I have a 2014 black Chieftain. I pretty much have many of the same upgrades as you do. I did have a Corbin seat installed while at Daytona Bike Week. I'm 6' 1" and felt a bit cramped with the stock seat. The Corbin seat set you back about 2". I do have some Kuryakyn accessories that you don't have on your Chieftain. I really like the chrome Kuryakyn speaker grills, and the chrome that goes on the bottom of the jugs on the engine case, as it makes the motor look like it's solid chrome. I changed to a Stage 1 air cleaner, which give me a little more power, looks better than stock, and my left leg doesn't get hot anymore. I also have Bassani exhaust with shortened baffles.... sounds awesome.
YOBABYBUBBA It's a 2-up Corbin. The dealer at Ormond Beach, Florida will put one on your bike and let you test ride it. I bought mine there and they shipped my original Indian seat back to me. I was there during bike week. It's close to Bruce Rossmeyer's Harley-Davidson. They have them in stock for Harley, Indian, and Victory.
Cool, but I wanted to hear how the bars were working out for you. To me, it looks like you could of used a bit more down angle to them [2-4 degrees], maybe. Also you should have started it so we could hear the stage 1 exhaust. The Radio sounds great, and I like the smaller wind screen a lot. I feel the bag guards, should be more pronounced, taller, for more close quarter parking lot damage, imo. Over all it all works for me, I wouldn't sell my Bike, but am considering picking an Indian up. Keep um coming, NCMA.
Well, the bars are not perfect, but I really think it's just a case of me sucking it up. Although the bars on the new Roadmaster may work for me (they should fit the Chieftain.) They look to be much more swept back toward the rider, so that's encouraging. On the bag guards, remember that Indian also sells rear bars for tip protection that install just in front of the bags. They're more like real bag (and leg) protectors. I look at the bag guards that are on there as mere decoration. I didn't start the bike, but I do have a video coming up that will show the comparison of the stock exhaust) a recording I made in mid March before I had the Stage 1's put on and the Stage 1 exhaust now. Stay tuned :) Thanks for the comments.
Though I still prefer your previous Judge (definitely my favorite modern cruiser, even though I'm a sport/standard rider), you've fast become one of my favorite moto vloggers. Keep it coming!
Thanks so much, Siper2! That means a lot. It's a shame they discontinued the Judge. But I will say that my Chieftain handles far better than the Judge and is faster than it from about 0-40. I know it doesn't have the sporty look or flashy color of the Judge, but it is just a far better riding experience. And longer trips are reeeaallly nice :)
NightcruiserMA I didn't know it was discontinued! Ack! Did it not sell well? Glad you love the new ride. Mine is a '94 Yamaha Seca II, not exactly fancy but it runs like a top.
Siper2 Well, Victory consolidated their line for 2015. Only about 6 or 7 models now, depending upon how you count them. My gut feeling is that they saw the Judge as a market that could be served by the Gunner. I think Victory will come out strong in 2016... I think Polaris just put so much engineering into getting 5 new Indians and 2 new motors out in 3 years that they just couldn't put the resources into Victory, but I really feel they will. I love the idea of a bike like the Seca II. Not sure I'm a good fit for it or that it would be comfortable, but for a second, around-town bike, the Seca II is pretty cool,
NightcruiserMA That it is. I'm not sure if I'll trade up when it's time, or just keep it and get a second one. My favorite right now is Honda's new CB1100 DLX. Regarding the Judge, that's still a shame... I really loved it.
I really think that a set of Victory Touring Cruiser bars might fit you well. Very inexpensive on eBay or Vic club. More of the old H-D buckhorn style. Very comfortable. I know that about the time that you posted the vid about having the work done on your bars that your local dealer had a used Touring Cruiser. If it is still on the floor, have a sit on it and let us know what you think.
Well, the issue I see is that Victory bars aren't going to work on the Chieftain. For one, Victory bars are 1" in diameter and Indian bars are 1.25", and the other issue is that because the Chieftain has a fairing, the bars have to be shaped exactly to fit the Chieftain. That being said, though, I think the Roadmaster bars may work for me when they come out. I actually also love the pullback bars for the Chief Classic/Chief Vintage. They just don't fit the Chieftain. Thank you, though!
How secure is that backrest/luggage rack? Went to an Indian demo day yesterday (rode the Chieftain, the Scout and the Roadmaster....loved all three). Anyways a couple of bikes had the quick detatch backrest. It had a bit of play in it when it was mounted.....like you can move it up and down a bit. Not enough that I would fear it coming off or anything but just enough to be annoying, especially considering what they cost. I figured there was something wrong with the one I saw....just wondered how yours is?
That is one great looking bike man. I might even get one in a couple years. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the bike OTD? I'm just curious what I'm in for. I have the raider and thought about selling it but since I'd never get out of it what I put into it I will just have to live with 2 bikes lol.
Great to see how you've accessorized your bike! I'm the same height as you, so I'm wondering if the shorter windshield provides adequate wind protection and how much buffeting you get at highway speeds? When the windscreen is up all the way, are you then looking through it? On my demo ride with the stock screen, I was getting a lot of buffeting @70 mph, even when it was all the way up (though it was less). Also wondered if you noticed a significant improvement in performance when you went to the stage 1 kit? Did the bike have to have a power commander installed with the stage 1 kit? I've always though Harley's accessories were pretty expensive, but Indian's accessories seem to be even higher priced (some more than others), and that has been putting me off on buying one (for example, I think the passenger backrest and the rear luggage rack are very overpriced). If you end up purchasing the lower fairing pieces that are now available, please do a video on them and tell us how well they perform. Be Safe!
Hi Dean, Let's see if I can answer some of your questions. I personally LOVE the short windshield. I found the stock shield to be much too tall and not optically clear around the edges. This one is great and I notice no major buffeting at all at speeds up to 100 mph (mom, if you're watching, it was only for a minute or so.) When the windshield is all the way up, I do look through the top of it, which is annoying, because it reflects the chrome around the center power button. But, I have it fully up about 1% of the time. Even on the highway, I don't put it fully up. It's interesting that you asked about the Stage 1 performance. When I test rode a bike with the Stage 1's, I really, really thought I felt improvement in power. But looking back, I think my mind/ears were playing tricks on me. I don't think the performance changes - just the sound. No fuel processor required, but they do flash the ECM. I agree that the accessories are expensive. Overall, it is not a cheap bike to own. But the quality of these parts is absolutely amazing. I looked at it (just to keep my sanity) as something I would only have to buy once... so eventually I forgot about the expense. My passengers have always felt the backrest is well worth it! I don't know that I would purchase lowers (I say that now, in September - ask me again in January) but if I do, you'll know about it :) Thank you!
great video, thanks again. in one of your other videos you mentioned that the drivers backrest pushes you forward. I'm just over six feet tall and it's very important for me that I have a backrest. On my Kawasaki you can adjust it anywhere you want.. it's an after-market back rest. My question is can the backrest be adjusted so you don't feel like it's pushing you forward. Like repositioning it for their back? Or is it limited?
It can be raised up and down (maybe four inches or so,) but not back and forth. You may find that an aftermarket seat like Corbin would work better for your height. I can't say for sure as I've never been six feet tall ☺
+NightcruiserMA thank you very much. They did show me one at the dealer and there was a little screw on it where you can move it back and forth. I guess you just can't move it back further enough. do you think I can get an after-market driver seat backrest for the chieftain?
Hello, thanks for showing your options Here in France we ve got some problems to order them. i like very much the replacement for front spacers did you made the installment yourself? i'm like you,i really enjoy this bike ,riding it, the only thing i will change is the front seat,got some long legs and it kills my butt after 4 hours….exept that what a great bike. Nice vid,Thanks geoffroy France
Hi hd74250. Thanks for watching and commenting :) I'm sure it will take time to get all of the accessories out to various countries. They were slow coming out here in the U.S. as well. I did install the front speakers myself. I will post a link to a video that someone made that explains the installation. Polk Audio Speakers Install on Indian Chieftain. I agree - the bike definitely works better for short people than tall people!
I really like your bike and I like what you have done to it and the accessories that you have added. I do have one question, what do you do for a living?
Hi Tary. Thanks for the kind words. I own a small manufacturing company with my brothers. My main focuses are marketing, personnel and IT stuff, as well as of course general overall strategic vision stuff :)
Tary Croskey lol... no problem at all. I wouldn't be out here publishing stuff if I minded questions :) I use Adobe Premiere Pro as my main editing software. I am going to work on getting better with Adobe After Effects to see how I can make some things more interesting here and there :)
How much of a difference in sound quality did you have between the Polk speakers and the stock speakers? I like the saddle bag audio kit, but 2 things are stopping me on that decision: 1. The cost 2. On the 2015 two tone paint they just don't look as nice to me. If I can get decent sound quality out of just 2 front speakers for a better price and without sacrificing the style of the bike I like, I'd rather go that route. Also, did the dealership install the Polks or did you do it yourself?
Hi Doug. I think there is only so much that can be done in the small space that the fairing provides for front speakers. If the stock speakers are a 5 out of 10, the Polks are about a 6.5 out of 10. It's not an Earth-shattering difference, but you notice it for the first few days. As far as the rear speakers, the conundrum is that I don't really hear much from them with a full helmet. I hear a little from them with a half helmet. But the new amp you get when you buy the rear speaker kit really helps the sound volume on the front speakers, so in essence, getting the rear speakers helped the sound quality because it helped the front speakers. I don't know if you can get the new amp separately, or maybe use an aftermarket one. I installed the Polks myself and had put a link (an annotation) in the video to the video I followed to install them :)
NightcruiserMA Thanks so much. Now, I'm just wondering if I can install the rear saddle speakers in the current lids, or if I have to purchase the lids Indian offers. Something for the dealer to answer if/when I get my Chieftain! Decision time is upon us and the wife makes the final call! LOL!
NightcruiserMA You should also do a video of your impressions on the ownership of the chieftain for 6 months... (Like a 6month review) How its holding up... Did it give u any troubles... Did you get any dealership service done in this period... Ur take on wt mods/changes/accessories are important when someone buys the bike n stuff like that... #Just a suggestion !!!
Mandeep Singh Malik Mandeep, you're reading my mind. I have that video already planned :) (Well, I have a lot of things planned - it's actually *doing* it that seems to take me forever... lol) Thank you for the suggestion!
check out my small TH-cam video(Benny's Indian Chieftain) I have a 2014 Black Indian Chieftain, I added to much stuff to mention but my favorite thing is the luggage rack my brother in law made for me, solid stainless steel, everybody that sees my bike asks about it. a also, great video, very professional.
That is one great looking bike man. I might even get one in a couple years. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the bike OTD? I'm just curious what I'm in for. I have the raider and thought about selling it but since I'd never get out of it what I put into it I will just have to live with 2 bikes lol.
Awesome to see a Motovlogger in MA! Subbed!
Cool, thanks! What part of MA are you in?
I have a 2014 black Chieftain. I pretty much have many of the same upgrades as you do. I did have a Corbin seat installed while at Daytona Bike Week. I'm 6' 1" and felt a bit cramped with the stock seat. The Corbin seat set you back about 2". I do have some Kuryakyn accessories that you don't have on your Chieftain. I really like the chrome Kuryakyn speaker grills, and the chrome that goes on the bottom of the jugs on the engine case, as it makes the motor look like it's solid chrome. I changed to a Stage 1 air cleaner, which give me a little more power, looks better than stock, and my left leg doesn't get hot anymore. I also have Bassani exhaust with shortened baffles.... sounds awesome.
John can you give me the information on the seat you bought? Also can I add a drivers backrest to that type of seat?
YOBABYBUBBA It's a 2-up Corbin. The dealer at Ormond Beach, Florida will put one on your bike and let you test ride it. I bought mine there and they shipped my original Indian seat back to me. I was there during bike week. It's close to Bruce Rossmeyer's Harley-Davidson. They have them in stock for Harley, Indian, and Victory.
+John Ayres thank you
Cool, but I wanted to hear how the bars were working out for you. To me, it looks like you could of used a bit more down angle to them [2-4 degrees], maybe. Also you should have started it so we could hear the stage 1 exhaust. The Radio sounds great, and I like the smaller wind screen a lot. I feel the bag guards, should be more pronounced, taller, for more close quarter parking lot damage, imo. Over all it all works for me, I wouldn't sell my Bike, but am considering picking an Indian up. Keep um coming, NCMA.
Well, the bars are not perfect, but I really think it's just a case of me sucking it up. Although the bars on the new Roadmaster may work for me (they should fit the Chieftain.) They look to be much more swept back toward the rider, so that's encouraging. On the bag guards, remember that Indian also sells rear bars for tip protection that install just in front of the bags. They're more like real bag (and leg) protectors. I look at the bag guards that are on there as mere decoration. I didn't start the bike, but I do have a video coming up that will show the comparison of the stock exhaust) a recording I made in mid March before I had the Stage 1's put on and the Stage 1 exhaust now. Stay tuned :) Thanks for the comments.
Though I still prefer your previous Judge (definitely my favorite modern cruiser, even though I'm a sport/standard rider), you've fast become one of my favorite moto vloggers. Keep it coming!
Thanks so much, Siper2! That means a lot. It's a shame they discontinued the Judge. But I will say that my Chieftain handles far better than the Judge and is faster than it from about 0-40. I know it doesn't have the sporty look or flashy color of the Judge, but it is just a far better riding experience. And longer trips are reeeaallly nice :)
NightcruiserMA I didn't know it was discontinued! Ack! Did it not sell well? Glad you love the new ride. Mine is a '94 Yamaha Seca II, not exactly fancy but it runs like a top.
Siper2 Well, Victory consolidated their line for 2015. Only about 6 or 7 models now, depending upon how you count them. My gut feeling is that they saw the Judge as a market that could be served by the Gunner. I think Victory will come out strong in 2016... I think Polaris just put so much engineering into getting 5 new Indians and 2 new motors out in 3 years that they just couldn't put the resources into Victory, but I really feel they will. I love the idea of a bike like the Seca II. Not sure I'm a good fit for it or that it would be comfortable, but for a second, around-town bike, the Seca II is pretty cool,
NightcruiserMA That it is. I'm not sure if I'll trade up when it's time, or just keep it and get a second one. My favorite right now is Honda's new CB1100 DLX. Regarding the Judge, that's still a shame... I really loved it.
I really think that a set of Victory Touring Cruiser bars might fit you well. Very inexpensive on eBay or Vic club. More of the old H-D buckhorn style. Very comfortable. I know that about the time that you posted the vid about having the work done on your bars that your local dealer had a used Touring Cruiser. If it is still on the floor, have a sit on it and let us know what you think.
Well, the issue I see is that Victory bars aren't going to work on the Chieftain. For one, Victory bars are 1" in diameter and Indian bars are 1.25", and the other issue is that because the Chieftain has a fairing, the bars have to be shaped exactly to fit the Chieftain. That being said, though, I think the Roadmaster bars may work for me when they come out. I actually also love the pullback bars for the Chief Classic/Chief Vintage. They just don't fit the Chieftain. Thank you, though!
Do the speakers in the saddle bags take up a lot of room inside?
How secure is that backrest/luggage rack? Went to an Indian demo day yesterday (rode the Chieftain, the Scout and the Roadmaster....loved all three). Anyways a couple of bikes had the quick detatch backrest. It had a bit of play in it when it was mounted.....like you can move it up and down a bit. Not enough that I would fear it coming off or anything but just enough to be annoying, especially considering what they cost. I figured there was something wrong with the one I saw....just wondered how yours is?
That is one great looking bike man. I might even get one in a couple years. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the bike OTD? I'm just curious what I'm in for. I have the raider and thought about selling it but since I'd never get out of it what I put into it I will just have to live with 2 bikes lol.
thanks for the video ,coming from a harley sportster passion ,that is one very nice bike
Great to see how you've accessorized your bike! I'm the same height as you, so I'm wondering if the shorter windshield provides adequate wind protection and how much buffeting you get at highway speeds? When the windscreen is up all the way, are you then looking through it? On my demo ride with the stock screen, I was getting a lot of buffeting @70 mph, even when it was all the way up (though it was less).
Also wondered if you noticed a significant improvement in performance when you went to the stage 1 kit? Did the bike have to have a power commander installed with the stage 1 kit? I've always though Harley's accessories were pretty expensive, but Indian's accessories seem to be even higher priced (some more than others), and that has been putting me off on buying one (for example, I think the passenger backrest and the rear luggage rack are very overpriced).
If you end up purchasing the lower fairing pieces that are now available, please do a video on them and tell us how well they perform.
Be Safe!
Hi Dean,
Let's see if I can answer some of your questions. I personally LOVE the short windshield. I found the stock shield to be much too tall and not optically clear around the edges. This one is great and I notice no major buffeting at all at speeds up to 100 mph (mom, if you're watching, it was only for a minute or so.) When the windshield is all the way up, I do look through the top of it, which is annoying, because it reflects the chrome around the center power button. But, I have it fully up about 1% of the time. Even on the highway, I don't put it fully up.
It's interesting that you asked about the Stage 1 performance. When I test rode a bike with the Stage 1's, I really, really thought I felt improvement in power. But looking back, I think my mind/ears were playing tricks on me. I don't think the performance changes - just the sound. No fuel processor required, but they do flash the ECM. I agree that the accessories are expensive. Overall, it is not a cheap bike to own. But the quality of these parts is absolutely amazing. I looked at it (just to keep my sanity) as something I would only have to buy once... so eventually I forgot about the expense. My passengers have always felt the backrest is well worth it!
I don't know that I would purchase lowers (I say that now, in September - ask me again in January) but if I do, you'll know about it :) Thank you!
Beautiful piece of Bike ya got there ! 😽
Beautiful! Love those Indians!!
Great informative video/review. Safe riding.
great video, thanks again. in one of your other videos you mentioned that the drivers backrest pushes you forward. I'm just over six feet tall and it's very important for me that I have a backrest. On my Kawasaki you can adjust it anywhere you want.. it's an after-market back rest. My question is can the backrest be adjusted so you don't feel like it's pushing you forward. Like repositioning it for their back? Or is it limited?
It can be raised up and down (maybe four inches or so,) but not back and forth. You may find that an aftermarket seat like Corbin would work better for your height. I can't say for sure as I've never been six feet tall ☺
+NightcruiserMA thank you very much. They did show me one at the dealer and there was a little screw on it where you can move it back and forth. I guess you just can't move it back further enough. do you think I can get an after-market driver seat backrest for the chieftain?
Hello,
thanks for showing your options
Here in France we ve got some problems to order them.
i like very much the replacement for front spacers
did you made the installment yourself?
i'm like you,i really enjoy this bike ,riding it,
the only thing i will change is the front seat,got some long legs and it kills my butt after 4 hours….exept that what a great bike.
Nice vid,Thanks
geoffroy
France
Hi hd74250. Thanks for watching and commenting :) I'm sure it will take time to get all of the accessories out to various countries. They were slow coming out here in the U.S. as well. I did install the front speakers myself. I will post a link to a video that someone made that explains the installation. Polk Audio Speakers Install on Indian Chieftain. I agree - the bike definitely works better for short people than tall people!
I really like your bike and I like what you have done to it and the accessories that you have added. I do have one question, what do you do for a living?
Hi Tary. Thanks for the kind words. I own a small manufacturing company with my brothers. My main focuses are marketing, personnel and IT stuff, as well as of course general overall strategic vision stuff :)
That's great! What editing software do you use to produce your videos? Please excuse the personal questions I promise I'm not stalking you! Lol!
Tary Croskey lol... no problem at all. I wouldn't be out here publishing stuff if I minded questions :) I use Adobe Premiere Pro as my main editing software. I am going to work on getting better with Adobe After Effects to see how I can make some things more interesting here and there :)
Great vid ! Thx for showing your options
Thank you, Ryan!
HI,thank you for your prompt answer.
Cool vid nice bike
Thank you, A.J. :)
How much of a difference in sound quality did you have between the Polk speakers and the stock speakers? I like the saddle bag audio kit, but 2 things are stopping me on that decision: 1. The cost 2. On the 2015 two tone paint they just don't look as nice to me. If I can get decent sound quality out of just 2 front speakers for a better price and without sacrificing the style of the bike I like, I'd rather go that route.
Also, did the dealership install the Polks or did you do it yourself?
Hi Doug. I think there is only so much that can be done in the small space that the fairing provides for front speakers. If the stock speakers are a 5 out of 10, the Polks are about a 6.5 out of 10. It's not an Earth-shattering difference, but you notice it for the first few days. As far as the rear speakers, the conundrum is that I don't really hear much from them with a full helmet. I hear a little from them with a half helmet. But the new amp you get when you buy the rear speaker kit really helps the sound volume on the front speakers, so in essence, getting the rear speakers helped the sound quality because it helped the front speakers. I don't know if you can get the new amp separately, or maybe use an aftermarket one. I installed the Polks myself and had put a link (an annotation) in the video to the video I followed to install them :)
NightcruiserMA Thanks so much. Now, I'm just wondering if I can install the rear saddle speakers in the current lids, or if I have to purchase the lids Indian offers. Something for the dealer to answer if/when I get my Chieftain! Decision time is upon us and the wife makes the final call! LOL!
Keep making bike videos... U r good at them... More than the other videos I c on ur channel... No offense tho !
Thanks Mandeep - some of mine are passable, others are horrid.. lol
NightcruiserMA You should also do a video of your impressions on the ownership of the chieftain for 6 months... (Like a 6month review) How its holding up... Did it give u any troubles... Did you get any dealership service done in this period... Ur take on wt mods/changes/accessories are important when someone buys the bike n stuff like that... #Just a suggestion !!!
Mandeep Singh Malik Mandeep, you're reading my mind. I have that video already planned :) (Well, I have a lot of things planned - it's actually *doing* it that seems to take me forever... lol) Thank you for the suggestion!
check out my small TH-cam video(Benny's Indian Chieftain) I have a 2014 Black Indian Chieftain, I added to much stuff to mention but my favorite thing is the luggage rack my brother in law made for me, solid stainless steel, everybody that sees my bike asks about it. a
also, great video, very professional.
can till me is this bike i buy.at mom in Foxboro.is the same bike in the video
add do you have any part like to get rid off. 2014 cheif indian
That is one great looking bike man. I might even get one in a couple years. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for the bike OTD? I'm just curious what I'm in for. I have the raider and thought about selling it but since I'd never get out of it what I put into it I will just have to live with 2 bikes lol.