Indian chief

mxzguy

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Does anyone have one of these I am thinking of getting a new road bike was looking at a used HD Street glide but I could get a new Indian with more features for less $ just wondering if anyone has one the good the bad. Not looking for any brand bashing
 

S.W.A.T.

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Does anyone have one of these I am thinking of getting a new road bike was looking at a used HD Street glide but I could get a new Indian with more features for less $ just wondering if anyone has one the good the bad. Not looking for any brand bashing

Beautiful bikes. You will be much happier with the indian over the HD. Dreaming of a dark horse for my next one. Because it's not a HD the resale won't be there but it will be a long time out before you will consider selling. Another slight downfall is the stance is a bit bigger so if your a shorter person might take some getting used to. Post pictures of your new toy once decided
 

mxzguy

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Yea nothing holds their value like a HD but the intial cost to buy the Indian is much lower. The one I am looking at is the Cheiftain. Probably looking to buy next year I want to get a new bike and have it paid for before I retire and this will probably be the last bike I buy so resale is not a big deal. Will have to take one for a ride in the spring and see how it feels.
 

S.W.A.T.

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To me a HD use to be a image thing. Now every weekend worrier with good credit has one. Because of financing and over production HD is actually loosing their value. You won't be disappointed with the indian. The stock power is amazing.
 

zal

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Rented a Roadmaster this summer in Maggie Valley.

Pros: Handling was superb.
Suspension is comfortable.
Lots of storage
Nice Creature comforts
Easy slow speed maneuverability.
Clutch is very nice

Cons: Right leg baked while riding from the exhaust (Very hot, which really surprised me)
Lack of power ( I have a 14 Street Glide and I found the Roadmaster a dog)
Not a big fan of the gaudy hand controls
Placement of USB for the radio (Front fairing under a hidden compartment)


Ride them both before you buy. I rented the bike for 3 days and put on 700 miles.
 

altaredneck

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Haven't road the Indian but a guy I ride with had both an Indian and a road glide and he ended up selling the Indian because the ergonomics hurt his back. They are a good looking bike though. I find my street glide with the 16" apes pretty comfy to ride on for long rides. What ever u end up with will still be fun to get out and ride. Have fun
 

LennyR

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Indian is a cool bike, lots of flash, they've spent a lot of time trying to look different and give it its own style, and it worked , for image, not so much for function I don't think. Kinda like what Victory just went thru. If you actually are gonna put some miles on , and be comfortable riding on long trips, with ease of access to all your storage , and especially if you're 2 upping , the Harley's and the Gold Wings are way ahead. Harley has made some great improvements especially in the last few years, so many options available depending on what kind of riding you do. If you want a be different, sure the Indian is a good choice, but it still ain't no Harley IMO.
 

oldernotwiser

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Yea nothing holds their value like a HD but the intial cost to buy the Indian is much lower. The one I am looking at is the Cheiftain. Probably looking to buy next year I want to get a new bike and have it paid for before I retire and this will probably be the last bike I buy so resale is not a big deal. Will have to take one for a ride in the spring and see how it feels.

I just bought a Chieftain elite this summer. I still have my Harley bigger and a couple others that do not pertain here. So to compare the two.... they are both fantastic. The Indian power is ok, hard to compare as my 103 is stage 2 and would pull away. Will be adding cams to the elite next spring so expect that to change. The Indian is lighter, about the same seat height but the stock seat is much nicer, I change hd seats to mustang before I go anywhere. Handling is great on both, wind and rain protection go to hd, batwing or roadglide, the Controls are a bit more intuitive on hd, Love the electric windshield on the Indian, prefer the bags for storage on the hd. You really can't go wrong with either bike. Depends on what you are looking for. If I was heading out on a long trip with 14 hour days and uncertain weather it would be the electraglide all day. if it was leisurely 6 hour days the Indian. That may change as I find some lowers etc for the Indian. Price point on the Indian I bought was the same as hd but stock chieftains are a bargain in comparison. Winner either way, I would rent so you can spend a minimum of a day on each. Then choose. Here are some pics of the boys. Have to give the Indian a win on the looks between the two. Hope it helps. And that is exactly why nobody should only have 1 bike...or sled...beer... etc...
 

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catalac

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Wow that chieftain is a great looking bike, love the paint!
 

oldernotwiser

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Yes, the stereo on the elite is pretty decent. Good volume at 3 or 4 at any speed. Gets very loud at 6 or 7. Blows my 200 watt hog tunes away on my other bike.
 

oldernotwiser

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Thanks, 1 of three in Alberta. One of 350 globally. Was happy to get it. They say it was 25 hours to paint.
 

dano30

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I got the 2017 chief dark horse this past summer, and I love it. Lots of torque, great factory sound. Think I will add the stage two next year.
 

dano30

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I got the 2017 chief dark horse this past summer, and I love it. Lots of torque, great factory sound. Think I will add the stage two next year.


Added the bags this summer. Unfortunately one of the reflectors was damaged in shipping, waiting for a replacement.
 
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