Harley Street Glide vs. Indian Chieftain
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- I compare the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, and Road Glide vs the Indian Chieftain. I wanted to compare the full size touring baggers to each other now that I have some riding experience and I have to say, I was very surprised at how good the new Chieftains are. Ultimately all of the bikes are VERY good and I don't think you could go wrong with an Indian OR a Harley if you are in the market for a new touring motorcycle. Please let me know if you have ridden these bikes in the past and if you have an opinion on these bikes.
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I agree... Indian Bikes aren't nothing to shove around. Great bikes!!! Chieftain is awesome!!!
I agree Lou Lindsey. Thanks for the comment.
you didn’t mention electric locking bags, power adjustable wind screen, and Tire pressure monitor system ALL on the Chieftain. Also the Indian is MUCH more comfortable especially for larger riders with long legs and big feet.
I agree kyle stewart. Thanks for the comment.
you don't get electric bags on the base models chieftain/challenger. Not sure you get TPMS on base either.
And you forgot to mention a bitten design and cheap plastic appearance 🤷♂️
👍
@@tys7579 from Harley? I agree! Horrible quality for what you pay! Good point!
Don’t forget Indian Chieftain also includes electric locks, electric adjustable windshield, better paint, and other features not included in Harley Streetglide unless you spend another $10k. I own both and when I decide to trade in my ultra CVO I will go with a Roadmaster. You get much more for the money.
What yr. Is your Roadmaster?
But parts NOT included in the purchase are INSANELY expensive on the Indian. $3600 for a trunk? GTFO.
Not better paint. Sorry.
I have both & the Harley paint is WAY better.
Indians feel like metric bikes, not Americana
True
harley not putting LED's standard is a major miss especially how cheap they are these days; this is just more money they bank on through their never ending parts revenue stream.
Totally agree. I think it is unacceptable going forward. Hopefully the LED's on the softails is a sign of things to come on the new touring models. BUT even my Heritage still had regular turn signals that should have been LED in my opinion
Yup. Pretty lame that in 2019 they're too cheap to make LED standard on all models just as a safety feature. Not to mention their LED lights need to be wired in. C'mon Harley at least make plug and play like my Custum Dynamics ones.
What's even weirder is that the road glide, which is cheaper than the street glide, has DUAL LEDs, while street glide has halogens. Still can't understand the reasoning.
Sorry but comparing a CVO to a base model Chieftain is not a comparison. You should be comparing either a 107 HD or a 116 Thunderstroke.
I was comparing the Street Glide Special to the Chieftain Dark Horse. They are both comparable bikes. The CVO was only mentioned because it was the footage I used. I have ridden them all.
But doesn't the Street Glide Special come with the 114ci, not the 107ci? My brother's 2018 did and if so that's not really a fair engine comparison. I too have ridden both, my brother's bike and the new Chieftain and the Harley 114 was closer to the Indian 111, not the 107.
Relax. The Special has a 114, the Chieftain has a 111. That's close enough.
@@joshrandall5297 it’s not when the dark horse comes with the 116. If you’re going to do this you should be clear about it and do an apples to apples comparison. Never mind not even mentioning some of the features the Indian comes with it’s a very incomplete if not erroneous comparison.
I've owned several Harleys and now ride an Ultra Limited. I like the Chieftan and I'm glad they're pushing HD. The only drawback to Indian is the dealer network. I like to travel, and HD dealers are everywhere.
Cycle Rider what if you don't need to visit a dealer? I just overcame that same feeling.
My thoughts exactly if I'm traveling. I really do not or wanted a dealership to visit. That to me shouts out need mechanical work when ever traveling far... LoL 😂
I agree Cycle Rider. Thanks for the comment.
1¹¹1¹
Why are you so worried about breaking down on a modern motorcycle. I realize sh$t happens, but dang….
ive been riding HD for over 23 years and love their bikes. i got a 2015 Indian chieftain last year and i'm in love with this bike. i've never had a bike that rides like that .
Thank you Jeffrey Shortt
When the competition is strong, the consumer wins. Thank you for a very fair unbiased review!
Nice fair review. I bought a Chieftain LTD in 2017 and have been really happy with it. I did ride the Street Glide and loved it........until l rode the Indian. Have not ridden most recent SG, so can't say for sure, but two years ago the ride quality was immediately noticeable. The Chieftain is very plush but does not wallow. I love the way the SG looks, but if you spend a lot of time on your bike, the Indian will reward you with better comfort.
I would agree with that. Also helps that the Indian laid back a bit on the style with the new Chieftain, looks a little more “traditional”. I do wish they kept the passing lamps integrated though, kind of a design cue that would help it look more Indian.
Agreed, Loved my Road King but the ride punished me a bit and then I rode the Indian ! WOW. No flex either, nope not a Harley and I like my Harleys, not perfect either but comfortable ? Hell yeah.
Agree with you brother, definitely Harley need to figure something out with those prices while you can get more for less and a great good bike like indians
Thanks, I think you will see new Touring bikes in 2020.
Recently switched to Indian. Zero regrets and glad I didn't have a HD wardrobe like some I know.
Grumpy Old Pig congrats on the new bike. I can totally see why you have no regrets. It’s a great bike.
Funny you say that. Scored a real nice 2nd hand harley rain suite recently. Guy switched to indian and has a ton of harley garb to deal with.
@@harleycrasher8396 I love my HD boots, wear them on my Indian with pride!
I wear my Indian Jacket, wear it in my H-D with pride.
@@grumpyoldpig Thank God I'm not the only one!
Love those Indians! They just get better and better!
Agree
I’m torn between a preowned SG and a new 2018 Chief
After test driving both the Street glide and the Chieftain, I found myself faster and more confident on the Indian. Especially in turns, where the suspension and wheel geometry made the Indian feel like it turned in fast and very easily, held it's line and didn't wallow. I did like the Road Glide over the Street, but the confidence level of the Indian made me feel much more comfortable. It doesn't really matter because on a VA disability, I can't really afford any of those line ups. I went with a Suzuki because it was affordable. Wish the US manufacturers realized it's the prices that are really the final issue.
Sorry for the super late reply Bredaxe. I appreciate that you stopped by the channel and apologize for not responding WAY sooner.
I've owned
Fatbob 86cubic inch
FLHTK 13 103
Both Harleys I had several major minor problems, terrible ride, great torque, too much money in upgrades
I own 2017 Cheif Classic absolutely love it. Handling, torque in 2nd gear amazing I destroy harleys
Amazing damping and so on
Nothing but Indian from now on
Thank you Kelly Hudgins
I've always been and always will be a H.D guy at heart. I love the," potato, potato," idle of the Harley. For me it was the only bike I would ride, but then the Indian reappeared. I was so taken by the classic elegance of the Indian. You just can't look at an Indian and not think, " my God, what a gorgeous bike."
So I now ride an Indian. I absolutely love the bike. But I still love a Harley. They both have a place in history and are a thing of beauty in their own right. You can't go wrong with either. I wish I could have one of each.
You H.D guys just have to drop the Harley snobbery crap. It makes you look like fools to the rest of the biker world.
I agree with your comment especially the last statement LoL, supposedly I work with some guys that have that same attitude. I really don’t care because it’s not like I really want to ride with them anyway but there are some still real great guys out there just not all. That’s coming from an older sportster rider LoL. I’m dreaming of hopefully owning a Chieftain one day if the v-twin sound is good enough. The Indians really are beautiful and I definitely want the full front fender. I’m just glad they redesigned that front fairing from the earlier ones! They look a lot better now.
The Chieftain is absolutely gorgeous, especially in white. You are right, the instrument layout is nicer too. But, it comes down to a matter of preference.
I agree r.e. mcguire. Thanks for the comment.
I have ridden both these bikes, along with K1600, ST1300, FJR1300, Concours 1400, and new Goldwing. Honestly, if you want a big, heavy machine get the Wing. You can get the non-DCT 2018 now for about $21-22 k. The Honda is smoother, has a better fairing, has better lights, is more reliable. And it offers a center stand.The negatives on the Gold wing is that the seat needs an upgrade and the top box is undersized. But honestly, on a long tour where you’re covering over 300 miles a day you would be crazy to ride the Harley or the Chieftain over the Goldwing. I have toured on all three.
AccurateShooter I haven’t ridden all of them but I will do a gold wing review soon. I can see where your coming from with that but something about the Goldwing design. I don’t hate the goldwing but it also doesn’t call to me like the Harley or Indian do. Maybe it’s just decades of marketing dollars and exposure. I will get to it though.
The Indian is my pick, for the reasons mentioned in the Vid, but also because, in my opinion the ride has a more "solid-platform" feel in technical riding. In slow AND high speed the Indian handles and inspires more confidence, in that nothing is going to wiggle or wallow, especially in transitions. The Power delivery is smoother too... the throttle is more predictable and linear, modulation is intuitive. Just my take on a Motor Show Ride day...
Thank you QuestoDomini
Nice analysis. One important thing not mentioned, if money is important, is residual values over a timeline.
Fair. Ultimately I think residual value on motorcycles is pretty bad but I also haven't really done a ton of research so you may be on to something.
fair review but Indians net work of dealers is a question of owner value for me and if they have their paint issues under control now
Fair
Take that Chieftan , add a stage 2 kit, and you have perfect bike!
I agree James Strickland. Thanks for the comment.
For the money you saved on the Chieftain you could upgrade to a srage 2 or even a 116 and the HD wouldn`t come close in torque
How much does it cost to Stage 2 a chieftain?
Gears & Gadgets
Less than $1000 to do the cams. What ever you want to spend on air cleaner and slip on's.
About $1200 for the Indian pipes and ac if you pay retail.
I used to live/work in that exact area of Scottsdale you’re riding. Wow that was cool to see! I’m still torn between HD and Indian, especially now that the Challenger is out.
that’s awesome!! I would recommend riding both and buying what feels best. I haven’t ridden an Indian Challenger yet.
A couple things you missed. The indian comes with chrome switch gear on the handlebars, chrome fork legs and chrome speaker trim. Add that to the hd and there is quite a bit of price difference again. Don’t forget the electric locking bags and tpms on the indian. We have just added $2000 to the hd to get these items
Good point.
I owned an Indian and the TPMS system is trash. Never worked right, and I know several other Indian owners who have issues with it. Not reliable.
TH-cam Addict Must be luck of the draw as i know people with no issues with the tpms
I'll pay a few extra $ to have the real thing and not a Polaris Chief Glide knock off !!!!
Im not mad about it being a Polaris at all. It is a really great bike. I am a Harley owner but I can't ignore how good the Indian is to ride.
The mono shock seemes like a big improvement. But I just don’t like that they just stole the street glide. The Indian is a really really nice bike but honestly I like the Harley just a bit more and the Milwaukee 8 is stronger more upgradable power plant.
It’s not a knock off of anything. Polaris listened to their customers. They wanted a more modern, aggressive style while keeping Indian heritage. While similar in some aspects, I can easily tell the difference. If you can’t, maybe you haven’t looked close enough at the Chieftain.
I loved my 2013 street glide and was completely content until I rode the Chieftain. I’m all about the ride quality and the Indian wins hands down. The power difference is negligible and both perform well. One big negative to H-D for me is the attitude of some Harley riders.
Jesse Jetty what do you mean it’s not a knock off ?!??!? It’s exactly the same!!!!! Have you looked at the 2019?!?!? Indian made some good calls with the bike but it’s the same exact thing. And it’s a Polaris! Get out of here with Indian heritage.
John Potter that’s Harley bravado nonsense. Harley was once owned by AMF and nobody says the bikes from 1969-1981 aren’t Harley’s. Also, Harley copied Victory with the air vent so who’s knocking off who. Polaris makes awesome American made products so saying “Dude it’s a Polaris” isn’t really an insult. There is a reason why Indian sales are on the rise and Harley sales are on the decline. Harley has a real contender and needs to start doing some things better. They (including customers) should embrace and accept that challenge instead of thumbing their nose at a worthy competitor. That kind of complacency is what kills brands.
Hello. Thanks for the review/thoughts on these bikes.
I’m really torn between the Chief Classic/Vintage or The Harley Heritage/Deluxe (although I don’t wont a 107).
It’s the old school look I love... Any thoughts?
Also did you test ride the Chieftain with riding modes?
Cheers
Sorry I missed your comment a couple months ago. Did you make a choice yet?
This was a really well thought out, detailed and unbiased review of these motorcycles. Great video. Ride safe.
Appreciate it!! I try. You ride safe also, I’ve watched some of your videos, good stuff.
I own a Harley because it's a Harley Harley has the name and fame cool factor not Indian sorry its the truth but if I want to fly on the ground I'm riding my goldwing or FJR no way I would ever own an Indian
I can respect that.
Name and fame for what? I am a biker not a fan.
Clearly both bikes are great. Still, I don't think you are comparing apples to apples. Theres a lot more to the Harley engine than just that torque. The Milwaukee 8 is adding more than the Indian riders (and commenters) are used to seeing when comparing to HD. Its gonna prove after 80-10000 miles its gonna have a lot more life left than my (and the other) big V twins have and the Indians are gonna get. Im betting the lives of those M8s are gonna be significantly longer with performance sticking around in its lifetime.
I love Deloreans! Where did you get yours and who do you purchase your plutonium from? Is it the same place that you got your flux capacitor?
Sorry for the super late reply Michael Daly. I appreciate that you stopped by the channel and apologize for not responding WAY sooner.
I liked how you captured the sign for Indian School at 10:45 ...
Any day a 🦅 Harley Davidson which is absolutely pure 👑Class n Royal, as the saying goes even a 5 year old knows what bike is a Harley Davidson, name is enough on the bike.....
lol OK, if you think so.
Name is never enough, my money is more important to me than just blindly tossing it at a name plate.
I agree with you, there both beautiful iron horse's.
But i'll take reliability, improved handling, the instrument cluster set at road level and quick responding infotainment system over more torque and right out the door.
Someone, somewhere is gonna make a way to improve the torque and power either in house and/or after market which has been done with the 116 cube inch. 🗨️🤓
Thanks Jet black Knight, I appreciate it!!!
Good review, and spot on in my opinion, and you left out several additional advantages of the Indian. Power windscreen, better audio, key fob locking bags.....The Chieftain comes standard with so many more of what you’d have to upgrade to if you had the Street Glide. I love both honestly, but you hit the nail on the head, the better value by far is the Chieftain. If we’re only looking at the eye test however, I’d buy the Street Glide.
Good point.
At that price range, there shouldn't be a large optional list for a bike. Indian has the edge with the standard accessories for sure, but both companies are going to price themselves out of reach at some point if it isn't already occurring.
What’s bad about the Indians is there dealerships are few and far in between. There’s only one Indian dealership about where I live. Which is in Delaware and the Indian dealership is in Phila pa. There are are around 5 to 6 Harley dealerships with in 45 mins of my house. And the closest Harley dealership is only 10 mins from my house. Where Indian it would take about 1hr and 20 mins. So I have to take that into perspective
If that is important to you then I agree. I don't tend to go to the dealer so i guess its not a big problem for me. I do all of my own service and most parts can be ordered online these days. But again, if that is a concern then its totally legit. HD has more dealers by far.
In 5 years is the chieftain gonna be worth what the street glide would be?
Good question.
Do you really buy a bike based on resale value? I know some probably do. Both Indian and Harley guys who buy a new bike every couple years and trade them in with 5k or less on the odometer, but for those of us for whom one of these bikes is a huge purchase that won’t be made again for some time, resale is of lesser concern. Indian has been seeing growth even with the decline of motorcycling. As long as Polaris doesn’t make some huge blunder, I think Indian is here to stay.
I own the 2018 roadmaster and it sits Slightly higher than the chieftain that allows for more lean angle. I have had no problem with my roadmaster. The only problem I have is the winter months in the north east.
I am originally from Buffalo, I get it lol
Nice review but you didn't cover all the features the Indian Dark Horse offers as a stock bike. The Indian not only gives you LED lights front and rear but central electronic locking saddle bags with remote and don't forget the electronically height adjustable windscreen. It can go from a very sporty low profile like the SGS to a full windshield for long highway cruising when you need it most. These are key features that every touring bike should offer. The infotainment system on the Indian is also much better with faster response and larger screen and the sound system is incredible compare to the stock SGS which requires you to upgrade to their BOOM system. Suspension is also lower and better handling on the Indian than the SGS. Much lower center of gravity. The bike feels smaller and lighter because of it. I have the SGS and had to change lights, shocks, sound system and other things when Indian already had it stock. Even the exhaust note sounds much deeper and more aggressive stock on the Indian. I just may switch to Indian soon.
Sorry for the super late reply DRod. I appreciate that you stopped by the channel and apologize for not responding WAY sooner.
I’ve ridden all 3 and I went with a version of the Road Glide that you didn’t mention. I went with the RG standard, which is the exact same bike as the special, just with more chrome and standard bags. Mine even came with the 6.5 GT infotainment with touch screen and navigation, and I picked it up for $22K. The Street Glide standard can be bought for $21K with the same package. Although I will agree that the ride on the chieftain was smoother, and it does come standard with LED’s, I’d put my shark nose fairing and dual headlights up against a chieftain any day. Another thing I found was that the Indian likes to be revved to make power. Getting on a busy interstate in any gear above 4th required a lot of speed and higher rpms, whereas the Harley seems to pull hard from 1700 rpms and up in 6th gear. This is no doubt due to the M8 having a longer stroke than the 111, and really isn’t a big deal. It’s just adapting to a different riding style. I do like the fact that the Indian has a power windscreen vs the SG just making you have to put a larger/uglier windscreen on it due to buffeting...but again, I’m a RG guy, lol. Overall, the Harley just made me more comfortable in my purchase, due to the dealer network. We buy touring bikes to put miles on them, and for the most part I’ll always be within a couple hundred miles from a dealership for any service I might need. Indian just can’t say that yet. But, ride what you love. They’re all great bikes.
I agree. I didn’t really compare the regular Street Glide because I feel the battle is the Street Glide Special vs the Chieftain Dark Horse when it comes to direct competitors. The regular street glide does have a little longer suspension which should help get it closer to the handling of the Chieftain but I don’t believe it beats it from the research I’ve done. Thanks for the input, super appreciated and I agree, buy what bike speaks to you the best.
You left out three major advantages Indian Chieftain has: 3 rides modes (touring, regular, and sport), rear cylinder deactivation, and retractable windshield.
I agree. I am going to do another video on this topic.
Gears & Gadgets thank you. I wouldn’t have mentioned if I didn’t feel it a big deal over HOG. Also iMotors of Orlando offer a1,000,000 mile warranty on new Indians! No joke!
There should be more videos about how to ride these fantastic indian motorcycles . Like how to make U turns , right or left turns, stopping and etc
I agree Behrooz Kian. Thanks for the comment.
No mention of that Adjustable electric windshield on the chieftain. That's a huge selling point for me.
I agree. I think HD needs to incorporate that adjustable windshield.
Traded in my 13 street glide for a 16 road king and never regretted it. Better ride and better looks imho. No interest in the Indians. Too much plastic.
Yeah if you are into the Road King I could totally understand where your coming from not liking all of the fairings.
I bought a street glide special. I think the chieftain is a great bike. I heard the suspension travel in the rear is substantial in comparison. But I just love the sgs for looks. I got a 2018 for $25k so it was cheaper and I do plan to do the led headlight. I’m coming from a Dyna and I was shocked when I rode the sgs. I expected to feel big and heavy like the rgs but it wasn’t at all. It had a lot of characteristics of my Dyna which sold me all the way. I did consider the heritage and road king but felt they were too close in price so might as well go with what made me happy.
I love the street glide special. The Chieftain suspension is definitely better but there is nothing wrong with the SGS at all. I love my Heritage and it will hold me over until Harley rolls out a new frame and suspension for the touring bikes. I think it’s coming sooner than later, I think it has to. Indian is going to turn the screws to HD a bit and I think that is a good thing for HD fans in the future. Also, I love how bikes are such a subjective thing. Buy what you love to ride regardless of what people say. My only point I guess is that I think Indian is giving way better value, your money goes further in a Chieftain today than it does in any HD Glides.
I’d definitely agree there. I think Adam Sandoval said the same thing. Harley could probably get away with a new chassis if they want to put the money up. The current chassis isn’t that old but I’m sure they made their money back and then some. The baggers sell like hot cakes. I’d be curious to see what it would feel like. I rode the dynatails and wasn’t impressed with them besides them being faster. I always found myself happy to get back on my Dyna. But the redesigned softails felt great and improved. I’d love a new deluxe or heritage as a fun second bike. But my wallet probably won’t lol.
You need to ride the 2019 Indian Chieftan and ride in Sport mode. Also try the 116 big bore engine too.
I definitely can not compare big bores, haven't ridden them. The sport mode is a bit of a gimmicky parlor trick kind of thing to me, it only adjust throttle sensitivity, it doesn't actually increase HP or Torque. I was just trying to compare the bikes in their stock form.
Road glide special feels so much better and offers way better lighting
I agree with you other than the suspension being better on the Indian than the road glide. But the road glide does handle better than all of them.
If it was between a street and an Indian only then who knows but I love my road glide special so much more and tested all
Rode all three! Got a road glide special. Added a tour pack and the infotainment module. Way happy with the bike. Dose great in town and the open road.
2016 Roadglide special 👍🏿
I own a HD RoadKing and i love the torque but hate that ALL H.D'S have primary gasket leaks or leak oil eventually. It just amazes me that for how much money u spend on H.D's that they arent dependable. For those that are going to try n argue with me you can't. Im in a m.c club n we ride long distance. I have thousands of friends in clubs that ride HD's n someone is on the side of the rode broke dwn because HD's have issues. I bought a Victory Vision and have owned it for a year now. Been n the shop once. New performance clutch n two oil changes. Thts it. Victorys dont leak oil theres no primary gasket issues n the 106 cubic inch motor which has been standard since 08 is plenty of power. My club brother has a 2018 chieftainDarkhorse n just like my Victory its problem free too. U can't compare no bike to a HD but a HD because HD is just unreliable n costly to maintain. Most bikers if not all of us just want to get on and turn the throttle believing we can make it to wherever were going without breaking dwn on the side of the road period. I need dependability period. So its Indian or Victory. If i wanna keep up with the jonesis id get a HD because there cool looking n popular. I like putting money into my bike on upgrades not repairs which ALL HD riders will have to do sooner rather than later. Polaris makes Indian & Victory n there bulletproof period.
L
I agree Keymatic1. Thanks for the comment.
Pretty bad IMO when what kind of 'infotainment center' the bike has plays into which bike someone would buy. It's a motorcycle for Christ's's sake, just enjoy the ride. If you want to listen to music drive a car.
I would somewhat agree but if you are going to creep up to $25,000 - $30,000 for a motorcycle there is only so much frame, engine, and transmission you can sell at that price point without added things like audio, infotainment, and electronics. Otherwise you can just buy a Softail like my 2018 Heritage and just enjoy the ride cheaper without all of those “premium” things.
Agreed! I still ride my carbed 95 cu in Deuce and its quicker than the new 114s and 116 kits. My pipes are my music👍
Its an advantage to have a target when designing your product. HD doesn’t have a target, they are the target. Maybe they need to stop thinking that way though.
My biggest concern about Indian is the multiple bankruptcies, buy outs and the fact that it is a Polaris, only using the name they bought. That does give them a better chance of surviving this time hopefully for their buyers, since the last attempts did not have the enormous backing.
Remember, the AMF years? Hardly American, I mean Harley Davidson has had at least four bailouts throughout their history. They stopped being 'the original' when AMF Bowling Company bought them. Plus, HD now uses Showa forks to which is now owned by Honda. Lol
I agree Jim Myers. Thanks for the comment.
At this juncture, I am going for the chieftain, it’s better balanced, better. Frame geometry and suspension with the fox mono shock and longer travel. It’s sits lower to the ground and easy to get flat footed. The power plant has 3 riding modes which I was surprised you failed to mention.
The Chieftain motor is designed more efficiently using a total of eight gaskets compared to Harley’s 32 odd something gaskets. Harley is a great bike but always 10 years behind everyone else! It’s great Indian is pushing them or Harley would be offering much less for more money! Their fore I am going with the Indian Chieftain hands down and I understand the new Indian challenger is coming out soon with a water cooled motor and 120 horse power out of the box. Harley will be pressed once again to play catch-up or lose more market share to Indian.
I totally agree. I have pretty much loved all of Indians recent bikes. The Challenger looks kind of odd to me but I will wait to form my opinion until I see one first. Also, I didn't mention the ride modes only because all its really doing is adjusting throttle sensitivity and I feel that is more gimmicky than legit performance upgrades. The DynoJet Power Vision on my bike effectively did the same thing. Im not dogging the ride modes but personally I just don't really care too much about them. If they adjusted the suspension as a part of it, I would be a little more impressed with the "modes". Either way, I totally understand your decision to go with the Chieftain. Its a great bike.
Harley will not give more or take price away, they are still so stuck up on themselves. I moved to a Tri-Glide because of back and hip issues....Getting older. On second thought I have also have had issues with the indian dealer here and I've tier ! credit rating, their people are not schooled well on product or F&I.
How do you like the Tri-Glide?
@@GearsGadgets Haven't very many miles cause of the temps but I believe it will work out just fine. Only 60 miles on her from dealer. Happy New year
Love my 2017 Indian Roadmaster. 37,000 miles so far.
Damn that’s a lot of riding.
That's a little over 13 months ridership. I don't own a car
I thought there was a difference in the windshield. -Some Indian models have an adjustable electric windshield vs old school .
The electric windshield is awesome. The Chieftain does have that.
I ride a road king , and thinking of a change you make some good points. I do like the Indian chieftain Australia is a big country and all these bike you spoke about suit our big country, keep up the good work .
Thanks I appreciate it!
Road Glide CVO in gunship is 🔥
Agree
I Subscribed because of this video looking forward to watch more videos like this.
Thanks I appreciate that. I will be doing many more bike comparisons in the near future.
Not starting an argument here but you must be new to HD because of the m8 engines ride metric not Harley as you stated. I have owned several HD s and the m8 don't ride or feel typical HD not saying that in a negative way
I am new to Harley but I do know the new M8 114 still has more accessible power lower in the RPM range than the Indian does. My video isn't really intended to start any argument. I think from an economical viewpoint Indian currently has Harley beat. I am a huge Harley fan but fact is I think they have a lot of work to do with their touring frame to get back on top and to be able to keep charging more than Indian.
@@GearsGadgets I agree with you on what you said in the video and your comment. Indian is a better value and rides better. I didn't believe you were trying to start an argument but every time I say what I did all the HD m8 Kool aid lovers come out. I own an m8 2018 RGS and love the bike but it dont ride like my old HDs it reminds me of my old metric bikes
@josh I agree with ya. I had the VTX 1800 back in 2001 and my new Heritage feels about the same. Less shake for sure than my 15 Dyna 103, but there is a refinement that pulled me to the new engine AND chassis combination on my Heritage that I really love so far. Cheers!
@@pmdinaz same here but i still love the older Harleys as well. Getting older the refinement and less shake has been good on our ride time with less fatigue
I own a 114 Harley Davidson Fat boy with the M8 Engine & trust me the new M8 is more Powerful n Smooth to ride than the Older Harley Davidson 103 Engine, I’ve ridden the Indian Chief dark horse, which is a just okay kind but not better than the Harley Davidson 114 Fat boy with the new M8 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Apple CarPlay is available if you buy the plug and there’s a mount kit to attach it to the dash or fairing. No worries with connecting/pairing a Bluetooth headset, charging it and it’s plug and play that charges your phone and gives you access to your iTunes library. Ryan Urlacher made a video about it on his Law Abiding Biker channel.
Good comparo vlog but definitely throw a leg over one of the later TwinCam bikes. Nothing like that shake at idle and pure Harley sound. Something the M8 just can’t deliver. Ride safe
Thanks I appreciate the comment. I will definitely check out some older bikes in the future.
Both are beautiful. I went with street glide
Good review I'm glad Harley has competition it's better for all of us as a consumer, but I would never pick an infotainment system over torque!
Thanks!! I agree competition is a great thing. I also agree with the infotainment vs torque thing but some things are more important to some people than others. I could see infotainment swaying some buyers one way vs the other.
@@GearsGadgets
True! We all have different needs Indeed.
After 8 months I traded my new street glide for the Indian. I like tho looks of the Indian, much better suspension, electric windshield, better infotainment, more power, better seat, larger floorboard, and LED. The Harley has better aftermarket and dealer network. Three years latter I still feel good about my decision. Not a Harley hater, but I do like my Indian much better.
Nice review but your not comparing apples to apples really. The CVO and a Stage 3 Chieftain would be more fair.
I actually was comparing the street glide special to the Chieftain Dark Horse. My footage was of CVO’s because the footage was far superior than my Street Glide special footage. Sorry for the confusion
I have owned a 16 Springfield and upgraded to the 17 Chieftain Limited. I put about $5k in aftermarket performance parts and a few accessories on the Chieftain. It just never felt as powerful or maneuverable as the 19 Road Glide Special I just purchased. Yep, I traded my Indian in on a HD. It’s the first big twin HD I’ve ever owned and I can say I am happier with it than either of my Indians.
Road Glides are the best.
Arnold Soshkin
Yes, they will run a good 20,000 miles before the oil pump seizes and the rods start knocking.
No problem though, they will be happy to put a new oil pump on.
Just no help with the rods.
Oh well, you can always get another one.
Micah Wright Road Glide all day. Nice purchase, the thing I’ve ever purchased with out buyers remorse. I get tired of cars in 2yrs or less. Enjoy!
Sorry for the super late reply Micah Wright. I appreciate that you stopped by the channel and apologize for not responding WAY sooner.
Dude, I am here in Scottsdale. I have a 2019 SSG. Would love to ride sometime!
That’s awesome, definitely hit me up on IG.
Good review, one that I’ve been waiting for. Its a close call and I think I go with the get more for your bang choice.
Thanks, happy I could help.
I would like know how you put up with The humming vibration in that heritage. I wanted to buy a heritage but I could not stand that buzzing vibration you get when you
Get to the 2500 to 3000 RPM and higher rang. I bought a street glide and I love the bike but it’s actually bigger than what I would have preferred. I love the handling characteristics of the heritage but just cannot get along with that buzzing vibration.. I just test drove three different softails yesterday and they all have that buzzing vibration at higher RPM. Perfectly smooth idle or a little above. I wish they would make that engine soft mounted to the frame and you would have a first place winner for me. My street glide rides like a Cadillac compared to either one of the soft tails which really disappoints me. Dave
Dave McPherson I personally don’t have that bad of a vibration and/or maybe just am not as bothered by it. I do notice how smooth the touring bikes feel when riding but not enough to care too much. It’s probably just a personal thing I guess. I will end up on a touring bike at some point I’m sure.
I've riden both and my only complaint with the Indian is the way it sounds. Definitely needs an exhaust I recommend stage 2 or 3 kits
I got almost 3 min in and noticed that this guy knows nothing about torque, the chieftain is way more than a harley, numbers don't lie.
This guy knows that the Harley pulls harder than the Indian based on riding them both. This is my opinion. If you want to live in the numbers, look at Dyno results from Motorcycle.com "Big Dam Shootout" (Link at end of post), the Harley 107 motor is 78.1 HP 101.8 ft lbs of torque, the Indian is 76.1 hp 105.0 ft lbs of torque. Pretty equal if you are looking at numbers as the metric, certainly not WAY more for either case. Feeling wise, personally I think the Harley pulls considerably harder through the RPM range. Now if you want to compare the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse to the Street Glide Special which are directly competing motorcycles, the Indian is still behind at 119 ft lbs of torque and the Street Glide Special is 122 ft lbs. www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/big-dam-tour
But for the money you save on the Dark Horse, you can just spend the extra $3-4k on that 116 stage 3 kit on the Indian and call it a win 👍
Not wrong
You also get the electric windscreen and ride modes with the Indian.
I agree Dan Bogardo. Thanks for the comment.
Harley has now increased their destination and prep fees from around $900 to almost $2K, so about DOUBLE. On top of that, Harley now wants an ADDITIONAL $1,000 added to your bike's cost to cover their new "market adjustment" supply chain costs (as of 09/15/21). I just walked away from a new Street Glide deal because of the extra $2K expense I didn't have to pay prior to last September. Indian, Kawasaki, and BMW have no such increases. So, if it's gotta be a Harley, bend over...
Indian all the way. Superior bikes all around compared to Harley.
@Rod Smith they're cruisers.
Power is a negligible factor when both have adequate power bands. You want speed? Super sports are your answer. Plus sportbikes are superior in every aspect and are almost half the price.
Thank you Google User
Today.... I agree Google User. Thanks for the comment.
I'm chiming in years late, but this is a good video. I don't have any experience with HD, so I can't remark on the comparison. I would like to say though that I had recently purchased the 2017 Chieftan Limited. It was priced at $17,999.00 with only 10,704 miles. What had won me over were the following attributes;
Reviews, both comparable as stated by many reviewers and commenters.
Price, couldncommenter.
Features, to me the Chieftan had more to offer than what I had needed.
Ride comfort, once again I can't compare the two brands, but so many riders had commented that the Indian had the better ride control, especially since the Indian had the adjustable air shock.
Power, the Harley has the Indian off the line, but the Indian has the Harley in the 1/4 mile, based on many others input.
Motor Vibration, the Indian's thunderstroke 111 has refined their motor to reduce the amount of vibration felt throughout the frame.
This is just my two-cents worth based on input from many sources online and in magazines.
Harley-Davidson and Indian are great bikes with Indian having a slight edge in technology over Harley-Davidson because Harley-Davidson just came out with a 4 valve per cylinder engine.
The Indian has a gear drive primary that’s nearly maintenance free , Harley is still using a chain primary drive system.
Gear primary drive and air cooling certainly reduce maintenance requirements.
I agree Frank Wood. Thanks for the comment.
Great review fair ride 2017 streetglide but Indian has me thinking luv the review of the suspension
Thanks!!
Where are the dollars and cents on resale..that is where you will get your money back on the Harley. I don't necessarily purchase a bike thinking about selling it, however, it is something to consider. Good video.
You just contradicted yourself. Lol
Thanks!!
Should’ve road Chief Dark Horse. That’s why I got rid of my Heritage.
You traded Heritage for Dark Horse? I can understand why.
Great video, but please don't forget the three modes that you can ride on the Chieftain. The option is there for cruise or getting on the fly by wire throttle. I like all of them but I also would pick the Indian.
I agree Ram Garcia. Thanks for the comment.
Great info, im in the market between the 3 and most reviews are saying Indian.
Thanks. Definitely ride both.
I like the idea of having a bigger touring bike, but I agree about the mono shock thing, I feel like the Harleys are due for an update.
Yeah its coming.
The thing I find hardest to believe is that anyone would pay these prices for a motorcycle. Too many nice low mileage used bikes out there to justify paying 30k for a bike. To each their own I suppose.
Where you pass at like 7:04 point in this video is where I had my first motorcycle accident.
Robert Weeks so many questions on the highway? Your FIRST? How many have you had?
That was the only one lol 😂. Didn’t die so obviously there’s always a chance another one can happen
Robert Weeks if you don’t mind me asking, how did you end up in an accident on the highway?
Gears & Gadgets changing lanes and the driver in front of me slammed on the brakes so I clipped the left corner of the rear bumper which slammed me to the ground.
What would the chance of throwing a metric cruiser in the mix? Always have been a Harley man but I must say recently I purchased a Yamaha Vstar Deluxe 1300. And honestly I've been kicking my self in the a@#. For waiting so long to get a metric cruiser. Economically point of view instead of a $1500 difference it's more like $4500 difference, Check it out
The more I learn about Indians the more I want one, but I'm cheap, and you can find a lot more used Harleys for less money. Maybe years down the line there will be more used on the market, but I'm also not looking to get rid of my electra glide any time soon.
I’m going to buy the Indian next time if nothing more than to be different. I’ve had Harley’s all my life and If you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all. When you see a Indian you have really seen something different and not part of the herd 👍🏼. Nobody notices a Harley anymore but if you fuel up a Indian it gathers a crowd lol
I understand and appreciate that motive.
I was shocked after all the positive Indian TH-cam videos about price and quality beating Harleys. I went into my Local Indian Dealership and was shocked to find that they actually stickered HIGHER than a comparable Harley.
Not a CVO compared to a base Chieftain, but an equal comparison, with exhaust and a couple of other minor mods, Indian was more money.
Maybe with more wheeling and dealing it wouldn't be, but the salesman indicated that they don't discount much and I should jump because they are flying off the floors....still there when I went by a few weeks later.
I think the point is that bang for the buck is better with Indian with everything they include like Standard ABS, LEDs, TPMS, Ride Modes, Mono Shock, Remote Lockable Bags, Ambient Air Temp, and the Power windshield. A LOT of those features either aren’t (or weren’t) available at the time of the videos you watched and most still aren’t available from Harley. So the reason people say those things is that standard off the shelf, Indian gives you more for your money. Now build quality is somewhat subjective and perceived differently by everyone. I tend to understand where you are coming from but I think build quality is comparable. As far as that dealer goes, sounds like you just got an overzealous salesman which can happen anywhere, any brand with the independent dealer business model. That is why people love Tesla so much, the price is the price and you just buy it online completely removing dealing with the frustration of salesmen.
I couldnt get satin/denim paint on a chieftan unless i wanted blacked out. I could get chrome with denim on the street glide special. So that won the game for me.
The Indian has more toque than Harley. ... Wtf? 119 ft lbs.
What your feeling is the massive vibration of the motor when you hit the gas...thats NOT toque.
What I am feeling is the HD pulling harder than the Indian. That's my perspective from riding the bikes. Harley's in general feel like they have more punch than Indian and its a noticeable difference.
I have both bikes and Ill say the Indian has way more TQ, but my HD has more HP.
Adam Sandoval Holy hell. Adam huge fan!!! Thanks for the comment even though it’s opposite of mine. I can’t call you a troll because A.) you know way more than me from experience and B.) Your Adam Sandoval. Ride safe man!! Also congrats on 100K. Much respect.
The Chieftain Limited at $27,495 is more comparable to the Harley Street Glide Special, $27,699. Price is a wash. Indian accessories are MORE expensive.
Still considering the Indian though, lol.
Jim, I agree that the prices are somewhat of a wash until you get into the LED & TPMS comparison where HD will want $1,500 + for all of the upgrades at the parts counter to make the bikes equal with what most would call basics. That's just my opinion and a gap that HD needs to close in the VERY near future.
Harley trunk, $800 new....Indian trunk $3500....The used parts market for HD is a massive and cheaper than Indian...and lets not forget the parent company, Polaris, completely dissed their Victory owners. Who's to say they wont do that to the Indian owners?
Meh that comment reeks of HD fanboy a little TOO much (I can be guilty of it at times too). I looked it up and the HD trunk price is unpainted vs the Indian trunk is only $2,000 which comes painted. By the time you're done with that specific mod you are nearly identical pricing (close enough to shrug the shoulders). The Polaris concern is no more of a concern than Harley killing off product lines and ending support, they are equally $6 billion companies that make decisions based on sales. With Polaris moving a TON of Indian units (far more than they did with victory) it would be a head scratcher to think they would just close shop on Indian owners. Harley has "Dissed" plenty of customers by killing products that they sold their customers over the years so you just have to be fair in weighing your fears.
@@GearsGadgets No HD fanboy here, Im sporting a 2013 Cross Country Tour. I could easily argue its the best V-Twin Cruiser available.. I'm pissed at Polaris for not even having the decency to spit on it before ramming it up our @$$...Cant get crap, necessary stuff, like turn signals. Then I see what Polaris is doing with Indian accessories...4 and 5 times higher than HD accessories.
Seems like you failed to mention about the three ride modes that the 2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN has. Did you switch it into sport mode? It is torque heaven...
I was on a 2018. I haven’t had the chance to test a 2019 yet. From what I hear it is better but still not as good as Harley which I believe. Harley’s make their power at really low RPM which I can verify, the Indian makes it much higher. The ride modes seem to only adjust throttle sensitivity which isn’t necessary increasing torque as much as it is just giving you more throttle. Nothing wrong with that approach and if it helps bridge the gap I am all for it. Either way, I still think Indian is better bang for the buck and isn’t really sacrificing much if anything to do so.
@@GearsGadgets looking at the dyno's for 2018's they are close. Taken from cycle world. We ran our Street Glide Special on the dyno in fourth gear to get the peak power output from the Milwaukee-Eight 107. We got a total of 78.43 hp at 5,280 rpm and 104.44 pound-feet of torque at 2,649 rpm. We ran the Chief on our rear-wheel dyno in fourth gear to determine peak output from the Thunder Stroke 111. We documented 74.19 hp at 4,360 rpm and 106.18 pound-feet of torque at 2,410 rpm.Seems like the Indian is 2,410 rmp with at 106.18 fp vs. Harley's 107 2,649 rpm at 104.44 fp torque.
Not sure why you would compare a Road Glide with a chieftain, you should be comparing with the Indian road master
ut1004bp Maybe a Road Glide Ultra with an Indian Road Master but not a basic road glide to a basic road master since the basic road glide has no tour pak.
With dollars and cents you cant forget the residual value harley holds value soo much better. Also seat and bags look terrible on indians after a year out in the sun.
Fair
I rode Harley’s for 30 years last one was a 09 cvo springer . Went to buy a 15 cvo ultra stage 4. Decided to test ride ride a 16 chieftain. Bought the chieftain. For everyone saying HD has more torque you don’t know what your talkin about. My worked cvo springer put 108 torque to the wheel on the Dyno. My Indian with just exhaust and air cleaner 113 torque to the wheel . Riding a 15 cvo stage 4 did not have the torque the stock Indian had. The new HD’s have improved torque but they are not putting up bigger torque numbers on the dyno’s. Ride the new 116 and be prepared to have the front tire off the ground. Oh yea forgot to say raced my buddy on his very worked glide and walked away from him . Again with just an air cleaner and exhaust. Not hating on Harley’s love em rode em 30 years. They don’t have the torque of Indians.
I love everything Chieftain but the motor of HD just feels better to me from idle through the RPM range. Just my opinion. I still think Indian is coming on strong.
I couldn’t bring myself to buy another HD , bought a Chieftain and kept my old Road Glide . IMO the Indians are head and shoulders above Harley’s, in the UK the come with five years warranty not the two HD offers and tries to wriggle out of with they all do that . Lots of chrome , quality chrome on my Indian too.
Yeah I LOVE the Chieftain ride.
I like H-D, but the Indians are so smooth and refined. The H-D bikes vibrate and feel a bit cheaper. Also, the center of gravity is lower on Indians so they feel lighter and handle a bit better. This competition can only lead to better machines for both companies. Indian has the edge in quality now. But H-D has such a cult following. Both companies’ bikes are too expensive for me brand new. I’m going to have to buy a used one - probably a H-D.
I 100% agree with everything you said. Also, if I were going used I would probably go HD as well.
Don't forget inďian comes standard with antilock brakes. It also comes with the select ride mapping, cruise control, and rear cylinder canceling that actually works to stop some of the heat of your inner thighs. Also as mentioned HD CVO against a stock chieftain really not a equal test. But not totally a bad review either. If you want to compare your bike you need to try a springfield or vintage. Springfield handles better, and no they are not the same bike.
I agree Greg Demott. Thanks for the comment.
Where did Indian get the Batwing fairing (which they just removed the blinkers on for 2019 and put them down by the forks), the infotainment system, the new sleeker saddle bags and one-piece seat they also changed up for 2019? They are trying to make that Chieftain look just like a Harley Street Glide. Lol
Well it’s complicated because Harley had the Street Glide introduced first with the Bat Wing. Victory sort of “copied” that with the Cross Country but was first with the integrated fairing vent which Harley copied in the Rushmore revisions. Now Indian is kind of a mash up ALL of those. Infotainment you cant really say anyone copied anyone, all touring bikes in that price range have some form of infotaimnentt. Ultimately I do agree the Chieftain looks like a street glide but my agreement isn’t negative in my opinion. Wait until Harley “copies” Indian and puts the mono-shock in their new touring frame (its coming). So everyone is always stealing from everyone and taking the best version of the competition and trying to improve upon it. THAT is exactly why it is great to have legitimate competition driving each other to innovate. You will see Harley copy from Indian in the future as well, its just how it works. Still agree the Chieftain ride is far superior to any Harley touring bike.
Good points. I rode a Chieftain and it was a nice ride. The Street Glide is set up to give you a certain look (not a lot of travel in the rear shocks) so things can get a little bumpy. Yep, the mono-shock is coming, HD did it with the non-touring bikes.
The other issue that nobody seems to mention is the color options right now. I’m not pro or con on either bike but the Harley bikes have a lot more options even on there base glides
I agree. It would be nice to have some additional Indian colors but I think they cover the bases of what MOST people buy anyway.
The thing I noticed when test riding the Chieftain was it felt cheap in the area of fit and finish and I didn’t care for the layout of the instrument cluster. I also found in my research that dealerships were few and far in between. I’m not saying that Indian is cheaply made at all, I’m just telling you how I observed it. I went with the FLHT because I don’t need a stereo or nav as I have those in my phone and I’ve had speakers in my helmet since the Walkman days. Price wise I came out far less total than either of the 2 bikes in this ride comparo and that was the bottom line. Buy what you like and ride it!😎
I dont disagree with your observation. I do think the Chieftain felt more "Plasticy" but it didnt feel cheap to me. I do prefer the fit and finish of a Harley but the ride quality of the Chieftain cant be ignored in my opinion. 100% buy what you like and ride it.
Chieftain all day long for me! The bike feels 100lbs less than it is which make maneuvering in parking lots MUCH easier than the Harley. The Indian begs to hit the twisties and takes curves without thought. It’s an incredible machine and I actually bought one three weeks ago.
I agree it feels way lighter. Indian crushed it when it comes to balancing on those bikes.