Today we are reviewing the Harley Davidson Street Glide and the Indian Chieftain Limited and at the end of the video, we will see which one is the best and why.
I have just purchased a 2023 darkhorse. I loved the way it handles and like you said, value for money. I was a sports bike rider, so it was a big step for me to buy something totally different to what I am used to
Sold my Harley for the chieftain. The level of ride, quality fit and finish is just so much better. I’m a motorcycle cop so I ride an electra glide for a living. I get to do back to back comparisons every day. Indian wins hands down
I live in the Pittsburgh, North Metro area, am a retired LEO motor officer and have owned a 2000 Road King Classic, since new with only 104,000 miles. I was the first guy in my riding group to purchase a HD. We were all on metric bikes and eventually ALL of us purchased HDs. Indians weren’t even on the radar. I’m an old guy, 62 and looking to purchase my last motorcycle. I’ve been loyal, but no longer married to HD and that is something that has drastically changed for me in the past 4-5 years. HD has been under a new regime that is streamlining and closing dealerships Nationwide. HD has shuttered six dealerships in Southwestern PA in the last 10 years. My local dealer is a mere 5 miles from my home, was forced to merge with its sister dealership and still do not have ONE HD certified mechanic in their shop. Since the closings, it’s the only HD dealer in Allegheny County / Pittsburgh area. I travel 40 miles north to have my Road King serviced. Prior to this turmoil, I’d have never considered an Indian. Like my truck and SUV, I will only consider a vehicle from an American manufacturer. Having ridden both, IMHO, HD fit, finish, appearance, paint, styling gets the nod over Indian….BUT I’m no longer doing the “group rides” we did 20 years ago. I’m looking for the American heavyweight cruiser which best suits my needs. As of 3/19/2024, I’m looking to purchase a NEW, 2022 Indian Roadmaster Limited (still in the crate) for $22,500 vs a used 2022 HD Ultra at $26,000 w/ 15,000 miles and doesn’t have the heated seat, grips, adjustable windshield or longer wheelbase for my 6’2” frame.
Some 3 years ago, while owning a H-D Sportster 48/1200, Heritage 117, and a Deluxe 107, I was ready to buy a Street Glide. I had wanted a H-D Street Glide without any reservations, until I test rode a 2020 Indian Chieftain Darkhorse 116. I purchased the Chieftain DH home the same day after test riding it and have had no regrets. The Indian Chieftain DH was a much better fit for myself.
I have a 2019 Chieftain Darkhorse (111ci) as well. Love it! Running Stage 2 cams, K&N air intake filter, Tabs Performance exhaust 2-1-2, 2.5” baffles and a Dynojet Power Vision tuner.
Your opinion is subjected as all opinions are, mine included. I rode a SG for 9 years. At high speeds, I felt the SG become a little unstable and with that being said, the CDH held the line. The suspension front and rear is incredible out the showroom. Didn’t have to put expensive rear shocks with reservoirs. Wanted to try another American V-Twin company and so here I am. Good review.
Just bought a 23 Chieftain, felt like it was a better value than the HD. Found it odd that the Indian dealers could point out all the differences between their product and HD. But the HD dealers knew NOTHING about Indians. The features on the Indian like the power windshield, ride modes and general tech were superior in my opinion.
I like the adjustable screen on the Indian and the phone charger pocket just behind the screen. Being able to adjust your screen lower for around town and higher on the highway,makes a difference in summer I think. I like the handlebars on the Harley. T bars? Heated grips and seat are important for me in terms of how much I'd use the bike in winter. The older I get,the more important creature comforts become.
You can argue over which bike is best. I will only buy and Indian. I have gone with a friend to has his Harley repaired or serviced the last 3 times he went to a dealership. Three different dealerships and all of them treated the motorcycle owners like crap. Last time inside the dealership I looked at my friend and said buy and Indian next time. They won’t treat you like crap and I walked out.
I still like the Indian Chieftain's old fairing and the huge front fender (Pre-2018) much better than the current one. Felt way more unique to the old Indian style.
I'm with you on that, the classic retro Indian style is totally unique. Now you can only get that on the Roadmaster. To me there is room for both styles, but I'm sure the bean counters would argue differently.
@@bruceglazer3581 Tru dat. Thanks Bruce, I was only thinking of the bikes with the farings in my reply, particularly the Chieftains. I own a 2019 Springfield and it is superb. I hope Indian brings back the Vintage as well. I'm all about the retro style. I think there is room for both.
As a proud owner of a stunning 2019 Indian Springfield in steel gray and metallic burgundy, the TS 111-116 is a jewel of an engine with torque out the yingyang. Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day.
This was a great review! I've owned Harley's for years and I know this is a tough decision for some. Harley has been around like forever. I have to think about reliability. I dropped Harley because they don't stand behind there mistakes. The M8 motor is good and terrible at the same time. And they keep selling it as if they have worked out all the issues and they are far from it. The indian gives you more and they haven't had the issues with the thunder stroke. Indian is the way to go, Plus it's nice to be different.
I test rode the Indian Chieftain Darkhorse a month ago. Priced cheaper, more gimmicks (ie. ride mode, locking bags, etc.), and WAY easier to maneuver due to better engineering in design. The bike feels way lighter compared to the Street Glide. Downside: the easier ride made it feel cheap to me... I actually chuckled as I did tight circles in a lot because I honestly felt like I was riding a lil' scooter. The inner fairing is ugly as hell because it looks like a cheap lil' E.T. head looking at me; and it was way too plasticky in look and feel. The screen also looks outdated with no color scheme, but does have lots of overload on info if you want it. It also sounded like a lil' scooter when riding with the exception of smacking the throttle like this guy did in the video. I know you can change out the exhaust, but it sounds nothing like a Harley stock. I decided to go with the Street Glide Special because it feels like and sounds like a real tough American Iconic bike. If you want a cookie cutter that looks like every other bike off the showroom floor, buy an Indian. It's a perfect easy to ride for a female, but probably not for a dude who wants to customize his own machine.
@@206-HoneyBadger If you want a cookie cutter that looks like every other bike off the showroom floor, buy a Harley. If you want a quality mans bike buy an Indian plus with a Harley it will spend most of its time in the garage getting fixed sorry buddy you never rode one everything you said is BS. The Harleys inner fairing looks cheap to me and the stereo sucked the Indian you can reach and the screen is responsive and has so much info on it plus the windshield is adjustable something a Harley does not even offer!!!I also like the fact i did not go along with all the sheeple and buy the same bike my Indian gets compliments because it is different and looks so much nicer than a hardley.
@@erics9754 Sorry, I hurt your feelings. And to your point, HD is starting to look like the same cheap plastic cookie cutters nowadays by coping Indian for competitive reasons. Ride safe!
I just rode a 2022 Chieftain and 2022 street glide CVO back to back this weekend. Aside from the aftermarket support, the Indian absolutely beat the HD in every way - really no debate. I watch alot of your videos and love your channel. You always seem to lean towards the Indian during comparisons but still buy HD. Just curious if it’s brand loyalty? I saw you bought a 24 road glide and just curious how the new harley compares to the challenger…
My thing with HD is the culture…..Indian has a fresh culture feel to it….more tech and reliability as well. HD has the aftermarket by the balls….dominates, but they are stuck in the old farts culture…they need to arrive im 2022 from 1990’s. My 2cents
Yeah but both bikes are vintage retro-styled. Both are trying to strike a balance between their heritage and staying relevant and contemporary. It's not a bad thing but Indians more and more look like updated Victory motorcycles. I've written both and I like both for different reasons. To each his own. But as a taller rider, the Indian seems roomier and more comfortable. I think Harley has three times as many dealers nationally as Indian. For what it's worth.
Lol, I already had guessed that you would go with HD over the Indian. But let's face it, it strongly depends on the person's vibe when it comes down to motorcycles, cars or anything else for that fact. Good review on the bikes.
Something else to note: a CVO may be $42,000 MSRP... but you're not buying one for less than 50k. That Indian Chieftain Elite, which has more features than the CVO, and an MSRP for $33,000 can actually be bought for around 35k. Harley will mark their bike up and bend you over before you walk out that door with a key in your hand.... if you want to realistically spend $15,000 more for the Harley which has less features... lmao, go right ahead. I'll buy the Chieftain Elite, and then take the 15k I saved and buy myself a second bike. Probably a Chief as a bar hopper. 😅
That original Street Glide style is just so beautiful to me. From the tank, to the fairing, to the bags, it's Harley for me. I have the twin cam HO 103, so my bike actually sounds good too lol
When I was ready to ditch my Vulcan Vaquero, I contemplated getting either a gently used Indian Chieftan or Harley Street Glide. I really loved the Indian, the design, the “bang for your buck” factor, and the fact it wasn’t just another Street Glide. But I came across a 2019 SG with only a few thousand miles on it for a great “end of the season” price. I tested it out and fell in love all over again. So now the decision was difficult, but after going through all the research I could muster up on both bikes, it was clear which bike was the one…..the Harley. It had a much bigger following, dealer network, aftermarket accessories, and sex appeal. The Indian was nice, but it felt too…..fake? Idk, it just didn’t feel genuine. It felt like it was a rebadged Victory, which many other claim as well. The HD has more soul. I don’t regret my decision and have fell into the HD world rabbit hole. But that’s alright, I’m having a GREAT time. (Wallet, not so much 😂)
I was the same then I found out Harley went woke wok whatever no bullshit it hurts me to say it and the party they had in wis the singer at the concert screamed at the audience he dont want to be a American anymore then yelled fuck American and Harley endorsed this and all this is fact! So fuck Harley never buying another one.
I love my Harley Road King and Street Glide. Both run and handle great, and are a blast to ride. I do wish Harley was more competitive when it came to features that would not be that difficult to include, and I'm often frustrated with the way Harley nickle and dimes you to death. But I love the Harley branded lifestyle, aftermarket part availability, and dealer rider support. I also have friends with Indians with no complaints, and they are truly nice, feature rich bikes.
I love my Indian. Always smile at the “value to price” I get. But I dislike greatly the “plastic” feel of the latches and finish…. I’ll be getting a Harley next. Harleys never let you down with fit and finish. Indian motor/power train are great. But each and every time, I’m frustrated when I get my cell phone and the lines don’t line up after I close the latch on fairing compartment….or grab my stuff out of saddle bags and when latched they still jostle. Indian fit and finish is a C at BEST. Harley is the standard A+ all aspire to. I’ll have both and enjoy both. Like a classic muscle car vs new-era muscle car. OG, steel, fit and finish…. Vs plastics and improved performance. Just my opinion.
Indian is the superior bike no doubt Harley fanboys disagree through bias people who desperately feel the need to fit in tend to buy Harley. Confident people who have good taste and do not care what others think tend to buy Indians based on wanting a superior product. Harley riders who try an Indian do not go back to Harley. Indian does Nickle and dime you to death both are guilty of this and both should put an end to it as their bikes are overpriced to begin with. Greed is the only reason they do it.
I have an 2019 Indian Chieftain it was 40th birthday gift from my wife. Coming from a sports bike I have absolutely zero regrets in the chieftain. Fit and finish is second to none along with the power. Smoking the tires in 1&2 come easy if you have the stomach for that type of riding
A typical review between Indian and Harley. It i very apparent that as a Harley owner and based upon other content, you are committed to the Harley brand. The best bagger is what an individual preference. Personally, I do not like the Harley community.
I went from a Harley 2016 to a Harley 2022. Big difference! I did that so I could use all my accessories, they all fit. I would have lost $3000 of accessories. Plus I got a hell of a trade in at McGrath harley davidson in Dubuque, Iowa.
Fun fact, with the M8 HD was able to quiet the engine down a bit so stock pipes could be a bit louder and still be compliant. The Indians though, hands down, cant argue, your dollar goes a lot further. Been really thinking about trading my Road Glide for a Challenger.
I swore off Harley’s long ago, dad always had them but rode a Honda as a commuter bike. I rode wings from 86-2000, bought a Valkyrie interstate and got addicted to the power, next bike was a 2015 Victory Cross Country Tour and I loved that bike. This coming spring I will be on an Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. I want the 116ci motor.
I just traded in my 2020 HD for a brand new HD. I received $1k more than I paid for it while we're in a "recession." It's my 4th HD. I also sold my first HD for exactly what I paid for it 8 yrs later.
Look at the fit and finish, and the quality of the paint used. Look at the amount of plastic versus metal. Look at any additional fees required such as subscriptions for the infotainment systems. And look at the aftermarket and the size of the dealer Network as well as the resale value. One company has been making motorcycles consistently for over 100 years except for a very brief. When they were a minority owner, the other company is known for snowmobile’s and ATVs and side-by-side’s. They have a history of abandoning customers in the case of victory. These high-end motorcycles are a very sizable investment for most, and there are a lot of other factors to look at besides the bells and whistles
I like the way you conduct yourself in your video's. Very informative and keeps my attention, which is why I have subscribed to your channel. I was a Harley fan, but due to the way you come across in your video's, I have found myself looking more towards the Indian motorcycle brand. Keep up your good work ethic.
I’ve had my Chieftain Dark Horse for a month and never knew there was a D.C. port on the right saddlebag. Now to find out if that will support my heated gear…Thank you for mentioning that feature.
I rode the Harley Street Glide Special and the Indian Cheiftain back to back a week ago and the Indian wins hands down for me.The mirriors on the harley become redundant if you fit any kind of riser or ape bars on the harley. Adjustable electronic Windsheild on the Indian. Fixed on the Harley. Better rear shock on the Indian. LEDs all around on the Indian. Fit and finish is on a par with Harleys.The Harleys Front Brembo brakes are very good.But no better than the indians brakes. And after all that come to find out that the Indian was cheaper Out the door I was quoted $39845 for the HD special with the blacked out Engine/pipes and $33232 for the Indian Cheiftain Darkhorse. 6500 Cheaper for more bike. The only reason anyone picks the Harley is Dealer network, Customization, Brand loyalty or Ignorance of how good the Indian is.
The main difference between Harley & Indian is that while Indian looks great, they are a throwaway , whereas Harley is a generational bike that can be passed down from generation to generation. Doesnt matter if you own an 80" Evo, Twin Cam 88, 96, 103 or 110, M8 107, 114, 117, you can get parts for all of these bikes. Indian, not so much I also dont like the feel of the Chieftain which feels plastic kinda like a Toyota and the dash is butt ugly, looks like Johnny 5 from short circuit. Paint is also not even close to the quality of Harley which is why Indian seems to be pushing the smoke colours because it hides flaws better
@@snakebite6511 how is the Indian a throw away bike? I'm hearing lots of good things about indian lately, giving harley some competition. Whether you're a harley or indian guy, competition is always good.
@@derfskittlers6125 competition is great and pushes other manufacturers. However, indian like the metric bikes have little to no aftermarket like Harley. With Harley you can rebuild a motor for almost any engine made by Harley but for sure going back to the Evo, TC 88, 96, 103, 110, I have 3 Harley’s and I can pass them down because there will be performance parts available for the next xxxx years. The metrics not so much (Indian included)
Yes I agree with that and I guess the reason that happened is because with Harleys the engines fail so often that there needs to be a huge after-market to keep them running Indian is so much more robust not so much need lol.@@snakebite6511
I brought a brand new Indian Chieftain Limited. And it was one of the worse decisions I’ve ever made. I was riding through a state where I was unfamiliar, when my bike went into limp mode. It only had 2,000 miles on it. The closest dealer was about 250-300 miles from where I was. I called the dealer to see if they could assist me with towing the bike to them since I was still under their fake ass warranty and they wouldn’t do anything to help. So I had to get the bike back at my expense. Then the tech at the dealer told me the bike couldn’t be fixed because Polaris had to build a new software for it 😮. I asked could they replace the bike since it needed new software and they told me they couldn’t. I asked how long would it take to build a new software, and they couldn’t answer my question. They expected me to keep a bike I couldn’t ride. People Please Stay Away from Indian/Polaris. I traded the Indian for a Road Glide Special.💯💯👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿🎯🎯🎯
Sounds like the TBW connection issue that Harleys suffered from. It would cause HD's to go into limp mode, and HD's only solution was to replace the entire ECU
The Street Glide rear shocks are terrible. The air shock on the Indian is fantastic. The electric windshield on the Chieftain is amazing. The large floorboard on the Indian add to the comfort. The Harley does a much better job with heat management. Both are great bikes. It really comes down to looks.
I think you were fair. I felt the same way when I bought my '19 Electra Glide Standard. I probably could have gotten the Indian with all the goodies for the same $ but at the end of the day, H-D has been building these forever and they got it down. Both are good but 1 has been in business the entire time with an unbroken pedigree and the other is possibly trying to hard to be like the other when they should reinvent themselves(which they are attempting). I'd like too see more original designs from the Indian and more support with customization.
@@axelfoley5155 I just looked into that recall and yes a recall is a recall but it's for the brake light staying on! Come on dude. Kawasaki has had recalls to replace frames before. This isn't a big deal. I did not buy extended warranty on my bike and so far I have 10k 100% trouble free riding with my bike and I'm sure of many more trouble free miles. I do own over a dozen bikes, mostly Japanese sport bikes so I have experienced serious issues but the manufacturers always made things right.
@@axelfoley5155 Like Indians dont break down come on dude i have seen several. Here on the eastern US we dont see a lot of Indians, Maybe they dont sell well or the owners just dont ride but i have seen some broke down mainly electrical problems
I watch your video it was a good comparison you gave the 2022 Indian an opportunity to compete with a 2017 Harley Street glide it's hard to compete with the ride of a Street glide and the aesthetics
Thanks for the video. I have checking out the Indian to find that chrome is pealing off. The vibration in the foot boards is bad. The dealer support on the Indian is not good . No heal shifter option is no good. I will go with the Harley.
Nice review but a comparison of a five year old standard Street Glide, versus a new (2022) Chieftain, is kind of silly. Comparing a same year Street Glide Special with the Chieftain would be a more worthwhile exercise. I've ridden a 2023 Chieftain and a 2023 Street Glide Special, all in the same day. These two bikes are comparably priced with comparable features and options and any buyer should probably look at both. I own a Street Glide Special but really like the Chieftain as well and thought it had some advantages, and a few disadvantages. Thanks for a thoughtful video and maybe update with similar year and featured bikes.
The Indian has better ride comfort, ergonomics, features (windshield, tech), price, and engineering (engine, transmission, primary, LEDS) but you choose the HD. Yeah, makes sense to me (sarc).
It's hard for Harley fanboys they really want to look cool and tough so badly and that's what they were told all their lives sheeple just do what sheeple do follow the pack they want to fit in so badly lol. This does not apply to all Harley people just about 80 percent of them lol I actually love the 2020 deluxe in pearl white best looking bike in recent years and what did Harley do discontinued it brilliant now their bikes are made in China or Mexico lol.
Just bought a 21 road glide with 167 mi on the odometer. My goal is to make it handle like a like low rider ST. Carbon wheels, legend suspension, thrashin trees and extention along with the screaming eagle stage 1 is a good start. Now I just have to do it 🤙
I like both bikes and both companies. Indian's strong point is steering geometry, they feel more nimble than the comparable Harley Davidson models. Now Harley leads in the stereo quality and better looking lowers for sure.
I had a 2018 street glide, At the same time I purchased a 2019 chieftain dark horse, I prefer the ride on the Indian better, the Harley beat me up especially on rough roads and long distance I think the Indian, to me was more comfortable and a much better ride. So I ended up getting rid of my Harley, and I bought another Indian. As far as the aftermarket goes, I've found a lot of aftermarket accessories for my Indians. But I still have a Harley Roadking, so I still love Harleys, and always will.
@@ΑναστάσιοςΠαπαζαχαρίου It's not bad, my Road King is a lot more comfortable than my Street glide, I really was cramped on the Street glide, because I'm 6'2". I'm a little cramped on the Indians, and the Road king, but nothing like my Street glide.
I am advocating for Indians but I think I should tell everyone their crap! Part of the reason I love mine is that not everyone rides them. Most people ride Harleys and I like it like that! keeping the secret a secret. Most people understand that the general population has bad taste which explains music trends food trends movie trends car trends. Only a small percentage of the population has refined taste and it represents itself in what we drive and ride. So to all those Harley lovers out there stick with Harley it's a much better bike lol.
Nice review, im kicking the can on whether to trade my 21 street bob on either the SGS or the Indian chieftain in a few years, the chieftain is really looking like a possibility.
I’m trying to save up for a Chieftain. I like the 2022 base model. Thanks for the review. The audio crackle and pop sounds just like my go pro 10 with a mic plugged in.
Ha! Our local Indian dealer has more used traded in Harleys than they do New Indians. Seems like people are leaving the cult for a better ride and better technology. Just read through the comments on all these comparison videos at how many Harley owners traded for an Indian. Not one Indian traded for a Harley.
I have done full tour on the Springfield. Have added bars and shield. Completed an iron butt. Agree that the ride command should be integrated into the bike
I owned a street glide and now I own an Ultra limited. Both of them are silky smooth on highway miles and thousands of them. Love Harley all the way. Having said that, if I can afford to keep a third bike ( yes, I also have a kawasaki VN 125 cubic inch, the Beast), I would love to have an Indian Chief Elite ( the black and bronze version). Damn it looks so gorgeous!
Try the Roadmaster smoother on the highway than any Harley much more shock travel equals smoother riding bike. The ride of the Indian is what sold me over the Harley even though Harley is more popular and everyone and his cousin ride one. I decided to get something that is not as common and I have no regrets to me it is a better-looking bike and a better-made one with only two oil plugs to remove to do oil changes and handles great with a smoother ride and more storage with classic old school looks. I also did not want to be part of the Harley culture as I am not a pack-type person. I am a loner who goes his own way. I do not want to fit in and do not care in the slightest what others think about me. Indian is about being different having refined taste different from the rest of the herd. Back in the muscle car days, everyone drove a Chevy, Mustang, Camaro or Vette I drove a 1970 Charger with a Gator roof lol.
Polaris should bring back the Victory brand and run it parallel to Indian but as base models or what we can call "affordable" and make Indian to be the *luxurious* brand. kinda like we have Ford and Lincoln, Chevy and Cadillac, Honda and Acura plus Toyota and Lexus, it'll be Indian and Victory while Harley Davidson can still act like Mercedes Benz or BMW. This is a different Era with different generation that doesn't care where your stuff is made nor the history behind it, all they care about is reliability and price and to be honest Victory was known to be more reliable than Harley Davidson. I think if Polaris did that they'll crush Harley Davidson for sure.
That's a fair comparison? A six year old Harley vs a New Indian, please!! They are both nice bikes but you are obviously very biased. No matter how hard you try to fake it. You did come to the best conclusion! Just saying. NEW HD Street Glide Special owner!!
I literally brought up very new feature a new Harley has and you must be new here because I have no reason to “fake” anything. I like what I like and tell it how I see it
I’ve ridden the 2022 street glide and the 2022 chieftain, the standard versions of both. The 107ci Harley and the 111ci Indian. The Chieftain definitely takes the cake on those two. As far as the limited, specials, dark horses and whatever non-standard versions, I can’t speak on. But the base models of both, that extra grand for the chieftain is worth it. Can’t afford the rich boy versions so I don’t want to test ride/rent one because I know I’ll fall in love with something I can’t afford lol. And for the record Im not a “Harley guy” or an “indian guy”, I LOVE both brands.
I like that it isn't just another Street Glide, but we'll see how well these hold up. The Challenger has had issues with the windshield motor because the worm gear was made from plastic. Aftermarket has a metal version. I want to see how much repair shop support these get.
I ride a 2016 Chieftain in Indian Red, with the original Indian fairing, it offers more and better wind management. Stage 2 upgrades for more torque in Montana mountains, with a professional tune. Sturgis built the engine, the tech says my Chieftain is a beast 😊
I think it's just a matter of preference. Both bikes are beautiful. Both bikes have something for everyone. I'm a Harley guy, I've been since I was a kid,but that said, Indian is a fantastic bike. They incorporated the Victory design into the Chief,it looks great.
I've got a 2017 SGS(same color). Added LEDs, Neighbor Haters, Vance and Hines FP3. I've also upgraded the stereo system and seat. Absoultely LOVE MY BIKE!
Personally I think you did a fantastic review and comparison of the two bikes. Those who say "but it was a new 22 vs a 17" well that is sometimes what is available to demo... and you did your best to tell everyone what the 22 Harley has and didn't use the "17"s shortcomings to discredit the Harley. It would have been great to demo both bikes of the same year but come on, where are you going to go to a dealer and do that??? If you go to a Harley dealer you won't find a new Indian, if you go to an Indian dealer you won't find a new Harley so to those who complain about an "unfair" comparison let them go find two brand new bikes at the same place to do a comparison.. might have to do a lot of searching. I'm a Harley guy (2006 HD Road King atm I've had Electra Glide Ultra's, a Sportster, and a Heritage softail) and have been thinking about getting a new bike so I've been test driving Harley's and Indian's and to be honest, I absolutely love the new Challenger and the Chieftain isn't bad either. If I go with Harley again, I'd only be interested in a new Road King which is what I may do. The reason I'd go with Harley is the dealer network, there are Harley dealerships everywhere!! Indian not so much. Parts for Harleys are available everywhere, Indian again not so much. That is the "ONLY" reason I would stay with Harley that is how much I loved the Challenger. And now for your comparison: I think you covered all the bases and did a great video... although your use of "Dude" continuously did get a little redundant. Keep making these great video's and don't let the negative comments bother you! I always tell my friends, ride what you can afford and what feels good under your butt! A brand name should not be a reason to chose a bike. There, my two cents worth!
Iv had my Chieftain Darkhorse for 2 years and have put 19,275 miles on it and it is the best motorcycle I have ever owned. Even my buddy's that are coming off of Street glides say it is the superior bike. But will neve leave HD because of the name. Which I think is a crazy way to spend your money (to buy the name not the bike) but... that being said I think Indian is ahead for now but HD will respond and the fight for best bagger will be on!
After very carefully researching the market and test riding many bikes large and small...... IMO.... each bike is the perfect bike! Each of them have their down falls and each have their great points! The PERFECT BIKE is the bike that you feel as though it is a part of you when you get on it to ride. If a person doesn't feel that when they ride, then son, let me tell ya what, you are not riding you perfect bike and you will not be happy until you do! RIDE FREE - DIE FREE
Our Indian dealership isn't full of traded in street glides for no reason 😅 On top of Dynas, Roadglides and more lol. Even loving the HD line, the Chieftains handling is almost startling with how good it is. I primarily ride Supersport bikes, so don't take that lightly lol.
Hi all, I currently have a 2020 chief and I love it. But if I had my way I’d have a collection of both. It is a really good thing to have both brands, hey a bit of competition is good for everyone. Just as the two brands push each other way back in the early 1900’s the rivalry is back and finally the Indian is up for the challenge. The big winners is us right? It’s great to have more choices.
So I ride 2020 FLHX. Buddy just picked up the 23 dark horse. He spanks me but his performance seems better. I’m planning to test one or two Indians for starters.
As shallow as this will sound, I like the HD aesthetics more, in the way of colors, color combinations as well as the myriad of different badging… Indian needs to provide more choices when building your ride… If it was solely based on performance, I do like how an Indian feels much lighter than it is, and the different ride modes are well represented… But all Indians look the same, HD motorcycles have more to offer that make them unique rides… BTW I own an Indian Chief Darkhorse, but I said what I said…
I have a '15 CVO Limited, and every time I think about trading I go for another ride and take a long look at her when I park and say to myself ain't no way I'm getting rid of her!
I bought the new style Chieftain in 2019, I never had a stability problem on the highway like you! It’s the best bagger I’ve ever own. It’s now a total loss because of a "I didn’t see you" moron. I will purchase another new bagger , I just wait for 2024 HD and Indian color choice. Anything similar to HD "Glassy" River rock grey or my Indian "glassy" Steel gray will be consider :-)
I’ve owned Honda (1), Kawasaki (2), and Indian (1)…. All better as the list went up. I loved what “value” the Indian made me feel. The performance was great too. I disliked the “plastic” or lose feeling of the finish on the bike. It was too much “shaky” or lose fitting pieces from the fairing console to the saddle bags. The latches always felt lose and even when closed/latched I could jostle it and hear it “bumping” when I ride. I told the store, they looked at it, said all is fine and nothing to fix “that’s the way it is”. I’m getting a Harley next. I suspect, I’ll prefer the Indian “performance for price” value BUT I’ll prefer the Harley for the “refinements and finish”. My biggest issue with Indian was… they put 90% of costs to power train/motor. I thought for the plastics and finish the Indian chieftain could be $4-5000 less. Or they need to improve the finish.
The Roadmaster is super stable on the highway and rides smoother than any Harley I guess he never noticed the fact Indian has 4.5 to 5 inches of rear suspension travel and Harley has 2 or 2.5 seems he is not telling the truth on ride comfort because I noticed it after the first bump in the road on a Harley and when I rode the Roadmaster smooth as a Lincoln that's what sold me plus i got so much more on the Roadmaster better looks more chrome adjustable windshield key fob locking of trunk and saddle bags push start better stereo heated seats and grips and that beautiful 116 Thunderstroke engine how its layed out .Plus its not as common as a Harley everyone and his sister has one lol.
The Polaris-era Indian has NEVER - not since day one - had a heel shifter from the factory. It has been a dealer-installed (or owner-installed) accessory since the Chief/Chieftain were introduced in 2013. I'm certain of this - I was a salesman at one of the intro dealerships, and I spent many hours telling customers it was available but not standard. Unfortunately, there are some ways the Chieftain has been de-contented over the years, even as it gained in others. Today, I ride a Roadmaster...
I really like the chieftain since they changed the fairing and fenders I am more a fixed fairing guy and really cant get on board with the challenger. it seems the quality is not the same as the chieftain which coming from the same manufacture it would think it would be.
A few things not taken into consideration, but the main difference is not being ass raped by HD. The attitude with service and sales at Indian is 400% better! Next on my list is parts availability and cost. Ok, there is aftermarket all over the place for HD, but what about OEM? My 3rd biggest problem is "Made In America" HD is not! Indian may be owned by a Canadian company, but is made in the United States. I got rid of my HD Road King and went to a Chief Dark Horse in 2016. I haven't looked back since!
I road both the same day bought the chieftain limeted the ride was better 4.5 inches of travel hd 2 inches the stock shocks on hd suck! The reliability suck on hd I've owned 10 Harleys over the years so I've been there with brake downs the power on Indian feels stronger to me . I love both bikes but if I ever buy another Harley it will be used one and do all the upgrades .
Man I would have to go with the Indian far as stability goes they are close real close a tire change on the Indian would do the trick. Also was you in sport mode on the hwy because if it changes the suspension any at all that would have something to do with it.
19:48 -- Just curious from a visual perspective how tall are you? Did you feel like you were reaching to shift? I wish more reviewers would let us know their height and how the reach comfort feel stock. The clutter looks comes from your handle bars. It would be the same if the Harley didn't have T-bars.
Hegshot, do you live in Metro Charleston ? i used to live in Jamison Terrace in Ladson, and i was the Warranty Manager and shop Dispatcher at Low Country HD from 2000 to 2007, then i moved back to New England to take a manager position at a dealership up here, retired Now. As to the Video, i'm still a Harley guy, Almost went indian once on a package deal for 2 bikes a Victory Boadwalk and a Chief Vintage, but just before i signed the papers Polaris shut down Victory hurting a dealer friend of mine and i backed out of the deal and back to Harley
