Shed some weight and your muscles tend to look bigger. So it is with the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim which is a Fat Boy that has gone on a diet.
The skeletal frame puts emphasis on the engine, where it counts. Harley hopes the pared-down retro looks will attract younger riders aged 35-44.
VALUE
Demos are in store now and when it goes on sale in September, the Slim will be the cheapest of the Softail family at $26,995 ride away. That compares favourably with Harley's Fat Boy at $27,995, Fat Boy Low at $28,495 or its Blackline at $27,995.
Victory's Vegas High Ball costs $26,495 and is well made and stylish, but doesn't have ABS while the Triumph Thunderbird Storm does and costs $22,990 plus on-road costs.
TECHNOLOGY
All Softails now get the rigid-mount 103 (1.6-litre) V-twin with 132Nm of arm-stretching torque from just 3200 revs. It's mated to a clunky, but forthright six-speed transmission with a light clutch and recalcitrant neutral.
It drives through a quiet and low-maintenance belt drive. Instruments now include an LCD screen with gear indicator, revs, clock, two trip meters and odo.
DESIGN
Harley has gone through the parts bin for this styling exercise with the Fat Boy's chunky 16in front wheel, and the rear from the recent Blackline model. The only new bits are the name, paint, seat and handlebars with MX-style brace for hanging lights or satnav.
It's all about old-school looks and minimalism. So you can see the top of the engine in the gap between the tank and seat, and there are retro bits and pieces such as a gloss black "cat's eye'' tank console with a retro speedometer face, half-moon rider footboards, tapered Fat Bob peanut tank, a round air cleaner cover, and gloss black headlight cover, wheel rims and hubs.
The cover of the low-slung 605mm solo seat is stitched in a tuck-and-roll pattern and it features new under-slung slash cut mufflers. There will be a range of accessories available at launch.
SAFETY
All Softails now come with ABS that not only works well, but is discrete so it doesn't spoil the aesthetics of the wheels. Brakes are powerful and effective for such a heavy bike. Clearance has been slightly raised to 115mm - pretty good for a low rider - but cornering is still an issue with scraping noises giving the rider a gauge for lean angle limits.
RIDING
Softails are all abut looks first, then comfort and handling. If you understand its limitations and take things easy, it's a capable mid-length cruiser on good-quality road surfaces. Power comes easy for rapid take-off and overtaking and it will hustle along briskly if you know how to wield the beast.
Tighter corners have to be taken cautiously, but it turns easily with the combination of a thick front tyre, narrow back tyre and wide, curved bars. The relaxed riding position is comfortable for about two hours and this solo-seater can be converted for a pillion with an accessory seat and pegs.
VERDICT
Softails demand your respect when riding and your heart when admiring. It all depends on whether you like the retro bobbed look, but the Fat Boy is still a more comfortable option.
Harley-Davidson FLS Softail Slim
Price: $26,995
Warranty: 2 years
Service: 1600/8000km
Engine: 1690cc Twin Cam V-twin, 132Nm
Transmission: 6-speed, belt drive
Body: 2.4m (L), 605mm (Seat), 1.6m (Wheelbase)
Weight: 304.4kg
Fuel: 18.9L tank, 5.6L/100km, 290km range
Tyres: 130/9016, 144/ 90 16 Dunlop
