Harley Davidson Softail Slim or BMW R18: Which is the better heavyweight cruiser?

The Jed visits Ventura Harley Davidson and demos a 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Slim. This is the bike BMW benchmarked when the developed their new R18 heavyweight cruiser. Having just published my take on the R18, I now ride a Softail Slim and give you my impressions of this one, and let you know which I prefer. Come along for the ride, and please like and subscribe.

Special thanks to Patrick at Ventura Harley Davidson. If you're in the market for a Harley Davidson, consider stopping by and telling them The Jed sent you!

Ventura Harley Davidson
1326 Del Norte Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010
[phone]

[royz]

Ive ridden the both not just road test but over a time, the BMW has more torque than the Harley its more like the 114 engine than the 107, the BMW is a totally different bike and needs to be ridden like grabbing it by the scruff of the neck in Rock mode not a lazy cruse. I love the both bikes the Harley is quite a bit lighter I am in the middle of making my R18 lighter and I am sure that will make things even more interesting. I also own a 131 Fatboy now that's another story. You seem like a new rider to be fair.

[High_Desert_Tanner]

I personally LOVE the R18. Just stunning...

[andyor]

So, how about find neutral on HD? I know on bmw it’s no problem

[waydegardner]

Before you (responders) bash the R18, go ride it. If you’re not familiar with the 1936 R5, the R18 is it’s grandson. The boxer engine has been produced since 1923. Its reliable and proven. Now I’m coming from a Road Glide so a different animal. I bought the R18 classic which rides different from the standard R18. Looks are subjective and the HD certainly has the look. It’s not a Harley. Never will be. It’s a stand alone cruiser built to BMW standards.

The R18 has more of a vintage vibe IMO.

[bigalb]

The slim is a beautiful machine classy and badass

[TheJedRides]

Felt good to be back on American Iron!

[mikebauer]

you don't stop next to him at a stop light?

[whiskeywatchesandwheels]

Build quality of Harley absolutely no comparison to the R18. Looks of the R18 are stunning

Well done BMW!

[Dan]

Funny thing is that the Slim is based off World War 2 Harleys that were based off BMW. Anyway..! HD all the way for me. I think the Harley slim is one of the most underrated Harley's out there currently. Maybe Harley will bring back the Slim S at some point in the future ?

[bababooie]

I have the same seat... much better than the stock seat. You set in the seat, not on the seat.

[jfro]

IMHO there's only one make of big cruiser. HD. The rest are imitations.

[bernardlesperance]

Awful(ly) straight roads ! Not exactly a good test ride environment.

[simongilbert]

the harley has the looks, the heritage, and nowadays [at last] the ground clearance, the handling the motor, etc. the r18 does not look good in my opinion, also bad warranty issues.

[laurentlaussucq]

Harley 's always the best sure ! R 18 a bad clone ! HD best song, best comfort, and many other things...