Harley Davidson Soft Tail Slim first ride - MOTOR GERR

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."

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."

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