2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S Specifications

Name: 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S
Brand: Harley-Davidson

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S Overview

Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S is a custom / cruiser motorcycle. Power comes from a V2, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. Bore and stroke come in at 101.6 x 111.3 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 145 Nm @ 4000 Revolutions of torque. On the road, the 2016 Softail Slim S tips the scales at 321 kg, carries an 18.90-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 650 mm and spans a 1,636 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 40.1 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. The full 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

We checked the recorded figures for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S against up to 1316 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

Only 108 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a lower seat height than the 650 mm of the Softail Slim S.
With 145 Nm, the Softail Slim S has the joint 256th highest torque of 1053 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 40% above the category average of 103.5 Nm.
Wet weight of 321 kg is heavier than that of 719 of the other 1004 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
Narrowing the field to the 628 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 650 mm is lower than that of 560 of the other 627.

2016 Softail Slim S - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the single disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
ABS fitted: ABS comes fitted from the factory - one less thing to worry about in a sudden stop on a slippery surface.
Accessible seat height: A 650 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
Large fuel range: An 18.90-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a belt final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the Softail Slim S - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

The fuel injection on the Softail Slim S needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.

Valve clearance checks

With Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve gear, the Softail Slim S needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from single disc with ABS and 4-piston - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The Softail Slim S's suspension runs Telescopic fork at the front. The rear uses Twin shocks. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The Softail Slim S runs belt final drive: no lubrication or frequent adjustment like a chain, though belt tension and wear are worth a periodic look.

Handling the weight at a standstill

321 kg puts the Softail Slim S toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

Softail Slim S - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S custom / cruiser, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 10 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Softail Slim S should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the Softail Slim S's v2, four-stroke engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). The sump holds 3.30 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 9.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Fuel system care

Fuel injection on the Softail Slim S needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used Softail Slim S since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.

2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.

How much does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S weigh?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S weighs 321 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S produce?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S produces 145 Nm @ 4000 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S has an 18.90-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 315-377 km between stops.

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S has a seat height of 650 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S uses single disc with ABS and 4-piston at the front and single disc with ABS and 2-piston at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S use?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S runs MT90-B16 front and MU85-B16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

How much oil does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S take?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S takes 3.30 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S Spec Evolution

The Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S was produced across 2 model years (2016-2017). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2016	2017
Engine Detail	Screamin´Eagle engine	Screamin´Eagle® Twin Cam 110B
Compression Ratio	9.5:1	9.2:1
Rake	32.0°	32.1°
Exhaust	Chrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with slash-cut mufflers	Black over/under shotgun exhaust with slash-cut muffler
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.3003 HP/kg	0.2987 HP/kg

Key Specifications

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

145.00 Nm (14.8 kgf-m or 107.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

321.0 kg / 707.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons

Full 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S Specifications

Colours Olive Gold Denim, Vivid Black.

Ground Clearance (in.) 4.5 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 115 mm

Seat Height 650 mm / 25.6 in.

Wheelbase 1,636 mm / 64.4 in.

Length 2,350 mm / 92.5 in.

Oil Capacity (l) 3.30 litres

Oil Capacity (Quarts) 0.22 quarts

Dry Weight 308 kg / 679.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons

Wet Weight 321.0 kg / 707.7 lbs

Max Torque 145.00 Nm (14.8 kgf-m or 107.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 Revolutions

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.3003 HP/kg

Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.0 x 4.4 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 101.6 x 111.3 mm

CO2 129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Engine Detail Screamin´Eagle engine

Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection

Compression Ratio 9.5:1

Exhaust Chrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with slash-cut mufflers

Fuel Consumption 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)

Starter Electric

Clutch Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Final Drive Belt

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Chain 34/46 ratio primary drive

Suspension - Front Telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Twin shocks

Rake 32.0°

Trail 147 mm / 5.8 in.

Instrumentation Tank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, 6-spe

Lighting system High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warnings

Brakes - Front Single disc. ABS. 4-piston

Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS. 2-piston

Rims Black, Laced Steel

Tyres - Front MT90-B16

Tyres - Rear MU85-B16

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.