stopper. And on 200+ mile rides it starts wearing you down with stock suspension which doesnt have much travel to begin with. I did adjust the preload on the rear which helped.
My wife traded up from a 2016 XL883L superlow to a new 2018 FXBB street bob softtail 107 milwaukee eight.
** We had to hit up a few HD dealerships and found one that really wanted her bike. We kept working them down, walked, the next day, the sales mgr gave us an insanely good deal. They actually sold our superlow $2.1k cheaper than what they gave us in trade. Other HD dealers kinda scoffed at our xl883L. So look around. Idk what state youre in but if youre close to AZ, NM, NV, TX it gets hot and slowwww in the summer. HD dealers are hungry. They will make killer deals.
You can ride larger bikes, just have to know how. This guy shows you how. www.ridelikeapro.com/ Smaller bikes aren't built for long distances but you can do them, larger bikes make long distance riding more enjoyable but aren't no where nimble like the Sportser or Softail line. Although I currently have a 2017 Street Glide Special, I have test rode all the new Softail line and they are just AWESOME! I will keep my Street Glide for long distance touring but planning to get a Fat Bob for around town and country riding, just a fun bike.
I watched your entire series on the Slim.... So first a late congrats on the new bike and good work on the vids :)
I spent most of last weekend riding many of the new HDs. I learned I love the engine, even though the M8s hp and tq numbers are less then what I'm getting out of my hopped up Freedom 106, I have to admit the M8s felt better(especially at around town riding) with great low and mid range...The 114 and 117 had me hooting ;) I'm not getting into all of what I thought but one thing I couldn't get out of my head was how damn much I'd have to do to every single one of the bikes I rode to make "right for me". We're talking many thousands of $$ on top of the steep price of entry. Watching all you've already done in just a couple of months cements it for me. I'm going to try and get as many more years as I can out of the ol' Victory since its setup just the way I want a bike to be and it is just about paid for....
I have a 2015 HD Super Low 1200T. When I bought it the mileage on the odometer was 1000 miles. I bought it last year (November 2017). Paid $6500 for it. On May 2 2018 a pickup truck hit me and almost totaled the bike and if I was not wearing the proper gear (armored jacket, with back protector, knee and shin protection, under my pants, gloves and a helmet) I would have been killed. But as it was I suffered only minor injuries (no broken bones or such). The bike was able to be put back together and looks better than new ( picking it up this Thursday). I like your above review, very informative. I am currently considering purchasing a 2018 HD Low Rider or HD Slim (as in your review here). Not going to get rid of my HD 1200T or the other bike I have, a 2016 Motto Guzzi V7II. I test rode a 2018 HD Low Rider last week and loved it (though noticeably less nimble than my HD 1200T). Next I plan n test riding the HD Slim. Not sure yet, duh, but it would seem that the Slim would be a more nimble (?) bike then the Low Rider (?). I am sure of one thing though and that is that I will have a difficult time deciding between the two, haha. WHat is your opinion between the the Low Rider and the Slim ?
In closing this comment I like to wish you to BE SAFE and keep up with the great videos you seem to post. Later ... ;-)
Thanks for the review. My wife wants a Road King, but I just LOVE the Slim and it's old school look. We may come to loggerheads over this...
Tony -- Thanks for the great review. I'm looking at purchasing a 2018 right now and your comments are really, really helpful. cheers!
Thanks, glad it was helpful
I bought a 2018 Fat Boy this year. I know you didn't buy the Fat Boy because of the cornering, but if you put it through corners enough and get used to it, you can flick it around pretty easily. That's just me though. I have no problem at all with the Slim. I traded in a 2014 Slim for my Fat Boy and I did enjoy that bike.
Heads up, common on the milwaukee eight (M8) for rocker box gasket oil leaks and o rings in same gasket set. Usually start noticing it after 500 miles. Our 2018 FXBB 107 M8 started leaking from rear rocker box at 600 miles. Leaked after 1k service. HD dealer tried tightening bolts, didn't help. We got a full rocker box gskt and o ring set installed at HD dealer almost $500 mostly labor. No leaks at all now.
Ok great, it has come down to the Deluxe and the slim for me. If you have any insights on the differences I would appreciate it
I agree with everything you said. A note on the windshield. I bought the 18 inch with black hardware. The wind buffeting is unbearable so much so my eyes are rattling in my head. Been looking for options to reduced the buffeting. Hope I find something reasonable.
Thanks for that info. Ride safe.
I just ran into your channel a few days ago.. watched some of your vids. You have good content and info so I decided to sub! Keep up the good work. I enjoy learning about motorcycles (Harley's since I have one) but anything related to them also. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thanks for the sub!!! Glad they are helpful that’s my goal.
Nice bike, glad they have raised the floorboards, I ride a Harley Rocker C and have never had issues with scraping foot pegs, you can lean it right over no problem! Subscribed!
Cool accent! 😊 Fits with the bike. Nice description. Just got my slim yesterday. Nice thing to ride indeed 😊
I just picked up this bike about 2 months ago after riding the Street 750 for 4 years. This bike is HEAVY. and yeah I am glad I spent a lot of years practicing on a smaller bike because now I am a lot better rider and more reserved than hot headed. Definitely NOT a beginner bike.
Three Weeks ago I traded in my Victory HighBall for the 2019 Softail Slim. With the storms we've been having I'm, just right at the 1000 mile oil change from the break-in oil. The Softail Slim is just Plain F**kin Awesome! Prior to the 2012 HighBall, I had a 2003 Victory KingPin, which had floorboards. The HighBall had foot pegs with forward controls. I thought I would have a tough time re-adjusting to the floorboards again, but no, Floorboards were not a problem at all, and the rest of the Slim is just amazing. The ride is smooth, the pickup from 0-60 mph is screamin' fast. All in all, I love every aspect of this bike! Ride Safe Tony!
Congrats, on the slim absolutely love mine. Ride safe!
You do a really good job sharing your thoughts on the features of this bike. Like yourself, I was saddened and frustrated with Harley eliminating the Dyna line. Upon visiting the dealer, I came to appreciate this new Softails. Looking at them online, I thought the Slim was going to be my favorite. Sat on one and didn't like it. The Fat Boy fit me perfectly, then tried the new Sport Glide. That was the one for me. Loved everything about it, especially the removable bags and shield. Very close to ordering one, but wanting to wait a month and see what changes they make for '19. Just found your channel and really enjoying it.
How does the slim compare to the sport glide? I had a Heritage softail but I found it a bit too heavy for me as I am a new rider of only four summers. I learned on the Honda Rebel 250. And then rode my softail heritage for a little bit in the summertime here in Ontario. I found out the big fat tire pulled me and tried to control me going around tight corners and U-turn so I decided to sell it and purchased a 2008 sportster. I do not like the vibration but I am going to give it a good chance this summer. I believe to try a slim or a sport glide? What are your thoughts
Beautiful bike sir🤘🏻 I haven’t got to ride a slim yet. I’m a new subscriber. Looking forward to more videos.
Thank you and thanks for the sub!!
I'm a beginner and I just bought one. I'm 6 foot 225 lbs. Did I make a mistake buying this bike? I fell in love when I saw it at my H-D dealer. I couldn't say no
Not at all. Great bike!
You did good. Just be patient and slowly learn into it.
tom rebel ok thanks man. I plan on doing just that
Tony,
I recently purchased a ‘20 Slim and am really enjoying it. Watching your videos made my decision to buy one, much easier. Thanks! Was re-reviewing your videos on the exhaust systems and wondered what may have changed your mind from switching the slip-ons to a full system. Do you have more confidence in the reliability of the new motor? Thanks and keep up the great work!
Steve in Texas
Hey Steve, thanks for watching and congrats on you new slim! The M8 is a solid engine and has proven to be very reliable and strong running. As far as the exhaust I just prefer the Vance and Hines as far as sound goes and the full system does boost your power a bit over slip ons. Really can’t go wrong with either.
Loved watching this review and your others on the slim. So much better than the others out there. Informative and definitely helped me make up my mind about trading in and buying one. Thank you
Thanks, glad they where helpful
The country side you are riding in is beautiful. Very fortunate and blessed. Ride safe.
Thank you. I’m in Louisville KY.
Just to clarify when you said “they no longer use rubber mounts” they never did in the Softails only they Dyna’s. They have now since dropped the Dyna line thus dropping the rubber mounted engine but the softails from my understanding have always been directly bolted on to the frame 👍🏻
I'm new rider i was encouraged to get this bike by not one but two dealerships. I was told that id outgrow a sportster. Alot of my friends have said the samething. I enjoy your take of the bike and all the info.
I owned a sportster for two years. Loved the bike wish I still had it. The Slim is an easy bike to ride but it is also a lot of bike at the same time. Good luck with your choice. Ride safe!
They're right. I'm getting a Softail after owning a Sportster for 9 months.
My wife is getting either the slim or a street bob after owning the street 750 for a year.
I was told the same thing. I went with the Slim and glad I made that choice
I like your video very much. I own a 2018 Deluxe. Great bikes. Ride safe !
Thanks should have some new vids coming soon
I’m a new rider and I’m planning on getting the street bob it’s more on the lines of the style and size I’m looking for. But I’m also aware and patient enough that I plan on taking my time on it because it has more power then something like an Iron 883.
Congrats on the bike!!! Take you time and you will be fine. That is a fun fun bike to ride. Ride safe!!
If I knew how to ride I would look at these and like to compare to low rider and street bob. I’m 5-8 so thanks for stating your height
What about the sound are you happy with it? Seems like new 2018s lacking bit of 'potato'
Sound is good, nice a deep, and a bit loopy at times idle due to the single cam.
Very kool bike great video the slim is Harley’s best looking bike it’s right out of the forty’s you have to turn your head to look when one drives by 😎
Thank for watching!
You still have this bike Tony?
Good review. May have to give this a test ride this summer!
Thanks!
Just wanted to ask 2 things cause I'm thinking of upgrading to the slim. I'm your height but found it a bit too heavy compared to the deluxe. Also had to really stretch to reach gear and brake. Appreciate your thoughts.
I gave zero problem with the weight bike is very well balanced. No problem with stretch either Harley does make a reach seat that will move you up a inch or so.
I am 5'7" and don't have problems reaching the gears . Not to heavy for my first HD
Nice bike Tony 💯👏🏼👏🏼
Nice to see you giving plenty of room when passing the cyclists.
I am just curious...how many years should an engine be out before it is a "proven engine"?
Not really sure going on 3 years now. Thinking I’m going with proven 👍
First excuse my english, its not my native language. Lets talk about esthetic, I really liked the blacked out FLSS, to bad they reinvented chrome parts on FLSL. And the ignition lock! I am not happy that they took away the ignition lock on the tank. It was/is a Harley signum. But what worse is that they replaced it with a little chrome screw in all that black parts. What was they thinking!
I agree wish the ignition lock was still there, but the keyless system is very nice and works great.
What do you meanby 4 pin and 2 pin brakes on the front and rear, respectively.
Front brakes is a 4 piston caliber and the rear is a 2 piston caliber
You can't say that the 114 comes in this bike because it doesn't. Actually, this bike should come stock with a 121. Now that would be awesome.
Very Nice Intro!
Did you ride the Deluxe?
Yes!! Awesome bike!
The only downside i think of these slim is spoke rims. If you ever had a flat tire middle of nowhere good luck.i hope there are options out there for that.
Im really thinking to get a slim.but debating between lowrider and the slim.due to the spokes.lol..better think of bad luck of a flat tire too..but i like how slim handles. How do you like the slim so far tony?
1st off, those LED headlights SUCK. I hate them on all vehicles. The Speedo and such needs to be tilted upwards a little more to relieve sun glare.(So you can see the thing). Actually, I need a speedo and tach above the center of the handlebars. I don't need all that other crap that's in this speedo configuration. Hate floor boards. Love the pegs and buck horn bars would be a great thing for this bike. Would love the foot controls moved back about 4 inches. What's the acceleration rate from 70mph to 140mph?
The tree lines scare me -- deer can pop outta there!! I'm just old though.
Me too, deer are very heavy here especially in the fall
Great vid. Love the bike. I just emailed you. Let me know what you think. Cheers:)
Just need a windshield and you'll be set.......lol
my manuel says 4 qts of oil not 5...
Mine took 4 1/2
well they sell the “oil change kit” with 4 quarts, and the manual says 4 qts so I’m thinking that’s the correct amount, but of corse I’ll check to see it’s full when I change it.
4 qts is the initial fill so you don’t overfill. After I did a hot oil check I was a half a quart low. So I used a total of 4 1/2 quarts. Sorry for the confusion Harley sells both 4 and 5 quart kits the older twin cams doesn’t hold as much oil as the m8.
If you can
All good you do q do en Espanol
I like this bike because it looks like a fatboy, just a little more affordable.
Completely agree and I think it rides better also. Thanks for watching.