Harley-Davidson Soft Tail Slim first ride

MCN’s executive editor Phil West is testing the new Harley-Davidson Softail Slim and Sportster 72 in southern Spain. He’s just phoned in this brief first impression:

“So far I have been riding the new Softail, which is a 50’s style bobbed version and it’s a pleasing enough thing to ride. It’s comfortable, with a Fat Boy style riding position.

“It’s also one of the cheaper bikes in the Softail range [price is estimated to be £14,695] and best of all, particularly in gloss black, it really does look the business.

I am riding the Sportster later on today and will report back.”

Update, Feb 7, 1.31pm

Phil has now spent more time on the new Slim and tried the Sportster 72 too. Here’s his preliminary report:

“As a riding proposition the Slim is natural and easy to get on with – it reminds of the Fat Boy but in a slightly less cumbersome way thanks to its narrower wheels. This is exactly what Harley intended. In fact they would have been just as well calling it the ‘Fat Boy Slim.

“I’ve also just been riding the new 1200cc Sportster 72 which is a full-on custom 70’s style machine complete with ape hangers and forward pegs.

“In the flesh it looks absolutely gorgeous, especially in the metal flake red option, but the bigger surprise is that although Sportster-based it’s actually grown up sized, even for a six footer like me, thanks to the roomy riding position.

“While at the same time it’s nimble, light and easy to get on with.”

Key features of the 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim:
• Rigid-mounted, air-cooled, 1690 cc Twin Cam 103B counter-balanced engine with Automatic Compression Release (ACR) rated at 98.7 ft. lbs. peak torque at 3000 rpm.
• Powertrain is finished in Black powdercoat with polished covers.
• 6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission.
• Chrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with slash-cut mufflers.
• Gloss Black round air cleaner cover.
• Classic 5.0-gallon Fat Bob fuel tank.
• Black “cat’s eye” console holds electronic speedometer with retro-style face.
• Dunlop 16-inch (MT90B16) front and rear (MU85B16) tires.
• Black, Steel Laced wheels.
• Hollywood handlebar with cross-brace
• Gloss black headlamp with chrome trim ring.
• Gloss black nacelle with punched louvers.
• Half-moon footboards with retro-style foot control pads.
• Chopped rear fender exposes rear tyre.
• Trimmed FL front fender.
• Side-mounted license plate bracket.
• Combination stop/tail/turn tail lights.
• Solo seat with black tuck-and-roll vinyl cover.
• Forged rear fender supports are finished in Gloss Black powdercoat.
• Gloss black “horseshoe” oil tank.

Read the full reports in MCN on sale Wednesday February 15