Harley-davidson Softail Standard vs Harley-davidson Softail Slim
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Harley-davidson Softail Standard
Harley-davidson Softail Slim
Horsepower (hp)
68 hp
94 hp
Torque (Nm)
145 Nm
145 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
177 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
298 kg
303 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
68 hp @ 5,020 rpm
94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated)
Torque
145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Top Speed
177 km/h (estimated)
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
298 kg (wet/curb weight)
303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model)
Fuel
6.2 L/100km (approximately 16.1 km/L) — estimated real-world average
6.2 L/100km (approx. 16 km/L) — estimated real-world average
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Softail Standard
7.5/10
"A dependable, stripped-back cruiser that rewards practical buyers over posers."
Pros
+Milwaukee-Eight torque is addictive
+Bulletproof parts availability
+Solid chassis post-2018
Cons
−Stock seat is genuinely awful
−Rear suspension purely cosmetic
−Chrome pits without careful maintenance
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