The New Indian: A Test Ride in Review

Thanks RG. Maybe my review would have been better if the salesman took more time to go over the bikes features. Everyone around here that I have spoken to all pretty much say the same thing. As of now, the Indian is basically a soft tail clone, in specific a Heritage.

was going to quiz you on the Heritage compare. I was think Chieftan but the unfaired bikes are what you were referring to. I am assuming. It's like a Softail that goes faster. The Chieftan's target is Harley's bread and butter Street Glide. I'm waiting for them to come out with something like a Scout. One of the biggest impressions made on me, aside from the obvious power difference was how much lighter they felt which translates in how easy they are to ride.

I been a HD die hard and despite most of the people who ride them now and I'll most likely stay a die hard HD rider.

***although the HD dealers are getting on my nerves. And would be enough to make me switch to Indian.

Thanks for sharing.

I don't know if "clone" is the right term. From what I've heard, it seems lighter, more powerful, and apparently the engines can go upwards of 100,000miles without major disassembly. The salesman you dealt with seems like he is "cloning" the usual H-D sales pitch of "here's the bike, now don't bother me anymore", but the product itself sounds like an improvement over what the market currently offers. I think as it stands you had produced an excellent review of real world testing, not journalist/ industry supplied white wash. I look forward to getting to try one locally if we ever see one here.

After four days with a Victory I can say that the engine is strong , smooth, quiet of noise and based on my son and his mechanic associates very very reliable. I don't care for the overall styling for the most part . The Indian I am sure will have all the positive aspects as the victory engine. Indian styling for me is mostly gaudy however the basic one is ok in my book. Having said all that if I were in the market for a new bike it would still be a Harley. I'm sure no explanation here is required. JMO


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I should have tested one already because I'm sure I would be on one. As it is now, I'm broke down. Rear cylinder shut down this weekend. Timing has never been good with me.

I agree completely. The Indian styling (like my old Drifter) is a bit over the top with swoops and curves, and I find the Victory products to be too angular and out of proportion. The Harley has the look, and usually the sound. (maybe not the V-rod, but anyway). Plus I can't afford to replace all my T-shirts again! Guess I'll stick with H-D.

Hah! I didn't think of the T's ! Good point.


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My son has an 8 Ball that I have ridden the most. I Also road the cross Road Classic. Both impressed me.


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But the flared fenders are the Indian trademark from back in the day,that and the lit indian on the fender....big difference between the Kaw Drifter and the indian is on the indian the fender is metal not cheap ass plastic

Yep, every time I used to tap on my old fender it had the soft click, click noise of plastic, not the tink tink of metal. One of the things that drove me away from the Asian bikes. Nothing like the feel of steel.