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

[@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??

[@johnliotta2583]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@Boxer1250RT]

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

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you

[@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 !

[@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 😭

[@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.

[@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.

[@shaheededries1041]

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

[@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.

[@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”.

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!

[@markgiles8527]

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

[@robertcee510]

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

[@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!

[@mychaelpierce8049]

Your reviews are so detailed and professionally done. Thanks!

[@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

[@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

[@remixracing3365]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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

[@CUInMySights]

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

[@fresva8818]

your reviews are simply the best.

[@thomasangelo4219]

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

[@mr.papalaka374]

Nicest Harley in the lineup imo...

[@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

[@RealLifefunny81]

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

[@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.

[@rebel_ltz]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@baddriver3580]

I’ll take mine in Industrial Gray! 👌

[@Gucci48MC]

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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@AnirudhSharma9211]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@MikeKiloNovember]

For some unknown reason, the Slim is more expensive than a Fat Bob 114 in France. It's a shame because I like it the most out of all the 2018 softails, but now that I know it's not supposed to cost this much, it kinda feels like a massive rip off. Thank you Matt.

[@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 !

[@edog92374]

Do you like the street bob or the slim better 2018

[@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 💯🤝

[@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.

[@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

[@ricardobenaventetupper7643]

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

[@stevengodfrey891]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Earclops]

Saw this bike today in person and was pleasantly surprised.

[@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.

[@14timb]

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

[@carlogumin271]

Awesome bike I love Softail Slim...👍

[@petterin1]

Carlo Gumin Exatly!

[@dennism103]

Badass! That's a masterpiece

[@oscarzavala5183]

25:40 you should've closed the gas thingy. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@rsbharley4766]

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

[@MattLaidlaw]

+RSB Harley Thank you! Thanks for watching

[@billbright1755]

I’d tuck the license plate under fender like a mud flap. Looks way cleaner to me. Don’t dig the tapered look of the fork shrouds. Seems like the head pipes bend too sharp at head exits. Seems like a bit bigger rear tire would look better. Overall not to shabby.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JoeRothuizen004]

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

[@glenntracey4127]

Great review as alway's , is there a Harley solo seat that offers good lower back support , sundowner ? , hammock ? etc.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Glenn Tracey Yes, I believe so. I should have included that in the video.

[@glenntracey4127]

Matt Laidlaw oh, I was hoping you could tell me your opinion on which one ?(seat)

[@mopar21]

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

[@helldog134]

Hey Matt I'm going be get motorcycle license soon I want to know if softail be good starter bike.

[@Reviews4fun1]

New rider, 6’1”, 225 pounds. Would you recommend Softail Slim, Fat Bob, or a different bike altogether? I seem to like slightly forward controls for knee comfort. I was looking at the Triumph T100 and Street Scrambler but they seem too short/compact for taller guys and I think their bench seats would kill the lower back and mid controls are hard on the knees so I’m looking at Harleys now.

[@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.

[@octanefreeride]

Hey Matt thanks for the review as requested. I know views are personal but you always seem to be able to stay objective so here's a question. This new 107 Slim over the Slim S 110? In UK the Slim S used models are hovering around the same price as a new 107. I know all the differences so I'm interested in your opinion. Is the 107 so good as to make it a must buy, or are they similar enough to be down to personal choice? I am ready to pull the trigger on a bike at the exact price point for both so it's simply a fact of which one. Test rode the 110 and loved it and it does have features like hydraulic clutch and cruise. However the new frame and engine are obviously improvements. My feeling is I loved the character of the 48 but it was too small for me so I really don't know about a super smooth M8 with no vibration over the 110 which felt alive. Great review as always.Stay safe

[@MattLaidlaw]

+octanefreeride personally I much prefer the new 2018. The new frame and suspension are far superior to the old frame etc. The 107 and the twin cam 110 will run about neck and neck. I do like the “mechanical” feel of a Harley which the old softails have a little more of but that small detail isn’t enough to sway me over the new 2018.

[@octanefreeride]

Matt Laidlaw thanks. Helpful and considered as usual

[@octanefreeride]

Matt Laidlaw hey Matt. I took the plunge. Soon taking delivery of a Softail Slim S in Olive Gold. Thanks for the great videos and comments. Appreciate the advise and views.

[@dustyncollins241]

Hey Matt Great video! I was wondering if you could help me with something.I am looking to buy a 2018 streetbob, but have reservation about the tank size. I'm not really into chrome so the low rider is out the question for me. But would you be able to get this tank and speedometer setup on the street bob and if so what would the price of a modification like that cost? 2k? 3k? Or more? Thanks in advance

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Dustyn Collins yes you could put it on. With labor and everything I’m guessing it would be around 5k. It would be harder than you think. The wiring and everything would be a lot of custom work. It isn’t just a bolt on job.

[@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?

[@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!!

[@paulmorris1150]

Any chance of a 2018 low rider review?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Probably in one week

[@paulmorris1150]

Awesome. I'll be looking forward to that! Thanks Matt.

[@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.

[@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.

[@melvinsmith4232]

Love the softail slim , the power the handle is great . The mods are not having hell finding a set of throw over bags without modifying my exhaust system to 2:1 which means $$$$$$$

[@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

[@CarlRecktenwaldJr]

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

[@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 😂

[@brilwiljeff]

This is the bike for me. Except for the floorboards, I prefer a mid-placement footpeg. The controls I like but I need a footrest further back

[@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.

[@steveimperial7760]

I have a brand new one 2018 its in the shop they said the oil leak is coming out of one of the pistons and into the air filter thats why it smells of oil when i ride it....i wish i could sell it could be an umbrella gasket the kid said,do they have to take the heads off?

[@lewisfirth6502]

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

[@rcatta]

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

[@kenmcindoe6366]

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

[@johnnymossville]

This bike looks fantastic. If my wife didn't like to ride with me so much, this would be the one.

[@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?

[@THEBIGCHULETA]

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

[@bobuccello6481]

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

[@trentgodwin6320]

Thanks! I've been waiting on this review.

[@mark-dietz]

The bobbed rear fenders on so many bikes make them look all the same. Hate em. Great reviews though. Youre the go to guy imo

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you

[@cowboy80ez]

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

[@kfiji]

Hi do you think it's a good beginners bike for someone who has never ridden a motorcycle before and I am going to take my msf motorcycle course soon

[@sportify4849]

I had the old slim 2014. Felt a little sluggish. But if it seems a bit smaller and more agile I will try the M8 slim. I love the looks of it. I am not tall so the smaller Frame might suit me even better ;).

[@soranrix]

how comfy did you think the footboard positions is??? i am a tall guy like you regards Sören

[@bobbyolddude6402]

Would the slim be a good bike for a 57 year old, 6’, 150 lb new rider with under 500 miles riding experience? I currently have the 883 Superlow but am considering upgrading to the slim or low rider.