Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Harley-davidson Nightster
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Harley-davidson Nightster. Harley-davidson Softail Slim: 94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated) hp, 303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Nightster: 89 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 220 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Harley-davidson Softail Slim
Harley-davidson Nightster
Horsepower (hp)
94 hp
89 hp
Torque (Nm)
145 Nm
95 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
303 kg
220 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated)
89 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model)
220 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.2 L/100km (approx. 16 km/L) — estimated real-world average
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Softail Slim
7.5/10
"A characterful, honest cruiser that rewards patient, smooth riders."
Pros
+Milwaukee-Eight torque is excellent
+Retro styling ages beautifully
+Strong used market supply
Cons
−Stock suspension genuinely disappointing
−16-inch front limits handling
−Pre-2018 heat management poor
Harley-davidson Nightster
7.8/10
"A genuinely good motorcycle that earns respect beyond the badge."
Pros
+Revolution Max engine is excellent
+Actually corners with confidence
+Low, manageable seat height
Cons
−Stock seat is punishment
−Cramped for tall riders
−Limited wind protection
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
