Harley or Indian
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 646
Likes: 61
From: Raleigh NC
As you know I started this tread. I learnt a lot from the replies.
Please go back and read the original tread. Like I said they're both good bikes in their own right. They both have their pros and cons.
Some of you gave good constructive information while others are just Harley bigots and really don't know much about bikes and have nothing to contribute to this tread.
They never owned anything else and never will. It's like owing a FORD and never buying anything but a ford. How can you give a good assessment without having any knowledge of the other product.
I've always had a open mind and was never a follower. I own both bikes and like them both.
What I like about the FLHXS:
I prefer the looks of the HD slightly more than my Indian Chieftain. I like the Nav, info center, access to more accessories and dealerships.
What I like about the Indian Chieftain:
I like the TPS monitor, Power windshield, remote locking saddle bags, better ride, chromed controls and a slightly more powerful engine.
After all is said and done I went out and purchased a 2014 Black HD Street Glide Special (FLHXS) with 5K MILES.
I did this because I didn't want two of the same bikes.
Please go back and read the original tread. Like I said they're both good bikes in their own right. They both have their pros and cons.
Some of you gave good constructive information while others are just Harley bigots and really don't know much about bikes and have nothing to contribute to this tread.
They never owned anything else and never will. It's like owing a FORD and never buying anything but a ford. How can you give a good assessment without having any knowledge of the other product.
I've always had a open mind and was never a follower. I own both bikes and like them both.
What I like about the FLHXS:
I prefer the looks of the HD slightly more than my Indian Chieftain. I like the Nav, info center, access to more accessories and dealerships.
What I like about the Indian Chieftain:
I like the TPS monitor, Power windshield, remote locking saddle bags, better ride, chromed controls and a slightly more powerful engine.
After all is said and done I went out and purchased a 2014 Black HD Street Glide Special (FLHXS) with 5K MILES.
I did this because I didn't want two of the same bikes.
As you know I started this tread. I learnt a lot from the replies.
Please go back and read the original tread. Like I said they're both good bikes in their own right. They both have their pros and cons.
Some of you gave good constructive information while others are just Harley bigots and really don't know much about bikes and have nothing to contribute to this tread.
They never owned anything else and never will. It's like owing a FORD and never buying anything but a ford. How can you give a good assessment without having any knowledge of the other product.
I've always had a open mind and was never a follower. I own both bikes and like them both.
What I like about the FLHXS:
I prefer the looks of the HD slightly more than my Indian Chieftain. I like the Nav, info center, access to more accessories and dealerships.
What I like about the Indian Chieftain:
I like the TPS monitor, Power windshield, remote locking saddle bags, better ride, chromed controls and a slightly more powerful engine.
After all is said and done I went out and purchased a 2014 Black HD Street Glide Special (FLHXS) with 5K MILES.
I did this because I didn't want two of the same bikes.
Please go back and read the original tread. Like I said they're both good bikes in their own right. They both have their pros and cons.
Some of you gave good constructive information while others are just Harley bigots and really don't know much about bikes and have nothing to contribute to this tread.
They never owned anything else and never will. It's like owing a FORD and never buying anything but a ford. How can you give a good assessment without having any knowledge of the other product.
I've always had a open mind and was never a follower. I own both bikes and like them both.
What I like about the FLHXS:
I prefer the looks of the HD slightly more than my Indian Chieftain. I like the Nav, info center, access to more accessories and dealerships.
What I like about the Indian Chieftain:
I like the TPS monitor, Power windshield, remote locking saddle bags, better ride, chromed controls and a slightly more powerful engine.
After all is said and done I went out and purchased a 2014 Black HD Street Glide Special (FLHXS) with 5K MILES.
I did this because I didn't want two of the same bikes.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Mar 16, 2017 at 11:50 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,768
Likes: 22,992
From: North Carolina
I am not saying anything bad about the Indian bike or quality. I have never riden one and have no friends with them. Some look cool and others look stupid to me.
But the whole story and history of Harley Davidson compared to that of Indian would keep me from Buying an Indian.
Probably should not have watched Harley & the Davidson's!
Good luck with your decision.
But the whole story and history of Harley Davidson compared to that of Indian would keep me from Buying an Indian.
Probably should not have watched Harley & the Davidson's!
Good luck with your decision.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 387
Likes: 173
From: Big Lake in the Middle
I'm not a Harley bigot because I wouldn't buy an Indian.
I'm a realist about the financial health of Polaris and the likely either demise or sale of Indian.
Glad you selected what you wanted - hope it provides many miles of service.
I'm a realist about the financial health of Polaris and the likely either demise or sale of Indian.
Glad you selected what you wanted - hope it provides many miles of service.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
As you know I started this tread. I learnt a lot from the replies.
Please go back and read the original tread. Like I said they're both good bikes in their own right. They both have their pros and cons.
Some of you gave good constructive information while others are just Harley bigots and really don't know much about bikes and have nothing to contribute to this tread.
They never owned anything else and never will. It's like owing a FORD and never buying anything but a ford. How can you give a good assessment without having any knowledge of the other product.
I've always had a open mind and was never a follower. I own both bikes and like them both.
What I like about the FLHXS:
I prefer the looks of the HD slightly more than my Indian Chieftain. I like the Nav, info center, access to more accessories and dealerships.
What I like about the Indian Chieftain:
I like the TPS monitor, Power windshield, remote locking saddle bags, better ride, chromed controls and a slightly more powerful engine.
After all is said and done I went out and purchased a 2014 Black HD Street Glide Special (FLHXS) with 5K MILES.
I did this because I didn't want two of the same bikes.
Please go back and read the original tread. Like I said they're both good bikes in their own right. They both have their pros and cons.
Some of you gave good constructive information while others are just Harley bigots and really don't know much about bikes and have nothing to contribute to this tread.
They never owned anything else and never will. It's like owing a FORD and never buying anything but a ford. How can you give a good assessment without having any knowledge of the other product.
I've always had a open mind and was never a follower. I own both bikes and like them both.
What I like about the FLHXS:
I prefer the looks of the HD slightly more than my Indian Chieftain. I like the Nav, info center, access to more accessories and dealerships.
What I like about the Indian Chieftain:
I like the TPS monitor, Power windshield, remote locking saddle bags, better ride, chromed controls and a slightly more powerful engine.
After all is said and done I went out and purchased a 2014 Black HD Street Glide Special (FLHXS) with 5K MILES.
I did this because I didn't want two of the same bikes.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 12
From: Central Texas
Dmello, Congrtats on your 14 SG, its a really nice bike. Hope you have loads of fun miles on it. I actually just went the other way and bought a 17 Chieftain after test riding the 17 SG.
I truly like both bikes and was very impressed with the M8 engine.
The new electronics/gps on the Chieftain are awesome, big screen and faster that the 17 SG electronics.
Kind of oddly, I find the Indian more nimble though it weighs about the same. I think it may be a combination of setup on the rake and whatnot but mostly I think its that the indian seems to bias the weight center even lower with the massive lower engine and tranny with the aluminum frame.
I think it "almost" as agile as my 16 Heritage which as everyone knows really rides a lot smaller than the HD Touring bikes.
I do completely agree that the HD dealership network and the aftermarket blows indian out of the water on comparison.
The 17 metallic paint on the indian seems to be a nice improvement in quality as well, still not up to HD excellent paint but very good.
The other argument that Polaris will not be here in the future is pure speculation based on Victory plug being pulled (pretty sure Polaris said they would support parts for another 7 years or so).
How long has Buell been dead? Parts are still available.
Again, I dig an open minded motorcycle enthusiast and its obvious you are open minded and informed. Enjoy you new bike, its a beauty.
I truly like both bikes and was very impressed with the M8 engine.
The new electronics/gps on the Chieftain are awesome, big screen and faster that the 17 SG electronics.
Kind of oddly, I find the Indian more nimble though it weighs about the same. I think it may be a combination of setup on the rake and whatnot but mostly I think its that the indian seems to bias the weight center even lower with the massive lower engine and tranny with the aluminum frame.
I think it "almost" as agile as my 16 Heritage which as everyone knows really rides a lot smaller than the HD Touring bikes.
I do completely agree that the HD dealership network and the aftermarket blows indian out of the water on comparison.
The 17 metallic paint on the indian seems to be a nice improvement in quality as well, still not up to HD excellent paint but very good.
The other argument that Polaris will not be here in the future is pure speculation based on Victory plug being pulled (pretty sure Polaris said they would support parts for another 7 years or so).
How long has Buell been dead? Parts are still available.
Again, I dig an open minded motorcycle enthusiast and its obvious you are open minded and informed. Enjoy you new bike, its a beauty.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Jenks, OK
Dmello, Congrtats on your 14 SG, its a really nice bike. Hope you have loads of fun miles on it. I actually just went the other way and bought a 17 Chieftain after test riding the 17 SG.
I truly like both bikes and was very impressed with the M8 engine.
The new electronics/gps on the Chieftain are awesome, big screen and faster that the 17 SG electronics.
Kind of oddly, I find the Indian more nimble though it weighs about the same. I think it may be a combination of setup on the rake and whatnot but mostly I think its that the indian seems to bias the weight center even lower with the massive lower engine and tranny with the aluminum frame.
I think it "almost" as agile as my 16 Heritage which as everyone knows really rides a lot smaller than the HD Touring bikes.
I do completely agree that the HD dealership network and the aftermarket blows indian out of the water on comparison.
The 17 metallic paint on the indian seems to be a nice improvement in quality as well, still not up to HD excellent paint but very good.
The other argument that Polaris will not be here in the future is pure speculation based on Victory plug being pulled (pretty sure Polaris said they would support parts for another 7 years or so).
How long has Buell been dead? Parts are still available.
Again, I dig an open minded motorcycle enthusiast and its obvious you are open minded and informed. Enjoy you new bike, its a beauty.
I truly like both bikes and was very impressed with the M8 engine.
The new electronics/gps on the Chieftain are awesome, big screen and faster that the 17 SG electronics.
Kind of oddly, I find the Indian more nimble though it weighs about the same. I think it may be a combination of setup on the rake and whatnot but mostly I think its that the indian seems to bias the weight center even lower with the massive lower engine and tranny with the aluminum frame.
I think it "almost" as agile as my 16 Heritage which as everyone knows really rides a lot smaller than the HD Touring bikes.
I do completely agree that the HD dealership network and the aftermarket blows indian out of the water on comparison.
The 17 metallic paint on the indian seems to be a nice improvement in quality as well, still not up to HD excellent paint but very good.
The other argument that Polaris will not be here in the future is pure speculation based on Victory plug being pulled (pretty sure Polaris said they would support parts for another 7 years or so).
How long has Buell been dead? Parts are still available.
Again, I dig an open minded motorcycle enthusiast and its obvious you are open minded and informed. Enjoy you new bike, its a beauty.
Anyhow, Meh on all that. I have a HD FXSB inbound and my Victory Jackpot is getting dropped off to the HD Dealer today.
I don't see how Polaris didn't understand this, and as said, they have the dollars to dump into advertisement.
A few weeks ago, a lady complimented my Victory, asked me about it, told her that she won't see many of them because the brand was dropped a few weeks prior by Polaris. She complimented the bike again, said she'd never heard of Victory, said it was sad to hear they're no more. I told her of them buying the Indian brand a few years back and that's what they're focusing on. She said "Indian? Didn't they die off a few years ago? - I didn't know they were making bikes again"
Fail, don't learn, fail again.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Mar 16, 2017 at 11:50 AM.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 243
From: Oklahoma
Someone in the business told me that Polaris is required by law to provide parts for the next 10 years; it's not like they are doing it because they are being 'nice' about it. I'm sure if there was a way they could have sold Victory to another entity that wanted to get into the business, they would have just to get out of that requirement, but due to their poor marketing and support, they put themselves in that position. Sad thing is they are doing the exact same thing with Indian.
Anyhow, Meh on all that. I have a HD FXSB inbound and my Victory Jackpot is getting dropped off to the HD Dealer today.
Anyhow, Meh on all that. I have a HD FXSB inbound and my Victory Jackpot is getting dropped off to the HD Dealer today.
However, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states that a manufacturer has to provide parts for products under the manufacturer warranty period or be fined https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus...s_Warranty_Act . When the warranty runs out your on your own.
BTW, Polaris never provided a fix which was required under warranty to the poor SOBs who bought the 1998-1999 Victory bikes with the bad transmissions http://www.arfc.org/complaints/1999/victory/v92/ . And they never got fined. Polaris promise to provide Victory parts for 10 years is pure BS.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Ma
Thank you all for your input. For those of you who think Harley is the only bike well let me educate you. You should all be thanking Indian for entering the market because without Indian or any other competition you wouldn't of had the Rushmore project. Competition is what makes you better. Without this you would be driving the same old Harley you drove for years. There would be no need for them to make improvements without competition so you better hope Indian stays around so we have competition between the two MOCO to build a better bike to get our business.
Just a little lesson in economics for those who are mentally challenged.
I look forward to enjoying my Harley and Indian this year.
Just a little lesson in economics for those who are mentally challenged.
I look forward to enjoying my Harley and Indian this year.