Indian Chieftain
- Thread starter bulldog
- Start date
Hijinx
Well-Known Member
I want one bad, but am waiting a year to get reports on the engine.
Wondering about that myself. Couple of my friends have Indians from the last run..with the S&S engines.
bulldog
New Member
He tested the chieftain and a Victory cross country. Gave a slight comfort edge to the victory but said the Indian's engine and tranny were much "tighter" and stronger. I did not ride the Indian so can't compare it to my victory until I ride his.
Larry Gude
Strung Out
Interesting.
The little I've read in terms of professional reviews, pretty much covered in this vid says HD has the better performing motor and handling, especially braking but, that, as usual, HD's suspension, the short rear travel, is STILL an issue.
No mention of the tranny's.
HD is more upright, Indian a laid back sit.
HD is great if you like watching TV while you ride.
HD finally got rid of that inane bag operation.
Indians brakes are awful.
Hijinx
Well-Known Member
Too many screens and Radio controls for me on both bikes. Too much temptation to play with the screens and radio while riding. I believe I would choose a model without a radio or screens, I like the ride, I leave the entertainment systems to when I get off and sit in my chair.
For a first year out I think this Indian is really great, and I am sure the designers will be listening and making improvements.
I would also bet that in a year or two the Indian will be coming out with systems comparable to Harley's Screaming Eagle models for those wanting more performance, and a set of mufflers worth listening to.
For a first year out I think this Indian is really great, and I am sure the designers will be listening and making improvements.
I would also bet that in a year or two the Indian will be coming out with systems comparable to Harley's Screaming Eagle models for those wanting more performance, and a set of mufflers worth listening to.
aps45819
24/7 Single Dad
Surprised the Victory dealer in White Plains doesn't have them since they're both made by Polaris
Larry Gude
Strung Out
aps45819
24/7 Single Dad
Why?
He likes heavy, slow, expensive starter kit bikes
aps45819
24/7 Single Dad
Just don't care for the look of the Indian or the Victory. I prefer a Harley. :shrug: Never thought of my bike as slow. It jumps out there with the best of them. And I don't want to hear it aps, you traded yours for a Miata.
I traded my fast bike for the Bonneville 
Vince
......
Need picture.
Hijinx
Well-Known Member
I am surprised the guy in Annapolis has them.
Indian said they didn't want Polaris dealers to have Indians they wanted a totally new outlet for them, I suppose they didn't want an in-shop competition between Victory and Indian.
Larry Gude
Strung Out
Just don't care for the look of the Indian or the Victory. I prefer a Harley. :shrug: Never thought of my bike as slow. It jumps out there with the best of them. And I don't want to hear it aps, you traded yours for a Miata.
I know a couple guys have them and love them; Street Glide.
BlueBird
Well-Known Member
Harleys are for followers and Indians are for leaders. Enjoy your Street Glide Vince. You'll fit right in with the herd of Harley riders. The new Indian is in a far superior class.
Indian = 5 year warranty
Resale value guaranteed by Polaris
A modern V-Twin
Superior suspension
Better fit and finish
Way more torque....
Then there's the cool factor of having a great built bike for a price that's comparable to a lesser engineered HD that isn't a dime a dozen
I could go on but these are just a few of the things that put the new Polaris Indian leaps and bounds ahead of Harley.
Indian = 5 year warranty
Resale value guaranteed by Polaris
A modern V-Twin
Superior suspension
Better fit and finish
Way more torque....
Then there's the cool factor of having a great built bike for a price that's comparable to a lesser engineered HD that isn't a dime a dozen
I could go on but these are just a few of the things that put the new Polaris Indian leaps and bounds ahead of Harley.
Hijinx
Well-Known Member
This argument has gone on since 1905 and will continue LOL.
BlueBird
Well-Known Member
I simply stated facts. Feel free to counter anything I wrote that can't be verified with actual data. Reviews of these bikes are subjective many of which are influenced by appeasing the majority of owners of a certain brand to keep them coming back to buy more magazines. 80% of Indian sales thus far are HD riders who are making the switch. As more switch more will follow since most HD riders want what's "popular" and "accepted".
Larry Gude
Strung Out
No, they don't. Most HD riders want 'HD', period. Doesn't matter if it has a fairing or is a soft tail swing arm or traditional shocks. 88, 96, 103, 110, as long as it is a Harley. Most Harley riders readily concede the mechanical and engineering and reliability limitations of their bikes and, if all things were equal, would have a Japanese bike. But, all things are not equal. That brand is primary. Decent quality and performance and reliability matter next and, in all honesty, Harley's are decent bikes. This isn't AMF anymore. But, they know they're not gonna get the reliability and low maintenance that I get from my Star and they don't care. Which is fine.
Ad to that the changes they've made for '14. Mostly cosmetic but, also some practical improvements. Harley isn't going anywhere anytime soon and just as many guys, if not more, are gonna switch to Goldwings or GL1600's and Indian or Vic's. They are both niche bikes, not a thing wrong with them and not Harley's.