That's a hell of a good long test ride they gave you! And you handled that big bike with ease it appeared. Their staff seemed a bit cold at first to me, but glad to hear they came around.
Meg, as always, I really enjoyed your video. It's so funny yet endearing how humble and very P.C. that you are. You are an Absolute joy to watch. You are Absolutely Perfect in Every way 😍. Keep on Keepin' On 🤟🏼 Until we meet next year 😉
Thanks Meg and Cameraman! Annapolis is my hometown and I miss it greatly. Also a long time H-D person going back 40 yrs, never rode anything else in that time.
"Yeah, I think it's comparable to the Sportsters" Take it for a spin and give that throttle a hard twist...you're in for a surprise. A stock Scout will show it's taillights to a Stage 2 114 Low Rider S on the regular.
Meg, The journey continues. It is good to ride lots of different bikes because as it says this is your motorcycle journey. It is amazing that you are so adventurous and so involved with your followers as well. Great job! Great review and your true objectivity. You look great and as always Ride Safe!!
Hi Meg, Been following since you only had a few followers, now you’re at 13k! Great and congratulations! I have ridden and owned many different brands of motorcycles and have been riding for over 50 years. I think it is great that you’re going out and trying different bikes, continuing to do so is great. All this being said, I am a Harley guy through and through. I don’t care what others ride, only that they ride. But riding a Harley and owning a Harley is the ultimate experience. I ride a SGS and love it. The RGS is also a great bike, but I prefer the SGS. Best wishes in whatever you buy. Best wishes, Doug
Great Indian review, more honest than many other test riders. Personally, I love my HD Deluxe that I turned into an old-school bagger-turning bike. No stereo, but I did opt for the heel-toe shifter and cruise control. I started out with a1942 WLA 45 flathead then a '47 74 knucklehead that I chopped, so very sorry I don't still have it! then a '63 pan head hand shifter. I bought 2018 deluxe for my 66th birthday and it's a fantastic bike, it's probably short enough for you to ride. Have a good one.
Probably the best Indian bike for your stature would be the new model of the Indian Chief in the Super Chief Limited. Much lighter and more manageable and has the powerful 116 motor. Her Two Wheels just did a Super Chief Limited Demo Ride in Mountains of Arizona with a group and was most impressed. If you are serious about a tourer I would suggest to try the new model Honda Goldwing and Honda Dealerships, like Harley, are all over the country. Best of luck in your quest.
Very cool video! It was nice to see you check out other makes; I really enjoyed seeing you sit on the Triumph Speedmaster as that’s a personal fave and was curious about what you thought. It’s smaller than your bike and, as you mentioned, is more on the Sportster side of cruisers. I have owned a Yamaha and a Harley as well, and I appreciate the loyalty that Harley owners have (it is justified!), but I also appreciate that you were open minded to checking out other makes. Cheers!
Great job on the test ride! I know it’s weird the first time we get on a big bike like that. You did extremely well on this video! Cameraman! Hell of a job on the actual videotaping!! Ride safe! Hope you have Happy Easter!!
Appreciate your personal opinion on other bikes, and looked like a nice day for a good putt on some back roads. Sorry to see you weren't as enamored of the Indian as others may have been, but it's all a matter of preference and your own choices! Not a huge H-D or metric cruiser fan here, but have ridden my fair share of them over 48 years of riding bikes, absolutely love my '04 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing for long rides, and my hot rod turboed '79 Honda CBX still satisfies my go-fast needs even now 40 years later. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up, Meg, and thanks for another great video!
@@megsmotorcyclejourney give one a whirl sometime! It'd be cool if you did some reviews on many other bikes out there, including H-D's models and other brands too. It's not what brand you ride, it's because you ride!
Been riding for 40 years and never had a windshield until I bought my Heritage Softail Classic 15 years ago. Always felt like the windshield "cut" my vision so I took it off. This year I put it back on when I put engine guards and highway pegs on the motorcycle. The windshield helps complete the "classic" look. Not sure why but it doesn't seem to cut my vision like it used to. Maybe it's because I am now 66 years old and am shrinking!
Your review is exactly how my test ride was on the chieftain! Hard to shift gears, controls far away! That’s exactly what I experienced. Ride was smooth as a Cadillac, low seat height, etc! Great review Meg!
Mt Airy, Lisbon Maryland here. Great riding within 100 miles. Great video, great review. Harley guy since 64. I plan to test ride an Indian this summer 😎
Glad to see you starting your son out on a dirt bike. I started out my junior year in high school on a Suzuki RM125 dirt bike, then after graduation I got a Suzuki GS750E. I truly believe that if I had not learned to ride on the dirt bike first before moving to the street bike, I would be dead today. 40 years later I now own two Harleys, a 2010 Road King Classic and a 2021 Road King Police Edition.
If you are looking for red diamond stitching for a seat... check out Saddlemen or LePera .... cant go wrong with either company. I went with LePera for both my baggers... 2003 FLHTCI and 2013 SG
@@megsmotorcyclejourney .... welcome... fyi... i changed my user name...i used to go by dkr208... .. great review on the challenger... detailed and honest
I am considering a Challenger for my next bike. I am a mechanical engineer and the engine design is modern and at least in my opinion well beyond HD's M8. Also, both of my Harleys have TC88 engines with mechanical cam chain intensioners which is a hugh design miss by HD and one that HD left their customers in the cold. Too bad as it has resulted in many lost customers for HD. I agree that the HD network is hard to beat, but I have seen a few HD dealers close and expect the trend to continue as sales slide, so that advantage will get less over the next few years. There will not be enough customers to support so many dealers. Thanks for posting, great review!
Take one for a spin. Better yet rent one for a day. Better be ready to buy one though because you're going to want to! Better than an HD in every measurable way with the exception of paint and fit and finish. If you're buying a bike to look at get the HD. If you're buying a bike to ride get the Indian.
Nice test ride FYI the bike has different riding modes flr quicker response ,the clutch problem might be isolated because when I demod th challenger in florida the clutch was smooth,but I didn't like the delay in response of the throttle.i noticed that when you get on the bike to ride ,you are using too much strength to lift it up, just turn the handbars to the right and you will feel its much easier to get of the kickstand
Great video!! At least you got to ride the Challenger and give your honest opinion of what's good for you. Some don't like Harley's. I love my Vrod although not a true Harley, they had help with that one. LOL Stay safe out there.
You were so close, the Triumphs are better than both the Indian and the Harleys. Build quality is as good or better, WAY more reliable, better performance and it’s more unique...everyone and his brother has a Harley! If you are interested in trying a sport bike their are few better than the Triumph Speed Triple and the new Trident is the perfect entry level sport bike
I don't think you can go wrong with a Challenger or Road Glide. It comes down to personal preference, I'd personally take the Challenger because I love high revving OHC engines. I may very well buy one next year
You are definitely a BABC and I appreciate that you are open to riding other brands and styles of bikes, Meg!! I am with you I waited until I was 68 before I finally broke down and bought my first Harley and although I enjoyed Triumphs and Yamahas, I do wish I had tried Harleys earlier in my life, and I love my Harley!!
Harley does have the dealer advantage, but they have been around since 1903. This version of Indian has existed only since 2011. Takes time to build a dealer network, and Harley is going the other way and closing dealers up here in new England where I am we've lost 5
I've had 14 Harleys over the years. I just switched my main bike to the Challenger. I really love it. Surprised about the issue shifting, may have been that particular bike as mine is no problem. You looked very comfortable riding it.
So cool that you showed the pic of you and Cameraman as youngsters! I noticed he called you "hon" a couple times and I got the vibe that maybe HE is your mystery husband(?). I know you are the best of friends, which is #1 criteria for wedded bliss 🥰. You looked good riding the Indian Challenger and I liked the looks of the middle Triumph (what model was it?). You reminded me of Goldilocks, BTW, sitting on all the bikes to find the one that felt "just right." Cameraman, I was fixated on your bare hand. 😧 Your forearm is nicely toned, BTW!😉
Hahaha. We are not married. “Hun” is a Baltimore slang thing and also very much Mike’s personality to call lots of folks “hun”. We have been close for nearly all of our life though. Thank you! I can’t remember the make of the middle bike- I’ll see if I can figure it out. Lol I can see the Goldilocks thing. He is going to love that comment- he may or may not have always been an arm wrestling champ. 🤣🤣🤣
thats the same bike and place where I took the test ride and fell in love when I hit second gear. Sport mode is ridiculous. I did a couple upgrades and I must say she's wicked.
I have to say I am with you on the low centre of gravity thing, at 5’6” my options are limited. That said my ride is a Triumph Tiger900 rally Pro, with the seat at its lowest setting 850mm I cannot flat foot, but I am getting used to controlling my stopping a bit more. I did test ride the speedmaster and it was nice, however I wanted to do big miles and did not see that bike as an option. I am working in Munich so hoping to get into the Alps sometime soon. I actually went into an `Indian dealership earlier today and a Harley Davidson dealership too, I need a selection of bikes I think 😂 Take care and enjoy the journey Ian Back on Two Wheels
Good video.. It is most important to be comfortable with the bike, because you then trust when you need to perform quick maneuvers to avoid getting in an accident or hurt. For the seat, I am sure most seat manufacturers can customize a seat for you. However, consider investing in a removable rider’s backrest. You will love it on longer trips. Especially if you put on that front crash bar/foot rest.
I remember the first time I walked into an Indian dealership. It was only because the Ducati dealership down the road wouldn't let me test ride a bike. The guy at Indian said I could take it home for the weekend. I bought the bike 6 months later. Thanks for the honest review. Thinking about test riding a road glide.
Always turn the front wheel straight 1st before picking the bike off the side stand. It will be easier. The Indian is not lighter it is more center balanced.
Should you try a sport bike? Absolutely. A lot them have sport style handlebars or high clipons, so the ergonomics are more upright and very comfortable. Triumph Street Triple R low suspension version would fit you easily. Triumph Trident 660 and Triumph Speed Twin are also worth looking at. Motorman Paladino gave the Speed Twin a good review. Some other good examples are Ducati Monster, Kawasaki Ninja 650, and Yamaha MT07.
@@megsmotorcyclejourney , thank you . I've enjoyed how you share your own unique experience and opinions re: motorcycling and in particular cruiser bikes. . I like how someone like yourself who appears to be a lifelong energetic high achiever finds cruiser bikes to be a way to relax and explore. Your cruiser vlogs has helped me consider of adding a cruiser to my experience of riding my adventure oriented bike. I think the BMW R18 and the cruiser sport oriented Ducati Diavel expands on the idea of the cruiser riding experience.....not better or worse than HD/Indian...but unique :-)
@@wiskkid aww thank you! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my content. I’m open to trying all different types of bikes but do enjoy the relaxation aspect of it.
The challenger is all that +(to me)shifting on the two i had ridden was smooth,also what mode did they have the bike in rain, standard or sport mode?(It makes a difference ), in sport mode the bike is just a beast. The electronic adjustable screen is fantastic as well as the vents up front that can be closed or opened for more or less air, after I road it I never considered a harley again...to add another youtuber did a comparison of harley dealers vs indian dealers and the distance was equal it seemed only difference was you had more harley dealers closer to each other but the distancevwas equal to indian. side note, I have never seen a less interested salesman/staff , they didnt come to you guys or explain the bike ,that what i liked about the dealers i visited. even thow i already knew what they told me i still learned a few things like how indian has a heated as well as cooling seat(all in one) calked ClimaCommand so sad they didnt tell you about the gps and weather map overlays function and other things. Hopefully you can test ride one again and try out all the features like the power modes ect..
@@RanGer-498 She said her Roadglide felt faster she probably had it in rain mode no one has ever said that about a stock Roadglide over a Challenger i amost pissed myself laughing.
I wonder if the shifter had a back kick on it. I was trying to see, but I just could not tell. It is a very sharp bike and I am died in the wool HD also. I even have the bar and shield tatt on my left arm..LOL
At the end of the day it’s about what you like. Some are loyal to a brand and nothing else will ever be attractive to them. Some just like a certain look that a brand makes and anything else just doesn’t suit them. Every bike maker out there to me makes a nice looking bike somewhere in their lineup so I appreciate all bikes. I’m an Indian owner but also had a Kawasaki and Honda. Again it’s about enjoying the ride whatever it may be. Glad you tried something different and keep doing it! It makes you appreciate what you have.
Great video, good to see you on other brands. Maybe you can try others also. Japanese or European bikes next 😉👍. I agree that the Indians look great but a little boxy but I do have a soft spot for their FTR1200, looks so good. But I’m more of a naked type myself (no pun indented lol). Keep being awesome Meg 👍
You might have had it in normal ride. They have a sport, and touring mode. I'm looking at the scouts. But they now have a all new line. The Indian chief. Six different bikes to choose from. For me it's price and looks. And comfort. Harley is just so expensive. That's why the scout looks nice. Cheap, good looks, looks comfortable too. And a big choice of bikes. But now they throw that chief line up. But it will still be a while tell I get a ride. Money is my problem. I enjoyed watching. And it's all about the individual on what they like. Later 🤓😎😛🤪😋🎺🎳🏍
Luv that there's a moto vlogger in my area, seeing things I know and places I go to. I just find it hard to get into voice over videos, I like to hear the motorcycles and the thoughts as your riding down the road.
Cool video. I’m a fan of the road glide myself though I’ve never owned one. Currently i own a Victory Vegas 8 ball and a BMW K1600GtL. Not a big fan of the Indian in general but i do like the Indian Scout.
Chesapeake Cycles is my dealership and I've purchased one Victory and three Indians from them. They always great everyone when they come in and have a no pressure approach. They're there to help and answer questions or let you look around as much as you want. I asked the salesman about this incident. It seems this video is misleading a little in that Meg came into the dealership and was greeted just like they do everyone. She talked to the salesman and looked around for a while to familiarize herself with what she wanted to do. THEN she went back outside and started filming. It may look like she just entered the store for the first time but that just wasn't the case. So don't be quick to judge someone from what your shown; it doesn't always show the entire story.
Hhi Meg 👋 First off , there are different rider modes on the challenger , when put in sport mode it is quite a bit more responsive in acceleration , they should've explained that to you . I am the same as you when it comes to wind shields , I prefer not having a windshield , I depend on helmet engineering to lessen wind buffeting as I always wear a full face helmet . Great video once again, and you are honest in your opinion , and the Insian Vintage that you said is what an Indian should look like , I agree Completely , and I think that is the bike you need to ride 👍 Plus you would look Sooooooi good on the Vintage with all that chrome and other with the fringes 😉 Have a great night with your kiddos 😊
Reduce reach seat would have helped a lot. They should have lowered the windshield for you. Then if they would have put it in sport mode you would have had more of an awakening when you cranked the throttle.
Good video always nice to try other bikes to form an opinion not just rely on what others say. There will be seat upholsterers in Ocean City that can change out seat materials and patterns, maybe Gettysburg as well.
I own and ride both Indian and Harley. As far as the bikes go, I would put the Springfield right up there with a Road King. Quality, fit and finish, performance, all top notch on both. The Springfield does have that classic Indian look which is why I went with it. I will say, assuming both bikes are equal, pretty much everything else about the Harley ownership experience is a bit better. Not only are there more dealerships, there are a ton of independent mechanics that will work on Harley. I would guess you can find someone to work on a Harley within 100 miles of anywhere in the US. We have a number of Indian dealerships here, so I have options, but not so much if I break down on a road trip. The community and the events around HD are also more established. H.O.G. has strong backing from Harley, and the dealerships, which IMRG does not seem to. Of course these are all things that Indian can improve over time. The engineering on the machines is there. I haven't had any trouble whatsoever with my Indian (or my current Harley). Third party upgrade support is certainly better on Harley, but I haven't though of anything I wanted for my Indian that I couldn't find a number of options on. I don't plan on ever getting rid of my Indian, but if I add a 3rd bike, it would most likely be another Harley. Nothing looks like and Indian, but 1 is all I need.
@@megsmotorcyclejourney I was just kidding 😜 but ya. You can definitely hear the wind. You east coast people got it over us here in So cal- we’re kind of spoiled. Mostly year round riding, & very rarely below 45-50°. Good video and review Megan! 👍🏻
Hi Megan. The power changes have 3 modes for Power.the sport mode gets it to the 120 hp.i think you would of liked that power mode better performance. I had mentioned before I have a 17 road glide special. And a 17 indian chieftain limited.i like them both.indians stock suspension a rear mono shock rides so much smoother than the road glides stock shocks.i just changed the road rear shocks to fox much better.i know your not into the touring models as much . So if you guys get a road glide. My experience is to change the rear shocks to one of the good aftermarket ones fox or ohlins legends etc .they are all good expensive 8 or 900 a pair but worth it.so that's my experience with the two models. If that helps at all.Rich thanks for the intertainment. That dealer to me seemed a bit standoff at first but they caved to yours and cameramans charisma. 😉
hu guys, the male on the camera is a great person to have for tips and erperienced advice. i would like recommend an hiviz upper body airbag from helics. ride safe and smart.
I was dealing with Indian back in Wisconsin in 2016 but they couldn't beat the deal with my now Harley-Davidson street glide special. Plus there are not as many dealerships. They are to far away from me.
The shifting you are talking about is because Harley is a chain driven primary and Indian is a gear driven primary. I have a Victory Magnum and the I like the positive “click” as you shift into gear. When I started on a Victory Vegas, I got great advice in terms of shifting. Don’t pussy-foot it, kick it into gear. You needed to change the ride mode. You were in touring or standard, click in sport then ride it. I would say that on the next test ride, regardless of Make\Model, I would spend more time getting familiar with the tech, especially because tech now changes the ride/power/feel of the bike.
Head up to Elizabethtown Pa to Hernleys. Telling best hands down customer service and bikes. I live in Westminster its about an hour and half up the road.
You def need a smaller seat on the Roadmaster. 😂 petiteness at its best Meg gets what Meg wants 😂😂 Stick with HD 😎🤘 Cheers for sharing another ride out 🏍💨
Before you give up on Indian, you should check out the new 2022 FTR S which should become available soon. It's an awesome looking machine with a lower seat height than the previous version. I think you would look really good on it.
Mean city cycles in NC will take your stock seat and do whatever stitching you want and put gel or memory foam. I did mine and its the best seat ive ever had and half the cost of a custom seat
Hi Meg sounds like the dealer ship didn't take the time to go over the bike and all it's controls with you before your test ride. It would have made your ride more enjoyable. Indian does make a heel shifter which may have helped. You looked pretty stretched out reaching for the shifter.
I own both a harley cvo road glide and a Indian chieftain. Been a harley guy but Indian has the edge right now. Much better ride and suspension. Lower center of gravity making bike feel lighter and ease of handling. Better power. If only Harley engineers could get a true dual shock rear suspension and other design upgrades.........still love my road glide but harley is getting lazy in design and service after the sale.
I have 2 Harleys... and 2 Indians now... I'm riding the Indians more.. the harley.. especially my m8 electra glide is down for mechanical problems more than any bike I've ever had. The M8 motor has really turned me off harley.. my challenger has been very good to me. And hasn't cost me a ton of money to make it better.. it was good to go the day i got it
I’m glad you found a bike you like! I truly believe everyone should buy the bike that best suits them. I’ve been lucky not to have any mechanical issues with my Harleys.
@@megsmotorcyclejourney thank you.. no bike is perfect and the challenger will keep me amused for a season or two, till the next something better comes along.. happy travels!
Actual test ride starts at 20:11 and ends at 26:56, dang. That's when I turned the sound on and off again. Yeah, Indian has basically put HD on notice. The new Chief models are crushing the competition. Less words, more motorcycle please.
Every time I see Indian motorcycles, It makes me miss The Victory Motorcycle Company. The Victory Cross Country to me is one of the nicest modern day motorcycles I've ever seen or heard about in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your Indian Dealership experience Meg and Cameraman.
Hi Meg, enjoy hearing your take. Sounds to me your Lowrider S has raised your bar on performance expectations so the Challenge didn’t impress by comparison. Curious if you could hear engine “clatter”? Have seen other videos and noticed an annoying rattle from the motor at idle. I have concluded I ride mostly to relax...for the “endorphins”, that feeling of peace and satisfaction with nothing to prove. Being out in nature on a bike that doesn’t feel like it has to strain to move at mostly legal speeds. I have a feeling most cruiser riders, perhaps including yourself seem to identify most with this attitude. When younger I was looking to ride more for “adrenaline”, the rush and excitement of speed, and danger. This helps me understand different riders and bikes and to appreciate them even though they don’t fit my style. Enjoy and ride safe.
Yeah try a sport bike have an open mind and ride everything, I just met you and your friend at the timonium bike show (which kinda sucked) but yeah test ride all the brands, I’m a retired Harley-Davidson mechanic and I started riding everything I could and now own about 13 bikes and having a blast, thanks for the heads up on your utube channel
@@megsmotorcyclejourney , I will call him tomorrow and talk to him so he has a heads up if you want to call him. I can’t post his cell number but I’ll give you his business number. He loves outfitting celebrities with custom seats, lol
@@megsmotorcyclejourney , my wife used to give mikes granddaughter rides through our neighborhood on her horse cart, mike made my wife a one of a kind custom cart seat in red Italian leather with embroidered feathers.
I like your videos very much.And like the professional camera gear that you use.My uncle had a 1949 Harley-Davidson.Keep me informed about your videos. Thank You Have a great day.
🛑🛑 Meg...Great Video. I give you credit for “branching out”. 💯 I’ve told you once before, but you need to take a Harley CVO Limited for a ride (even if it’s a used one). The bike has a lower saddle height, and “all the bells and whistles”, and loads of power. As they say.....”once you go CVO, you can’t ride any other Harley unless it’s another CVO”😀👍
@@megsmotorcyclejourney The Limited uses the same frame as the Street Glide. You can strip the the Tour Pack off, using the Quick Disconnect System. You can ride the Limited without the Tour Pack, with a solo seat around town; then put the Tour Pack , Driver Pylon Backrest and Touring Seat on when going on a trip. Something to think about. As you can tell I have a CVO Limited😀👍
The red / white Indian in the window looked great and the Indian Challenger was cool 😎 too. The 30" custom wheel bike outside the shop with snake paint is amazing. I do prefer the Harley Glide (Shark) tourer or Honda Goldwing (manual transmission) bagger. Ps looked like a great ride going to and back to the Indian shop via the waterfront.
you got balls and there are a lots of gals out there think they cant ride a big bike, that's great show em all meg , A1 and classy mad respect meg and camdude !
