Indian Challenger Vs Road Glide Special! There Is A Clear Winner
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- The Indian Challenger and the Road Glide are the two biggest and most popular motorcycles on the market and today we will see which one is officially the best bagger in America.
I wanted share a video that Gears and Gadgets did talking about dealer network for Harley Vs Indian. It's interesting and something I will personally expand on in an upcoming video as well.
ruclips.net/video/qva_y2urvQw/видео.html
I disagree about the name issue. While Harley is the pinnacle and standard of American bikes, Indian is a legendary name, and one we were all glad to see return after 50 years absent
23 Challenger elite nothing but the truth. Handles like a sports bike literally feels 5 - 600lbs
I have watched dozens of videos comparing the two, I am a Harley guy who is seriously thinking of an Indian as my next motorcycle. Waiting to see if Indian fixes the heating issue with there bikes.
Without the HD, there would not be a Challenger. Which, btw, is a Dodge. Plus, the HD has been continuous since inception. I do agree with you., the Indian is nice. However, the HD has a dealer network which is tops comparitivly to the Indian. For the past 3 years, I have lived off of a 2016 Night Rod bone stock. I am now 65 and have ridden 20,000 miles (alone) touring. I have had 10 bikes during 50 years of riding. Even in the snow! Does it make me not want an Indian? I would give it a shot. I had 3 BMWS, a Triumph and.the rest were Suzuki and Yamaha UJMs. If HD put the VR engine in a touring bike, maybe I might consider it but weight would be a factor. The next time I buy a bike, it will be a CB1000 Black Edition, or a Nightster. 150 HP in a 500 pound chassis!!! In conclusion, a fine review.
I don’t get hung up on names. Im a professional Harley mechanic for almost 25 years now and when it comes down to it the Indian is a way better motorcycle. With inflation and the weakening dollar customers are looking for less maintenance costs and better reliability. I’ve had several hardcore Harley customers trade off for a Indian due to reasons mentioned above not to mention the Indian is fast and has better suspension components as well. I still ride my 22 year old softail because if my Harley breaks(when not if) I can fix it. If you can’t fix it then consider something you won’t have to work on like Indian! Don’t get me wrong the new Harley engines in the Pan America and the sportster S look promising but only time will tell how reliable they will be.
If you worked at my harley dealership youd be at Indian on monday morning. Harley is its own thing, Indian is a fraud, copy of the harley. After 25 years if you can even stand the sight of an indian your not harley.
Honda Gold wings ride better than harleys, more reliable too, still aint buyin one.
I ride a 2016 ultra limited with over 60k . I have a 7 year warranty I have never had to use. Ride save
1000000 percent agreed!
I was cross shopping both of these bikes recently (and the street glide & chieftain) and for me it came down to bang for your buck. I've owned 4 HDs and loved every one of them, but as you pointed out - Challenger gives you more power, a smoother ride, better handling (you didn't mention the inverted front fork), and a slightly better stereo, so I ended up with a 23 Challenger Darkhorse and so far couldn't be happier with it. I will concede that the HD sounds better, but that's always gonna be the case with an air-cooled V-Twin vs liquid cooled.
It is good to see a Harley diehard be absolutely unbiased in their assessment of two well built American made motorcycles. I own a 2021 Indian Challenger Dark Horse. So, of course, I agree with your assessment about the Challenger. However, I try to be honest as well about my bike. The electronics on my 2021 do have issues. The navigation is practically useless and there are a few glitches here and there. Nothing major, but frustrating at times. The best part about the Challenger is the power right out of the gate. An HD owner would have to spend several thousands of dollars after initial purchase to match the power and performance of a stock Challenger. I'm hoping that Harley sees that Indian is building a better bike for the money so my HD friends can look forward to more improved stock in the future. Competition breeds innovation.
Harley is going to eventually catch up, but Harley customers are gonna have to cough up lots and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$
Harley puts there greed & profits before their customers.
Harley in recent years have been cutting corners on their bikes while raising prices.
Cable clutch instead of a hydraulic clutch ? No thanks.
They cut their shifters in half. ?
No heated grips on a Roadglide special ?? You crazy ? Shocks are substandard. I’ll take that beautiful Indain . Not going to trade any name over comfort & VALUE !
Nail on brother !! I love my dark horse to death !! But I took a 4 hour trip and the navigation like you said was basically useless. And my weather layers weren’t even populating. But that’s what you can expect from a newer bike that’s only a few years old. Still better then Harley lmdao ride safe brother
copycat motors
When HD goes gay I’m all in on the Indian
Yeah I’d buy a Pursuit over HD! I have a road glide and have had 2 other street glides so I know! You have to spend 10g maybe more to just get what you can get on a Indian out or the box! Sick of it. They all talk about customization…. Really shit then the HD will still have motor problems…. Ticking or ping noise in the engine idk…. HD lack of quality parts is sad! So maybe fight and finish is better but damn I want a Indian now!! I have test ride on the Pursuit and yup it was smooth. Put a pipe on it and a RVS tune and bars and your done
The Challenger beats the RG like a friggin drum! If however, you have unlimited funds, and and can afford a $10,000 131 aftermarket kit, $2,500 Olins suspension, and LED lights all the way around, then buy the Harley. The aftermarket for the Indian is growing but will never compare to the HD.
But if you can only muster $28k for a bike like me, buy the Challenger! And yes your HD will need the aftermarket 131 to outrun a Challenger.
I have ridden both motorcycles and I agree with many of the statements. Indian gives you a lot more for the money. 108 is 122HP and 128 torque, the 114 is 100 HP and 119 torque. I’ve never seen an adjustable windshield on any Harley model, even the CVO? You could do 500 miles on either bike, but my experience is the Indian gives you more leave angle which rides better is the curves. The Road Glide ST has the shorter bags to allow more lean. I also agree many will go to Harley-Davidson Simply because of the name, I don’t understand that? But I don’t have to and that’s okay. I currently ride a Victory Cross Country Tour and an Indian Road Master, don’t think I’ll every get ride of my Victory? But the Road Master will be replaced by the Pursuit (Challenger Touring). Remember it doesn’t matter which one you chose as long as it meets your needs and makes you happy.
Great review
The camera stick being swung up and down while talking about the cooling is a little too much. But, other than that, you got me questioning on which I might buy for a touring bike. The main thing that makes me want to stick to harley is that they have more dealerships if you're actually using the bike for touring.
I don't care a bit about the name, and I like all types and brands of motorcycles. As expensive as bikes have gotten, I'm looking to get the best bike for the money. And as I prefer to spend my limited free time riding rather than wrenching (or having the bike in the shop), I prefer a bike that does most of what I want straight from the factory, rather than spending time and $$$ on mods.
Sounds like you need a Goldwing then if you don't want to do a bunch of wrenching and maximize your riding. Hondas and Yamahas are the top bikes in reliability.
Can't change that fact. Harley's are a mess Stock. Looks great but Harley's are not smooth or powerful. (Stock)
I have a 2020 Road Glide Special. I ride 10k to 15k per year. I have riden the Challenger and thought it rode fine. I just like the look and sound of my Harley more than the Challenger. I also like the location of the controls on the Harley (i guess that is what i am used to). I do think Harley should start making some the the features standard like the Indian.
The hardest thing to me isn’t the name, it’s the look of the Harley. The road glide just looks freakin badass and the challenger doesn’t. BUT I want everything the Indian has with the Harley look without having to pay another 7-10k to make the Harley equal to the Indian 😅
I'm going to have to go against everyone else here. I think the Indian styling looks way better than the road glide. Hands down all around a more modern sleek and stylish design while the harley still looks like it's pulled out of the 90s. I have no past attachment to harley, and after test riding both at bike week in daytona I can't see myself ever buying the Harley over the Indian.
I test rode both the road glide and the challenger before I pulled the trigger, and the challenger came out number 1. Just felt like you got more value with the Challenger than you did with the road glide.
enjoy your peeling paint and lack of dealers
@@BikerJim74 Got 4 Indian dealers within an hour drive. Sorry life didn't play well with you. Thanks for the hate message....
100%... I kind of did the same thing. I love my challenger dark horse 🐎
@paulmolinari5784 ignore the haters man, don't waste your time replying to them.
@@Hugo-py2ce I respond and laugh. World is full of haters no matter what you do.
My first cruiser was a Kawasaki Vaquero 2011. I started looking at the HD Road Glide Special, so I rented on for a week. Bike was nice, but felt very basic. Power was not much different from my 103 Vaquero, and didn't ride as smooth. Suspension on the HD felt like was riding in a shopping cart. I understand that all that can get fixed with aftermarket parts. I then test road a Challenger for about an hour, and was instantly blown away. Ride was smooth, great power out the box, and the tech was leaps and bounds vs any HD I could think of. The plus was all that came stock. So I went with a 2023 Indian Pursuit with premium package.
I have 2 words that makes the Indian better: liquid cooled.
2022 Indian Challenger owner here and my decision to go with Indian over HD came down to options vs price. Till date i have not been disappointed, it's a joy to ride. Currently own a Hayabusa, Goldwing and Challenger.
I'm curious, since you own both the Challenger and a Goldwing, how do you compare the 2? Are there certain trips you prefer one over the other?
@rob9876 I love my Goldwing but it doesn't love my size. I'm 5'6" and it was work maneuvering the big girl around. Open road it's a big comfy couch. The Challenger is aggressive and reminds me of my Hayabusa with creature comforts.
@@The_Official_TEFLON A new Goldwing will run right next to the challenger 107 ci. You have to be careful because the wing will get you into trouble quickly just like the Challenger
@@bradhardy2629 Indeed but the feeling is different lol
Nice review! I like them both but prefer the Indian looks and value. Motor and suspension out of the box so superior. I have had both so I know. Now HD crowd will go directly to well there isn’t the aftermarket or dealer network and they correct, don’t need the aftermarket bike is so good out of the box! Both are absolutely gorgeous and that red and black set up you have is my favorite. Nice job.
As soon as you ride the Indian, you'll be happier. Everything about the bike is just nicer. I had plenty of issues with my last 2 Harley's. My Indian? Zero. It's been flawless.
I am the opposite. Ditched the Challenger to save my mental health.
Why isn't this guy an Indian ambassador? He clearly understands the brands direction in the market and can articulate much better than half those boso's Indian invites on the press rides! Indian needs to give this guy a long-term tester "challenger" he'll produce content people can understand and relate to.
Awesome honest review. I purchased a challenger last year and love it. Honestly it’s hard to go wrong with either one but the windshield and bags sold me on the challenger. Hd has everyone beat in aftermarket and that’s hard to beat. Challenger also has the ability to close the vents on the fairing. Being able to reach the touch screen while riding was also a bonus for me on the Challenger without having to shift around and lean forward. The power was awesome but I was coming from a 20 rocket 3r so neither one could compete with that.
Love the Challenger ! Best way I can describe it is if a Goldwing and a Road Glide had a baby. U can do more TO a Harley, yes, But...for the price, the Indian doesn't need anything. Cams and a tune with some pipes and ur smoking a $10K 131 upgrade on an already $30K Road Glide...no brainer. Love the review!
One interesting aspect I didn't hear you talk about is the aftermarket parts world. I think a lot of guys just honestly enjoy making a bike their own. Unfortunately for Indian they aren't even in that conversation when compared to Harley. Very cool bikes though.
Don’t care about the name I want the best ride. Indian!
I went with the HD RGS over the Indian Challenger Dark Horse for a few reasons. 1. Parts (Both stock and aftermarket) 2. Fit and finish 3. Dealer support. The last might not seem like a big deal; but when you are pounding through 5 and 6 states in a day and your bike has an issue, it pays to be able to find a dealer to take and service your bike. Love the way the Challenger rides though. So in my opinion Indian makes the better bike but Harley has a better ownership experience.
all valid points where harley beats indian. i chose challenger for power, suspension, handling, brakes, etc…which of course can be upgraded on the road glide. but each has their trade offs and just gotta decide what’s more important to you
@@dakotaslama7874 Cannot dispute any of your points as they are completely valid. I don't keep anything stock when it comes to my toys, so when it comes to performance, handling, and suspension all that it going to replaced no matter the machine by default. You chose the best bike for you my Brother and I support your decision 100%.
I always say it is your money, get what YOU want. I have had 2 HD's and my second Indian is a Challenger. So I am biased, but honestly it is a better bike right out of the box. Personally I do not like the looks of the RG, not even a little. If I went back to HD I would go with the Street Glide. My best friend has a RG and with all of the extras he spent "making it his own" he still doesn't come to the level of performance you get stock from Indian.
Glad I came across this video. I have owned a CVO Road Glide for 22 years (100,000 miles) and very happy with it and still no issuses (gear drive cams of course). Road a softail before from 1990. I have recently been looking at the new Road Glides and never really considered Indian. (not many dealers close by) But now I might just make the effort to find one. Thankyou.
Like seeing this comparison, I've had a newer road glide, but now think I'm going indian.
This was a good video! I went to shop an Indian at the dealer here near Nashville back in January and after being totally ignored for 2-30 minutes, I went across the street to the HD dealer and ended up with a new Street Glide Special in the APEX paint scheme.😐
Dude same in Foxborough ma. My wife and I went in and looked and sat on bikes. 45 min we were there. No one even said hello to us and we knew she was buying a scout bobber. So we called around got the best deal we could about an hour north and they lost the sale.
@@dnice4431 I will never set foot in another Mom's dealership, much less any Polaris anything.
Sounds just like Sloan’s in Murfreesboro TN. Should have went to Music City Indian in Nashville TN.
Really appreciate this video man. I'm shopping for a touring bike and it's between a road glide limited and the Indian Pursuit (so both of these bikes with a trunk, basically). Really good info for comparison shopping
A big factor (I believe) in choosing between Indian and Harley is the availability of service locations.
HD is a lifestyle . Indian is just another motorcycle with no soul much like a goldwing
There is usually an Indian dealer with in an hour of where you live. Why is it that guys that ride bikes are so afraid to ride a few miles for service? I myself love taking the ride to dealer an hour away. If that is hanging people up, then you are really missing out. Not to mention Indians are not rip off dealers like Harley is.
@@cartrack730 I love going to the dealer . The network becomes important when taking cross country or multi state trip . My plan includes going to Europe ,buying a bike there and traveling most of the countries . For that I will require oil ,tire changes to say the least . I had a Yamaha last time and just getting brake pads was an ordeal . I had to deal mostly with independent bike shops . I would love a Indian Persuit but a Road Glide limited will be my plan B .
Unfortunately my first experience with “dealer” service was awful. I hope things improve or my Challenger will have a new home.
@@chiefjoseph8154 would love to hear more ,since I am seriously considering a Pursuit over the Road Glide .
Had Harleys for the last 20 years with the last being a Street Glide. I wanted a fixed fairing now and I looked at the Indian Pursuit and the Road Glide Ltd. The Indian is a much better bike than the HD in virtually all aspects. I ultimately decided on a new Wing Tour DCT as it's a better bike than either of these two in my opinion. The Indian is a VERY nice bike, but the Honda had still more to offer than the Pursuit. You nailed it by Harley giving you a name instead of a better bike. These 2 bikes are designed around an old school nostalgic V-twin design with the Indian having a more modern twist while the Honda is designed to give you the ultimate, best engineered bike with no limitations as to how it has to look. After 20 years, I distanced myself from the HD name and got an incredible bike as a result. I'd love to have an Indian too. Maybe someday.
We have Indian bike owners complaining about warranty issues, not good! RUclipsrs are broadcasting the issues.
Harley should look up to Indian. Love Harleys and their heritage past, but in this case I would definitely go with Indian.
No Truck Nutz ! Here we are , born to be Kings of the Universe ! I Ride THORS HAMMER , A 2000 VICTORY SPORT CRUISER , HIGHLY Modified , 103 C.I. , 2003 transmission , Kandy paint with Ghost Flames , The SWEETNESS ! Raised pegs !
I have a 2020 Challenger and love it. I have owned a lot of bikes. Mostly Victory and Triumph Rocket III's. Had a few Harley Vrods including a CVO Vrod. All great bikes, but over all for me the Challenger is the one for me. Plenty of power and handling stock. With several performance upgrades out now the Challenger just keeps getting better. For the record, while I have not owned I have driven a Road Glide and Street Glide. They are nice, but the Indian just does it for me. Simple motto in life, ride what you like. If its got two wheels and makes you smile then ride on. You all keep the shiny side up.
Thanks both are not expensive bikesI assume for long distance whiting dealer network is big issue for me Harley has it on the bag
I like the Challenger, I had a Chieftain Elite. Came back to Harley 2022 RG limited CVO. I ride cross country and the lack of dealers worried me. Even if I could find a dealer most lacked part inventory and the ability to repair quickly.
Any independent shop can get your Harley back on the road with common problems. Nobody wanted to touch my Challenger. LOL Back on a Harley as well.
I'm definitely debating between these 2. I haven't gotten a chance to ride a Challenger yet. I told the Harley salesman that I was considering the Challenger. He said without question, buy the challenger
I like both of them, but love the Challenger. I’ve driven one before and MAN! I’m in love with that bike. Haven’t been on a Road Glide yet. I just love the way the Road Glide look though. They’re both beautiful bikes👌🏽.
Rode the Challenger at Americade in '21. Rode a Road Glide prior to that. THB, I was already on an Indian, riding a Scout ABS at the time and was looking for a more compliant ride for my aging body. Found the Challenger to feel far less top-heavy than the Road Glide (important to me on heavyweight bikes) and the power difference was noticeable. Also liked having the touch screen below the gauges (wasn't a fan of the longer reach over the gauges on the RG). Stereo was much louder on the Indian as well. Ordered a base model Challenger during the late Winter of '21 and haven't been disappointed at all. My brother rides an HD RG Ltd and has said the Challenger feels much more "flickable" and responsive, but he's loyal to HD now after two years of ownership. He "may" change his mind as his arthritis progresses and becomes an issue with the heavier HD. My Challenger is almost 100 lbs lighter than his RG Ltd.
The RG is my favorite looking Harley, I own a 21 Challenger a 16 Chieftain DH and 09 Vic Hammer, I’d love to have a RG but I Gott say the Challenger does it for me. I like the Fairing better but only slightly more than the RG and the 16 Chieftain DH Locomotive Fairing is classic awesomeness.
I’d be super happy to have either but again ……. The Challenger is really an awesome bike.
Sir, great review. In my opinion, If and when Indian increases their dealerships to compete with Harley, they are going to spank the hell out of them. Indian please come out with a factory trike!!!!!1
Very good video. I like the challenger! Compare this too: There are 675 Harley dealerships in less than 200 Indian dealerships in the United States. That’s the thing that would worry me plus, there’s the Harley community and culture. Personally, I would stick with Harley. I have a road king and it’s a great motorcycle.
Good point: if my bike broke down as often as my friends' Harleys seem to on our trips, I'd want 675 dealerships too. Slowly getting them converted.
I would buy a new Indian Pursuit, over a new RG Limited if I was replacing my 2012 FLHTK Stage II this year.
There is one other thing to consider and that is service. I don't mean how the people at the shop treat you but the availability of a shop when you need it most. If you have a problem that needs immediate attention in the middle of Oklahoma is there an Indian dealer nearby? HD has more dealers in the US than any other make. If you just ride in your own area you're good but if you travel, and why else would you buy a Road Glide or Challenger, than the answer is clear. Ride on dude and thanks for the impartial review.
I agree with you 💯and basis of my choice as well . Not enough Indian dealers around.
There are a lot of HD dealers, to be sure. I've spent more than a few days at them waiting for my friends' HDs to be repaired on our trips.
I own a 2017 road glide they didn't come out with a challenger until I believe was 2018 if I would have known that Indian was coming out with the Challenger I would have probably bought it before I bought the road glide. I like the look and the ride of the Challenger. I also like the look and ride of the road glide. But the Challenger does bring a lot more bang for the buck. If I had to do it all over again I would get the Challenger I wish they would have brought it out before I bought my road glide.
very tempted by the challenger for the better ride, .. harleys been pushing the roadglide for decades, and finally making some headway, but as much as I love the batwing fairing , I hate the look of the sharknose, not so much from the front, but side and specially from the riders view, so sticking with my ultra limited, 1200sporty, xjr yamaha, rt 1200 bmw, and two 60s yams, ride on and enjoy what u like and what makes you turn around and look at your bike after you park it!
I'm really struggling with this. I want a Road Glide ST or a Challenger Dark Horse. On paper the Challenger is the clear winner. OTD price is less on the Challenger. To setup the Road Glide the way I want I'm looking at another $7k on top of that. To setup the Challenger less than half of that.
My nearest Indian dealer is 3 hours away. I have 4 Harley dealerships closer, including a local dealer, and another 4 within the same distance as Indian. However, I've yet to have a good experience with any Harley dealership. Tried to buy a Harley last year and it's the worst experience I've ever had trying to buy something. At best it was deceptive, at worst it was downright dishonest.
I ended up buying a BMW GSA because it made sense on paper and the dealer gave me a fair OTD price the first time I asked and handed me the keys for a test ride with no nanny to babysit me. I came back from the test ride and bought it. That's the way to do business when someone is spending over $25k on a motorcycle, imo. My heart's just not in the BMW though and I really want a v-twin bagger.
I think the Road Glide looks better, and I think it will hold its value better, but you never get much money back out of mods. I suspect resale would be a wash when accounting for the cost in mods. Tough call for sure. Competition is good. Thanks for the comparison!
It must have been so hard tip toeing on this review in order to not completely offend all of the HD owners.
I love that you broke down some of the smaller differences. I’m a concours 14 rider and I went to the Indian demo day a few weeks ago and rode the new Pursuit Limited and it was so fun, it’s not a sport tourer by any means but I think that it’s not too far either. I’d say it’s more like a Goldwing than a Harley. I went to the Harley dealership the following week and rode a RoadGlide ultra or whatever it is with the trunk. Very different vibe altogether, it’s more of a visceral experience because it shakes your damn head off. And you can tell it’s slower, I found myself looking at the scenery more rather than monitoring the bike. I liked the pursuit more. It’s rowdier
It's all personal preference. I'm sure the Indian is a perfectly fine bike. But *NOTHING* sounds like a Harley.....
I've owned an 2020 Indian Challenger, and I own a 2023 HD Road Glide Special. I love the India way better radio, way better suspension, way more power. I would say it is equivalent the a 114 with a power cam stage 2. My only gripe with the Indian is dealer network sucks, GPS takes you off road through golf courses and over mountains WTF useless! The Harley is over price lacks in features and in power.... But ever since I've owned the damn Indian I've always wanted a Harley and that's why I ended up with three Harleys and no Indian I've got a 17 road king, 17 Electra Glide Ultra Classic and now my pride and joy the 23 road glide special. There is just something about Harleys. Even though the Indian is a better bike. (Don't tell anyone I'll deny I said that)
My problem is that I *want* a Road Glide, but know that the Indian handles better, rides smoother, and is faster. So what I really want is for HD to build a better Road Glide.
Great review. I would have liked you comparing which bags held the most but overall pretty comprehensive.
Well Done, Honest preview from a H-D owner that has used the bikes for more than just an afternoon around the block, If nothing else I think it's time H-D at least upgraded the suspension on their touring bikes, Love the looks of the Road Glide, the shark snout reminds me of my 80s Tour Glide, must admit the Indian Challenger would be my choice for long distance, with after market exhaust of course.
I own an older HD fat boy I love it I'll never get rid of it. It was my first Harley Davidson. I have owned a few other bikes in my life on and off, but if I were looking to buy a new bike Indian would for sure be on the list. I love HD as much as anyone, and I would love to own a bagger someday. I would definitely look at an Indian. Great video.
For me, in my part of the world, the dealership support is in favour of the H-D .... and all the independent mechanics who have the experience that gives me confidence.
I'll take a Harley any day.. the Indian just looks like a cheap knock off to me I'll sacrifice a little extra technology for the quality the Harley has to offer!
Call me backwards thinker or stubborn asshole, but for me Indian will always be the old chief with the valence fender and no fairing.
The fake fins on the liquid cooled Power Plus look a hell of a lot better than HD's attempt on that fugly new Sportster S!
so what you are trying to say but cant because you like HD fard more is that indian is better looking better equip and better riding bike. and indian even a better brand if you want to buy motorcycles not HD clothes. and indian is better quality. so its a better bike.
The Indian that one like look reminds me of the 1960s it looks like the Cyclops I mean if they change that one light out of there then it would look cooler it's the one like it just it's ugly
Harley hands down looks way better. The better mechanical bike is the Indian though. We all ride what we think looks good
They both look nice. However, the problem I have with Indian (which is not really Indian, its Polaris) is the dealership network is just a joke compared to Harley. I have a low rider s, in my opinion the best bike harley makes with the biggest engine from factory on a cruiser Chasey. I'm not a fan of baggers, I happen to ride motorcycles for the wind in my face, not in spite of it. Anyway, only Indian I ever had the chance to ride was the scout. I was not a fan of it. I know that's there lower end model, but just doesn't have that "look" thar a harley has. It also felt cheap to me. And again I know I it's there smaller bike, but all I hear from Indian riders was there Indian makes more power and will dust a harley and I can say infatically, that's b.s.! That thing had 0 balls!
Stock Indian Challenger is a beast.
Interesting viewpoint. Funny I'm about to sell or trade in my M109r which has more HP and torque than any HD for a Challenger or a pursuit. While I love my bully, I'm in a MC and we travel on 2 day trips so I need a bagger and I don't want to loose out on HP and torque just because I have to have bags.
You need more HD dealerships because they break down more.....
@Chalkline Challenger OK buddy you got it keep telling yourself that. I walked into an Indian dealership once 120 miles away guess how many people were there. 4! All employees inthe middle of the summer. What does that tell you? I see a few of unold ass Indian riders putting along with all that so called power barely going the speed limit.
@GodsDuality Our SWFL IMRG has over 100 members and our group rides are always 25+ bikes. The dealership has events every weekend and does charity rides. That dealership you went to is just lame. Don't base your opinion on 1 experience
For me the power plant is the big kicker for me.
There nice but there actually a Polaris the last Indian was made in 1953. Just my 2 cents.
Why compare and say there is a winner? Everyone ride what they like. No more, no less.
Because that's what I do
@@HegshotRides Actually…that was a rhetorical question. Sorry for the confusion on your behalf.
I have a 21 road glide. When I trade it in I will get the Indian. Better bike for less money.
My dream would be Indian Challenger next to a Harley Street Glide in my garage.
I have ridden these at the Indian demo days. If you want to know, i suggest you ride one. Night and day difference between these 2 bikes. Suspension, handling, options and engine on the indian are all embarrassingly better than the harley.
Yo Hegshot, I’d love to do a collab video with you…what you think?
Hey man send me an email at hegshotrides@gmail.com
I really like the comparison of the two bikes. I prefer the Challenger. The 360 camera really needs work I know that there is a place for it but you should be able to see that some shots don't work in editing.
Completely agree, all of the 360 camera shots that I have seen in MotoVlogs show everything completely out of proportion even if they are mounted correctly on a motorcycle, just a new gadget that has failed as far as i'm concerned.
I own both. A Challenger in Australia and a HD in Thailand. I'm a HD guy but when HD in Australia failed to step up on the Harley wobble whilst my 2018 CVO Limted was under warranty, I purchased the Challenger. That was a mistake for HD as now that I have the Challenger I will never likely to move back to HD in Australia given both have reasonable dealer networks. Every time I get off my bike in Australia and then hop on my HD (2019 Heritage) in Thailand it's a real shock on just how agricultural the HD really is. I would buy a Challenger here in Thailand but as many of the previous comments has pointed out it comes down the to the Dealer network that can support you and unfortunately Indian just does not have even a half descent network (1 Dealer in Bangkok only) versus HD with Dealers all over the country that I must say do a fairly good job. I have to say however that HD do openly rip of their customers in Thailand given all HDs with the exception of the US Market are made in Thailand now. The price of their bikes here are pitched just under Indians price wheras Indian has to pay massive import duty. As an example, on an RG Special they charge in Thailand about A$20,000 more for the same bike in Thailand than they do for that same bike in Australia and there is no shipping costs for the bike here in Thailand. Why does HD do this -- because they can. I did a RUclips video on the HD Issue if you are interested (check out Glavs World)
I've been swayed by indian just for the extra features at a slightly cheaper cost in the long run.
The Indian fairing the shape is cool it's just the front light it just ruins it
I am in the process of choosing between a '23 Road Glide ST, or a Challenger Dark Horse. Looking at aftermarket parts availability, ie, chopped top case pipes, fairing spoiler etc. I'm leaning more towards the HD. Aftermarket luggage is way less expensive than dealer. Indian just doesn't have the aftermarket support that HD does. Or maybe I'm not looking at the right aftermarket companies?
One other thing about Harley is the number of dealers. I have been on trips and have needed oil change and dealer moved me to front of line for service. That’s Harleys policy.
Need more HD dealerships because they breakdown more often
I left a link to a great video about that and it might surprise you. Link is pinned up top
Late last year I picked up a slightly used 2022 Road Glided Limited. 5200 miles. With a boatload of extras the first owner had put on the bike already, led’s, reach seat, Legends suspension. Prior to stumbling across the RGL I was seriously looking at an Indian Pursuit. However with the numerous HD dealerships out there and the endless amount of aftermarket parts. The HD RGL was a no brainer.
I agree and in same boat otherwise the Challenger would be hard to pass if had same.
The expense to make the RGL ST suitable for me is way out of my price range Almost $50,000 - no adjustable suspension, no ride command, no auto tilt! Things that just can not be added to Harley! $36,000 for a loaded pursuit
Great comparison video. Love the shots of the two bikes next to each other. It really gives you a chance to compare their looks. The RG is by far the better looking bike, but the value, power, suspension, and handling of the Challenger is what swayed me to purchase one.
I say that all the time. I have a 2021 challenger limited and all my boys are diehard HD guys. I tell ‘em I’ll admit that HD is better looking but the Indian is a better performance and bang for your buck and they will not admit it. 😂 I’m like bro you guys can’t even keep up with my bike unless you drop over 5k on your motor why is it so hard to admit it?
@Joey Balenciaga Yup its crazy that they can't accept it. It's everything they wish their RG could be. When my buddies say it's just an RG copy, I tell them it's a much improved RG copy.
Definitely more value with the Challenger. Power, liquid cooled engine, inverted forks, also easier to change the oil on the challenger.
Im not a fan of the ride command.
I actually like the Boom system on the Harley better.
Harley’s money is in build quality and materials/paint. Indian’s is in the motor and technology. I also think the road glide fairing will age better the Indian looks better today in my opinion, but I don’t think that faring will be as appealing in 10 years. I can’t decide which one I want.
Not all of the challengers have the red pinstripe. It only comes on the limited and dark horse models, and now for 2023, only on certain colors, though it's the majority of colors.
Before I purchased my Challenger Titanium Smoke which is the Base Model 2022 . Did tried, sat on a few Harleys . Beautiful machines & great name & fame. But I didn't buy it because Polaris Industries knows what they're doing their not rookies on motor performance builders. I'm convinced that The Indian is just a better bike , but the name I didn't go for it. Many of my friends have traded in their Roads & Streets Glides for the Challenger...
I must admit that as an English guy, When American's build a good bike, it is a beautiful thing - nice to have the choice between these two. On a personal level, I like the Indian better.
I appreciate all the compliment all the work comparing these two power house Bikes! I am an Indian fan and have been since a kid! The more modern feature added to the Indian defiantly make the ride smother by far in my option! The stock pipes are not load enough with out the upgraded pipe it sounds very mellow! Neighbours might be happier but I would rather rattle the windows! Harley has it with aesthetic design and who does love the loudness! Indian has a many more horsepower and has automatic shock adjustments on some models like pursuit! Adjustable Windshield is a must for me ! Indian is still needing to make these bike for the tall guys like me 6’6” and long legs means extended seat and extended floor boards a must! Disadvantage is the passenger looses seat space and comfort when you all the extended seat! I also feel that the Indian fuel economy is also better than Harley and the Indian can go longer faster on the same 6 gallons!
I am looking to buy a new bike by summer and will most likely choose the Indian!
Thanks again Sir Misha
Sold my Electra glide,bought a chief vintage, 10x better bike than any Harley I've ever had, and looks 100x better
I was expecting hd bias. The honesty in this review made me sub. Hell yeah.
I think you're wrong about Glock though. Jk lol.
You should do a review of the cheapest frame mounted fairing cruiser, the kawasaki vaquero.
I ride the most luxurious motorcycle ever made, being the Honda Goldwing Gl1800. But if I was to pick between the two it would hands down be the Indian. Stay safe out there. Hoosier Wing 🇺🇸💫🌟
Really feel the gold wing had it day! Loved them for year but the new Indian rocks over the Honda and the Harley baggers
That was the best comparison I have seen
I have a new 23 Pursuit Limited sitting on the show room floor, plated and ready to go. I just need the weather to cooperate.
Inverted forks on the challenger
I have a roadglide ST. Really love it. I have not had the opportunity to ride a Challenger. But it looks nice.
Don’t ride one. When you twist the throttle you will get your checkbook out.
Gotta go with the challenger hands down wasn't really impressed with the road glide when I rode it
WhenI traded my HD I was going the Goldwing route. I ended up with a Challenger. IMHO the Challenger is closer to a Goldwing than a HD. Polaris even put the air filter under the gas tank. (Big mistake).
Non bike owner here, but extremely enthusiastic about them:
I love Harley's positives & loathe their negatives. You shut my previously uneducated mouth on the "bang4buck" argument against Indian. Thanks for that. I hate to espouse wrong info.
However, for me it comes down to 2 points. Owner maintenance & asthetics. Water cooled, while definitely a benefit in many ways, is one more system to fail, & one more set of fluids & mechanicals to add to the expenses of ownership.
Asthetically, if I'm going for a more modern, C.A.D./wind tunnel sculpted look with all the modern computer features mentioned, I'll go for a Goldwing over Indian. I think the Honda Goldwing F6B is much better looking than the Challenger.
Did he mention that the front vent on the Indian can be closed and opened by the rider?
I didn’t
This is the best (and perhaps honest) comparison I have seen on these two bikes. A big thumbs up. ;-)
I'm buying the Indian because of its name... so yeah, I got past the name easily.