Indian Chieftain Demo Ride

[GIBBY]

Last evening a friend and I rode to St. Paul Indian and did the demo ride of the new Chieftain. First let me say that I think the styling, design and proportions of this new bike are perfect. Yes, there are a few things that I may have done differently but there is never going to be a bike or anything made for that matter that will satisfy everyone. I went into this ride already in love with this bike so take that into consideration when reading my review.

The demo was set up with 12 motorcycles with a ride captain and a sweep. There were a lot of people waiting to demo these bikes so there was not ANY time to walk around the bikes and kick the tires, big mistake on Indian's part if you ask me. They should have had at least one of each model set aside so a thorough inspection for fit and finish could be made.
Strike One.

The very first thing I noticed after swinging my leg over the seat was the lack of leg room, definitely not for us big guys. The ergonomics of this bike are very similar to an H.D. Electra Glide. The fat handlebars with internal wiring are nice and the layout of the controls is intuitive. The sound system controls are back lighted and the grips are nice. The "Integrated Digital Multi Function Display" as Indian calls it, is in red and virtually impossible to read.
Strike Two.

Time to fire up the motor. Push the start button and the 111 Thunder Stroke rumbles to life. The stock exhaust sounds great and is something I think I could live with. Drop her into gear and we are off. Wow, the torque of this motor is instantly apparent as I shift into second and then into third. The transmission shifts like butter with virtually no noise. Not only is this a cool looking power plant but it has balls! As we cruise down the freeway frontage road I play with the power windshield, nice but kind of unnecessary it you ask me. Wind buffeting was minimal even without lower fairings. The radio was o.k. but certainly could be improved upon with rear speakers. The ABS brakes work great and stopping is one of this bikes strong suits. At 65 mph there is a constant vibration in the floorboards that is rather annoying.

After riding for a few minutes it becomes glaringly apparent that this motorcycle feels a lot like riding a Harley, in other words, it feels like a bike that is well worn but had only 1,006 miles on her.
Strike Three.

After dismounting and talking to some of the other demo riders my observations were echoed by many. The friend that I went there with was prepared to put money down and wait for a bike, but after the demo he has changed his mind. Some of the shorter riders said the power windshield did not go down far enough.

In conclusion, as much as I wanted to like this bike I was extremely disappointed by my demo ride. I will not be switching brands any time soon. My Victory is a superior bike for less money, period.

Edit: I forgot to mention that the check engine light came on half way thru my demo ride.

[blowndodge]

Whew! Thanks Mike! I really wanted to like this bike but the ergo lack of room takes it off the radar!

[Loafer]

Gibby how tall are you, and did you feel cramped for room in the legs or were you too close to the tank?

[GIBBY]

I am 6' tall and I felt cramped in the legs and arms. The dash is VERY close to the rider, maybe closer than on an Electra Glide, clearly designed for riders in the 5' 9" range.

[elvis]

Gibby, thanks for the write up.

If you look at the specs the seat is higher on the Vintage, I wonder how this would influence the overall feel and ergonomics:

2014 Indian Chieftain:: Seat Height 26.0 in

2014 Indian Chief Vintage: Seat Height 29.0 in

2014 Indian Chief Classic: Seat Height 26.0 in

Source: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/

I ride an Electra Glide Classic so I guess the new Indians might fit me fine ergonomically. There's no Indian dealer in Vancouver, B.C. and the nearest is in Lynnwood, WA. I'm gonna have to take a ride there.

[GIBBY]

Originally Posted by elvis

Gibby, thanks for the write up.

If you look at the specs the seat is higher on the Vintage, I wonder how this would influence the overall feel and ergonomics:

2014 Indian Chieftain:: Seat Height 26.0 in

2014 Indian Chief Vintage: Seat Height 29.0 in

2014 Indian Chief Classic: Seat Height 26.0 in

Source: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/

I ride an Electra Glide Classic so I guess the new Indians might fit me fine ergonomically. There's no Indian dealer in Vancouver, B.C. and the nearest is in Lynnwood, WA. I'm gonna have to take a ride there.

I believe that is a typo, should be 26".

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by GIBBY

clearly designed for riders in the 5' 9" range.

Well that easily leaves Greg and Mike out!!

[BigRed]

Nice write-up. Thank you.

[Loafer]

Thanks for the write up and the response!

[stretch]

Nice review Mike. Sounds like I would be cramped on that bike also. Maybe they will make changes in the next few years.

[schoeney]

Interesting read. Just confirms you can't judge a book by it's cover.

[glwilson]

Good review Mike.

You are correct on the seat height being 26". One of the first things I look at on a bike. Anything higher, and I am out...

Seems Polaris has a lot of work to do on their website to get things corrected. They still do not list ABS and crash-bars as stock on some pages (but rather list and price them as add-ons); thus my earlier comments on the price getting up toward $26k. Apparently, these items, and a couple others are stock -- helping ease the price issue I had previously.

The "lack of room" on the bike would definitely be more comfortable to me though; since I fit well below the 5'9" criteria They could possibly have made it a bit "tighter" for my needs.

I'd like to see one in person some day though.

[Monkeyman]

So, basically, you want the motor in your XCT frame? Speakers in the saddlebags are an option.

[GIBBY]

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

So, basically, you want the motor in your XCT frame? Speakers in the saddlebags are an option.

I am really happy with my current motor, but more torque is always nice. $1000.00 a lid is a little steep.

[blowndodge]

Only thing I'm doing is getting the Bronze Beauty pin stripped next weekend I hope!