I was interested in the Chieftain at one point. Until I saw the Challenger in person. I took the Challenger out for a test run. HIGHLY in love with the Challenger. Plus I love how the fairing stays in place. I thought that would bother me until the sales lady broke it down for me. Here in Florida, we’d get random winds that could catch you off guard 😂. I’m from Cali though. Miss the weather big time. Especially right about now.
Isn't the Challenger amazing? 🤩As well as the Chieftain, of course, but they are completely different beasts! If you ever come back to California make sure to stop by the shop! We would love to see you and maybe you can take another Challenger for a little test run 😉
Thank you, Marco! We're thrilled that you enjoyed the video and found it informative. We will be sure to continue making videos like this one so that picking your perfect bike will be as easy as possible in the future.
The best review of these bikes hands down. I had no clue about one's liquid cooled and the other not. It's seems Indian got it backwards on the fairing mounts, I thought the Cheiftain was there tour bike but the challenger rides better on the highway, hmmm. Challenger for me
A great video. I rode a 2021 DH Chieftain at a test ride / demo day. I prefer the improved reliability of an air cooled engine. Less to go wrong. Then I bought a DH Chieftain. Then the windshield motor broke. I'm still happy. And I'm glad I bought it. Parts on order via the warranty.
Thank you for a very nice video. I'm going to see and maybe testride Indians bike on saturday (It's -17 degrees Celsius right now here in Sweden!) I wasn't ready to buy a bike again until I saw an Indian chieftain all in black, what a bike!
Ooooh the Chieftain Dark Horse... a truly incredible machine. We would love to hear about your test ride! Please, if you do a test ride let us know what you think!
Really informational review! I'm in the beginning process of getting a new bike and it currently stands between these two. And also I love her saying "vertically challenged" instead of "short" 😂
We're glad you found it to be helpful! Good luck on your journey finding your new bike, glad we could provide information that hopefully helped you in finding it!
All comes down to water cooling. Air cooled motors are less efficient and therefore need bigger displacements to produce more power then a smaller water cooled motor.
Good video. First time I've heard a horsepower number given for a Thunder Stroke 116 with stage 2 upgrades. 119hp seems about right with 140 ft-lb of torque. I have a Super Chief limited with stage 2 and a Lloydz tune and it's about 120 hp / 140 torque according to the Indian Tech who did the work.
Thank you very much, this is the most in-depth video I've come across. Will you be doing a video on the 2021 Indian touring models? I've got some weakness in my left wrist, the fixed fairing looks like the one for me.
Thank you for the kind words! We will be sure to make a video on the 2021 Touring models, so stay tuned for that one! It seems like a challenger outfitted with a truck may be your best bet. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us at 858 277 0422 :). Best of luck!
Well spoken Angel you were very descriptive my neighbor just put a deposit on a challenger I didn’t realize they just came with it. I think it would’ve been a good idea to start the Challenger and then the chieftain just to hear the exhaust sound however I really enjoyed the video.
Absolutely Spectacular bikes, I love The two of them, nice video, good explanation , and with much respect very beautiful blond princess!!, Greetings!!
Yes we have had some bikes 😉and we completely understand the frustration with the wait time on preorders. We are all in the same boat and we can promise you its coming.. hang in there! Great choice on the Challenger Dark Horse, we are stoked for you!
Thank you! and agreed. It's definitely a difficult choice between two completely amazing and completely different bikes. If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out to us! 858-277-0422.
Hey Jimmy, the liners I would recommend are the Indian Saddlebag Travel bags part number 2885131. We always try to have a set or two in stock at Indian Motorcycle of San Diego, give us a call. 😊
Narrow factory seat that's not very comfy plus her arss isn't against the back part of the seat she's actually standing toward the fuel tank I am 5'7 and own a 2020 roadmaster factory seat and throttle by wire are my 2 complaints other than that luve it
Great question! I’m not familiar with BMW specs as closely as Indian but here’s what I found. I could only pull specs for the K 1600 B which is running a Dual disc front brake, diameter 320 mm rotor, 4-piston fixed calipers in the front, and Single disc rear brake, diameter 320 mm rotor, double-piston caliper in the rear. Calipers appear to be “BMW.” The Challenger is running duel 320 MM, Semi-floating rotor, 4 piston radial caliper Brembo’s in the front, and a single 298mm floating rotor 2 piston caliper in the rear. So the breaking systems appear to be similar however not the same. 😊 Hope this helps, I always suggest scheduling a test ride for both bikes when comparing manufactures!
could you order one with the good looking Indian Faring? those are UGLY and don't scream Indian to me. I have a Roadmaster but someday soon I might want to upgrade, but quite honestly these are both just my bikes UGLY little sister :)
Polaris is pulling the same bull shit as HD. Over price their bikes and tell buyers they need to put thousands of $ more in accessories. What a bunch of crap!
Actually, these Indians have been proving that they are reliable since they debut back in 2014. Other than a few recalls for minor engineering changes, these have been great bikes. I had a 2018 Chieftain and traded it in for a Road Glide and have regretted since. I will be back on an Indian soon. A lot more bike than what the other manufacturer gives you
I have a 2016 and 2018 Chieftain Dark Horse, never one issue, not sure where you are getting your information from. My buddies new HD RG has been to the dealership for electrical issues 3 times now.
