Harley-Davidson introduced this bobber-inspired Softail for the 2012 model year, aiming it at riders who wanted a stripped-down, low-slung cruiser with a deliberately old-school look. The original version used the FLS designation and leaned heavily into the postwar custom aesthetic that has long appealed to Harley enthusiasts: chopped fenders, spoked wheels, a solo seat, and a minimalist stance that set it apart from the more traditional cruiser models in the Softail family.
For 2018, the nameplate returned on Harley-Davidson’s redesigned Softail platform as the FLSL, with a major chassis and styling update while keeping the same basic mission. That redesign modernized the bike underneath without abandoning the Slim identity, which remained centered on a clean bobber profile and a relaxed riding position. Across its run, the model has been positioned as a heritage-flavored cruiser for riders who want classic Harley character in a simpler, less ornate package. It has also been a popular base for customization, which fits its back-to-basics personality and enduring appeal among riders drawn to traditional American motorcycle styling.