2021 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 vs. 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited | Cycle World
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2021
- Harley-Davidson’s and Indian Motorcycle’s convertible touring cruisers go head-to-head in this comparison of performance and style.
As a kid, I’d always stay on my bicycle later and pass by my neighbor’s place a few more times if he was in the garage working on his bike. I’d sneak glances at the motorcycle parked under the center light, trying to understand my attraction to it. On weekday mornings, he would fire it up and ride to work with saddlebags and windscreen installed. On Sundays more bikes would gather outside, he’d pull down the driveway on his beautiful stripped-down machine and they’d all head out for a ride. It was business and pleasure, equal parts show and go. Just like the 2021 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 and 2022 Indian Motorcycle Super Chief Limited, two motorcycles designed to offer the best of both worlds, each manufacturer’s heavyweight cruiser platform in its highest level of trim, the result of competition that has spanned more than a century.
Cruising along Southern California’s highways toward Mount Laguna in eastern San Diego County, there’s 30 feet and 25 years between Editor-at-Large Andrew Cherney and I. We have very different music playing in our helmets, but we easily agree on the Heritage and Super Chief. These bikes offer all the style and most of the convenience of hard-bagged touring machines built around each manufacturer’s big engine, but they’re lighter, more nimble, and more affordable. Remarkably similar in every measurable way, these two motorcycles were designed to perform the same basic task: Tour American highways and cast forth the beacon of freedom that has always been symbolized by Big Twins. Their job-and Americans love to define themselves by their job-is to represent decades of history from their respective companies while also employing modern technology and generally functioning at the level expected of today’s $20,000-plus machines.
Head-to-Head Engine Comparison: Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic 114 vs. Indian Super Chief Limited
The first major similarity in both performance and form are the engines, two large-displacement V-twins with pushrod-actuated valves. The Milwaukee-Eight 114 is air-and-oil cooled, has four valves per cylinder, and operates with a slightly smaller bore and longer stroke, whereas the Indian’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 runs with a half-point more compression (11.0:1) but only two valves per cylinder. They’re different roads to the same destination, strong and visceral but refined, shaking with muffled pops at idle and smoothing out as the revs increase. Laying the dyno charts over one another, we can say they’re as similar as we’ve ever seen from two different manufacturers.
Each engine’s torque curve powerfully establishes itself off idle and from around 1,300 rpm, where we start measuring it on our dyno, runs to a peak at 107 pound-feet near 3,000 rpm, then gradually slopes down afterward as the engines rev to redline. As touring riders tend to spend their time at lower revs with less vibration and a mellow beat from the engine, desire for peak performance at higher revs is outweighed by the need for comfort and immediate pull. Therefore these bikes were designed to provide power off the bottom-end, where the vast majority of users want it. And that’s where the first major disparity appears.
Clutch and Throttle Feel
For smooth, precise engine engagement off the line, good clutch feel and consistent throttle response are key. These are two of the Heritage’s greatest strengths; the Harley’s throttle is precise enough to gradually and carefully increase the lope off idle, and responds as expected throughout the rev range. But this area is also the Super Chief’s greatest weakness; there’s a delay in the Chief’s throttle response from idle, which varies depending on where the engine’s revs sit at the time of application. Communicative clutch lever feel also lets you know exactly when the Heritage’s friction zone is engaging the gearbox, but the Chief’s lever is springy and vague making it hard to be smooth and consistent. This leads to smoother launches with the Harley.
With time and experience, Chief riders will undoubtedly learn the clutch’s engagement point and suss out the intricacies of how the throttle responds, but modulation of these controls will be more based upon motorcycle motion and engine sound than it is on feedback and feel. The feeling of connection to the machinery is an important part of cruiser motorcycles, and the Harley has that in spades.
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YES! This is the kind of comparison people want...
100%
@@GearsGadgets your bike won! ;)
You mean Harley fans want and they got it lol.
I recently purchased a Super Chief Limited over buying another HD. This video seems more like a HD commercial.
You must remember the Heritage was built to be classic. Putting a real fancy modern space age speed gauge would take away from the style. It is just a nostalgic looking bike. great review guys.
One that doesn't leak after one wash would be great for me. I'm waiting on my third
@@rugfixr What does yours leak?
I'm gonna disagree and say that's why Harley's don't appeal to the younger crowd where Indians are.
I'm a 'younger'(ish) rider and would love to see something like a Ridecommand as an option on the 'smaller' Harleys. At absolute minimum, it will look a HECK of a lot cleaner than strapping a clunky phone to my bars for navigation. At best, it can give me TONS of information about my bike (engine/oil temp, oil change interval, other maintenance intervals, ride modes, tire pressure, MPG, average speed, ABS functionality, traction control modes (whenever they get up to date on that), WiFi hotspot, bluetooth capability, etc).
@@Kcducttaper1 they could do it to the other softails but the Heritage was made to be a legacy machine.
@@Kcducttaper1 And I’d still have my phone on my bars.
I knew from the beginning bias review favoring Harley the proof you can put Indian in sport mode and the throttle is not vague at all. i have rode both and my opinion is completely opposite.
i agree
I had a Heritage, constantly dragging floor boards. I have more faith in the Indian motor, new Harleys need better lifters, oil pump right out of the chute
Traded our 06 Heritage in on a 2019 Street Glide. After riding it for a year I decided to trade it in on a 2020 Heritage 114. So glad I did. My wife and I love it. Just took our first weekend getaway on it. Performed beautifully.
I got the 2021 basically the same bike with the 107 and same feeling here my wife and I love it enough power for both of us
They kind of glossed over it here but the Harley having an extra gallon of gas is a huge deal for me. I have been saying for years that 150mm is my cut off for back tires on cruisers, anything beyond that is just form over function.
A 240 mm rear tire works just fine for me.
When I rode my 2007 Ultra Classic I really wanted the updated frame with the wider back tire. But, I hate to admit it, the smaller back tire handled a little bit better. The updated frame on my 2011 Ultra Limited does make for a better ride all around but in the mountains, the smaller tire and older frame worked a little better. All of this could be due to the different tires, so who knows.
@@HooMeye Ride whatever works for you, for my style of riding a 150mm cruiser rear tire works the best.
@@geraldlocklear4373 Well, it would stand to reason that the updated frame should make the bike better - one would hope in all riding situations. Given that, I would say that the discrepancy in handling would almost certainly have to be attributed to either tire size or perhaps tire compound (sticky vs less sticky) but I suppose detailed testing eliminating all other factors would need to be conducted to know for sure.
@@nbrider7235 fatter rear tire has a purpose, makes butt look smaller.
After riding Sportsters, Dynas and big touring bikes, my new Heritage is far and away the best Harley I have owned. Load it up and set the cruise to get to the curves then have some fun dragging the foot boards once you get there. This bike can do both. I agree with their assessment 100%.
I agree with you I love mine and I've had almost every Harley made like you.
I didn’t like the Indian either all the little things about the Harley like you said keeps edging out the Harley over the Indian
Indian keeps getting so many little things wrong
I’ve been wanting to buy one but they still keep missing something
I even own a 2015 heritage Harley with a twin cam and I still can get into a newer Indian
They just keep missing something
You know its not indian but polaris @@josephandreuccetti7270
Morgan Gales is a huge reason why I bought my 2018 Heritage. LOVE the bike 18,000 miles later
@Morgan Gales Awesome, and deserved smile at that. Out of the 32,000 views on your original video, I likely am responsible for half of them before I made the final decision to buy. th-cam.com/video/vIaCwecSL-k/w-d-xo.html
Is your Speedo leaking? I'm on my third on the 2019
In a bland sea of virtually nothing but non-review “reviews” and no-content “content,” that insist on insulting you even further by throwing un-deserved, annoying commercials at you every minute due to sheer greed and lack of self-awareness, it is sooo refreshing to see an effort like this by true, Bonafide moto-journalists. Keep doing what you do - without annoying graphics and loud music which is only there to distract from the nothing-burgers served up by so many wannabe “reviewers” or “testers” in the amateur-infested arena nowadays known as TH-cam... Two thumbs up to you seasoned professionals on a job very well done. Ride Forever!
Both great bikes, can't go wrong with either. By the comment on the delayed feeling on acceleration it sounds like you rode the Indian on Tourning mode. Put it in Standard mode, or for really quick response put it in Sports mode. As for the Indian's rear shock feeling, I felt the same thing. Until I adjusted the preload as per the manuals recommendations. Put it in Sports Mode, Adjust the Preload to match your weight.... Then do the comparison. Ride safe.
You can go wrong with bike produced by some snowbike company polaris
@@karolk7711 Oh, like when Harley was made by a bowling lane manufacturer from 1969 to 1981. And then had to be saved from oblivion from Japanese bikes by President Regan later in 80s? Come on, get real Harley is only for lawyers, doctors and accountants who want to dress up like ridiculous pirates with HD logos on everything they wear on the weekend and play wannabe gangsta. BTW last summer I stopped 2 times help out broken down Harleys. Haven't seen a single Indian broke down on the side of the road yet. 🤣😆✌️
@@karolk7711 Oh, like when Harley was made by a bowling lane manufacturer from 1969 to 1981. And then had to be saved from oblivion from Japanese bikes by President Reagan later in the 1980s? Get real dude. Harley has become the go to motorcycle for doctors, lawyers, accountants etc. that want to dress up as ridiculous pirates with black clothes loaded up with HD logos and ride on weekends (weather permitting of course) pretending to be wannabe gangstas! 😆🤣. BTW I stopped 2 times this last summer to help broken down Harleys... haven't seen a single Indian broken down on the road yet. Ive been riding 43 years, and theres a good reason I've never spent a dime on HD. I buy based on statistics, research and facts... not biker mythology, that's why I'm a member of the tribe. Ride safe and enjoy the ride. ✌️
@@RobertoBren "I'm a member of the tribe" sounds just as cringe as the "dress up" poseurs.
@@barrybarnes96 🤣 It could be taken that way. But it's just a way to keep the distance from that "yea brother! Harley culture". ✌️
Finally, a review from someone who isn't 5' 6" tall. Thank you, tall guy.
Excellent comparison. I have the 2019 Heritage Classic 114 and 13k miles later still loving it. I am 6 feet tall and had similar issues with the wind buffeting from the original windshield. Although I liked the look, I upgraded to the large windshield which is all clear, but the added the 3 inches cut all the buffeting. Which is less tiring after a long ride. One of the other adjustments I made was changing out the turn signals with Ciro3D LED turn signals. Awesome lights and makes me more visible, day and night.
I love that Indian bike much more than Harley, Even thought both looks same on paper, the way they work is bit different, I think people riding Indian knows this. To know how powerful the engine of Indian Chief Limited is , you need to put it on sport mode using the touch screen provided there. So basically you can control the performance of this motorcycle.
I'm wondering if their complaint about the throttle was because they had it set on Tour mode or Wet mode or whatever the slower modes are. Only thing I prefer on the Indian over the Harley is that chrome Indian air cooled engine...no oil cooler...and Harley engines are in some ways a budget built engine.
Great comparison Thanks! I’ve had my 18 Heritage since New and still love it. I’ve taken her on several 800-1k mile day trips with ease. Have hit up some nice twisty roads and was actually very impressed how it handled. That Showa suspension really does keep it composed even when hitting some turns that aren’t smoothly paved. I have yet to Ride the Chief but have seen it in person. I don’t want to sound like that one “Harley guy” but just by me throwing a leg over and looking at the details the Quality wasn’t up to par. Little things like the switchgear/covers felt like cheap plastic and just the overall fit/finish was lacking a bit. For 20k simple details shouldn’t be overlooked. The HD isn’t perfect either but fit and finish is pretty excellent. Would really like to try one out soon.
Finally! A direct, head to head, real-world comparison! Thank you Cycle world .
Harley has much more time at making this bike and all the minor tuning shows. The bugs you guys mention with the Indian might someday get worked out. Still, Harley will continue to improve. The longevity of Harley-Davidson as a company and in making this type of bike is a huge plus to start with for me.
Got looking for Heritage reviews. I actually did a test ride on these two bikes yesterday! Since I’m still a new rider (2years), it was good to hear that basically everything I thought of the two is right in line with the thoughts of the two riders here. My best buddy loves his Indian Challenger, but I had to tell him that, between these two particular bikes, the HD was the easy winner. I’m currently on a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, and these seem like a great step up in class.
Fantastic review! Parts where kinda with when you talked over each other but found it super helpful.
This was fun to watch! I’ve got a 2022 FTR S and a 2020 Softail Deluxe each so different but great in their own way. Wonderful USA built Machines.
I own an Indian and a Harley. The Indian has had 1 malfunction in four years, and the Harley has had 5 malfunctions in six months. In addition, despite the longer operating history, Harley service techs. are clueless, and Harley HQ could care less about their customer's. What I'm saying is not news to anyone, it's just that I now have experienced it first hand.
This is a "WOW!" review, perhaps I'll have to wait out another year to make a decision, these Motors are an Awesome pair. Thanks guys,
YOU guys didn't mention the GLS downloaded into the Indian Speedo Head. That alone is a huge benefit.
In sport mode the throttle is precise. I've got 2700 miles on my chief bobber dark horse.
An awesome comparison between the two bikes. Thank you for the great video. Finding a reasonably priced cruiser for tall guys ain't easy. The Heritage looks and feels like the option to me. I will have to go and test ride it.
Good comparison. Thanks for the solid, clear side by side.
Good comparison. I have never owned a Harley but I do love my 2022 Indian chief!
I am not a cruiser guy, but I love in-depth comparisons like this and appreciate the production work that goes into it. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! We definitely do our best to bring the most engaging visuals and educational information for all of our video productions.
This is very Harley biased review. No mention of different riding modes available on Indian, just "a nice looking gadget"
I have a 2018 Heritage 114 and it's one of my all time favorite bikes.
For throttle feel all you have to do is change the drive mode to sport..normal has a slight hesitation to it
Indian needs to get their throttle response sorted out. I’ve been reading lots of complaints about the Challenger having the same issue.
Can the PowerVision fix that with Throttle Progressivity ?
Ask which " ride mode" the indian was in. Something harley doesn't have.
@@paulhewson4600
Sure.
The Indian wins hands down if you really ride and dial the bike into your preferences.
For a 114 to be as fast as the 116, simply someone cheated...
I own the chief, and I can tell you that the ride mode makes all of the difference. A lot of what they were complaining about w/ the vagueness goes away when you put it in Sport mode.
@@oneslave3318 🤣 cheated he says! Ok😂
Wow! Sounds like a solid win to the Harley here. Great comparo, really enjoyed it, lot's of useful information. 👍
Thank you, glad you enjoyed our video. We do our best to bring you the most visual and educational content.
I can't justify spending nearly 20 grand on a motorcycle, but i did test ride the heritage, and Holy shit i want one. I think it's brilliant.
This review brought to you by Harley Davidson. Literally goes against every other review and comparison I've seen on TH-cam.
Exactly!!!!!!!
Right!
Yeah, first honest review I've seen.
Great comparison, thanks!
This was an excellent review. They showed a very clear example of the weak throttle feel on the Indian. I test rode a Chief and found the ergonomics a bit weird. I bought a new Sport Glide which is built on the new soft tail chassis just like the Heritage but has a 107 instead of the 114. I prefer the more modern styling of the Sport Glide than the Heritage. The motor is very responsive and lots of low end torque even with a passenger going up steep hills. I got 6” fat risers because I felt like I was riding hunched over (I am 6’1”). Very reliable so far after 11K miles and over a year of riding. Didn’t think I would use the standard cruise control but I love it!
Just picked my new heritage with the 122 kit. No regrets for sure. Best bike I have ever owned.
Do more Harley vs Indian content. Love it.
Leave the Gauge and Console alone on the new Harley Davidson Heritage Classic Motorcycles... This is part of the Nostalgia.
I appreciate how you guys delve into this. The things that Indian has been doing right since Polaris brought them back, focus on power train, tech, and unique styling, don't really help them as much in the classic touring class as much as it does in the lower end soft tails/sportsters VS the scouts. When the buyers of these bike care about something that just works and is comfortable and powerful and has (pardon the pun) Heritage , years of refinement is where the Harley has a leg up. Its just exciting to me that another American motorcycle manufacturer has come to play ball and they're only gonna get better as time goes on.
These comparisons have been my favorite part of Cycle World recently, keep up the good work.
To be fair, there's nothing unique about Indian's styling.
Por qué me parece súper importante la charla desde ya muchísimas gracias
Love the comparison videos
Thank you! We do our best to bring you the best visual and educational content. There are more to come soon.
Great review and comparison. Stay Safe!
The Chief Limited comes with the bars as low as possible. I raised mine, makes a huge difference.
Totaly blown away by this.
Talk about role reversal.
The Chief looks so much like the Victory Gunner that I thought it would b a clone.
Polaris screwed the pooch I guess.
The Gunner was my 1st Vic and put HD to shame in most every category.
Ill stay with Vic.
2 HD guys polishing the brand... I'm neutral to both side but this review is obviously not. Still good content, thanks.
in a heartbeat, that indian is my choice..what a cool looking bike
I'm normally a sport/naked bike guy. I took the chiefs out for a demo day though and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Now I feel like I need to test out the heritage too. One of them might just be my next addition to the stable.
Definitevily I stand with the Amazing Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic which is my favorite Motorcycle!!!, Great explanation and video as well 👍, Thanks You for sharing 👊👍✌️!!!
you guys nailed it - very similar on comparisons
The front- an rearfender on Harley are much more practicable.
Amazing review and thanks for the comparison. One thing to be highlighted is how good the S Chief L is because you are comparing it with the HD Heritage. The Indian SCL is against HD Sport Glide and the HD Heritage is against Indian Vintage. It’s kind of unfair to compare it with the Heritage. However, it’s a great effort you put in this unbiased review and we are looking to see more head to head between Indian and HD models 👍🏼👍🏼
The Vinatage Indian outweighs the Heritage Classic by almost 90 lbs. The looks compare, and that's about it.
It's nice to see a review from a professional rather than an influencer/fan that's easily influenced when fêted with food, drink etc. If I had to pick one, it would be the HD just because I am big and tall. My spine would appreciate the extra suspension travel and the seat can be changed, windscreen too. I'd prefer floorboards. On the other hand, there's a Road King for similar money and it's better for me if I was so inclined. Also, I don't need the ride command.
You’ll notice the “journalists” protecting a paycheck have a lot more pressure to be nice to the big brands that send them lots of bikes to keep them employed than 100 independent thinkers who can say whatever they want.
@@chazlyle41 That’s a broad brush and one that’s used too often. I find it true with social media influencers who generally are fans and are cheap advertising posing as reviews. Journalists, at least the ones I read have at least some integrity. If there would be any pressure, it’s usually from the advertising side if a brand they’re reviewing advertises with that publication, but I’d bet the editors push back on that. Integrity is much thinner to non-existent with many if not most influencers. They are their own advertising and editorial departments and there’s no wall there. Morgan and Andy are reputable journalists. I think they care about their reputations enough such that they aren’t in the bag so to speak.
@@chazlyle41 100% incorrect. Our paycheck is not tied to being nice. We have and have threatened to rent or buy bikes when refused a test unit. We can do the same job without manufacture press bikes. Influencers and "independent" reviewers have to rely on controversy and bold claims to get noticed.
Conspiracies and made up scenarios are more fun... but it's not how this works.
@@CWjustindawes But I'm not even talking about "reviewers" but every single person as a whole. When your neighbor, the guys on HD and Indian forums and pages, random people you meet, and random no name 17 follower old dudes on TH-cam all have the same experience that you personally have confimed very thoroughly for yourself through years of deliberate trial and error and three big name reviewers say the opposite . . . you have to at the very least say, huh, that's funny . . .
Cheers.
@@chazlyle41 Love you, Chaz 😘
What about city riding? How do they handle in traffic and constant stopping and going, etc?
Great review and comparison. Harley been at it for Soo many years it would be sad if they didn't have their handling and useability dialed in. Harley style and quality is second to none
Second to none other than Honda .
@@djjmplus3 A Honda what? Honda's are competent & capable bikes but no body really lusts after or drools over a Honda do they?
@@rorynicholson8558 I believe the Honda goldwing is the best bike ever made. Harley-Davidson isn't even second.
Huh? I don’t recall seeing the Honda in the comparison? Did I miss something?
Good job! Performed in a way that is exactly as we want it. Head-to-head comparison of performance and style. Let's get the Indian Springfield Dark Horse vs Harley Road King Special within the exact same test parameters.
Good to see Andy Cherney back in the saddle! 👍
Great review of the bikes. Kudos.
Great video. I would have expected Indian to fair better. But, Cycle World is very unbiased, IMO. Kudos to HD for the KO.
I haven't ridden a Super Chief yet, but I rode every Softail when the new ones came out. I loved the HC.
A lot of what they were complaining about on the Indian would have been resolved if they A - put the bike in sport mode, and B - spec'd the mid rise or mini-ape bars, which are optional from the factory.
@@paden501 Harley needs only 1 mode and thats Ride mode.
Great video!
Does the Super Chief comes with ride modes?
great review comparison
What engine mode were you riding the Indian in? Standard or Sport? It would've been nice if you'd mentioned the difference between them. Personally, when I rode the Indian I found the front brake lacking. I really think it should be a twin disc set up. I agree about the footboards too, I found them to be slightly angled too high.
In the UK the Indian costs £20,000 which is equivalent to just under $28,000. I think it's too much for a Bike that isn't quite right. ( I also suffered quite a bit of wind buffeting) and agree about the clutch. I test rode a brand new Bike but the clutch action felt like the Bike was 10 years old. I really love the looks and style and came away slightly disappointed. The Heritage has always been the alternative option for me so I will try one as soon as I can. This review was exactly what I was looking for, so many thanks.
Yes, that would have been good to mention, but pasted from the written review on CycleWorld.com: “Sport mode is the most aggressive of the maps, ramping up quickly on initial throttle input; though it can be fun to burn some tire here, it only exaggerates the disconnected feeling from the throttle and clutch. Standard mode is the one testers preferred, as it allowed for the most linear and precise application.”
@@MotoswithMorg Thank you for your reply. I hadn't read that review. Cheers.
I own a new chief bobber, and I can say with certainty that the sport mode is much more aggressive than the standard mode. It's almost as if you're on an entirely different bike. I can second what they said about the vagueness of the throttle in standard mode, but in sport, it's quite crisp, especially on the 116ci "Dark horse" model. I own a 111 and my father in law has a 116, and the 116 really pulls a lot harder than the 111. In sport mode, the 116 is eager to go as soon as you touch the throttle, whereas the 111 is more smooth and predictable, but doesn't has as much "GO" when you crack it open.
The rear shock angle is the problem with the Indian suspension. Too steep of angle to make it look good but it makes it too stiff.
It doesn't even look good as far as i'm concerned. Indian should have made it a 4 or 4.5 inch monoshock for a clean looking plush ride. That Thunderstroke engine is the winner though on looks, and probably quality.
When it comes to this type of bike you just can’t go wrong with the Heritage Softail. It truly is the Swiss Army knife of cruisers. It can do everything and do it well. Proven platform for decades and just keeps getting better.
What ride mode were you testing the Indian in? Wonder if it was in Touring Mode with the way they were describing the throttle response.
I would think because there was no mention of what touring mode was used
Dollar for dollar there was no doubt in my mind the HD was the better bike all around. I was a bit disappointed with the Indian after riding it. The buzz at freeway speeds over 70 mph would have me stopping every two hours if not sooner. It was unacceptable to me. The lighting, and instruments cluster seemed a bit cheap to me, but the speedometer did work nicely even using my gloves. And, as you also mentioned, the smaller gas tank, among other quibbles, all added up to my sticking with the Heritage.
What helmets are u guys wearing?
Excellent review! I'm getting the Harley!
Love my Redline Red and Vivid Black 2022 Heritage Classic 114. 👍🤙✌️
Excellent review.
Having owned (and since sold) the Heritage (107) and demoed the Chief (116), the Heritage is hands down the better of the two for this gal. The Chief is the only bike I’ve ever hated riding (which I didn’t even know was possible)!
Did they use the sport mode ?
When you say that the Chief was a little hard to handle in curves, would there be any differences when you select the touring mode as opposed to the sport or standard mode?
They properly didn't change modes personally tour mode and standard mode not much different sport mode is down to your riding skills😊
Yes of course they dont bring up HD's dismal reliability record. Everytime when a new HD engine comes out...as in the Twin Cam or now the M8, people say " I aint gonna buy it until they work the bugs out of it "....that's very telling.
also like the fact that the indian is a true air cooled engine although the harley oil cooler is pretty well done ...unlike the triumphs.
@@barrybarnes96 im gonna buy an Indian
@@barrybarnes96 triumphs haven't been air-oil cooled in years...
I had a hard time shifting the Chief on a test ride I when they released the new one. I was wondering if it was just me but It makes sense when they mentioned the lag they experienced in this video. I went back on my Yamaha sport tourer and it was as sharp as I like it. I think the Chief was trying to be a lazy cruiser style? I would think everyone would like a sharp shifting bike to avoid miss shifts and mess up the gearing. I remember test riding HD and it didn't have delays in the throttle, just a bit clunkier gear box when shifting.
HD has insisted on putting this “primary +” crap that’s really just engine oil in “all three holes”. Put redline shockproof gear oil in the trans and it’s like night and day. MUCH smoother.
Sounds like a slam dunk for the Heritage.
Well done. Quite frank!
I thought the Indian was going to walk away the winter. Now it looks like I got some thinking to do. 🤔
Loving my superchief
I have the new super chief. Best I can describe it is it feels like a bigger version of my scout 60 I had. My scout was set up almost exactly the same. The super chief is just a little nicer, in my opinion, in every way. The throttle response is slightly slower though, and maybe I got used to it on my old bike but it seems to feel warmer sitting on it. So those are my negatives
How are you liking it? I just got mine a week ago and have put 1000 miles on it in one weekend. I feel the delay in the throttle but I’m getting used to it.
@@ivanperez3698 liking it. It runs smooth only got 2.2k on it so far. Got used to the throttle. Still feel a little delay. I dig the bike still though lol
I've got a Super Chief Limited landing in a few weeks. I didn't like the throttle response so.much either so I ordered the upgrade with cams, air intake and ECU remap. Supposed to make a big difference for throttle response.
Only 20,000 dlrs for these bikes, what a good deal, my 2000 wide glide cost a little over 18,000 21 years ago, it might have to do a trade in but don't know which one to get yet.
Great job guys, you did a great comparison.In my opinion, this is just my opinion, Harley pretty much rules the long road cruiser market. That's what they're known for, that said, Indian just came up with this new bike. Indian is a beautiful ride,but they still need a little more tweeking to make them a head to head comparison, or just a fair comparison. Great job though, a lot of us wanted to see a good comparison. Thank you for being brutally honest, if I'm gonna pay 20 grand for a bike I need to know I'm getting my money's worth.
Cool SD County/Cal Fire station 44 in the back ground.
Harley legendary and forever
Your only knock on the Heritage, could not have been more on point, but for more reasons than just the simple look.
I have the 2019 114, just crossing 3,000 MI, and I am on my third speedometer.
They work well, but they leak, causing the lens to condensate inside the unit and completely occlude the electronic readout. This has happened after one wash each. I'm now waiting on my third for over 2 months.
I've spoken with Harley themselves who did coordinate with my dealer service, but still I'm waiting and waiting. And I have no faith this third Speedo will not leak as well. It seems instead of fixing this problem, they're just replacing them, extending out my wait each time, until my extended warranty runs out, then leaving me holding the bag to buy another one.
This is literally my only knock on the bike too, as it's the best feeling and performing cruiser I've ever ridden, and I started out with a new 2003 Heritage Softail classic.
Harley, despite its detractors is going to come back strong, and they need to concentrate more on warranty service and customer service after the sale. I've bought five brand new Harleys, and I want to continue, and will if they tighten up on these few issues
Agreed. Saw in the comment section of another review/comparison about 5 commenting saying they issues like that. Had that problem with 2015 DYNA fxdf.
I cringe every time i see guys washing their bikes with power washers and full blast garden hoses.
@@barrybarnes96 @Barry Barnes yeah me too. I've always gently washed my bike and use every technique needed for black paint so I don't get swirl marks. This is my fifth brand new Harley-Davidson and not once have I ever had this problem. I literally covered my second speedo with plastic every time I washed it, and bear in mind I've only washed it a total of four times since I've owned the bike, and have never ridden it in the rain, and neither do I use blow dryers, and still got condensation under the lens. I'm showing a little over 3,000 miles on the bike now.
My 2003 Heritage Softail classic rode with me through torrential rain storms, thousands of miles of American highways, power washing, full power hose washing, and not once did I get condensation under a lens. A Harley should not be a precious commodity. It should be able to hold up to the elements, and this lens barely holds up to fairy pee
About the vague throttle feeling with the Indian, is it possible that you were on rain mode?
Indian Chief 100%
dude on the left could barely get a word in edge wise.
Andy is probably an introvert. Been reading his byline for 20 years plus. Morgan is cool too. It's nice to have variety. John Burns is another good read/watch. So is Jamie Elvidge and Evans Brasfield.
That guy on the right did my head in...
Sweet edit and a tall guy review 👍🏼 Harley please make one model with a large frame for us tall guys.
They do…..the Road Glide…..very comfy for long leg folks.
The Glides and the Kings are big enough for anybody.
@@Steverinomeister how tall are you?
@@jonnycando how tall are you?
@@CPUspeed 6 foot 2 and mostly leg…the difference is the fairing. The frame mounted one sits up and forward giving you more room in a turn…and the boards are in a better place too it seems. Also the RG has a bit higher ground clearance for sportier handling. Its the choice for me!
Great video and comparison. I would choose the Harley. I would be very interested to see what beautiful jacket Morgan Gales is wearing in this video. I would be very happy if you could tell me this. Greetings from Germany. ✌😊
Throttle feel is night and day between HD and Indian. All the thunderstroke indians have vague throttle response, but it's exclusive to the thunderstroke. The challenger, Scout and FTR have great throttle response. Most harleys have smooth and natural throttle response with a few exceptions (low rider S is rather twitchy).
Andrew. I would like to hear more about how the ergos effected and were effected by your height and a taller riders height. Much press is devoted to seat height, bar reach, peg reach, but all of those parameters depend on the riders size. At 5'7", your experience on any bike is as relevant to the average guy at 5'10", as would be a 6'2" guy. Arm and leg length, and weight will give different feels to the bike. I think reviewers of vehicles should be closer to the average Americans' size.
So would the 2021 Indian Springfield be more comfortable to ride because of the longer suspension travel in the rear?
Yes, I own a Springfield classic and it is plush.
@@roguecheddar Thanks for your feedback. I think the Springfield would be a great bike for me as I am looking for a real comfortable bike that can absorb the bumps with ease.
@@erolyalim2911 , The Springfield or a Chieftain or Roadmaster will do long distance with ease. Fat cruiser heaven, all day, every day.
@@roguecheddar 👍
Ride a Springfield for 5 years, just great in ever aspect and very plush and sporty at the same time. And I guess it has a bit more leaning angle before scratching the floor boards then these two bikes, Regards from Germany
Excellent head to head review, I was hoping the Indian would give the Harley a better run for its money but it is what it is, we'll done thank you.
Hmmm....I thought that the Chief would out shine the Harley, but it seems that it didn't. (I Never have ridden either though). I wonder which drive mode they were using on the Indian? Also, it almost seems like a Harley commercial, but I have hoped and planned to purchase the Heritage Soft Tail Classic for years. Just maybe...
Their comments about the throttle and and clutch for the indians is exactly what I examined immediately upon riding the chief dark horse. Went with a low rider s
Wow sounded like these two were paid by Harley. Yes I agree the Indian could use another gallon of gas. INDIAN FOREVER
Is that heritage color Vivid Black or Black Metallic?
Good comparison review. Confirmed what I always knew, the Harley is the much better bike. It looks great, the finish is the best and it has the name and heritage others can't buy.
Heritage Classic 114 for the win!!!
San diego back roads are great for throttle therapy.....👊👍😎
How come your saying the opposite of other reviews the other reviews of the Indian vs Harley says the Indian has a lot more travel in the rear suspension and is a lot softer ride the handling in twisties goes to the Indian now I am confused.