2020 Harley-Davidson Softtail Slim Road test

Here's my review on the 2020 Harley-Davidson Softtail Slim. Special thanks to Warren Hill at Gator Harley-Davidson in Leesburg Florida, www.gatorharle...
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[@equaliser2265]

Sir, you are the best motorcycle chanel on the tube, you are most professional of them all. You are an inspiration to young and older riders, you instill a sense of calm, collected and safe riding techniques. Thank you.

[@timothydardar4909]

That was my first bike I owned I was a little jittery when I first started riding but bought you videos and riding became fun now I ride a heritage soft tail thanks Jerry for making those videos

[@edbertini9766]

If you have the time one day I would love to see you test ride the softail deluxe. Keep up the great work you do for all of us riders. I know your DVD’s helped me tremendously over the years so thank you.

[@davidozburn1155]

Besides the reviews on the bikes, I like to watch how you ride. Situational awareness. Lane positioning. How you corner. How you woulld set up the bike for your ergonomics (fit) and safety. A lot to learn from your experience. Very much appreciate your videos. I am getting a Slim in the near future for everyday enjoyment.

[@tomphillips8565]

Good job there, Jerry. I also prefer a full rear fender. I like to see your Harley test ride videos. Keep these educational videos coming. They help an interested buyer in knowing how each Harley rides.

[@bundybear3333]

The Slim is the best looking softail out of all of them I think. I own a Sportglide due to the fact I wanted quick release panniers and cruise control, however if I didn't need all that then the new Slim would be in my shed for sure. So nostalgic and simple design. A mobile piece of art.👍🇦🇺😎

[@Jonathan-L]

I've got the twin cam Slim (2015 model with 103). I find the Hollywood bars work well in strapping a 15 litre dry bag / roll bag to the front of the bars above the headlight using Grunt straps from Bunnings and I find that enough capacity for a few days of riding. Furthermore, I've got Nelson Rigg NR-400 saddlebags on my Slim which have enough capacity for 24 cans of beer (I couldn't think of any other unit of measurement to describe the capacity). The narrow tyres make the Slim easy to handle, which makes the bike easy to ride in city traffice. Sadly, the Harley OEM spoked wheels are prone to rusting, and the cost of rectification of a rust outbreak isn't cheap, therefore prevention is better than cure, so it's probably wise to get the spoke clear coated for rust mitigation. The OEM seat is rather uncomfortable and even aftermarket seats aren't good for tall riders. I bought an air cushion on Ebay for $38, which has given me a slightly taller riding position and improves the ride comfort. The Softail Slim is a raw model that pays homage to the messenger bikes of the past. I bought my Slim as a used machine, near new for the same price as a Sportster 1200, so overall a no-regrets investment. Now I just need to sort out the rust on the spokes and I'm back riding again.

[@jcf1057]

I have owned two of the Slims. I loved both. They suit my riding style and they look old school cool. I rode them from Tennessee to New Mexico to Florida. I rode the Dragon on my first one. I finally traded up to the Road King Special but every time I see a Slim, I still want one.

[@joshdeaktor5827]

Your review got me to purchase a 2021 version today. So excited!

[@spencerb8609]

I had a 2018 Slim. This was my first bike and I loved it. it took care of me and handled well. I didn't like getting pushed back in the seat when accelerating. A different seat would have changed that. I traded it for a Low Rider S. No regrets, but I do miss it sometimes.

[@ashtonsimms2181]

That was great. I’m looking at getting my first bike and am really digging the softail slim. Haven’t test ridden one yet but I am liking what I’m seeing.

[@richardb2673]

The Bob Ross of riding Motorcycles ;) greetings from Germany. I ride a softail Low Rider 2020. I Like your Videos! Learned a lot. So big Thanks and good Ride.

[@robbyclark6915]

Great, great styling to that bike! Timeless look! Seen one done in army green with a big white star on the tank and it looks just like it came out of WWll. It’s a beauty!

[@JT-cloverbottomt]

Motorman, I had a Slim 2018 model and they are great bikes. HD is still putting that crap seat on them too. I bought mine and couldn’t get a seat to replace it because nobody made a replacement yet. They will definitely move. I probably should have kept mine instead of trading it for my limited. Great video! MLLHR!

[@slayer04031974]

Man I miss my 21' slim 😢 I hope Harley Davidson brings this back and addresses the dipstick flaws. I hope a Slim ST some day. 🙏

[@brianjeanlouis1443]

I have a 2012 Softail Slim runs very very well easy to handle I like the info that you sent us on the test ride I would like to see more I love my bike as the bike of my dreams

[@simongilbert2704]

this is my favorite video , best looking bike , best cruise around , am watching again ;

[@motorman857]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@witchdoc5075]

Got a slim in October last year. I LOVE this thing!

[@shotgunnar2586]

My softail has smoked windshield from Memphis Shades. Looks good and works amazing.

[@Slave2ink1]

Love my slim first motorcycle and I enjoy your videos and awareness always on point.

[@motorman857]

Glad you like them!

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Great video and great scenery love the slim. I own a 2016 Slim S. My first new Harley Davison no regrets love it! I added a 4 1/2 pullback risers and a H-D windshield made the bike way more enjoyable. And with the 110se plenty of power for me.. lol I also added air ride suspension which gives me a inch more of clearance no scrapes here. This is a really fun to bike ride. A month ago I went to Yuma Arizona and back to Riverside Ca in one day A little over 500 miles. No problems easy & fun ride! I could’ve went on a longer trip on my FLSS for sure thanks to mustang seat with the back rest & my Soft air ride suspension. Ride safe Motorman and please keep those videos coming since I’m no longer working due to the coronavirus. Got all the Time in the world to see KZbin videos. #California #StayHome #Restaurant #Bartend #Bored

[@gmoney1592]

Good ride and review. I agree that this has that nostalgic look. In my opinion it really makes the bike . Looks like a pretty Comfortable ride .If this were my bike I would definitely customize it starting with a better exhaust.

[@hexhead5732]

The soft tail slim is my dream bike someday I will have one really nice looking bike

[@HepcatHarley]

That's the one I've got but with the 103. I call the stock seat the 50 miler 'cos by 50 miles you wanna get off :)

[@ad78]

got my 2020 Slim yesterday. this time im not going to change the muffler. sound is very nice and deep rumbling on it

[@Strike_Three]

This bike becomes the perfect all day cruiser once you slap on a mustang solo seat with a rider backrest, and Highway bars with pegs. It’s like riding in your favorite recliner. You’ll definitely scrape the boards on this bike if you’ve practiced the ride like a pro instruction videos. That’s only because the instruction is outstanding and you eventually will not fear leaning the bike

[@paulhealey8221]

Nice vid motorman, I always liked the slim, a good handing bike and with some pull backs, better seat, sissy bar for a day pack this is a very good practical choice for all around riding. I have gotten away from my big heavy road machine and enjoy the softail lineup much more especially my Lowrider. Good to see that dead wire test ride is behind you...You where starting to worry me! Maybe Harley can retool the dead wire facility like ford and GM are currently doing and start making electric wheelchairs and other medical equipment for the pandemic we are going through. I hear Ford is actually using F 150 parts for.ventilators, but then again, riding motorcycles are the ultimate ventilators in my opinion. It’s a shame they are shutting down instead of being innovative like other manufacturers.

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Thank you Jerry for the video.

[@Leon412-c5w]

this color is gorgeous buddy.

[@m_m_m_beer8917]

Thanks for the review. Love the Slim.

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

I like the big brother the Deluxe. Have you ever done a video ride on that Jerry

[@brickbrebee]

I have the 2019 slim, once I put the saddlemen ls step up seat problem solved. whole new bike after that

[@surfshack2]

Great color! What is it?

[@koufax3739]

That paint is beautiful

[@TurnipGreen]

Thanks. This is the one I want!

[@Gucci48MC]

Nice ride. I just picked up my first Harley Davidson;)) enough of crotch rockets, I'm 47 lol I loved the denim black and had to go with the 2020. It looks awesome:)) my first time on it ...I had the biggest smile on my face! That torque! I thought they're underpowered, coming from sport bikes. I'll never go back;))

[@bryanbailey2874]

Like the reviews a lot. Also have one question I remember you run 40 psi in the front tire on your big bikes are you doing the same on your low rider s ?

[@bigalexk466]

There are ratings for every bike when it comes to recommended psi for your tires. Usually there is a sticker on the frame of your bike that has the recommended psi rating for your tires. So it may vary depending on your model and tire/rim size.

[@bryanbailey2874]

Alexander thank you for your response. I am asking about his low rider s because I have one and would like the option of a professional on weather to stay with the factory psi or change it a little. But again thank you

[@motorman857]

@@bryanbailey2874 36 lbs in the Low Rider S seems to work fine.

[@jonnycando]

Bryan Bailey ....for you it might come down to feel...if the factory says 40 you won’t go wrong but 36 is not at all too low, and if you like the ride and handling....use it!

[@samsacre4304]

Hey motorman Really enjoyed these new bike reviews! One question I noticed at speed you favor the left side of the lane but when On coming car comes you’re ride the middle or head right are you always leaving yourself a way out! It seems like those cars crowd the center lane?? When they’re looking up from their cell phones !! I am always looking out for the other guy!

[@splodge57]

Love that bike, just change the seat.....and the color. This or the Low Rider S? Great review, thank you.

[@jonnycando]

Bunnyshooter 223 buy what you can afford and MAKE what you want!

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Motorman.

[@anthonychighizola7142]

Me and my wife were a new riders beginner riders took the class but we don't know anything about buying a Harley All the numbers that we keep looking at they're crazy they trying to sell me a 2014 heritage for $17,000 could you tell me what to look for and what to look out for please I love all your videos and we have bought your USB

[@HDR20]

I like the slim better on the old frame with the 110

[@xw8462]

why? i want to know. more coz I m gonna buy slim soon. thx

[@stanyuhas2060]

Jerry, was wondering how you like the floorboards on this bike? I have the Low rider and was thinking of floorboards on my bike. Have been riding baggers for 25 years and like floorboards. Thanks, Stan

[@AudioArcturia]

I rode this last week, and honestly hated the floorboards. Maybe i'm just spoiled from using harley's pegs on the roadster. But I constantly found myself struggling to find where to place my feet for easy access to the shifter lever, since it's not heel-toe. I dunno... preference anyway.

[@stanyuhas2060]

@@AudioArcturia Thanks for your input. Something to think about.

[@motorman857]

I liked the floorboards. I didn't have to struggle to find a place to access the shifter as the boards put my foot right where it needed to be and the lack of the heel shifter gave me lots of move around space.

[@stanyuhas2060]

@@motorman857 Thanks, better try before I buy

[@gautamverma6361]

@@motorman857 Can the floorboards be swapped for mid control pegs, same as Street Bob? Thanks for the video

[@davidefland1985]

I love that slim beautiful bike

[@gwynnromano5881]

I agree about the rear fender but $16K is a great price for this bike.

[@gerardotrevino287]

hi i love this bike...i have a 2019 soft tail slim .......but a lot of failures !! , to bad quality !!..so i decided to go to BMW 1250GS....Harley Davidson broke my heart....

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

How does the weight of this bike feel compared to the 750 you tested yesterday

[@motorman857]

It's 100 lbs heavier.

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino I didn’t mean how many pounds heavier is it. I was asking how does it carry the weight. e. g. The street 750 feels lighter than 500 lbs. How does the Slim “feel” compared to the 750 when going slow and/or coming to a stop. The wife has ridden a Street 750 for a couple of years and she handles it well. She wants to move up but I would rather move to a soft tail than a sportster. Concerned the soft tail might be too much of a weight jump.

[@motorman857]

@@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned If your wife knows the 3 techniques I teach and how to use those techniques, no bike would be too heavy for her. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHWWp6mXebOCqqs To find out if she's ready to move to a bigger bike, get my Ride Like a Pro video. If she can run thru all the exercises easily, she can get any bike she wants. ridelikeapro.com If she can't perform those exercises on her 750, the last thing she needs is a bike that's 100 lbs heavier as the extra weight will only amplify her lack of skills. Where the bike carry's it's weight means nothing. It's all technique. Anyone can ride any bike straight down the road and make big 3 acre turns. The problem arises when something gets in the way and a quick maneuver is needed. Without technique, a rider is in big trouble when that happens.

[@Wizy_Wizy]

Nice review thanks 🙏

[@motorman857]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonylinardi3089]

Slim is an Awesome bike!! you have to ride one to appreciate it!

[@brianjeanlouis1443]

Very good information

[@vlag3]

Question, comparing the Slim to the Sport Glide, wouldn't you kinda get the same bike with the Softail Slim? I know it doesn't come with bags, passenger pegs and cruise control. But, at $2600 cheaper in price, you can add all of that to the Slim with better seat, too, and comes close to the same $18600 price as the Sport Glide. So... after all of that, which one could be the better bike to select? In regards to handling and looks? I'm really torn between this two awesome machines.

[@brianblair7852]

Yep change the seat, bars, and finder most definitely and it would look B E A UTIFUL BIKE

[@metcruza5536]

Good review. I owned an M8 slim for 3 months and sold it to grab a Deluxe. Hated the slim cause it was too heavy to me. Of all the HDs I owned this one I hated the most but liked the looks Night & day between slim & deluxe. Just my opinion.

[@xw8462]

isnt deluxe heavier?

[@metcruza5536]

@@xw8462 Yeah bro it is but imho way more balanced and lower centre of gravity. That's not fuckin like official bro but like how I see it. Had a heap of HDs over the years man but for me this is the fuckin bomb dude. Ride Safe Man

[@danadiggins793]

Jerry, Did you like the Slim more than your LRS?

[@motorman857]

I liked the LowRider S a bit better, that's why I bought it.

[@14theroad1955]

Good looking motorcycle, it would look even better in black...Good review Motorman...

[@whoispriest]

I have the 2001 heritage softail custom, my first HD, maybe my last. Who knows if i win a lottery maybe i will get a roadglide, or find somebody who has one who is amazing and rich wouldnt care if i offered 2k instead of 20k

[@equaliser2265]

Are the bikes mechanically reliable for long distances. I know every make has its problems, but overall what do you think. Thank you Sir.

[@jonnycando]

Equaliser they are the most reliable now than they ever been, and I have a 1989 FLTCU that has 73000 miles....never rebuilt and runs fine, a new bike well that would be even better.

[@spacebear49]

Is the Softtail Slim basically the same bike as the Sport Glide without the fairing and bags? Two bikes I really wish they hadn't discontinued. Kinda like a Fat Boy on a diet!

[@motorman857]

They are very similar.

[@fredgrebner526]

First thing I did to the ‘21 Slim was change the seat.

[@crspcritter]

My fav ; 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👌

[@mrmoody5260]

That is a 2019 Softail Slim. 2020 models don't have the "Rugged Gold Denim" as a colour option. 2020 has only 4 colours. 2 types of black, grey and then red. But I love the colour of that one.

[@tonylinardi3089]

Feeling sad Just sold my 2012 Slim!

[@badboybootz8]

Everytime i go up there, they have no softail slims

[@westcoast3595]

Solo. The only way to go. The only thing I don’t like is the rear fender. FL fender would be good.

[@simplybiking]

Love your stuff Jerry! I love these bikes so much, I went and bought one! 😆. I have a channel where my slim is the primary subject matter, if anyone wants to come check out Big Red Betsy (my slim). Thanks Jerry! I love people like you and MC rider, that help educate rider on safety and riding skills! I absolutely love my slim!! 🙏

[@motorman857]

Thanks, appreciate it. I subscribed to your channel.

[@simplybiking]

Ride Like a Pro Jerry Palladino Awesome!! 👏👏👏

[@lancheable]

already subscribed pal

[@Kcducttaper1]

Wow. $16k base price for a bike with no bags, no rear seat, no windshield, no cruise control, hard seat, and no heal-toe shifter!

[@THELANKANCOMRADE]

Kcducttaper1 guess that’s the price to pay for motorcycles made in America.

[@Kcducttaper1]

@@THELANKANCOMRADE I ain't paying that! I'd snag me a nice used number for easily under $10k or even $5k.

[@kcav5374]

Okay Jerry, it only weighs 550 !

[@Kaegis]

Sounds like a cross between a Suzuki Boulevard and George Jetsons flying car. Haha.

[@michaellejos8038]

Is It worth 17k though?? If you go thru their finance Dept., It actually becomes over 20k before you can say you own it... And that mainly is what the problem with Harley and young hard working adults...no cash no go!!

[@17ultralimited69]

Don’t care for the single disk up front

[@philippebleau4809]

It seems you did not have to lean much before we hear this bike scraping.

[@motorman857]

28 degrees. That's good for this type of bike.

[@paultremblay2087]

It's a 2019.. not a 2020.

[@scottyoung4583]

RsPM

[@saddle8bag]

I find the 107s in the Softies are lurchy. I suppose newbies find that kinda thing thrilling, but I'm not real fond a hitting a bump and jostling the throttle just enough that it snaps my neck and tries to go on without me. Oddly, I find the 114s are better fueled at the small throttle openings and less lurchy. The 107 in my Road King is about perfect, but it's gotta move an extra couple hundred pounds too. I really like the looks of this one, but the slammed shock and rock seat gotta go. The Heritage provides a hugely superior ride.

[@motorman857]

I'm not sure what ''lurchy'' means. None of the 107's I've ridden had a problem with the throttle. Maybe the one you rode had a loose nut behind the handlebars. Get it? ''Loose nut behind the handlebars? Bwahha i kill me.

[@saddle8bag]

@@motorman857 I explained it in the next sentence. Ye'all prolly have better roads in Floriduh.

[@motorman857]

@@saddle8bag I'd still tighten that nut up a bit. Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[@terryloftis8421]

I have a 2019 Limited and I feel that 1st gear is to fast. Makes you over use the clutch wearing out parts quicker. imo

[@terryloftis8421]

@Bunnyshooter 223 yeah it does a little better when its warmed up but still seems to fast to me. I'm 57 and have road my whole life and I've never had to feather the clutch to turn tight circles, even on older model Harleys. I was raised that you should be able to walk or slight jog beside your bike at idle in 1st gear.

[@missingremote4388]

Add a couple teeth to the rear tire's sprocket

[@terryloftis8421]

@@missingremote4388 duh, I'm an idiot. Idk why I didnt think of that. Lol! I was so caught up in why is first gear so fast on this new bike I didnt think of the remedy. Thank you! You've help me in more ways than one! missingremote

[@bozhidar-petrov]

Today I saw exactly the same motor with the same color, so I m familiar with cruiser bikes and I knew it was slim but I m pretty sure all other people wonder what is this bike. "Is it harley davidson or kawasaki or yamaha", "Ohhhhh, haarley, but what model is this". Yeep they all wonder but not me coz I know what I dont like and I dont like it. Wide glide legacy is in Breakout, super glide is in low rider but I dont like it too. Breakout, fxdr 114, fat bob, glide touring models eeexcept the fckin ugly road are the best

[@JLH1956]

Softail slim? What the hell happened to my softail custom? Mine is 2009, and it has the chopper slim front tire and forks. No bags. This looks like a fat boy. Edit, that's an ugly bike.