A solid video. As an owner of a 2021 Chieftain turned Roadmaster. I get your affinity with Indian motorcycles. They are amazing. I stopped by an Indian motorcycle dealership for a Demo Day. And I was sold. I bought one the following week. Oh, speaking about electric locking saddlebags. Today I shut my Indian off. Engine stopped running. Infotainment screen off. But I could still lock the saddlebags and the top trunk with the gas tank mounted button. Try that with a Harley.
My wife and I test rode a Roadmaster in 2020 and an HD Ultra last year. Hands down we’d choose the Indian. In a nutshell, we found it is just more refined than the HD. I agree with your comment on the windscreen. We were doing 130km/h on the highway in South Africa and it felt like you were watching a movie on the couch. That’s how comfortable we found it. The HD left us with a headache just after 10 minutes from the buffeting. Beyond my comprehension how HD can’t offer an adjustable windscreen on such an expensive motorcycle. Just a shame there aren’t as many 2nd hand Roadmasters out there😕
Harley rider, but those Indians are SWEET, i love the gaining popularity of the Indian company, its FINALLY making HD step their game up. Gorgeous bike! God Bless you and yours brother, ride safe!
These reviews I am looking in trading my 2017 road glide Harley-Davidson 2015 Roadmaster because my wife needs to be a little more comfortable I'm hoping I'm making the right choice but you're right these reviews do help
I think you nailed it. I have a new 23 Chieftain Dark Horse and am absolutely in love with it. Super comfortable. The heat is a non-issue on the Chieftain since it doesn't have lower fairings. Incredible bike.
The only problem with that bike... it's not a Harley! 🤣 I've ridden this bike and other Indians, they do sound better than most Harleys stock from the factory, and some do ride better. That's an awesome bike you got there. My favorite Indian is the Challenger.
I have a 2017 and absolutely love it! I rode Harley’s and Yamaha’s but this bike is just a blast. I have taken many long trips (Pa - Fl and back again) and this year going out west! My wife is in love with it and gets upset if I look at others in my Indian dealer (lol). I agree with your review and it’s spot on! I do have a better breathing system other than factory on mine and don’t see the heat as such a big deal. I would rate it at a 8-9 on heat! Thanks
I have been able to rent these as well as ride at Demo Days. Totally agree with your comment on the rear suspension. There’s nothing like it. But, the front is another matter. The handlebars can deliver a good whack to your wrists depending on the bump. My old ‘86 Suzuki had rubber mounted bars which smoothed out the front end jolts. You didn’t say anything about the seat. My tailbone could not stand more than 45 minutes on any of these before having to take a break, and I rode all the 111 models except Chief Classic. I think the feet-forward position puts more pressure on the lower spine. Other than that and the high price of admission, they are a great ride.
Nice review. If I had to review my HD roadglide it would be very similar. I wanted a 21 roadmaster limited, but they were all out of stock. Test rode a 21 roadglide limited and ended up getting one. I love it so far only at 1k
I noticed on my 2018 RM at 3 I can hear the music clearly at 100 mph. I too have a few things I don’t like about mine but it’s minor stuff. I rode 3000 miles to and from a rally and loved every bit of the ride. Yes the mono Fox USA shock is amazing. I do Moto camping with mine. 4 person tent and all my gear. The cat on the exhaust is miserable hot. Gut out the cat and it cools the exhaust with free flowing exhaust. I don’t have the rear cylinder shut off. I’m from New Hampshire. In the summer I Know the exhaust is ugh. In the cooler months down in the 40s it is comfortable.
Nice review. I have a 2019 roadmaster that I've owned since new. One thing I really like about it that you didn't mention is the stock seat comfort. This is the first bike I've owned where I didn't immediately swap out the seat for a more comfortable aftermarket seat like Ultimate or Mustang. Maybe it's just me, but I find this seat very comfortable and can ride it all day long. As for the excessive heat, I live in Canada. That extra heat is a bonus in spring and fall!
Hey Marty, a decent video with an honest told story. What I mostly miss is how easy or how difficult is this motor to maintain? And are parts expensive or not when they have to be replaced. Can you do all the maintenance yourself or do you have to hook up the bike to a computer? Could be that 2 years is to short to tell something about it, but that is what I miss in reviews. Maybe in time you can do a video about these issues. I'm riding a 1983 GL1100 Goldwing and have no problems with maintaining it other than that parts are more and more difficult to buy in the Netherlands, they have to come from all over the world. After this bike I really am looking for an Indian Roadmaster. But that may take a few years I hope😅 Wish you a happy New Year and many save rides to come👊🏻😎
I've got a '21 Roadmaster and you're spot on with the heat. The big criminal is the catalytic converter right at the back of your right calf. I went with the " stage 1" intake and exhaust. There was a noticeable drop in heat after they were installed and the new flash loaded to the ECM. Also the rear cylinder deactivation works well in stop and go traffic around town. I'm in So Cal and ride 11 months out of the year. Great review! Oh and the cooled seat actually works ( it's a fan built into the seat pan).
I've got a 16' Springfield. The heat can get pretty warm but look at it this way...the fins are doing their job dissipating the heat from those big jugs.
My '48 Chief would toast my right leg on hot summer days, here in Socal, riding in traffic. I imagine any air cooled V-twin has this "con". Maybe liquid cooling helps.
You forgot one category. Price. Does Indian have to follow the Harley example? Why does a full touring bike need to cost as much as a car? Indian touring bikes are pricing themselves out of reach for alot of people. Ask Harley owners. I'm not particularly happy with the parent company Polaris. Will they shut down Indian like they did to Victory? I really liked your review. Very honest. Good job.
Victory never made any money for one.. Indian have been profitable from day one. As for same price as a car and even on most occasions more.. i agree.. crazy.
@@digbysdownunder good point. I agree. As far as companies making money, I think the corporation's need to listen to their customers more. When Victory stopped listening and built what they thought we wanted, the profits declined. It's was a terrible shame because Victory built great bikes.
Hi just wondering if you could please confirm for me if the 2022 INDIAN CHALLENGER DARK HORSE comes with front highway bars on it as stock from the factory
After a month of having this roadmaster boy oh boy is that heated seat nice. One question is what is that radiator for? I know what it is for on a car, does it work the same way? I only ask because I have never had one on a bike
I live up north. My 22 roadmaster has HORRIBLE heat management. I remove my lowers on Memorial Day and reinstall on Labor Day. If i don't, a side wind will feel like a propane weedburner flashing the underside of my left leg. The ride and the radio are phenomenally better.
Quit crying about the heat, just remove the front lower fairings. I ride a 2016 Indian Roadmaster and initially removed the gaudy lower front fairings because I just don't care for them. I have experienced absolutely no heat problems, and I removed those fairings not to keep me cooler but for maintaining air flow onto that air-cooled engine. I love my bike and am always pleased to hear testimonials such as this. If I buy another bike, it will definitely be an Indian.
Have you tried any heat deflectors of any type? I installed Captain Itch Crotch Cooler on my 2018 Roadmaster Elite within a week of owning it. It’s really made a difference. Occasionally on very hot days (I live in Texas also) I still get some discomfort from the heat though.
I have the 2018 with stage one. I recommend just for the difference in sound and feel of the motorcycle. The stock exhaust is a tamed beast begging to be unleashed.
To help with the heat issue have you considered a heat shield? I ride a 2021 Roadmaster with a Captain Itch Crotch Cooler and it seems to help with the Alabama summer heat.
Pastor, im looking at buying a used 2015 Roadmaster with less than 7,000 miles on it. One owener bike. It is very clean. What should I be looking for. Any concerns about the 2015? The bike has sat since 2021, always garaged. Thanks
Some of the older bike suffered from a chirping belt when wet or cold. After it warms up or roads dry the chirping goes away. Some of the older bikes it is hard to shift from first gear to second when it is cold outside. After driving a view blocks that problem goes away. Unless you test ride in the cold or rain you will not hear anything. You could ask the owner if the bike has these issues. I think the problem was on the 2014 model. My 2014 vintage had both problems, My 2015 vintage did not.
I'm very interested in purchasing a bike soon. I'm a disabled vet wanting to learn to ride, that's right, I'm not a rider, but want to become one and travel. I just want to know if the Roadmaster would be a good start for me? I have back problems where the Roadmaster looks and sounds like it'll be ok for me to handle.
@Game Time with Jc No, I haven't gotten the opportunity yet. But, if when I get one, I'll start with a scout sixty and work my way up to a larger touring bike. Just so I can get used to riding and have one bike as a daily ride. But, I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to take the safety course to get my license.
Great review. I have to agree with almost everything that you mentioned. I now have about 47K on my 2017 Roadmaster. I am a new subscriber. Take a look at my channel for more Indian videos.
Развлечения
A solid video. As an owner of a 2021 Chieftain turned Roadmaster. I get your affinity with Indian motorcycles. They are amazing. I stopped by an Indian motorcycle dealership for a Demo Day. And I was sold. I bought one the following week. Oh, speaking about electric locking saddlebags. Today I shut my Indian off. Engine stopped running. Infotainment screen off. But I could still lock the saddlebags and the top trunk with the gas tank mounted button. Try that with a Harley.
My wife and I test rode a Roadmaster in 2020 and an HD Ultra last year. Hands down we’d choose the Indian. In a nutshell, we found it is just more refined than the HD. I agree with your comment on the windscreen. We were doing 130km/h on the highway in South Africa and it felt like you were watching a movie on the couch. That’s how comfortable we found it. The HD left us with a headache just after 10 minutes from the buffeting. Beyond my comprehension how HD can’t offer an adjustable windscreen on such an expensive motorcycle.
Just a shame there aren’t as many 2nd hand Roadmasters out there😕
Harley rider, but those Indians are SWEET, i love the gaining popularity of the Indian company, its FINALLY making HD step their game up. Gorgeous bike! God Bless you and yours brother, ride safe!
Finally purchased my very first new bike today. 2022 roadmaster, god im in love. sweet vid. down here in Azle Tx and i do the same and watch reviews
These reviews I am looking in trading my 2017 road glide Harley-Davidson 2015 Roadmaster because my wife needs to be a little more comfortable I'm hoping I'm making the right choice but you're right these reviews do help
I think you nailed it. I have a new 23 Chieftain Dark Horse and am absolutely in love with it. Super comfortable. The heat is a non-issue on the Chieftain since it doesn't have lower fairings. Incredible bike.
The only problem with that bike... it's not a Harley! 🤣 I've ridden this bike and other Indians, they do sound better than most Harleys stock from the factory, and some do ride better. That's an awesome bike you got there. My favorite Indian is the Challenger.
I have a 2017 and absolutely love it! I rode Harley’s and Yamaha’s but this bike is just a blast. I have taken many long trips (Pa - Fl and back again) and this year going out west! My wife is in love with it and gets upset if I look at others in my Indian dealer (lol). I agree with your review and it’s spot on! I do have a better breathing system other than factory on mine and don’t see the heat as such a big deal. I would rate it at a 8-9 on heat! Thanks
I’m going to buy one soon. Thank you for the video. You are affirming my decision for sure.
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better!!👍
I have been able to rent these as well as ride at Demo Days. Totally agree with your comment on the rear suspension. There’s nothing like it. But, the front is another matter. The handlebars can deliver a good whack to your wrists depending on the bump. My old ‘86 Suzuki had rubber mounted bars which smoothed out the front end jolts.
You didn’t say anything about the seat. My tailbone could not stand more than 45 minutes on any of these before having to take a break, and I rode all the 111 models except Chief Classic. I think the feet-forward position puts more pressure on the lower spine. Other than that and the high price of admission, they are a great ride.
Just found this review best I've seen yet thankyou.
Nice review. If I had to review my HD roadglide it would be very similar. I wanted a 21 roadmaster limited, but they were all out of stock. Test rode a 21 roadglide limited and ended up getting one. I love it so far only at 1k
I noticed on my 2018 RM at 3 I can hear the music clearly at 100 mph. I too have a few things I don’t like about mine but it’s minor stuff. I rode 3000 miles to and from a rally and loved every bit of the ride. Yes the mono Fox USA shock is amazing. I do Moto camping with mine. 4 person tent and all my gear. The cat on the exhaust is miserable hot. Gut out the cat and it cools the exhaust with free flowing exhaust. I don’t have the rear cylinder shut off. I’m from New Hampshire. In the summer I Know the exhaust is ugh. In the cooler months down in the 40s it is comfortable.
Nice review. I have a 2019 roadmaster that I've owned since new. One thing I really like about it that you didn't mention is the stock seat comfort. This is the first bike I've owned where I didn't immediately swap out the seat for a more comfortable aftermarket seat like Ultimate or Mustang. Maybe it's just me, but I find this seat very comfortable and can ride it all day long. As for the excessive heat, I live in Canada. That extra heat is a bonus in spring and fall!
The seat is nice. I have ridden 800 miles in one day. I have also done a 4 year owner review of this bike. I am at over 62,000 miles.
I decated my 2019 RM and fitted it with Cobra slip ons, problem solved. Full stage 2 also and wow that really wakes up that 111!
Hey Marty, a decent video with an honest told story. What I mostly miss is how easy or how difficult is this motor to maintain? And are parts expensive or not when they have to be replaced. Can you do all the maintenance yourself or do you have to hook up the bike to a computer? Could be that 2 years is to short to tell something about it, but that is what I miss in reviews. Maybe in time you can do a video about these issues. I'm riding a 1983 GL1100 Goldwing and have no problems with maintaining it other than that parts are more and more difficult to buy in the Netherlands, they have to come from all over the world. After this bike I really am looking for an Indian Roadmaster. But that may take a few years I hope😅 Wish you a happy New Year and many save rides to come👊🏻😎
I've got a '21 Roadmaster and you're spot on with the heat. The big criminal is the catalytic converter right at the back of your right calf. I went with the " stage 1" intake and exhaust. There was a noticeable drop in heat after they were installed and the new flash loaded to the ECM. Also the rear cylinder deactivation works well in stop and go traffic around town. I'm in So Cal and ride 11 months out of the year. Great review!
Oh and the cooled seat actually works ( it's a fan built into the seat pan).
I've got a 16' Springfield. The heat can get pretty warm but look at it this way...the fins are doing their job dissipating the heat from those big jugs.
My '48 Chief would toast my right leg on hot summer days, here in Socal, riding in traffic. I imagine any air cooled V-twin has this "con". Maybe liquid cooling helps.
You forgot one category. Price. Does Indian have to follow the Harley example? Why does a full touring bike need to cost as much as a car? Indian touring bikes are pricing themselves out of reach for alot of people. Ask Harley owners. I'm not particularly happy with the parent company Polaris. Will they shut down Indian like they did to Victory? I really liked your review. Very honest. Good job.
Victory never made any money for one.. Indian have been profitable from day one. As for same price as a car and even on most occasions more.. i agree.. crazy.
@@digbysdownunder good point. I agree. As far as companies making money, I think the corporation's need to listen to their customers more. When Victory stopped listening and built what they thought we wanted, the profits declined. It's was a terrible shame because Victory built great bikes.
Hi just wondering if you could please confirm for me if the 2022 INDIAN CHALLENGER DARK HORSE comes with front highway bars on it as stock from the factory
Hello, i am looking at a 2017 roadmaster used with 40K miles. Any suggestions on things i should be concerned about. Thanks for your feedback
Very good content ...thanks a heep
After a month of having this roadmaster boy oh boy is that heated seat nice. One question is what is that radiator for? I know what it is for on a car, does it work the same way? I only ask because I have never had one on a bike
I live up north. My 22 roadmaster has HORRIBLE heat management. I remove my lowers on Memorial Day and reinstall on Labor Day. If i don't, a side wind will feel like a propane weedburner flashing the underside of my left leg. The ride and the radio are phenomenally better.
Quit crying about the heat, just remove the front lower fairings. I ride a 2016 Indian Roadmaster and initially removed the gaudy lower front fairings because I just don't care for them. I have experienced absolutely no heat problems, and I removed those fairings not to keep me cooler but for maintaining air flow onto that air-cooled engine. I love my bike and am always pleased to hear testimonials such as this. If I buy another bike, it will definitely be an Indian.
I enjoy my '17 RM, did a Freedom True duals w/ V&H turn downs. Then a Lloydz tune great bike got rid of the heat issue.
I want to do the Tab head pipe and Lloydz tune.
@@martyboddie9953 Tab exhaust are great!!!!
Have you tried any heat deflectors of any type? I installed Captain Itch Crotch Cooler on my 2018 Roadmaster Elite within a week of owning it. It’s really made a difference. Occasionally on very hot days (I live in Texas also) I still get some discomfort from the heat though.
I have the same leather heat shied and it does help.
I have the 2018 with stage one. I recommend just for the difference in sound and feel of the motorcycle. The stock exhaust is a tamed beast begging to be unleashed.
Did you remove the Cat?
To help with the heat issue have you considered a heat shield? I ride a 2021 Roadmaster with a Captain Itch Crotch Cooler and it seems to help with the Alabama summer heat.
I have one. I take it off in he winter. It is time for me to put it back on, it does help.
Pastor, im looking at buying a used 2015 Roadmaster with less than 7,000 miles on it. One owener bike. It is very clean. What should I be looking for. Any concerns about the 2015? The bike has sat since 2021, always garaged. Thanks
Some of the older bike suffered from a chirping belt when wet or cold. After it warms up or roads dry the chirping goes away. Some of the older bikes it is hard to shift from first gear to second when it is cold outside. After driving a view blocks that problem goes away. Unless you test ride in the cold or rain you will not hear anything. You could ask the owner if the bike has these issues. I think the problem was on the 2014 model. My 2014 vintage had both problems, My 2015 vintage did not.
Marty; thanks mate
whats your opinion about front mud guard? Does it get rusted under the light?
Cheers from Sarim (Sydney,Australia)
My first Indian (2014) did get rust under the warbonnet fender light. I have not had that problem in my 2018.
@@martyboddie9953 thanks you legend
I got it last weekend , going good so far
I'm very interested in purchasing a bike soon. I'm a disabled vet wanting to learn to ride, that's right, I'm not a rider, but want to become one and travel. I just want to know if the Roadmaster would be a good start for me? I have back problems where the Roadmaster looks and sounds like it'll be ok for me to handle.
@Game Time with Jc No, I haven't gotten the opportunity yet. But, if when I get one, I'll start with a scout sixty and work my way up to a larger touring bike. Just so I can get used to riding and have one bike as a daily ride. But, I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to take the safety course to get my license.
Hooah!
Can you remove the tour pack / passenger seat easily on the roadmaster?
Tour pack came the quick release hardware. Pull two levers and it come off. Passenger and riders seat is one unit.
Thanks so much!
WHAT YEAR IS THIS BIKE??
2018
a 2 yr review,,, we get it. couldnt stick with it
Great review. I have to agree with almost everything that you mentioned. I now have about 47K on my 2017 Roadmaster. I am a new subscriber. Take a look at my channel for more Indian videos.
Thanks, I just subscribed to your channel.
Mine gets hot in michigan to