Harley-Davidson Riders vs Indian Motorcycle Riders! Is one Motorcycle Company better than the other? 

5 HD owners, 2 Indian owners! I ride a Indian "love it" Its not what you ride its that we all ride together.

I totally agree with Jamie from Moonshine. It’s definitely great to have options. I’ve owned Harley Davidsons for years and then switched in 2018 for a brand new Indian Chieftain and now I’m back on a 2020 Road Glide. It’s a matter of preference.

HD guys talk about customization and number of dealers, but there's one thing they will NEVER talk about: engineering. HD has a loooong history of terrible engineering some of which resulted in injury and death. Plus, HD knew about their cam chain issues and refused to correct them FOR YEARS. Indian engines and transmissions are bulletproof. The Indian ride is heads and tails above HD, not even close. Lastly, Indian Challenger and Pursuit are world-class bikes; they can take on the best bikes in the world and win. HD can't say the same. As for HD never going out of business, HD guys can thank AMF, Ronald Reagan and high tariffs for that. Without these things, HD would've gone out if business decades ago.

Dudes, I'm Indian through & through. But PLEASE... Indian is no where close to Harley when it comes to customization. Give em' time, Indian has just recently been reintroduced after 50+ years and needs time to mature. Indian is doing a great job and obviously up to the challenge. You Harley guys may have never experienced the Milwaukee 8 if it wasn't for Indian! Like Moonshine eloquently said... the competition between these two iconic brands is the best thing to happen to American bike riders... and moving these bikes in amazing directions that benefit us all. Ride safe fella's & enjoy Daytona!

The only couple things that Harley has over Indian are the plentiful amount of dealers, aftermarket parts and gear, anything else that has to do with the motorcycle Indian winds hand down. Performance, comfortable ride ability, suspension, The amount of things Indian puts on a stock motorcycle is unbelievable

I actually own a indian challenger and a harley road glide and I love both bikes. I love to rip around town on my Road Glide Special 124 build and I have no problem taking long trips with it but I believe my challenger is a little more comfortable on long rides. They're two totally different rides but both are awesome bikes.

Grown men debating a company motorcycle brand lol. Let’s argue about your personal last name and the legacy you leaving behind for you own last name. The debate old and tiresome. Like what you like and ride what you ride. Most newcomers ride Harley’s because that’s all they see. Learned behavior and nothing wrong with that. At the same time it’s good to see people step outside the box and be different and ride a different brand.

I’m an Indian owner and I’ll be honest, I considered Harley, but wanted something a little more exclusive. When you individualize an Indian, you are truly getting to the essence of “custom”.

Traveling tall should be HARLEYS #1 FAN AND PROMOTION CHANNEL!! I've been riding since the late 60s and have owned at least a dozen new Harleys first one purchased in 1972...there is no discussion about the thousands of dollars that these HD owners have spent to get their HDs to compete with Indian Challengers...this is all ego..if I wanted to drop $8-$12k on my Challenger I'm sure there wouldn't be an HD that could keep the tail lights in sight..just like John from Cyclefanatix...has almost $60k tied up in his silver Road glide...traveling tall is no longer about traveling....he's all about HDs...can't even watch his channel anymore!! RIDE WHAT YOU LIKE!! and Mr. Horsepower Harley...did you forget about the bowling ball company that saved HD from melt down in the late 60s with their junk shovelheads??? To many big mouths and even bigger Ego's!!

You guys are all right, most important thing is that you are a motorcyclist! But Harley is not only a motorcycle it’s a life style!

Enjoyed the video but one main thing that keeps me from buying another Harley, had a 17 roadking special, is that Harley charges a premium and gives a substandard bike. ie no led lights stock in this day and time, suspension is basic and no riding modes. All this comes on the Challenger from the factory for the same price with an adjustable windscreen. Sounds like the Harley tax to me. When Harley steps up their game and gives some value for the premium price I'll look again. But right now the Indian is the better bang for the buck.

This was awesome, hope to see more videos like this in the future.

Man I wanna be part of this conversation. I came from a street glide and went to a chieftain it's not even comparable how much better the chieftain is than the streetglide I have never rode a challenger and I have never rode a roadglude

as an Indian Owner. I can say that Harley definitely has more aftermarket support. but ultimately, I get the looks and the questions at the bike nights and shows. where as Harley is a "Me too" bike, because vast majority of Harley's looks exactly the same.

I love my Harley. This is great dialogue, love it. I think it’s about what you like. If I liked a particle Indian motorcycle and I was able to buy it, I would just buy it, regardless of dealership support, etc., I truly believe that we, (Harley fans), should be grateful and appreciate any competition that Harley has. Otherwise, Harleys would be more expensive and probably lack even more innovation….

that was entertaining and awesome, loved it!!

I agree with Jamie from Moonshine. He was spot on when he said both brands are great and they are both needed to make each other better. Look at the race to the top in snowmobile and side by sides right now. Skidoo and their can am are at the top spot and Polaris is pushing them hard to take that spot. I’m a snowmobile rider in the winter and I can tell you both brands are excellent and we are now riding the pinnacle of snowmobiles in the market today because of it. What hurts Harley in my opinion is the dealers and the Motor Company turns a blind eye to it. Most dealers bump sticker and surcharge above and beyond what the Motor Company does. 90% of dealerships don’t have a clue about customer service. I service my own bike because of it and when there is something I need done I go to a independent shop or my local Kawasaki dealership. I do this because I’m tired of paying for service that isn’t done properly or correctly. However I’ll still buy the Harley. I just don’t give the dealers any money.

We took in 80+ Harleys over bike week, traded for Indians. Can't say Indian isn't making moves. Dominating the bagger championship, flat track (7 years running), and the Chief just won the Big V race series first try. FTR1200 setting high speed wheelie records over seas. Glad Indian finally showed HD the potential of water cooled motors, unlike the Vrod they dropped. Also, at 9:45- That is in looks only, also, it is much closer to a street glide in that regard, so wrong either way. The Chieftain sports inverted forks, braided brake lines, cradle frame low center of gravity motor positioning and a Fox Performance rear shock, electric windshield... none of which are found on what you claim they mechanically copied. To put it not-so-politely, seems Jamie's mouth is outpacing his brain. Great video though! The competition is fierce, but I was dissapointed by how immature and uninformed some people on both sides are. Lots of good talking points went missing.

Thanks for this awesome silliness today! It's good for the soul!

Great video as always!!!

Love those Indian motorcycles! They just keep getting better and better!!👍

Having a "bigger aftermarket catalog" is nice, but remember it comes with a shady dealer experience, warranty blackmail, embarrassing sales videos with bell ringing and hollering like a circus clown, M8 sumping issues and most importantly, having the SAME bike as your neighbor, and your father, and the guy at the office and his dad. It's generic in my eyes and Indian is different.

Nice review keep up the good work Traveling tall

Nice job Tall! I rode a couple of Indians in Daytona. The new Pursuit is very smooth!

Great sit down thank you

Wow!!! I just found this video and love it!! Great to see the rivalries sit down at the end of the day and realize that it's all about the passion for riding motorcycles!! Street Glide forever!!!!

I enjoyed the conversation!

Yes we are all connected on two wheels, thank you great show!!

STOP thinking you’ll “fit in” by the type of bike you ride. Funny how folks think the brand of motorcycle they ride is important. I’ve found folks ride certain brands because they feel others will perceive them in a different “light” based off the motorcycle they ride. HD is genius in their marketing of this. Just ride what you like. RU-vid “influencers” own and ride HD because of the massive following….as they get paid $$$ for viewership. I’ve owned Harley’s and Indians. I now ride a Goldwing and a Harley. Quit worrying about what others think and just ride what you like. Peace and be cool to others.

Great conversation from all.

Yo Tall.... this is the funniest video you have ever made. The HD boys got me cracking up. Lol

Fun to listen. Sounds like my bunch from when we were in high school arguing about Chevy VS Ford and Mopar. I'm a Victory Cross Country owner and enjoy just riding. A jab back and forth once in awhile between friends is just sport. LOL What ever fits your style and what your looking for. Appreciate the video Tall.

I'm a metric rider (06 Gixer1000, 1998 Honda magna 750, 1996 VFR750, 1987Gsxr1100) and I like both Harley and Indian (wish Victory was still around). The way I see it Harley guys are like the car guys who buy a standard mustang then drop a more powerful engine, Koni shocks, upgrade sway bars add a short shifter etc. Indian guys are the guys who go and buy a Super Cobrajet mustang and make a lot less changes to it. Performance wise the Cobrajet will smoke a standard mustang out the box and out perform it in everyway. But the custom mustang guys spend a lot of cash to get even or beat the Cobrajet. Harley has to & now is boosting its performance level. Indian already has the performance and needs to boost its customization levels.

Great video!

Owned Honda's, Yamaha's and Harley's - Honda is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the WORLD. My 2001 Honda Valkyrie, flat six with 6 carbs and 6 individual exhausts from each cylinder having 110HP (then) was the most enjoyable and torqued riding experience one could every have. Very reliable and a great bike, just like the Goldwing - like it or not. Harley is fun too, lacks HP but ownership is built on a life style and brand. So ride what you like and enjoy!

Great video!!!!! Ride what makes you happy ✌️

I really enjoyed this podcast. For starters, I’ve been a loyal Bmw rider for the last 25 years and I currently have a K series touring bike. However, the new dealership in San Antonio is somewhat refusing to work on my bike since it’s 20 years old. so I’m looking to venture out into a bike that’s going to be serviceable and personable. The input that was provided on both sides is appreciative, and I agree as long as you’re on two wheels we’re already in a fraternity itself. I’m leaning towards a Harley, but I’ll give Indian a chance and see what they have, and how they ride. Once again, great podcast. Be safe.

To each is own. I have a Harley but my next bike will be a Indian.

I enjoyed this type of conversation amongst bikers.

enjoyed the video and looked like you all had fun thats what its all about went out to the shop after and just looked at my old honda goldwing wondering witch will replace her soon indian or HD im still not sure

2009 King's Mountain, Nobody Ever talk's about them, First Indian Bike to come back and it's a Great Motorcycle and and it's All American No Chinese Parts. Polaris engineer told me when I call to ask a question that they did not care about those bike. But I found an older Harley mechanic And he has taken very good care of my Bike for over ten years. So I Love my Indian and God Bless Harley-Davidson.

Great job, gentlemen!!! Currently have a 2017 ultra limited, 05 road king. I'm looking into an Indian. I'm starting to like what they're doing.

There was a brief merger between HD and AMF in 1969. So not all "Harleys" were considered "Harleys". Although Harley has been around the longest, the Indian brand was the first.

Great video guys! All the Harley guys need to do is to take an Indian challenger out for a ride and they will see how great the bike is. I came off at 2021 CVO Sunset Orange Road Glade. No regrets!!! Definitely happy we have choices for American baggers.

I started on a Suzuki Boulevard M50. Then almost immediately turned around and sold it and upgraded to a Victory Vegas. Still have it to this day. I also own a Victory Cross Country and a Harley Road King. All great bikes. Was tempted to go the Indian route, but like you guys mentioned there's not a whole lot of customization options for them.

Good discussion, I wish I could afford to have one of each I have a 2019 CVO road glide would love to own a challenger, but you’re right it does feel metric.

Tall said it best. Harley’s have a soul. I’ve never drove or rode something I’ve truly felt connected with like my Harley(s)

Got to get some popcorn for this one.

I don’t even know how to ride yet but it’s in the plans this yr …but what I do know is it’s Harley Davidson for me ….ima traditional kinda brother!! I’m Otown so ima come looking for you guys within the next 14months!! Salute to all these riders!!

Sure love that video from Texas where you are with your daughter that was amazing

I have watched riding fish’s channel. He has pointed out the the trim around the lcd screen isn’t snug and vibrates. Several other fit and finish issues as well.

Great conversation fellas, let’s get atleast 2-3 more Indian guys next round chair discussion.

Great video Tall! Ridin on two wheels is Great regardless but Harley is definitely #1

It’s a good trash talking with a lot of respect as it should be . Ride what you ride .

Love the discussion, I’ve been blessed enough to have both. To ride hard with my friends I take my Harley. When I go to church I ride my Indian.

This is the BEST… Hulk, Daddy Cool, Preacher Man, and Jamie from Moonshine Harley! Epic!

This was great. I ride an M109r and am definitely gettin a Harley

I have a Harley, I ride Harley, but I would ride a Indian Motorcycle anyday. And I love my Harley.

Great discussion I’m riding everything I’m never going to limit myself life is to short.

I love the topic. I ride em both and love the diversity that Indian brings. I ride a 06 street glide and 21 cheiftain limited. Great bikes

More of these!

It's all about preference. Both are very nice brands and I'd ride either, however, I prefer the HD including the accessories and aftermarket options. I love the brand, but I grew up outside of Milwaukee and the brand has just been iconic for me growing up.

My stunning 2019 Indian Springfield in steel gray and metallic burgundy, and I, take copious righteous umbrage to all this HD peter metering. Indian Springfield, Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day.

“It felt Metric” that’s a compliment. Opposed to feeling like a tractor….

I would be in the middle considering I own both a 15’victory Vegas built and a HD soft tail springer lol. Both are great bikes honestly

Great video

I own a Roadmaster and a Road Glide limited...love them both.

If I was looking for a bike, these day, after the beautiful and well designed Indian line, no brainer for me. Indian 100%. In the coming years, Indian will have plenty accessories available.

I'm a Harley rider all the way,but let me say,I'm happy that Indian is back and we have another great American bike. I'm saddened that Victory and Buell went down,but I guess it had to be. I now Buell is back,but it's not the same. I'm considering an Indian for my next bike. I already have a Harley,but I would like to have one of each brand. It's just a matter of preference. Both companies make beautiful reliable bikes.

LOL I remember the days when I used to debate Harley vs Indian. I was on both side having owned all the air cooled models from Harley including a CVO and 2 Indians and have modded all of them out. It’s nice being on the outside looking in LOL. I no longer own either and neither company has anything that interest but both Brands of motorcycle was amazing to ride, own and experience.

Just ride, enjoy what you have and ride!

The truth of the matter is when you see your bike if you smile every time that is what it's all about...I have a 16 cvo sg and it has a soul that I connected with and for me Harley Davidson got it right the look and finish is the best if I want to go fast I would have got a crouch rocket...Love my Harley

Here’s my 2 cents. I was very interested in an Indian. The lack of dealer network concerned me, but not enough to dissuade me from buying. Then, a freind bought a brand new Indian and had nothing but electrical issues. That wouldn’t be such a bad thing, but the dealership (Shreveport Louisiana) treated him so poorly and never did get it fixed and his experience is what made me buy an ultra limited CVO.

C’mon Tall. You outnumbered the Indian riders considerably. And Jamie from Moonshine was just an outright bully. Kept interrupting the Indian guys. Truth is Indian makes a more reliable bike off the floor. There’s no arguing that one. Truth is that H-D offers so much more customization options and a much larger support network. But this wasn’t even a discussion.

HD has so many customization options because there is so much wrong with them that needs fixing. You can buy an Indian and keep it stock and have a better bike than a stock Harley. After spending $10-$15k your Harley can match a stock Indian. Why would anyone buy a motorcycle that needs you to “fix” it to get it right?? BTW Moonshiner dude you know the Roadglide copied the BMW R/80.

I have had TwinCam 88, ThunderStroke 111, and Evo 80. Wife said she could hear the Harleys but FEEL the Indian when starting up in the garage.

I thought you were going to have to put on a referee shirt. It doesn't matter if you ride a Harley or Indian, because I got a Can-Am spider that will outrun both of those 🤣🤣.

This is interesting but the brand ambassador for Indian saying that harley doesn't have more customization than indian is just really cringe. There is customization for Indian sure but... not even close to HD. And then saying there's a 131 for the Indian is just fiction as well. Indian has 116 kits, and Llyods makes a 121 kit that needs machining, and 126. There's no bolt on or even available machined 131 kit for an indian. The guy kinda made a little bit of a fool out of himself even though there were obvious biased HD riders with him.

Agree Harley has more upgrade options to customize a bike. I have a 2015 deluxe and a 2015 indian cheif classic. So kinda apples to apples same year. The indian came with led lights, abs,and chromed out front forks , ambient outside temp on speedo and 111 which was bigger than the cvo at the time . All from factory. But harley has dealerships all over which goes along way. Harley has dealerships all over that means another. I love both my bikes. Keep a open mind and keep riding

Now, lookie here man. See what you started!

Let's go for a ride

sooooooooooooo we just going to leave my Yamaha stratoliner out of the mix okay. Ill let myself out the room hahaha love this. Harley and Indians are just amazing bikes all the way around and super comfortable.

Im a big guy like the dude in yellow what size bike does he ride? I wasn’t able to hear the motor and style. Thank you

Would like to see you review the Street Glide Special vs Chieftain Dark Horse. Found some stretched bags for the Indian....I do prefer being different.

I have a 2018 Breakout, my best buddy has an Indian Scout, we both customized our bike to various degrees BUT... my buddy customized his so ridiculously that my bike doesn't even get looked at!🤣🤣. That being said, I love my bike and Harley Davidson to the end!

I currently have a big wheel road king but I’m looking at something with a fairing. I’m looking at the road glide hard but the challenger is interesting. The aftermarket parts available is just so much more prevalent for harleys so I think I’m stickin to old faithful.

Big dog I only wish we could have saw each person bike at the end. And we could see why they love their bikes. G

With the 116Thunderstroke and the Various Stage Performance Upgrades up to a Stage 4 Kits plus from the Factory the Thunderstroke has way more Torque and HP out of the Box.

Looking at both, like both. This was more of an argument than an informative discussion….more than the first half anyway. I am also a tall rider and the Challenger (according to multiple reviews) has more “leg room”; meaning the foot controls are more forward. I’ve ridden a Road King and a Road Glide and loved them but I have to pull my feet back to get to the shifter and brake. I’m aware of aftermarket parts but simple parts are so expensive and I shouldn’t have to take out loans to fix a bike up JUST to make it fit me. The end of the video was more of a discussion but I was initially disappointed because I don’t care who thinks what bike is best….I wanna know specifics.

I’ve always loved HD since I was little They embody what a motorcycle is to me. When I first got to ride a big twin HD.. it was everything I thought it would be (little slower than I thought lol.. currently riding a 2019 FLHR.. cam, tune, full exhaust.. so it’s a bit faster than the 96 twin cam I had .. but I think the 124 upgrade will be in the cards) Indian is doing some cool things … BUT I don’t see myself ever buying another brand of bike. I love how passionate ppl are about their ride of choice. I think for some of us … riding a HD isn’t a choice tho.. feels like we were destined to be on one. They just feel right. Hard to explain

Whatever you ride, be safe and have fun!

I noticed that in the video and in the comments not one thing was mentioned about what the frame is made of between both bike. Harley has a steel frame and Indian has a cast aluminum frame.

I sold my Electra Glide classic. I’m a big guy 6’3 300lbs I went to Harley in Murfreesboro TN road a 23 Road Glide I felt so cramped up on it. Went across the street and road a Indian Challenger fell in love, so I ordered a Dark horse Pursuit premium stage 2 upgrade, mid rise bars, adaptive, LED headlight Pathfinder S LED driving lights $38k Now the road glide was 38k stock no extras how much more would I had to spend at Harley Davidson to get the extras that I got with the Indian pursuit? It’s all about how much your willing to pay but both manufactures has great bikes, just matter which one you like better

Just the Harley "holier than thou" mind set makes it clear the better brand.

Soon as I saw this I watched. At about 14:20 was my first thought. There's 3 Harley dealers less than 1 hour away from me. Closest Indian place is more than 2 hours away. They're still a young company and I'm sure that will get better. But for now I'll stick with Harley just for dealer support. Great review though!

As to the question of who had the first frame mounted fairing, the first factory frame mounted fairing I'm aware of is the Harley Tour Glide in the fall of 1979 as a 1980 model. The Goldwing Inerstate came out in the spring of 1980 with a frame mounted fairing. I suppose Vincent may have had one in the 50's but as far as I know only a few were made.

Great conversation, but at the end of the day it’s about riding on two wheels. 🏍💨💨💨 Blessing to all two wheels #Twowheels1lov

I am about to buy my first bike. What I noticed is I can get the ABS, cruise control, LED lights, and a touch screen speedometer for the same price as a Standard Harley where you have to pay extra to get what the Indian already offers standard. However, I agree Harley owns the after market and the ability to drive cross country and have a Harley dealership almost on every corner. Just what you want. I am still leaning to the Harley Sportster. It has all the tech I want in a Harley.

Indians are the best overall. Everyone wants a Harley bc everyone has one. Standout people.

Tall was like "I liked the bike but it didn't have the soul of a Harley." I've been riding for 30 years and owned 8 bikes. My Goldwing has the same soul as my V twin Kawasaki (totaled). Riding IS the soul in my opinion. :-) As soon as the wind hits my face I feel FREEEEEEE❤! Still not sure which bike I want next though. Harley? Indian? Tough choice!