VIDEO: The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S is an Unexpected Thrill
Cruiser motorcycles aren’t built for the sports car enthusiast. Why? They’re not sporty. They’re big and heavy, the footpegs or running boards will scrape in regular-speed turns, they’re simply not meant to go fast, and if you do go fast on them, you’re more inclined to being chilled than thrilled.
So how could you, dear 6Speeder, be enticed by a cruiser like the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S? Quite easily by its quality, really. This motorbike is a quality product that does a fantastic job of taking it easy on the roads. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about getting something with two wheels. Perhaps you’re one who leaves the speeding to your Porsche 911, and you want to take it slow on something that exposes you more to the open road. If that’s the case, then this bike’s for you.
If you’re the type who would try to take a BMW S 1000 RR or a Kawasaki Ninja H2 R up past 160 every chance you could get, then this bike is definitely for you. You can still have that two-wheeled experience without worrying about getting carried away by the temptation of a sport bike.
The Softail Slim S pleases you in other ways with its unforgettable styling, the gentle rumble of its 110-cubic-inch V-twin, and its class-leading ride comfort.
Being a big, vintage-themed cruiser, it is a heavy motorcycle weighing in at 712 pounds, but this beast is hunkered down, so it’s really easy to maneuver in parking lots or in crowded streets.
Now, because I feel like I have a modicum of restraint on faster motorcycles, I don’t think I’m the target customer for something this big and relaxed — a mid-powered naked bike is still my preferred two-wheeled persuasion. My preferences notwithstanding, the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S is the best bike I’ve tested in the past year, and chances are this is the best cruiser you can buy today.