Harley vs. Indian... my experience (long post)
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 166
Likes: 24
From: Washington
Randy,
You have a beautifle bike, and I don't believe they are all bad. I probably just had a case of bad luck! It's just a bummer for a first impression!
You have a beautifle bike, and I don't believe they are all bad. I probably just had a case of bad luck! It's just a bummer for a first impression!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
Well, for every problem with an Indian, I'd guess there have been five or ten for a Harley! And only because there are more Harleys out there than Indians...OP had a problem with an Indian, it certainly happens, but I don't think you can write off the entire tribe!
I have been mildly interested in the new Indians, but not seriously because I'm not really interested in replacing the FLHX that I have now. It does the same exact job as the new Harleys and Indians with regard to the things that I consider important.
IF I was seriously interested in a new bike, however, I'd give the Indian the same shot as a new Harley. I do believe that the technology of the Indian would be a STRONG point in its favor, and I have not heard of any chronic electrical problems with them. That would certainly bear more investigation.
Yes, I agree that the Indians that have the fully valanced front fender ARE ugly, but Indian has come out with a much trimmer, leaner front fender...that would have my interest.
But the biggest thing that would sway me toward a new Harley is that the new Indian dealer right across the street from my local Harley dealership folded its tent after only a year and a half of operation! I do most of my own wrenching, but I gotta tellya, going a hundred or more miles away to the nearest dealer doesn't float my boat! No surprise, really...that dealer never really appeared to be too serious about things. For one thing, it was a 'super store', carrying several different brands...although they were right across the street from the Harley dealer, they weren't open on Sundays, and that's a real important day to be open in SoCal these days. They took the 'Field of Dreams Approach'...if you build it, they will come...but they didn't. I hope for Indian's sake, they have more aggressive dealers than that!
Well, just one of them thangs for the OP, I reckon!
I have been mildly interested in the new Indians, but not seriously because I'm not really interested in replacing the FLHX that I have now. It does the same exact job as the new Harleys and Indians with regard to the things that I consider important.
IF I was seriously interested in a new bike, however, I'd give the Indian the same shot as a new Harley. I do believe that the technology of the Indian would be a STRONG point in its favor, and I have not heard of any chronic electrical problems with them. That would certainly bear more investigation.
Yes, I agree that the Indians that have the fully valanced front fender ARE ugly, but Indian has come out with a much trimmer, leaner front fender...that would have my interest.
But the biggest thing that would sway me toward a new Harley is that the new Indian dealer right across the street from my local Harley dealership folded its tent after only a year and a half of operation! I do most of my own wrenching, but I gotta tellya, going a hundred or more miles away to the nearest dealer doesn't float my boat! No surprise, really...that dealer never really appeared to be too serious about things. For one thing, it was a 'super store', carrying several different brands...although they were right across the street from the Harley dealer, they weren't open on Sundays, and that's a real important day to be open in SoCal these days. They took the 'Field of Dreams Approach'...if you build it, they will come...but they didn't. I hope for Indian's sake, they have more aggressive dealers than that!
Well, just one of them thangs for the OP, I reckon!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
Sorry for the bad experience for the OP, but glad they stepped up and took care of you! I may be the odd one out here, but I really like the styling of the Indians. Almost bought one instead of my road glide.
The turning point for me was the dealership I was dealing with was a super douchebag. I was looking at a 15 leftover, and they acted and priced it like it was made out of gold, and really bashed Harley’s. They said they didn’t even want my Harley, and offered the trade accordingly.
This really turned me off from the brand. If you can’t sell your product on its features and benefits, but instead have to bash your competition, you are in the wrong business. I do realize they all aren’t like that, but it did leave a sour taste.
Very happy thing worked out like they did, my road Glide is THE best bike I have owned in my 32years on 2wheels.
The turning point for me was the dealership I was dealing with was a super douchebag. I was looking at a 15 leftover, and they acted and priced it like it was made out of gold, and really bashed Harley’s. They said they didn’t even want my Harley, and offered the trade accordingly.
This really turned me off from the brand. If you can’t sell your product on its features and benefits, but instead have to bash your competition, you are in the wrong business. I do realize they all aren’t like that, but it did leave a sour taste.
Very happy thing worked out like they did, my road Glide is THE best bike I have owned in my 32years on 2wheels.
Last edited by steelerdude1; Oct 24, 2017 at 08:27 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 7
From: Western NC
I really like the looks of the new Roadmaster, rode one and was very impressed with it. It handled great and the motor felt really good. So I'm thinking of trading the RGU in on it, dealer get's some numbers together...and Holy Crap they really don't like Harleys!! Well I figured I could talk them down a little, but no way, they weren't budging. So while I,m still in the trading mood I went to my local Harley Dealer and Rode the FLHTK that I have now. I like my Rushmore bike better than the Roadmaster, and after some negotiations I rode away with with a several thousand dollar better deal. I still like the looks of the Indian, but me and my money are staying with Harley Davidson
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 99
From: Michigan
Jackhole,
Thats bad that your rental Indian sucked. If I had issues like that, I would not have bought a Indian....
But, so far, more than happy with it.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 35
From: Calgary Alberta Canada
I have friends who had Victorys, Indians and Harley's. As I explained to a friend about why I ride Harley? Besides I love them , LOL. When you ride a Harley you just stand and listen to all the other brands tell you why their bike is every bit as good as a Harley. I dont' have to say a word. I just get on my "harley" and ride. No explanation necessary. But I always say. Ride what you want as long as you are riding.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,790
Likes: 19,651
From: On the move
I owned a 2014 Chieftain that I bought brand new in 2014. I racked up just under 30,000 engine trouble free miles on it before I sold it and bought my 2017 Street Glide. I don't doubt the OP's experience however I do think the Indians are very reliable bikes. Sounds like the OP rented a bad one.
That said, i'm enjoying the heck out of my SGS and have no plans to go back to Indian anytime soon. We'll see how I feel in 3 years.
That said, i'm enjoying the heck out of my SGS and have no plans to go back to Indian anytime soon. We'll see how I feel in 3 years.