2018 Harley-Davidson Slim (FLSL) │Review and Test Ride

Detailed review and test ride of the 2018 Softail Slim. Get info you need to make the best choice if you're looking to buy a new Harley-Davidson. Test Ride a walk-around by Matt Laidlaw
www.laidlawsharley.com
Music from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)

[@MattLaidlaw]

Hey Guys thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I always try to answer all comments and questions but sometimes that's impossible. Please checkout my Patreon Page to Support my Harley-Davidson content Creation and become part of that community where I can answer all questions. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@raymondwandell8880]

Matt Laidlaw can 4.5 "rear shock be put on slim. Can mid controls be put on fatbob, 2018s. Thanks.

[@mobilesecure]

Hey! Great review!! How tall are you?

[@ronmetcalf1972]

It's not "...scrape the boards on accident." Proper English, which is something I would think narrators like yourself would be concerned with, would be "by accident."

[@steveimperial7760]

What a piece of shit these bikes are look at my commet.jack ass.

[@ajvass96]

Is the FLSL a good beginner bike??

[@kennethwise7108]

MATT LAIDLAW FOR CEO OF HARLEY DAVIDSON!!

[@kennethwise7108]

@P. Taylor I totally agree hence my desire for him to move on up into the "Big Leagues" and consider a larger role in the Motor Company. Sadly I don't think he's willing to do that though as his family's dealership obviously must come first and I get it. I feel that he's highly qualified for the position as he takes great pride in the product and the name brand. He has been known to speak his mind a few times and shed criticism on the Mo-co issues which i find AWESOME! He always has the people's best interests in mind. He wouldn't push electric scooters and electric bicycles into the masses and waste precious dollars on crap like that.

[@gorilla9519]

You tube knows He's a cry baby now 😭

[@Boxer1250RT]

No one reviews bikes like you do! Great consistent work!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you

[@slyguyaction]

Best Harley Davidson reviewer hands down. #legit

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Ryan's V-Twin Vlogs Thanks 👍🏻

[@RobertB56]

Absolutely

[@cnharris28]

@@MattLaidlaw how would u compare to the v rod. I wanted one of them but I didn't get to ride a v rod. So I ended up picking up soft tail slim today.

[@Trucker_Jon]

Truth fact

[@robertcee510]

This is the best Harley review I have ever watched--very concise and thorough--appreciate it. Thank you, Matt.

[@michaelgoodman5247]

This is the best motorcycle review I have ever seen...I put down a deposit yesterday and going to get mine on Saturday!! If I was still in LA (FL now)...I would give this dealer my business based solely on their detailed review(s). Wow.

[@kbjag6912]

I'm with the guy below, I left the state's a long time ago and you simply don't have the same demo options available to you. Matt's reviews are the best I've seen. Period. clear high quality videos, competent, intelligent, thorough, Etc etc, I just can't thank you enough for highlighting things such as suspension options, comparisions betweem models,items that will fit across the range, so much stuff you wonder about , Matt just leaves nothing out. You Rock buddy. Thanks Heaps !

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Your reviews are so detailed and professionally done. Thanks!

[@mistergoats]

Right on, Matt, thank you for this. I'm picking mine up on Thursday. I tested the Street Bob first, it was okay, then I tested this one and this is exactly the bike I've been looking for. Your review was excellent, thanks again.

[@johnliotta2583]

I am 5' 9" and have a 2015 slim. Love it softail is a great platform. Good job matt.

[@shaheededries1041]

Just bought a low mileage 2018 Softail Slim. Your videos are great. Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa

[@CUInMySights]

Another great informative, insightful and honest review of the 2018's. Particularly love the accessories segment. Ride on Matt thanks.

[@justinpochvatilla6830]

Coming from Rommel H-D in Smyrna, DE. Love this channel and your honestly helping me choose my next bike after coming of my 06 fx Springer. Keep killing it Matt

[@fresva8818]

your reviews are simply the best.

[@jazza7982]

Thanks for the review this is 1 of 3 Harley's that I'm thinking of getting so it was great to finally see a great detail review about it

[@alchandler4920]

Great job Matt. Enjoy your test rides/ review and commentaries as always. One thing I’d like is to hear the sound of the bike for at least a minute without commentaries, sound of the exhaust changes with your throttle and gear shifting. Take care.

[@twolaneblacktop8034]

Love the blacked out theme, looks like it would be a perfect platform for customizing. Have to say this is one model I may have overlooked, diggin this one. Thanks Matt

[@peterhickey5889]

I love your reviews Matt. Despite the fact you are a HD dealer you give an honest opinion. If you don't like something you say so. The 2018 models are now arriving here in Australia.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you sir. I try to list the Pros and Cons in my eyes

[@Daniel010601]

Can’t wrap my head around between this beautiful machine and the Indian scout bobber which is also a beautiful piece of machinery...Probably water cooled engine vs air cooled would make the call ... Both are just astounding bikes... Great review !

[@roddyhankins2668]

Very good review just brought one here in the uk two weeks ago just waiting for the floods to dissaper and the rain to stop here on the wales borders .real good indepth review .do enjoy your videos thanks matt

[@christophermejia7746]

Love the look of this bike!! I’m not quite sure what i want to be my first Harley but the slim just went into my list of possibilities!! Thanks Matt for the good reviews!! I’m in Rosemead!! I want to go to the demo days!!

[@remussantaclarita]

Love it! Best looking Harley in my opinion ;) loved the brass one you had in the show room. Just stopped by yesterday to see it. Spoke with your brother. Real nice guy! About time a rewiew on the Slim! Looks even better live. Ape hangers, Rinehart or V&H slip on's, comfier sit, and you are golden! In Love! Awesome review!

[@fabienponchard2220]

Thank very much for the very high quality of your reviews.

[@93ghost]

Hello from Europe, I think I will go for that beautiful slim. Great and instructive videos Matt. Thank you.

[@rebel_ltz]

Very quality video, thank you! This is the bike I'm upgrading to from my Iron when the time (money...) comes.

[@RealLifefunny81]

I fell in love with this bike...hoping to be able to afford one someday...

[@TheRider_1229]

Hey Matt good to see you again. Great video and review as always. By the way, fiend of friend purchased over the weekend same color as showing and he is very happy with the bike. Awesome 👍🏼

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Don Quixote cool. Thanks for the comment.

[@MotoChili]

Hi Matt, I went to my first Harley demo day a couple weeks ago and this bike was easily one of my favorites. The only one I still need to ride is the new Low Rider, which for some reason was excluded. I normally ride the Street 750 so these new bikes were a blast to try out. Appreciate all your reviews!

[@adolfonovelli3320]

Nice video and good overall authentic comments. Job well done.

[@saddle8bag]

Definitely needs a taller seat. I have a whopping 29" inseam and my knees were riding above my hips on this one. I rode this one with a Fatbob. The Fatbob's riding position was great. Might have been the adjustment, but the Fatbob's suspension felt perfect. This one was kinda harsh. I do like the handlebars on this one. The Fatbob is the shizz.

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

Another great video. I like this style of bike to Bob around town. However I did just buy a 18 Deluxe. I’m so stoked!!

[@thomasangelo4219]

I'm thinking about the slim for a second bike great video take care Matt keep them coming thank you

[@MrBlack1272]

Clean bike! I almost like it as much as the Heritage but, I like the Street Bob the most. Can't wait til I'm able to upgrade!

[@pistonrocker7123]

I bought a new '18 SGS vivid black' because of your review of your stormtrooper, this review made me order a new Slim on my way to Europe due August 27. Maybe I'll see you Sturgis '22 Thx for your great vids Matt 💯🤝

[@markgiles8527]

This is my favourite Harley Davidson. Colour is Killer though the red looks great too.

[@ricardobenaventetupper7643]

This is the bike that i owned, I love it, imposible to change it, regards from Chile, thanks for the video

[@rsbharley4766]

Thanks for another great honest review Matt, keep up the great work. Cheers

[@MattLaidlaw]

+RSB Harley Thank you! Thanks for watching

[@thejerseyj1636]

The paint !!! Wow what a finish. A slim is in my near future, (couple of weeks) and I can't wait to run an old fashioned cloth diaper over that tank !

[@eddybabe7963]

great review, everything you'll ever need to know. thanks for posting

[@leveneziadvm]

Mustang makes a great seat for this bike. I have a 2020 Slim and added the 83049 seat with backrest. Fits me great. I'm 6' 1" and bike fits me perfectly. What a great ride at 75-80 mph. Hang on with the 107 but the 83049 seat keeps you planted

[@stevengodfrey891]

Just bought a 2021 Slim in Billiard Red. Awesome colour. Having V&H Eliminator slip ons fitted as we speak.

[@trentgodwin6320]

Thanks! I've been waiting on this review.

[@lenmatthies9626]

I have a 2017 I traded my Triumph Bobber in on in August. I absolutely love it. I’m 5’7” and I have no problems with the seat or the boards. I get a lot of comments about a “nice hog”.

[@steveimperial7760]

Good review dude,and clear speaking voice.

[@48retrop]

There are a butt load of KZbin videos out there with Harley Davidson as the subject. There a lot of videos out there being generated by salesman at various Harley Dealerships trying to generate viewer interest and drive potential customers their way. And then there is Matt Laidlaw. This guy is the KING of all KZbin Harley videos when it comes time to do specific bike reviews or walk arounds. Nobody else even comes close to this dude. He reviews all of the bikes in the Harley stable, not just one or two. If you want information you can trust, look to Matt. I actually look forward to his new videos. He spends so much time doing these detailed videos that I don't know how he has time to do anything else. I don't know for sure what his title is at Laidlaw's but I am thinking he may be the sales manager. I am about 1600 miles from LA but if I am ever close to their location I would like to meet this guy in the flesh. He makes everyone else who is doing Harley videos look like amateurs.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+48retrop This comment made my day. Thank you very much. Im humbled. Please stop by some day. Just not Sunday or Monday (closed). I wish you the best. Happy riding.

[@fredman1085]

What sets Matt apart is he actually rides and comments honestly about the bikes. He doesn't just walk around a show room bike and list off the HD specs.

[@Earclops]

Saw this bike today in person and was pleasantly surprised.

[@kenmcindoe6366]

Very good video! I loved the test drive with voice. Your a lucky beggar Mr.

[@madfzr]

25:38 gas cap open on the crv lol. Great review as always matt. Im thinking about pulling the trigger on a '18 flsl . I saw a guy in phoenix, az rocking a laidlaw tshirt

[@remixracing3365]

Not a lot of reviews I see are this unbiased and just telling you the truth

[@AnirudhSharma9211]

All reviews should be as thorough and informative as this one!

[@mas3292]

Great Job Matt. A nice stripped down Blvd.cruiser type bike at a fair price. Love the Harley Vivid Black on this bike with the black powder coated components and lace wheels. The LED headlight is a nice standard feature and would love to see ABS brakes become standard on all new Harley's. Great video as always Matt. thank you.

[@collincratty8777]

Hey Matt, I love the look of the Slim! Haven’t got to ride one yet. I drove the FatBoy last wknd and fell in love. 😍

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Collin Cratty nice man.

[@andresalaskeno2710]

Suscribed! Great job! BEST reviews on HD!

[@Doubledge]

Great video. Love all the great information you give.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Doubledge007 thanks for watching

[@lukefaulkner4853]

I was favouring the Street Bob there for a while, because I think it would ride a little more lively, but after seeing a denim black slim in my local dealer and watching your review, I think I love the Slim too much.

[@colinarchibald1903]

Great coverage for the bike Archie from Western Australia

[@rcatta]

Great review. Definitely interested in this bike - It may finally be time to trade in my faithful 18 year old Sporty .

[@gunner9010]

That lane splitting was making me nervous! haha It's hard for me to decide which softail is my favorite. Great videos!

[@emidyl24]

great review as always Matt, thx

[@2hotFL]

Only thing I would do is lower it in the back to make the fender ride closer to the tire. Man it looks great in black. Exellent review as always.

[@cowboy80ez]

That was some really good info on this bike thanks it may even be my next bike to get.

[@darkoflight4938]

Yes sir! Well done, as usual! This is one of my favorite bikes along with The Heritage and The Road King Sp. This bike in vivid or Denim Black or why not in white, brass kit pieces here and there, passing lights (if possible), maybe a freight-train nacelle (if possible ) and an occasional wind screen and bags for highway/touring use makes me drool. But then again the above mentioned bikes might give me the satisfaction at once ;) Too bad that they didn´t include the "revolver knob" (yeah, my idea. It really reassembles a revolver cylinder) for the suspension adjustment in all the softtails for ease of use.. Keep ´m coming sir!

[@baddriver3580]

I’ll take mine in Industrial Gray! 👌

[@jiripastrnak1936]

Great reviews 😉 bought same exact bike... 2018 shiny black slim with 1580 miles on it as my first bike 3 months ago. finally starting riding at 40yo... love my slim😌. the power is Insane for new rider . Especially first 3 gears. Loved the exhaust look but hated the sewing machine sound from it so 350$ slip ons fixed that. also have mustang seat with back rest coming to keep my ass on the bike with all that torque 😂

[@lewisfirth6502]

Love this Slim, very tastefully blacked, I'll probably buy one.

[@davidskaggs9914]

Thanks for the review just bought a 2019 slim here in South Texas 😎 I'm 5'8" 190 and it fits me perfect. Moved up from the 1200 Sportster

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice upgrade. Enjoy the bike

[@14timb]

Hey Matt, love your reviews. I'm just wondering is cruise control an option on this bike or can it be fitted? Thanks.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Hey Matt. I agree about the seat. I'm 5'4" and Tried a 18 Slim. My problem was, I kept sliding back on the seat. And had to keep pulling myself forward when I went to Stop or Shift. The 107 has good power. The Handlebar is a little wide. Was able to lay down on the gas tank and Throttle it. Like a sport bike. Didn't care much for the Floor Boards and Forward controls.

[@dennism103]

Badass! That's a masterpiece

[@garysmith9918]

Thanks Matt.......great review (per usual)......just bought my (30th) HD...2018 HD Street Glide!......love it...great motor/etc....I'm certainly glad the a lot of the BS negative comments have started to move on to another subject(we hope) ! :-)

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Gary Smith 30th!? Wow, nice man. Enjoy. I’ll be joining you soon on that bike.

[@mopar21]

Love this bike, needs a 114. The one bike that came out ahead with the redesign.

[@JDrizzle26]

Love your reviews, best on YT. Are front fairings availed for this particular model (street bob look)? And I’m a fan of the 14” T bars, would you recommend putting those on? Or would it affect the handling too much? I apologize in advance if I sound like a dork🤣, I’m an off-road guy looking to switch it up.

[@mr.papalaka374]

Nicest Harley in the lineup imo...

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Thanks Matt..👍🏻 That’s the first 2018 Black Slim I see Wow looks sweet. I like it. But I 🖤 my 2016 FLSS even though it sound like it’s a Dinosaur now!! Lol I can’t wait to test drive the new Slim & a Street Glide. Thanks again and keep those videos coming.. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Fili LOBO Esparza The Slim S is a great bike man enjoy it.

[@69DaveClark]

Hey Matt, Thank you very much for such a great and objective review. I almost purchased the 2017 Softail Slim S but after considering your review I purchased the 2018 vivid black model instead. I added the hammock seat and crash bar and will be adding the alarm and pager after I get it home. The dealer didn't have my color in stock so I am awaiting delivery as well as the new riding season. (Still shitty weather up her in Canada). Very excited.

[@TBONESIDEOFLIFE]

nice review matt and very much liking this bike. all thumbs up for this and hope to see some add-ons for this as well. take care matt and be safe out there! PEACE!!✌✌✌😎👍👍👍

[@rayf7071]

Hi Matt good reviews just wondering can the 107 slim can be turned into a 114 with a stage 3? How would traction be like would it be very touchy on the throttle? Cheers bud. Ray from Australia.

[@carlogumin271]

Awesome bike I love Softail Slim...👍

[@petterin1]

Carlo Gumin Exatly!

[@jeffreyengle2762]

I just think it’s real funny watching you ride these real small bikes😂

[@MattLaidlaw]

Glad I could entertain you. 👍🏻

[@simongilbert2704]

another spot on honest review ==== even though you own the place ,, many thanks .

[@simonedupont1792]

Great review , I just bought the 2019 today…..

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice man. Enjoy👍🏻

[@feefee3415]

Hi Simone, are you happy with yours? I've sold my sports bike and looking at Harleys. I'm keen to hear what your thoughts are on the 2019 model. Cheers Fee

[@OlyMar83]

I test rode this bike and it’s the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. The Hollywood bars are awesome. But when I ready to buy this but they had none for me buy lol I ended signing for an Indian scout bobber the same day.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I guess when you get Antsy you’ll take anything.

[@BlackbirdSSR]

I think the Softtail Slim has the best Speedo/instrument cluster in Harley's line-up! Sooooo much better that that tiny digital gauge on the Street Bob.

[@Yojoey100]

Awesome reviews man ! Definitely helps me a lot. Now maybe this is a stupid question. But me personaly would buy this bike and change the handlebars for the fat ape handlebar kit. I like the looks of tho’s bars a lot better. But wich bike is most used with these Ape handlebars ? Thank you again for these awesome honest review video’s

[@CarlRecktenwaldJr]

I like the mix or black and chrome. It’s a good combo.

[@doktora211]

Hi Matt, love the way this bike looks, great review too. Is it possible to have the longer travel rear shock installed on the Slim? Thanks in advance.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes. I believe it possible.

[@vstm3950]

great review. sounds honest

[@stevecrozet306]

Thanks Matt. Great objective review. I am 6'3" and now concerned this bike is not my fit. But I love the styling. Anything i can do to improve the fit?

[@Daniel010601]

Just curious...Did you buy it ? How about the fit ?

[@stevecrozet306]

@@Daniel010601 no i did not buy it. yet. maybe one day soon Thanks

[@bobuccello6481]

I'm interested in what you think about the Heritage for casual touring, vs the larger tourers. In your review of the Heritage.

[@nemosis100]

Hey Matt, I know this is an old video but was wondering since I am looking to get a later version of this bike if they were coming out with the Slim S version. I am not seeing them on the Harley site as of now.

[@AbbadonXII]

Hey Matt, was seriously looking into this one. 6'3" more legs than torso, do you think a tallboy seat, pulling controls out slightly and maybe adjusting bars will be comfortable? Or is this bike strictly non tall friendly?

[@THEBIGCHULETA]

in love with the bike, only thing I'd do different is put on true dual exhaust.

[@donbraham411]

Sweet bike, good video 👍

[@davidgenoway8889]

I typically avoid dealer reviews because of the obvious bias towards the bikes, but this is really good. I really, really like the bike has a better lean angle. I do have a question...I understand the army green is not offered anymore due to the Slim S is discontinued, but if I wanted the scheme painted, would Harley Davidson be able to paint it? Or would I need to go to a custom painter?

[@dipack999]

Hi Matt just got my 2019 softail slim. Dipack from London England. Cheers 🥃🥃

[@MattLaidlaw]

Congrats man. Enjoy the new ride.

[@dipack999]

Hi Matt would you recommend Fat chizeled Z Handlebars 12inches. In fact I am looking for comfort. Your thoughts on it. Thanks

[@whiterabbitt2002]

Question. I am trying to decide between the 2018 Low RIder and the 2018 Slim. Have ridden the Low Rider last week. Will try out the Slim soon. In your opinion is there any real difference between the two in handling and such ? I looked at the specs for both and other than the difference of the trail (5.8 Slim 6.4 Low Rider) and tire size they seem to have the same dimensions (?). One thing I kinda of like is the fatter tire on the front of the Slim in that it would seem to handle those pesky lane grooves on highways/Interstates better. Ok, maybe that is kinda of a silly observation (lane grooves) but I have had problems with contol of my MG V7II and HD 1200T at high speeds when dealing with them. *I currently own a 2016 MG V7II and a 2015 HD Super Low 1200T. Love both of those bikes for what they are. just saying

[@bobstone8599]

Hey Matt, Great Video! Do you have a Solo seat that you would recommend for this bike. I'm 6' Tall. The Stock seat is painful. THANKS!

[@EricSecretdecuisine]

Top bike thank you so much !!

[@bobuccello6481]

Matt do you know if you can put the Slim floorboards and foot controls on a lowrider ? I sat on a lowrider and and the slim. You have more legroom on the slim, as the controls are a little further forward.

[@1275porsche]

Excellent review, does the 2018 Street Bob handle better than the 2018 Slim ?