I own an Indian and a Harley. The Indian has had 1 malfunction in four years, and the Harley has had 5 malfunctions in six months. In addition, despite the longer operating history, Harley service techs. are clueless, and Harley HQ could care less about their customer's. What I'm saying is not news to anyone, it's just that I now have experienced it first hand. No motorcycle (or car, or product, or person, or situation) is perfect. Some things you mention are functional issues, and some are preference issues. BTW, I've gone "catless" and the heat is about the same. LOL
The heat from the Catalytic Converter is even uncomfortable for me as a passenger so I can’t imagine how bad it is for you. But I think we should get another Indian 😉
I have the 2021 Roadmaster Limited. I've got 10k miles on it so far in about 9 months of riding. The cat heat is bad. I have no issues with the power windshield, but it is a different shape than yours. Also the heated grips and seat work well, but the new display gives a decent graphic display as to the settings. Same goes for the cooling seat. I think many of the issues on the 2016 model have been addressed in the intervening 5 years. Oh and my dealer gave free oil changes for life with every Indian they sell. So no worries about oil and filters. But if you do it yourself, Rotella T4 15w40 and a fram 7317 will do very well and can be had for less than $25 at any Walmart.
Test rode a 21 roadmaster limited, loved that bike. It had the smaller front fender and redesigned fairing. I did feel the heat coming off of it pretty quickly. Looking at the forums on it, they had problems with the heated cooled seat. And something about the electric windshield gears stripped out. Also harder to get the oils and filters, parts vs. Harley. Ended up with a 21 roadglide ultra which I love. Would have been on an Indian but no dealers nearby me had one, closest dealer was 100 miles too.
thank you for making this video. One of these machines just came up for sale near me. I never had an Indian, I’ve had a Goldwing, a BMW, K 1200 LT, I’ve had three Yamaha ventures, I keep going back to a venture every time I buy a different bike to try to find something better. I tried the Kawasaki, Vulcan Voyager. The seating position the reach for the bars, the floor boards were all just about right. But that engine, it shook like a paint shaker, I thought it was under powered for 1700 cc, but that really didn’t matter much, but what did matter was, that engine sounded like castanets., The self adjusting lifters clattering. That can’t be good… but when you mentioned all the heat, that made my mind up that I am not even gonna look at an Indian. That is the one thing I cannot tolerate because I wear all the gear all the time. The temperature doesn’t go above 90° very often here in western Pennsylvania. My washer thing in here. I just am not used to any temperatures above 85° when riding a motorcycle. I commuted for years but I can tolerate it for 35 minutes for my ride home. But not for two day weekends. Thanks for letting me know about the heat issue
19 дней назад
Why not just get one of those heat shields that go over the engine so it doesn’t roast you? They have some pretty cool designs. I would not rule Indian out. I have an Indian Springfield dark horse and it is the best bike ever. It has a lot of power and yes, it does give off a little bit of heat, but I have rode it with full gear and the heat coming off The engine is not bad unless you were to standstill.
True duals fixes the heat. I luckily haven’t had problems with Bluetooth. I agree with everything else. But my biggest complaint is the drive belt chirp, drives me nuts. I’d buy a challenger if they could fix the chirp. They keep telling me my belt is dirty I tell them to buy Harley belts because they don’t get dirty. I haven’t had that problem with my Harley.
@@03Sturgis Rinehart true duals ain't cheap but they are not too loud. My stock pipes are see all the way through mufflers. Is that stock or did the weinee I got it from get baffles punched out?
I have a 2016 chieftain. Did full Reinhart exhaust. Much better with the heat. They do offer touring baffles. I have the regular baffles but I did add fiberglass to them for a deeper sound
You're absolutely right about the Bluetooth. Out of nowhere my music will stop and then start back up. I have a 2016 Chieftain, so I guess I'll just have to deal with it until I upgrade to the Challenger if I ever do.
My 2017 Scout came with a terrible seat, too. Good looking, but it strongly encouraged you to get off in 50 miles. My Mustang replacement was much better.
I too, have a 2016 Roadmaster. I love the bike, but... Yes, the windshield sucks; the first thing I did was upgrade to the Clockworks screen. I haven't had issues with the clutch switch or the heated grips, and I LOVE the brown leather seat. I moisturize it every time I wash on the bike. As for the heat, the problem is caused by running the engine too lean. This is done by design so that they can meet emissions requirements. Giving it a tune and enriching it by about 2-3% across the table will massively cool the bike down. As for the clutch switch, Indian almost certainly buys a commercial off-the-shelf microswitch. If you can find the part number, I am sure you can go to Mouser or Digikey and buy it for 1 or 2 bucks. Cheers, I enjoyed the video.
I just bought a 2017. I don't mind any of the issues the author speaks about except the heat on my right leg. I have burned my calf. I am going to find a shield to stop this. Initially I thought I'd get taller boots or wear chaps but in reality I ride a lot with just my tennis shoes on. So rather than change the pipe, I'm going to try to get an effective shield and try that first.
@@STLNik The Captain Itch heat shield would not fit. There was absolutely no room to squeeze this between the seat and engine. I even tried cutting it. Captain Itch says they will refund my money even though I cut the heat shield. So they've been good. They say the shields fit about 90% of the time.
Thanks for the honest review! I've been riding GW's for over 25 years and looking into the Pursuit. 35k+ is a lot of bread for the average Joe. Then I saw a 2016 Roadmaster for under 16k. Seems the worst thing is the heat. I'm not reading much about mechanical probs. The battery and cat sound like a pain. But all-in-all a very good bike getting better. Appreciate everyone's input.
Same here I have a 2015 Goldwing that I love but I am a vintage guy. I am currently looking at a 2017 roadmaster and living in Tennessee. The heat of the summer concerns me how did the transfer to Indian work out for you?
Same here I have a 2015 Goldwing that I love but I am a vintage guy. I am currently looking at a 2017 roadmaster and living in Tennessee. The heat of the summer concerns me how did the transfer to Indian work out for you?
@@wmauibill It is a big difference. The first thing I noticed, was the vibration. Going from horizontally opposed pistons to an1800 V-twin made my glasses jiggle. The gear shift lever and rear brake pedal are in very different places than the Gold Wing, I'm still getting used to that. I wish the windshield went up higher, that's a joke. It's a beautiful bike, much faster than the GW, and has a great little rumble to it, but it does get hot. I hate to say it, but I miss my 1984 Gold Wing, (still have it) but no one in town will work on it anymore. And I'm mechanically declined. That's my honest opinion so far. 😎
@@savagestan2543 well thanks for that info. I love my 2015 Goldwing there’s so many good things about it that I have never really complained about anything bad .I love the looks and sound of the Indian that I’m looking at it is a roadmaster 2017. I am almost afraid that I’m going to trade in my Goldwing for it.🫤
STL, great honest review. I too have a 2016 RM with 24,000 miles. I changed the windshield to a Freedom, have not had a problem yet with the clutch switch, I agree the factory seat is uncomfortable but for me it's not the leather. It's just the shape or foam or something. I get a severe case of butt burn particularly in the later part of the day on long trips, but I have had this problem on several bikes. I agree that the heat issue can be severe at times but I haven't yet pulled the trigger on a head pipe. No problem with the heated grips yet. Now what I am most interested in from your review is the Bluetooth adapter you mentioned. I recently switched from an Iphone to an Android phone and now my handlebar music controls won't work when I plug the phone into the USB cable in the lower right side compartment. The controls seem to work if I connect the new phone by Bluetooth but if I have the problem you described with bluetooth drop outs I'll try the adapter you mentioned. WHAT TYPE OF ADAPTER WOULD YOU RECOMMEND or does it matter? Thanks
Okay my 2019 most of the stuff is better than you mention. I can't say wind shield bugs me but I changed the seat because I love Ultimate Saddle. All the rest as you said are addressed except new issues with neutral switch which is under a recall. I'm limited in options since I need low seat height and like my unique look vs Harley
So it's not just the Lakeland Fl dealer saying "Huh, never heard that before". My problem is the windshield rattle. Easy fix if I wasn't so fuckin lazy. All I wanna wrench on is pre 69 HDs.
I appreciate honest reviews but… I’ve got a 15 RM I’ve put 60K miles on and had only two of the problems you listed. Seat was fine, no fender rust, grip heaters work…. The Bluetooth issue could be true; I don’t know because I added Sirius radio and gps that connects to the auxiliary input. The cat problem I definitely had, but it was waaaay less than $500 to gut the cat. Also, even after gutting the cat and getting a much cooler ride, frog togs still melt.
I guess the first 3 years were problematic....BUT my 17 Chieftain has not been back to the dealership for ANY problems....just one recall for gear indicator.. and my 2020 street glide gets just as hot as the chieftain even with the rear cylinder deactivation...and my 17 road glide same issue. But I've never burned my jeans or rain suit..I'm going to wish you luck with your next bike whatever you choose!
I ride both, and they're both turds in their own regards. I'd rather ride an Indian cross country. It's like a GMC compared to a Chevy. Their both similar but the GMC is just a touch nicer.
@@STLNik does man build anything that's not a turd? I have a 2006 Electra Glide I love the way it rides I love the sound and the look. But you do not hear me arguing with people about it being such a superior bike because it's definitely not. I had a Goldwing before the Electra Glide it's not perfect either. You do know what GMC stands for generic made Chevy.😆😆😆😆
You said yourself that you were a mechanic. As a mechanic, you should've known not too buy an early production year vehicle. You should know that every single time a manufacturer - regardless of brand- releases something new, they always have problems for 2 or 3 model years before they get shit figured out. And frankly bro, it seems like whatever parts breakages or issues you've had, were mostly typical type shit for new models, doesn't matter who the company is or what the product is.
My buddy loves his adjustable windsheild on his 16, he would not get rid of that ever. Seats are always a personal thing but overall stock seats typically need to be upgraded. Good honest review
I had a 2016 Roadmaster that I bought new, loved it. I agree with you is the crappy factory seat. I had an issue with their brake pads wearing out prematurely. The bike was still on warranty but they made me pay for new pads. That was enough for me to trade back to Goldwing. It was too f ing hot in the heat of the summer too. I’ve ridden motorcycles for over 50 years, so I know what thee speak off. Safe riding bro.
I have a 2015/40 anniversary Goldwing and I love it. I am considering a 2017 roadmaster that is just beautiful. My biggest concern is going from my water cooled. Super comfortable Goldwing to riding an oven down the road. Are you happy to get back on your wing?
Really helpful. V twins have this heat problem. I ride a KTM 1290 Superadventure S 2019 and the heat is bad on the right leg. I live in the UK so it doesn't get that hot but some heat waves are too much. I put some extra foot pegs on the crash bars to lift my legs up and out which helps a lot. Changed the windsceen for a Puig, much better. Gel pad in the seat gets me mega distances on my bum. A few niggles but overall an awesome bike for all purposes.
I have a 2019 Springfield. I have the same heat coming off the cylinder and it's crazy how hot it gets. I also live in Arizona, so when it gets above 100 it's absolutely miserable.
If you eliminate the catalytic converter you do not have to have it flashed I did mine and never Flash the computer also punched out the plugs and the exhaust made it a little louder but not where it's so loud it's unbearable lost most of the Heat change bike a lot runs better now
I have a 2019 Indian Roadmaster, the seat can be uncomfortable on long hauls like most bikes. I went on a 6, 250-mile ride last August, i bought a Air Hawk cushion that you inflate to your desired height. I am 6'5" and this was pretty great. Highway pegs keep the heat off your legs. My windshield works great! As for the heated grips, 3-4 is plenty hot, the seat gets pretty warm, so i usually leave it on high. This radio is awesome, and i connected a MP3 and it works fine. Sounds like you need an upgrade on some parts. Cheers!
I have the same problem with my 09 chief , these bikes run so lean for epa laws , I put a Dobeck fuel controller on , the heat has subsided a great deal , but in your case you can get the. ECU flashed to get more hp and stop that rear cylinder heat cheers
I have both a Harley and a 2020 Indian Chief Vintage. Love em both. I’m considering aftermarket header pipes or pipe whatever. My2005 FLHTCSE2 Harley runs hot also but much as been done performance wise. Two different animals and I wouldn’t give either up. Enjoyed your video. Could I get the brand on the headers you spoke of? And also the name of your company? The Vintage factory weight is 805 lbs. It handles like a bike that’s much smaller than that.
The heat thing. I tried everything except a permanent solution...I opened this closed that move the other...but ..yeah i live in Florida, and it pissed me off. i wear boots and chaps but damn that heat thing. I loved the bike but...the only way I could deal with it was to go over 40 mph. Stopping for lites , traffic etc... it was cooked flesh time. I am gonna buy another I think but I hope they have done something about the heat...or I may go the stage 2 performance deal and see if that helps.
I own a '14 Chieftain with 75k trouble free miles. The only thing I can relate to is the heat from the cat which I promptly removed. I love everything about the bike (including the valance fender!). IMHO, Harley can't carry my Chieftains jock...
@@STLNik I came across your video again and realized I responded once before. Just about to turn 100k miles and getting ready for a ~5k ride out West prior to Sturgis. I do agree with you on a few things, the Roadmaster seat stinks because it's so wide. I felt like I was riding a horse but I am happy with my Chieftains seat. The windshield, yeah, I forgot about that because I swapped it out as soon as I got the bike for a Klock Works. And lastly, using bluetooth with my Zumo XT can be a pain but, if I start my Zumo after the bike is started, my bluetooth issues disappear. There's a guy on the Indian forums (Larry) who turned over 505,000 miles on his '14 Chieftain before he totaled it hitting a deer. The thunderstroke engines are bullet proof and unless I break down and buy a Challenger (love that bike!), I plan on riding my trouble free Chieftain until it dies which, if I go by Larry's bike, will be another 50 years! LOL! :-)
Ive got a 2019 Indian Roadmaster, the seat can be uncomfortable on long hauls like most bikes. I went on a 6, 250-mile ride last August, i bought a Air Hawk cushion that you inflate to your desired height. I am 6'5"
I'm with you on the windshield I have a 2021 road master if you don't have it up all the way it's like it just blows it right in your face the wind and it's dorky looking all the way up the switch is on the throttle side not a fan of that either I love the bike definitely doing a cat delete
very good and informative video, thanks for the heads up on the clutch switch. Now I know, if mine breaks I can just ignore it. I don't like loud pipes either.
I own a 2021 TS 116 Roadmaster and non of those issue apply so they must have fixed them apart from the heat, even with the vent open and the rear cylinder de-activation on it is still bad and i am in the UK where it's not so hot.
I never had any of these issues so far knock on wood. I ride it like you would ride a touring bike calmly so i would never break the clutch sensor because it is not a rice rocket. Love the valanced fender it stands out from the pack and keeps water off me .I got the 21 inch large windshield at 6ft 5 it is great and i get compliments on it from older mature people and some young people to. The seat is very comfortable but i got the tan extended heated seat .The heated grips are great on a cold day and mine is a newer model 2020 so maybe they fixed the issues you experienced. I agree on the Bluetooth but mine never cuts out only is hard to connect once in a while not really that bad just like every other Bluetooth none i have used are perfect. The heat on mine is not bad at all i ride wearing shorts on a hot day so i can not relate. I open my vents and turn on cylinder deactivation. So i guess the 2020 and newer Roadmasters are much better than the older ones. Some of your complaints i have never heard before but everyone is different. I also have stage two which helps with the heat it breaths better i have the air filter that directs more air and speed up the flow to the carb all this helps to the point were i do not notice the heat .The stage two fishtails help and look old school cool too.
Indian has been good about fixing issues in the newer models. They've added cylinder deactivation, the corrected the early paint issues, some of the early electrical issues. I'd gladly buy a new road master when I wear this one out😉
No bike is perfect , I don’t care what u ride there is something that gets under ur skin lol. I have ridden from age 16 and I’m 56 now , I have ridden everything out there so I know lol. Currently I’m on a 2017 ultra limited and I’m enjoying it but it has something I don’t like , but then again that is with every bike lol. Hey I can help u with ur seat , put a sheepskin on the seat it will help with comfort and reduces swamp as$ lol.
The heating issue is similar to the evo Harleys. On my Road King, I put the crash bars on it and a set of Kuriaken switch blade pegs. This got my legs away from the heat.
I would a couple more items. 1) The dash in the 16 and lower looks cheap and the 17 & up also looks poorly designed, no thought when into it, just slapped together. 2) Dealer service is shit at every dealer i have been to which led me to sell my Indian in March 2021 and bought a 2021 Street Glide. 3) Limited number off performance parts - unlike Harley where it seems to be an infinite amount of performance parts for every model.
Dude with your radio and Bluetooth cutting in and out, I know this is different but in my car whenever I had my Bluetooth on and I was using satellite navigation, on my phone, the navigation would say a couple of words then stop talking, then start talking and stop again. I found out you couldn't have the Bluetooth on and paired between the car and phone, as soon as I disconnected Bluetooth the sat nav on my phone worked fine.
Any true dual exhaust or aftermarket headlines, the catalytic converter is in the headpipe and is the cause of the heat. I have freedom exhaust on my springfield.
My 18 road king m8 107 had a e.i.t.m.s. Which shut down rear cylinder at a light and i luved it. My road glide is a water head, i dont notice much heat.
I love these bikes and am saving my dollars to some day own one. If you are unhappy with yours I will gladly give you my address to ship it and the title to. Some of yours points are nit picking and some are valid. It's a motorcycle and engines get HOT. Maybe change your exhaust to a 2 into 1.
These are good points that remind us that no matter what, unforseen good and bad details always pop up when buying a different vehicle. Sorry you got a fussy unit
2019 chieftain owner here. Every point you made simply doesn't exist on my bike. Update your bike, you'll like it. Also the Klockwerks shield is trash if you're over 6ft tall. I have it, way worse than the factory shield. It pushes all the wind into your forehead and helmet buffeting is a nightmare. Freedom shields is the way to go for a nice hand made shield.
@@STLNik i am based in the UK and had mine go at 14K. I am late 50's and do not use sport mode, we use it for exploring mines 2020 and i've done around 36K on it. My concern is the dealer said it was normal to go at 14K? I thought it should last to at least 50K!
I've owned 3 Indians and haven't had a bearing fail yet, but that's a small sample size. Honestly, unless the belt tension is set to tight, a modern bearing should be good for 100k+.
I don't know why no one is addressed this but to me the biggest pain is the saddlebag they're just not big enough can't put a helmet in there and a lot of places New York State got a helmet law so I got to have it on I ride into PA a lot I don't have to have a coming on there's no place other in the rear South back to put it nothing the helmet doesn't fit any place but there I go on a trip there's just not enough room to pack everything saddlebags are not big enough number one hate have you heard of any pics would be nice to know
Compraste la moto para quejarte pero eres astuto, haces dinero también con los vids en RU-vid.👍🏼 a grownup complaining about everything but it was his decision m. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
False, I'm willing to point out the flaws of my bike. I've riden this bike all over the country multiple times. Every issue with the bike has an aftermarket solution.
He has a agenda he sells aftermarket products good for him small business rules. I have a 2020 none of these thing he mentions have been a problem for me so take it with a grain of salt. All air cooled engines get hot but Indian has resolved this issue very well you still get heat on a hot day but it is doable. He has a early one so they were still working out the bugs. I think from 2019 on the Roadmaster is the best touring bike out there.
