Indian Chieftain Elite Review at RevZilla.com
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 เม.ย. 2017
- 2017 Indian Chieftain Elite Motorcycle Review
www.revzilla.com/common-tread...
With a legendary pedigree and loaded to the brim with a multitude of modern bells and whistles, the 2017 Indian Chieftain Elite is a quintessential head-turner. Residing squarely at the intersection of classic and contemporary, the Chieftain Elite brings together the signature Indian style with high-tech features such as an infotainment / nav system that was designed by Polaris’ in-house team of tech experts in Silicon Valley. In this first ride motorcycle review, Lemmy heads out to the welcoming confines of San Diego to offer his take on everything from the Chieftain Elite’s smile-inducing power-delivery, to the meticulously crafted aesthetic details that set the Chieftain apart from its contemporaries.
Gear Used In This Video:
Biltwell Lane Splitter Helmet
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Olympia Alpha Jacket
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Klim K Fifty 1 Jeans
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Icon Field Armor 2 Boots
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REV'IT! Canyon Gloves
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Additional Footage Provided By: Indian - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![BOWKYLION - เจ้านายคะ (work-life imbalance) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6bFj8G2pOi4/mqdefault.jpg)
Very well spoken, literate, educated, and personable. He's a new standard in motorcycle video journalism. Thanks, Lemmy!
Smarter than he looks!
This is a video about the bike, not his level of education.
Yeah! Lemmy is awsome! He really knows his stuff
I'm not even much of a fan of dressers, but I find myself watching these videos because they're so informative and engaging. Keep up the great work, RevZilla!
The observations made by Lemmy comparing the bike to the recent harley offerings really demonstrate the value of good competition in a marketplace. It was a frequent criticism of harley-davidson that they allowed themselves to become complacent, now that they feel themselves pushed the big winners here will consumers.
Man that is a nice video. No matter what you ride, when it comes to cruisers, America has the top dogs in the industry.
Lemmy, you do a great review and this one is stellar. Your evaluation of the Indian was fantastic as was the photography and videography. Look forward to future reviews!
Great review, and the camera angles give an exciting view. Lemmy has got to be the best for doing these reviews.
Lemmy has to be one of the most likeable guys on the internet, plus he's way better looking than Anthony. 😉
All joking aside your videos are my favourite reviews for motorcycles
+ZLA Lemmy revzilla is great in general its true, it's really helped me find really cool stuff and the beard scale is rad. Unfortunately I'm a one bearder as far as skill goes ha
Devin Davis k
The video/photography/editing on these reviews are amazing. That :25 intro was incredible.
You and Spurg do a great job with these ride review videos. Keep them coming! The more the better.
Don't forget the entire video team behind the scenes! -DrewZilla
Love how my Indian Chieftain handles! Best bike I've ever own 😎👍Thank you, very informative.
Great & thorough review of an awesome bagger. Rode a Chieftain right after hopping off a new Milwaukee Eight Street Glide Special and was immediately impressed. The suspension and handling of the Indian were significantly better, but there were trade-offs in every area with each bike. Where one lacked, the other seemed to excel, it's crazy. Now without the huge crosswind-catching front fender and higher grade detail work... the comparison is even closer to the SGS.
Subscribed! This is the best motorcycle review ever on TH-cam!
Not a bagger, or cruiser fan. Ride mainly sport bikes, occasionally take out my 48. But damn, Lemmy and revzilla make damn good videos to watch. I'll never buy this bike, and probably never take a second glance at it yet I found my self stuck to the video. Thanks lemmy and revzilla for the A+ content
I'll never own one of these bikes but I've always enjoyed RevZilla reviews, especially ones with Lemmy.
Lemmy rocks. I really enjoy his reviews.
Oh great! Now I'm having buyers remorse on getting my Street Glide last month. I took a 2016 Chieftain for a test ride and te only reason I went with HD is serviceability. Indian dealerships are and few in between.
That is a problem. My HD dealer is literally 6 mins from my house. Indian dealer is 3 hours away.
This guy deserves a standing ovation..perfect review..thats how u do it..
Very good review!! I bought 18 Steel Gray. Ultimate cruising experience!!
You guys do a great job at these reviews.
I really love how Lemmy do review videos. ^_^
It's easy to tell the Polaris/Victory hues on this Indian bike (e.g. front fairing). I find this is something of a polarizing touch: you either like it or you don't. Glad to see this Indian not continuing to get its engine tamed with all the anti-pollution intricacies and a non-liquid-cooled setup. Low-RPM torque indeed! Wonder if they will ever surpass in stock engine size the 125-cubic-inch mark set by Kawasaki's Vulcan 2000cc.
I wanted another victory, after seeing this I changed my mind. These bikes are absolutely beautiful. The review is excellent as well. 👍👍
Left out most important part about the Elite, they're completely hand painted, 25-30 hours for each bike. Outside of that great job as always Lemmy.
He mentioned it.
G Man Yep, in the first segment on the beach.
Daniel Hilley my apologies, he did mention it.
The same thing happened this year during Bike Week bad snow storms in Maine. So I stayed an extra week in Daytona Beach riding my 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited.
What Harley says out loud : “that’s a ripoff!”
What Harley is actually thinking:” please don’t make us actually have to compete so the consumer gets a better product :(“
Those Indians Rock!!! Good review. It looks like the haters are regretting their Harley purchases instead of an Indian...Anyone can buy a Harley, but who wants to be like everybody else??? Be different, be smart, buy an Indian. I traded in my 2014 Street Glide for the 2017 Chieftain, man I'm so happy I did. I can't believe the amount positive feedback I received on my Indian. I'm not knocking the Harleys, I just don't like the name branding. Harleys rocks too, but not in my garage.
Give the camera man a raise...epic photography.
Thank you for this review. I love this bike.
Indian Indian Indian you finally hit the nail on the head these bikes are awesome thank you for remove the ugly front fender from the 50"s I am riding the Goldwing but now I can tell I will consider by one of your bikes finally
Lemmo, your reviews are awesome!! Hey, can you review the Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 900?
I was skeptical when I heard about that front fender, but not anymore. It looks "just right" on the bike, in fact...in a weird way it reminds my of the Victory CrossCountry front fender, Indianized. I like everything about the Elite, but the price, lol. This bike, is a nice step forward, and anyone who didn't "love" the traditional front fender and wouldn't buy based on that one issue, I think that objection has been removed.
Keep up the good reviews!
For some reason this video isn't showing up in my subscription feed. I only found out through my "Recommended" area on TH-cam.
Both manufacturer's have different cool things to offer. I wish I could afford to have both in my garage
I wonder why this never showed up in my feed :/ I love these bike reviews, so it annoys me that I missed this one.
great review as always 😎😎😎
Great video and info!!! Thanks
could someone explain to me the appeal and draw of the "oldest (continually) operating mc company" that is so important and consistently touted by HD and Indian crowd? I'm not trying to be belligerent or baiting, just curious
looks like they used what was left of the Victory parts on the Indian's.
If someone gave me an Indian, great! Let's ride!
Would I buy one? Uh..............no thanks.
Great video as usual Lemy. Keep rocking these reviews.
That's how I feel about Harley...mostly because I can't stand pushing motorcycles, I prefer riding.
Watched it again. Lemmy is the best.
Just wondering why you don't like the linked ABS on the Harley. I thought linked would be a good thing. Curious why you don't like it.
Really like the Indians and I like the way they handle in the corners better too but not going to lie Im looking forward trying out a Milwaukee 8 equipped Harley.
These guys could review a unicycle and I'd be excited to watch. Top notch stuff, sir! I like Lemmy's enthusiasm for Indian over H-D, which is well-founded. While I won't be buying an Indian until later in life, they seem to be of much higher quality not to mention less common and less played out than H-D. Indian seems to be the true American motorcycle company. For me, H-D history has just too blemishes (political, financial, etc.) to ever justify owning one. Funny how H-D (like GM) can't seem to compete in a free market and would prefer corporate handouts. Anyway, fantastic review, Lemmy! You make this naked/cafe rider want to buy an Indian and go on a trip out west with Calexico (or something similar to the opening music) as the soundtrack!
you must be a victory rider...
Lemmy, you need your own show....."Lemmy does the US", "Lemmy across America", "The Adventures of Lemmy".. My only beef with Indian is its a "me too bike" not an industry leader. Lets see innovations that weren't inspired by HD short comings or to keep pace with HD bikes. So now Indian has a version of a CVO, well isn't that special. Whats next the thunderchicken 114. Well HD should do a version of the slingshot for spite (Slingrod or Slinglide). PS. love your review of the legends suspension and did front and back on my FLHX and its a night and day difference on the road. I just don't know why that kind of suspension is not stock on these 20k+ baggers. Thanks.
"Life according to Lemmy"
All valid points. Yes, I'm aware Polaris owns both Victory and Indian. Though as a New Englander, I'll continue to pretend that Indian's origin in Springfield, Mass. means something, haha. I'm not a Harley hater, I just wish other companies had more market share. Where I live, in central Massachusetts, its ALL Harley's. Just gets tiring because it seems to be the automatic choice for riders. But that's credit to H-D for marketing, reputation, cool-factor, etc. As a company, they treat their employees well and offer good jobs, so I would never criticize them in that regard. Speaking of the Victory Octane, which I'm a fan of, they can still be snatched up at a good price, right? Their base price was already a thousand or more below the Scout and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one since they're being supported for ten years after being discontinued.
Man, I just realized...with Victory closing down, which American company other than H-D will sell cruisers like the Gunner & Hammer? With Indian, the Scout is the Octane, but then it jumps to fancier bikes like the Chief without anything else in the midsize segment. The Victory Gunner is $13,500 & the Hammer S is $15K vs. the Indian Chief Dark Horse at $17,500!!
Thanks Lemmy. I really love the Chieftain and Roadmaster bike. I am not a fan of that larger front wheel on the Elite and Limited. Not my cup of tea. I really need a winning lotto ticket for the regular Chieftain or a Roadmaster.
Please review the 2017 indian Chief Dark Horse
Love Indian and my Chief Vintage :)
I'm glad to see Indian really packing the punch to take to HD. I can't wait to see Indians saturate the market so we can finally get some great bikes on the lower end of the cost spectrum as well.
Rode a limited at a demo days and really enjoyed it, but I was a bit let down by the low end throttle response. I still need to try the new 107 M8 to compare, but I think I built this bike up too much after watching the reviews and expected to fall in love with it and buy it on the spot... this did not happen.
"The sea is angry, my friends."
Nice Costanza reference. ;)
Is that a "Titleist??" -DrewZilla
"At that moment, I was a marine biologist."
There are a lot of really great bike reviewers out there; however, Lemmy is the best.
You can ride around with no eye protection over there?
I just test rode a Chieftain today, at 5"5 it felt right at home. The engine just does not quit. It leans amazingly and stock pipes sound great. The Navi, key fob, and many awesome options made me want to seriously get it. Now, I had an 1199 panigale before this. Actually ive never had any cruiser. But when I went to two different Hadley dealers here within a 60mile radius of fort hood. .. The experience with the salesmen and the people at HD made me about face faster than a hooker facing an undercover detective revealing his true intent. When I went to Indian Of Fort Hood, I was welcomed warmly, given an opportunity to ride anything I wanted.
When you buy a brand new bike, you're also buying the support of the dealership. It sounds like the sales people at the Indian dealership would be a better support network after the sale. Glad you had a nice test ride! -TeamZilla Chris
What day will preordered lanesplitter helmets ship?
We don't have an exact day, but the latest ETA is late-April, so hopefully they come in from Biltwell in the next couple weeks. -DrewZilla
There's no mention in the Ride Command literature about Sirius-XM, so apparently you're limited to AM-FM and iPod for tunes. That seems to be a major oversight.
Lemmy, what video/audio setup did you have to record this? Your voice in the audio has that oldschool radio tone. Surprised you didn't use something like a Sena/GoPro/Prism bluetooth system like I use in my reviews for a non-wired setup since Sena gets top-quality audio recorded. Were you testing the setup you had in the video? Why did you choose it over something like the aforementioned setup? Thanks!
At 3:50, you'll notice he does use a Sena 20S along with a Sena Audio Back for GoPro. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-bluetooth-audio-back-for-gopro-with-waterproof-housing
Thanks. Yes, I saw that later in the video as I was wondering why he had a 20S in his helmet. My Sena-Prism-to-Sena-10S audio system (pairing) offers UHD audio when it's only my Sena 10S connected.
My last recall is that the GoPro Sena Audio pack allowed for UHD too in such a setup (one intercom paired). The UHD is lost when I also pair my gf's Sena 10S (this is my main complaint for dual vlogging). Lemmy's voice sounds exactly like the non-UHD audio when it's my gf and I paired and recording. What gives? Was Lemmy's 20S perhaps paired with another 20S for video instructions as he rode and thus he could not get his voice recorded in UHD?
I'm genuinely interested. Also Drewzilla, if I may ask, do you have any last updates on when is Sena going to finally launch the 10C Evo cam? Last update I had from Sena was "some time" in December but their website simply says "Coming Soon". I'm very looking forward to this product as a vlogger since it is a much-needed upgrade to the awesome (but limited) Sena Prism cam and 10C audio cam.
For the UHD audio question, I believe Lemmy was also paired to the filming vehicle. For the 10C Evo, the latest is just that it's coming soon. It won't be December, but we're hoping it's only a few months. -DrewZilla
Thanks DrewZilla. Last question if I may, do you know if the 10C Evo will feature UHD audio recording when recording a video with more than one Sena intercom paired? I think this is the one big feature missing in the current span of Sena audio-intercom recording options. With Sena not having any Audio Bluetooth packs for the newer GoPro 5 and 6, we vloggers are sort of stuck in between options if we want to stay with a wireless video-and-audio recording setup. If the 10C Evo will offer UHD recording with more than one intercom paired, then I think it is worth waiting for the 10C Evo indeed.
We haven't seen final specs on the 10C Evo yet, so it's unclear whether it will offer UHD with extra intercoms paired. My gut tells me no though. -DrewZilla
Great review
This elite is the best approach of Indian that's what we need something new renovated
What happens to the speakers and the electronic dashboard in the rains ??
They're waterproof, so they aren't affected by rain. -DrewZilla
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Hey Spurgeon, I want you to trade places and let Lemmy do the review of the new Tiger 800 XC. :-D
If any of you enjoyed its exhaust note so far, is there less whining and whistling.... I was about to get the 800 XCA with the heated seat so you shoot blanks when you come home.
Lol @ “The sea is angry” great reference that probably went over many heads. Did there happen to be any marine biologists there? 😂
I have an octane but I'm thinking of getting a bagger this Indian or the magnum I'm only 5'5" I know the weight n size is bigger, do u think I would have a hard time with this size of a bike
I saw another review earlier of the same bike. Guy riding was 5'4" and he had no trouble at all.
Thanks brother...good talk
they put the speaker into the wind?
I've ridden both the latest Indian Touring bikes as well as H-D's, and I'd still lean towards the Harley. It fits me better right out of the box and the ergonomics are infinitely better, and I don't just mean the geometry of the seat/bars/pegs. All the switches and controls for the infotainment fall right to hand where they should be, and work well. Not to mention the switch housings are much smaller and not gaudy chrome-plastic. I couldn't reach the cruise control switch on the Indian (and I have big hands), which is bad since it's mounted on the right bar, trying to set the cruise control and keep a steady hand on the throttle was nearly impossible. Everything you touch on the Indian feels cheap to me, definitely not like a 20k+ touring bike should feel like.
(And as a disclaimer I'm no H-D fanboy, I actually couldn't stand them until the Rushmore update, and then they made them infinitely better last year with the M-8 and new suspension.)
Lucas Carlson Fair call. The cabin ergonomics on the Ultra are better than the Polaris offerings IME. The M8 Ultra I enjoyed for a month hire last year was 3 steps up on the previous model. I would probably select the Elite over it though, looks and heritage I prefer. Ymmv
All the Japanese dressers that had fairings similar to the batwing were so ugly. This actually looks pretty good. Harley's boom box is useable but the Indians is better, I have a 2016 street glide, I looked at the Indian but just couldn't get over the looks of it. I hate the front fender and I hate how the dash looks. It's a good bike and I'm happy Harley has some real competition now in this segment, it's gonna push them to great things.
Great video, also that is a sharp jacket. Who makes It? Thanks.
We always try to link the gear in the video description. In this case, that sharp-looking jacket is the Olympia Alpha. Hope this helps! -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/olympia-alpha-jacket
Any plans in the work to do a review on the 116 kit?
At the moment, probably not. However, if Indian offers one, we might. -DrewZilla
Awesome bike
I'm 5 foot 12" and 17 stone. Would this Indian be suitable for a chap like me?
Indian Victory to replace the make it look like cross country that might be a bike I might be interested in .
I’m not a huge fan of bikes with the dash (sorry I don’t know what it’s called an it’s the closest thing I can relate it to) without the box on the back of the bike, but damn the Chieftain elite is a sexy bike.
test rode one of these... engine heat at my legs was not good not to mention how it rode, not a Victory.
Wish they'd make an Indian 4 cylinder.
I'm sorry but I'm new here and what does ABS mean please
ABS is short for Anti-Lock Brakes. -DrewZilla
You gotta review the new street glide with the new milwaukee 8, Lemmy!
Lemmy did get to ride the new Street Glide during the M8 release ride, but he hasn't done a full review of it. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/common-tread/testing-the-new-harley-davidson-milwaukee-eight
Sweet article, thanks for sharing!
Seen a Chieftain Darkhorse get a beat down by a K1600B it was brutal.
The K1600B will spank any bagger out there.
Lemmy,,, Which one?????
No one ever mentions how far you can go on these baggers, which I find important when trying to decide on a new bagger. When you go on a 4000 mile round trip its nice to cut down on gas stops. Quoting the manufacturers MPG is not helpful because its not real world. Yes I know mpg varies but it would be nice if a bagger review ride was long enough to give us that data.
Lemmy, you rock due, they should pay you more money bcuz you consistently nail, again and again.
Help! I'm still trying to figure out which cartoon space hero's helmet this fairing looks like..
That's what I say about the Harley Fairing..the Sahrk looking contraption...goofy as fuck
Bravo!
Good review, I love the Indian look but I bought the 107. Can't get the feeling of riding a Harley any other way
What feeling is that?
You know what they say "if you have to ask...."
LOL, I've owned HD's...so nice to get an Iconic bike that actually runs!
I have only had three and have never had a break down and I ride distance. Been left on the side of the road on a wing twice. We'll still have to see how well Indians run. Only 3 years now
good thing they cut those fenders back so they would look even more like a Street Glide--I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
Fender is infleunced from the 1932 Scout. www.americanmotorcyclist.com/hof/Classic-Bikes/1932-indian-scout
And it only took them 80 yrs to go back in time--not bad
Better than Harley?
Harley's boom infotainment system updates the same way
Not gonna lie I don't care for this bike, I hate the front fender I much prefer the traditional Indian fender, it's what's so unique about Indians (as far as aesthetics go). Awesome review Lemmy!
Cosmic_Infidel I have the opposite view. Could never own one with the valances or tassels, but this elite ticks a lot more boxes for me
Great Review! I had heard if you're over 5'10 these bikes aren't a good fit. Any truth to that ?
Lemmy is 6 feet tall, and it fits him just fine. It's best to go sit on one to see how it fits you though. -DrewZilla
Thanks for the response. That's good to know. I'll be riding one this weekend. thanks again.
Im 6'1 and fit far better than the street glide, fact.
Impressive bike and a great review as always. But that infotainment system already looks slow and out of date. Either put in some great effort and hardware to make it work instantaneously (like a good smartphone) or just don't include it at all. Such a half assed system will only cause irritation.
if one is confused about which bike s/he is riding, please look down at the front wheel. If the any portion of the tire is visible the mount is an Indian Chieftain/Elite if however the entire front end is covered by a hideous profit stealing obstruction of taste and modern styling the mount is a pre-2017 Plain Indian Chieftain in training.
POKE AND HOPE WAS KINDA FUNNY LOL
Myself I feel the company has learned and tried to match Harley , if they didn't have infotainment Indian wouldn't have a screen . I road Indian before I bought the new roadglide . My opinion the Indian handled well but personally felt plastic fit and finish just doesn't seem as well built and the look is not for me . Basically ride what makes you feel good , I do t bash other companies just ride be safe and enjoy your life
Man; I want an Indian Springfield so bad!! I just can't justify it quite yet... :(
That’s the Indian I was trying to buy but Harley gave me a better price and trade.
I just bought a 2018 hd road king, i cant imagine something better...
goldwing
Star Transcontinental Venture.
What's the name of the opening song?
Darude - Sandstorm
... Because we're all kids here, and this joke isn't 15+ yrs old?
I second this notion. Song/Artist please!
Kills me every time
We don't have the song title at hand, but we get all our music from premiumbeat.com. -DrewZilla
M8 is a very nice engine
😢 I am an Indian vintage day ruin this bike. The Pinnacle of the Indian bike was the big Indian feathers with white walls. I praise the Lord that I have my 2016 Indian vintage
Lemmy is beautiful!
Easy there bud...he’s married... and straight.
@@gabbyhayes1568 haha 😂 😂
I could see myself riding an Indian. I’ll never get rid of my road king but there’s no law saying you can’t have two bikes. I’ll have to wait until used prices get into my range tho. I refuse to pay more than 11k on any bike. I’m fine with leftovers.
Those instrument clusters though ... There's some parts of a motorcycle that really shouldn't be chrome.
Lemmy there was nothing "conservative" about the snow plow wrapped around the front tire of the old Cheiftain. Hopefully this look is here to stay.