Indian Challenger Review | First Ride
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2024
- Indian Challenger Review | First Ride: On a beautiful day in late 2020 I was fortunate enough to be able to ride the incredible Challenger from Indian Motorcycles - with it's 1800cc V-Twin and striking looks it's a classic bit of American motorcycle muscle....here's how I got on thanks to those nice folks at Krazy Horse in Bury St Edmunds (oh and no comments please about the helmet strap OK?!!)...
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Great review of a lovely bike! own a big cruiser fitted with batwing fairing myself have owned it for six years now and would never consider getting rid. Also lucky enough to own an Enfield interceptor so reckon I get the best of two different worlds! I do wonder how many of the people leaving negative comments on here have actually tried riding one of these very capable touring machines? The old adage stands, don`t knock it till you've tried it! Thanks again for another great review!
Yes I couldn't agree more - I bet 90% plus of the haters have never ridden a big bike...I'm defo a convert - they have their place for sure.....
The negative comments aren't about the handling and rideability of the bike, they are all about how it looks.
@@TheAgalmic which kind of proves my point.
@@zendorist Agreed!
Yessir! I am 41 years old and came up on dirt, then sport bikes. I’ve had a few Harleys and my last bike was a 2017 Indian Springfield. I wanted a bagged touring bike with a fairing next. I shopped the Harley Road Glide, Honda Goldwing, BMW K1600B and the Indian Challenger. Here’s what my conclusions were. The Harley was underpowered and overpriced and needed $3k in upgrades to be decent. The BMW is every bit as ugly as the Indian AND has well documented stability issues at highway speeds and insane maintenance and repair costs. The new goldwing switch gear is very cluttered and the bags are stupid small, no foot boards means one pre-set riding position, joke of a sound system. The Indian to me has it all. It performs very well, has solid and intuitive tech, huge carry capacity, looks of the fairing were buttcheeks to me initially, but in person it’s grown on me. I went with the challenger and I’m very happy I did. It’s the sportiest of the heavies currently available IMO.
Glad to here your positive comments so far. I’ve had my “mahusive” Harley Road Glide Special going on 3 years. These big ol baggers are a real hoot twisting through the mountain roads. The handling is what surprised me the most. Absolutely love the big frame mounted faring and overall looks. All boils down to how she makes you feel, and the fun you’ll have in comfort and style.👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎
Coudn't agree more Bradley! ....although I really do struggle with that big fairing.....
Another great bike review TMF. I'm an Indian fan, so completely get this bike. You still need to get on an Indian Scout though, once this lockdown is over.
Really like your video reviews. Like the format and the fact you seperate the reviews into 3 parts
Glad you like ‘em John! Thanks for watching...
I have to admit the Challenger is the one traditional American bagger with engine performance that is interesting. 1.8 liters 120hp and 128 ft/lbs of torque at 3,800 rpm would be great performance for a small car, let alone a big bagger.
Glad that you liked it.. As your get older you will like it more--much more comfortable on long trips. I rode my
Chief Dark Horse on the TAIL OF THE DRAGON easily.
Right on!
With age comes failing eyesight
I see where you are coming from (no pun intended) ha
‘Built for comfort not for speed’ as my pal used to say about his wife.
At least he didn't say it about your wife!
PS. My father is from Norton, small village near to Bury St Edmunds, great to see the Suffolk countryside.
Cool to see you riding these Indian bikes, they are definitely one of a kind.
Couldn't agree more!
Nice to see you over in my neck of the woods Andy. I never thought I would like this type of bike until I got to run in a Harley Road Glide when working on a launch. It was a so comfy and such an enjoyable machine to ride. I was the same with the Goldwing, maybe I’m a cruiser fan at heart 😆. The reality, much like yourself, is I love all types of bikes and don’t get hung up on one brand or style as seems to be the case a lot. Great review as usual. Keep warm and stay safe...
Thanks - and yes I agree! Kudos to you for having the right contacts to get you getting on a Harley launch, for some reason they won't even respond to me via my attempts...I'd love to review some more Harleys!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I was working for Harley on the press launch, not there in a RUclips capacity sadly. We had to spend a few days running the bikes in before the journos arrived, and was then there to shuttle them around and generally look after them. I'm surprised HD haven't engaged with you, it is generally all about numbers, which you have in spades.
Oh right, I didn’t realise you worked in the industry....nice one!
Looks like it’s had a car bonnet grafted on hilarious 😂
Andy, it's all about the experience. I never think of how I look on a bike, or what others think of it. If it puts a smile on your face, from when you go out to the garage to when you park it up, that's all that matters. A bit sad you guys are back in lock down. We're in country NSW Australia...we can ride anytime we like, so the wife and I will put in a few k's on your behalf. Take it easy.
Thank you Michael, things are pretty grim here at present 😔
When someone is compelled to say they don't care what others think, they actually care a lot about it.
@@user-cx2bk6pm2f I didn't say I didn't care. I said I never think of what others think of it. There is a difference. Learn to read, dickhead.
My Triumph Street Triple 675 puts a smile on my old 74 year old face... big yank bikes have never been my “thing” but what the hell, we’re ‘ el último de los espíritus libres’
It seems to be a problem with the design of several American bikes where the fairing are reminders of the 70’s fairings, those big white ones people added. They were functional but never looked good, Homer Simpson’s car design at play here, good review though.
i go back to the days of the old polaris fairings ,i thought they were big but to quote tmf these are maaooosive things though i do like the rest of the bike but im getting old too (55) .. Dave
I think things like this tend to start out as DIY addons, then the manufacturers decide that must be what people want and start to include it in their designs.
Royal Enfield were big on fairings back in the day, Ariel Leader also...
It's not getting old.... it's when people can appreciate a bike like that for what it is.....
...I call it "wisdom"
The only thing I like about Indians is that there corner shops are open quite late
Looks aside, I personally think the HD Road Glide looks better the Challenger (named so for a reason) is the better of the two in every way. Had the pleasure of riding a Challenger last summer and I was thoroughly impressed, what a couch to eat miles. For short rides in the city though - get a Scout.
Enjoyed the video as a first ride and will be waiting for your more detailed test in good time. I've always had a soft spot for the big Harley and Indian V-twin cruisers, but having had just a sit on an Indian Chief, I found it physically massively overwhelming! I'll have to stick with my V Star 100, which is more suited to my small frame (and the V Star isn't exactly small or light!!). I concur with many of the other comments about the fairing. The batwing fairings of both HD and Indian look much better.
It looks like someone put a 100L top box on the front.
The dash looks like a 40's sideboard radio....
"Garage extensions: Get your quote here".......
You should have had Metallica blasting through those speakers, people in those quiet villages love it. :-)
It's an American bike,so more like the Doobie brothers or America!
Ah yeah, eternal speakers on bikes... Perfect for when you put your helmet on.
On the stereo thing, there nothing like riding through the Aussie outback listening to the footy or cricket through the bikes AM radio. I miss my F6B. That and my ZZR1100 are two bikes I regret selling the most.
Yes this sort of machine makes a lot of sense in massive open countries like Aus and the US I agree....presumably it would be gutting that England was winning the cricket though....
Bit of an Indian fan so good to see you testing something a little different
Yes it's the second I've ridden - I'm defo becoming a fan!
Nice review, and I'm glad you enjoyed the ride. I looked at one of those a few months ago, but found it too similar to the Harley Davidson Street Glide I used to own. They are all nice motorcycles, but I ultimately opted for the BMW K1600B, which to me, has a more comfortable riding position. Anyway, I hope you don't have to stay locked down too long, and you get to get back out and enjoy riding again soon.
Me too - thanks for watching!
All bikes are epic on a glorious sunny day TMF, has nothing to do with age ;)
I never thought I would find such bikes of interest either, but it’s intriguing how one’s views morph over time. I’ve made a step towards a really big bike by exchanging my Tracer for a great deal on a low mileage 2019 Versys 1000 SE demonstrator, and I’m loving the extra torque, smooth engine and electronic gadgetry. A big unstressed engine is a delight.
Agreed!
Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the bike! Great to have this diversity in the marketplace! Probably not my cup of tea, but I’m happy this bike is out there!
You and me both!
When you desperately need a white van to hide behind and there's none to be seen.
Great looking bike apart from the fairground bumper car someone bolted onto the handlebars. Amazing engine though 👍
Agreed!
Exactly what I came here to say, where do they get these bike designers from
These traditional USA bike designs have a problem...how do they integrate modern tech like TFT's into their old style schtick? In my view it's not really possible and companies like Honda with their Goldwing and BMW with their big tourer don't have the same problem embracing tech.
The US bikes big selling point is tradition and traditional looks but that's not really possible if you're bolting all sorts of tech onto it. Water cooling screwed their engine look and note, modern wheels look out of place and the big brake rotor disks look like they've been plundered from a sports bike.
Modern US bike design is like a caveman with an iPhone.
Good review as ever Andy, not the most elegant looking machine but at least there's nowhere to park the Volvo!! And did I spot a concession to keyless ignition which should be interpreted as a plug for central locking?
Your in my back yard Andy, not the best lay-by to stop in, surprised you didn’t get propositioned!
Love it, what a machine. Great ride Andy, well done.
Thanks 👍
Amazing. Nich to see you on Indian and hear good feedback about it.
Great vid again, very informative and thanks for sharing.
My pleasure Tony!
My riding buddy has the exact same bike, in person I think it looks great the fit and finish puts most bikes to shame. It goes great and sounds great, he loves it and it’s on my list of 3 for this year Gold Wing, K1600 Grand America and the Challenger. If it was your money Andy which would you take??? It’s hard to get test rides here in Alberta especially for the BMW. This challenger is coming with the tour pack for the passenger which I need for the wifey as she’s the FFO (family financial officer)😁😁. Maybe also some folks don’t understand the challenger is a fork mounted fairing just like the Harley Road Glide which takes a little getting used to the front end. But over in North America on the open roads at 80 mph with all the big trucks fairing that moves with the handlebars can get tiring on your arms, then in town it can also get heavy. Since I’ve had a cruiser and I have my Trophy SE cruising is a totally different type of riding. My buddy Robin loves this bike, and he’s as picky as it gets with stuff, so if it works for him it means it’s got to be just about perfect, and we’ll it’s not a Harley 🥴🥴🥴 all,the best in lockdown Andy 👍👍👍👍
There are about twelve Harley dealers and eight more shops that sell or service Harleys in Alberta. I found three Indian dealers, but in my experience they are usually slower to service bikes because of their four wheel adventure repair responsibilities. I found two BMW shops, one seemed to be a limited service center. My point is that they are all great bikes, but if you want good service, convenient hours open, pretty ladies, a comfy couch and TV, weekly or monthly activities and a huge selection of gear to check out while you wait ... don't exclude HD too soon.
Cheers, stay warm,
S
PS: Has your FFO seen the HD Motor Clothes selection? Mine has and it may not be a good idea to show her. ;)
To the naysayers, don't knock what you haven't tried! I guarantee you after 100 miles on a big bagger out of the city, you will have a smile on your dial a mile wide! In Germany last year on a rented HD Ultra Classic sitting on 80 mph in pouring rain, we were incredibly dry despite the conditions. This motor though is a brilliant bit of kit; well engineered and well constructed, with PROPER suspension!
Each to their own, and our mate recognised that in his commentary. BTW, this is NOT the biggest motor Indian produce. It's a 108 c.i. They have a 116 c.i. (Thunderstroke) in the big baggers, a la Cheiftain's, Roadmasters etc.
I stand corrected Graeme thank you....
Indian had a test ride day near me and I tried out everyone of them including the one you tested. Yeah, I suppose they are ok, but when I got back on my Z900RS I was pretty happy to be honest. These cruisers are ridiculously heavy, same as the HD Ultra Classic I had a test ride on. I suppose they are ok for long interstate trips which is what they are designed for, hardly suitable for England’s roads I would have thought.
Yes agreed - these are long distance mile munchers primarily......
Good review Andy, surprised a Brit would like that style of bike!! Good on you for having an open mind!
I love all bikes (with the exception of Groms!) and would encourage people to have a go before making too strong a judgement.....not keen on the looks of the Challenger though I must say....
Wish you would Slow down on those Wet Greasy Roads, can't afford to have you lying up injured as you're one of the only Reviewers that i can watch the whole way through. Brilliant Review as always.
Thank you!
Christ , the size of the speakers! Thank you Mr. Fly for a great review. Engine sounds so sweet and besides that £25k is an astonishing amount of cash for an Indian. It’s great to see it pushed on acceleration. Thanks again, not a bike I’d choose. Maybe need to be a little older.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by Anthony....
You'll have to get a video with Mrs Flyer on it. See what she thinks compared to the Goldwing.
Great to see you reviewing these types of bikes. Don't like the front fairing at all but beginning to really like these style of bikes. I think its the thought of just cruising around in comfort that does it.
Yes I must admit as I get older (wiser?) the appeal gets stronger!
Had a Road King back in 2000 travelled through France in it. The weather was hitting nearly 40 and it miss fired coughing and spluttering like a 100na day smoker.
Lost more skin of the exhaust ( wearing shorts ) than a Pompeii casualty. Must admit it was hard work felt like forever riding somewhere and in the rain over cobbles man nearly soiled myself. Dead flys eat most of the forks leaving them pitted and chrome a right old mess. Glad I sold it.
Oh dear! You got a memory though!
Indian Scout Bobber is more my cup of tea. But great that you try out all types of bikes, keep it up 👍
Will do Peter - cheers!
Or, for $2k less, I'd like to see a TMF review of the Scout Sixty.
Oh lordy. I'm sorry you had to endure that bike! :-)
No need to be - it was a pleasure to ride - if not look at.....
Solid review, agree w/ the majority of your riding points minus the front brakes; Brembos have been a stand out compliment by most professional reviewers & they r exceptional, but I test rode coming from a Road Glide & if your not used to the weight, may feel feel bad compared to a naked or sport.
For clarification: 108 is not the largest Indian, it’s actually the smallest motor on tourer, 111 or 116 on all others, 108 is liquid cooled & most powerful. Your bike was indeed a Limited. Ride safe
Thanks for the clarification Mike!
Howdy from Texas fellow RUclipsr!
Howdy!
Great video. Glad to see your doing the cruiser market now 😆 you didn't seem to try rider modes if I'm not mistaken. Apparently they make massive differences on the Indians when changed 🤔
It was a while ago and I don't recall - to be fair I didn't have the bike for very long.....
That motor sounds like its doing about 600 rpm at most on the back roads. Great review and happy New Year Sir!
Happy new year!
I looked at these a couple of years ago, fascinating but would I really have one over my Goldwing or Rocket 3? Not so sure. Seems the type of bike that is great for a day, maybe even great to take to Spain or Portugal but after a year you start to think 'why did I buy this?'
Only recently just introduced this bike with overhead cams and liquid cooling.
@@jimmybe64 I meant Indians in General. I had a go on the Scout.
@@stevepovey2489 okay, big step. Hopefully it works and inspires Harley Davidson to try new
@@jimmybe64 Not my type of thing really but they do look cool across Europe in the sunshine
J'ai le Challenger Dark Horse black mate depuis un mois et demi, que du bonheur !
Le look avant est juste une question de gout, on aime ou on aime pas ! Au début c'est un peu déroutant, j'ai hésité à l'achat avec une Chieftain en partie sur ce critère.
Finalement j'ai opté pour le Challenger et aujourd'hui, je ne le regrette pas! C'est une moto qui se conduit très "facilement" tant qu'on respecte son poids surtout à très basse vitesse où elle vous rappelle à la prudence. Passé ce détail, elle est hyper maniable, très puissante et son couple en effet permet une sécurité maximale et une disponibilité de puissance au moment voulu. Le refroidissement à air devrait éviter d'avoir trop chaud en été, je verrai ça aux beaux jours...
Coté GPS par contre, comme pratiquement toujours avec ce genre de chose, c'est pas toujours évident à maitriser et il faut un bon temps d'adaptation pour comprendre la "philosophie" et la logique de ce GPS, mais ensuite, il s'en tire plutôt pas mal.
L'assise, le confort sont au top même si je pense devoir à terme changer le guidon pour en mettre un plus confortable et ainsi avoir le dos plus droit en conduite. Je n'avais pas l'habitude des commandes au pied à l'avant, on s'y fait très bien et en quelques heures ça devient naturel. Coté frein, je suis entièrement de l'avis de cette vidéo, l'arrière est très efficace pour un engin de ce poids et l'avant est juste parfait. On peut rajouter que le Traction Control pour moi s'est enclenché une fois quand la moto est partie un peu en glissade sur de la boue. J'ai vite retrouvé l'équilibre, ce qui montre l'efficacité certaine de ce TC ...
Pour conclure, c'est un engin magnifique, puissant au possible, très confortable et franchement idéal pour la balade. Maintenant, ce n'est pas une moto pour les routes de montagnes avec des virages ultra serrés car avec son angle disponible au max de 32 ou 34°, je ne suis pas certain qu'on prenne grand plaisir à enchainer ce genre de virages sur des heures !
Autre petit bémol cependant qui relève du détail mais qui doit être signalé. Quand vous avez les pubs d'Indian sur le Challenger, le War Bonnet est allumé. Or, il faut savoir que sur les motos vendues en France, il n'est même pas équipé pour ça bien que tout soit prévu sous le garde boue. Le War Bonnet est vide ! Pas de led, pas de connexion, rien !! ! Mon concessionnaire me réclamait 450€ pour le brancher, ce qui est juste très abusé car il suffit d'acheter ce qu'il faut et de réaliser les branchements soi-même et ça coute pas plus de 40€ !
Conclusion :Excellente moto ! Je pense une très belle réussite de la marque Indian.Mais il reste à Indian à minima de proposer quand même au moins un kit pour ce branchement à poser soi-même...
Merci pour cette vidéo
Merci for watching!
How did you find those pulled back bars on roundabouts? I’m finding that the similar bars on my Yamaha XVS1300 hit my knees before I get to full lock. But then I do have 35” inside leg! I’m going to try rolling the bars forward, or changing out to Harley Street Bob bars with similar rise, but less pull back.
Great bike. As much as I love my cruiser style bike (Vulcan S 650) I could never have something this big and heavy due to access problems! The Vulcan S is 229KG (I think) and thats just about enough. I'm finding I prefer the laid back seating position these days, must be an age thing! Great review as always and I love the camera angle from the fairing. Roll on the nicer weather and lets get some riding in.
Amen to that!
Great review and video as always Andy, thanks. Much more of a Harley fan myself vs Indian. Harley has less power, older air cooled engine etc as you mentioned but just a much bigger smile when i ride a Harley. But a lot like yourself not as fan of the big front fairings on either.
Thanks for watching Jonathon - I must get me a ride on more Harleys!
The Indian is a nice bike. It beats the Harley Road Glide in power and electronic features. Many say the ride is better by a bit as well. It's not a Harley though. Yeah, there's a reason why that means something to so many. There are small things that you can't _tech_ your way through. There is more and thinner plastic and the plastic side bags are a wee bit wobblier than the Harley. Other minor details are equally less impressive. Then, you come to the _thing_ that helped me make up my mind quickly ... that huge, bulbous, lumpy, blobby, dead weight of a fairing that Indian plopped on the front. Thank you Polaris for making my decision easier.
Thanks for the vid,
S
Yes, that is all good until you are staring at the Indian tail lights and the M8 blows up.
Great review as always Andy. Just an observation, can you see anything through those dark sunglasses and dark tinted visor 😂😂😂
That front fairing just doesn't look like it belongs on that bike......reminds me of the nose of a streamliner diesel locomotive. Nice that it functions well to deflect the wind off the rider...as it should. Too rich for my blood but definitely a great bike! Glad that your getting a chance to try these big cruisers.....sounds like you might be tempted ....maybe an option for Mrs. Flyer in a few years??😁😁😉😉. Thanks for another interesting video and a tour of some lovely english countryside. Cheers!
A 1940’s diesel locomotive was probably the donor.
Thanks for watching and for stopping by Framus!
Hello Andy! It was great to see you have a go on the Challenger. I was able to get my hands on one for a couple of hours and I have to say that I really enjoyed riding the bike. It handles very nicely, feels very planted and smooth, and it goes very well! The inside of the cockpit is well laid out with a nice combination of digital and analog, and the ride command software is fast and well thought-out. Unfortunately, I can't quite get on board with the looks, which is a "me " thing as looks are always very subjective. So overall I agree with your thoughts on the bike. We will see what else they have planned for that great engine. For now I will keep my Vision. Cheers!
Yes I'm with you on the looks - as I think many people are - such a shame 'cos otherwise it's a lovely bike to ride and beautifully made....
Those speakers on the dash looks like Prince Charls ears 👂 😂👍🇦🇺
Another great video TMF. I’m like you, not keen on the looks but I do like some of their models. The engine Sounds fantastic and it looks super comfy.
If you remember I purchased a BMW S1000XR in September and spoke to you about possibly changing for a GS or GSA. Test rode one and loved it (amazing machine) , but sadly the dealers are telling me mine has lost over £3k in 3 months against a new one or ex demo!
Too much to lose in such a short space of time for me. Hopefully my visit to Toro Adventure will still go ahead in May to give me something to look forward to. Fingers crossed.
All the best
Woody
Your trip to Toro will make you want the GS even more...by which time your XR will be down another grand!! BMWs "hold their value" eh!!
@@TheMissendenFlyer exactly Andy, another myth. They certainly hold better value with Joe Public than the BMW dealerships. It’s my first BMW and the customer care/loyalty is not the best I’ve experienced. When I purchased it I paid over £16k and they wouldn’t even throw a soft luggage top bag in but they did offer to knock £12.50 off the £165 price tag. Much better experience with Honda, Yam and Kawasaki. Having said that it’s a fantastic bike. Looking forward to Toro and the GS. I’ll keep you updated. Stay safe👍👍
@@Thewoodmiester You too - enjoy!
As much as I like my big V Twins and I do like the idea of a big American cruiser, if I was going to shell out for that kind of bike, I would buy the Gold Wing.
Good informative vid mate, thanks.
Thanks for watching Nick!
I’m with you on the looks of the front, its as if the designer took the last week off !
I see you use the suction cup for the front camera, have to be honest I nearly used one recently but just did not feel comfortable with putting the camera on it.
Are all the GoPro’s 8’s? I was going to use my iPhone to shoot some hand held bits too but the camera buzzes now facing forward, I’m thinking it may be from having it set up on the CRF250 Rally on a QuadLock (without the damper) - must get it back to apple at some stage.
Good luck - Quadlock toasted my iPhone camera - repairable...
Hi Andy, the power plus is Indian largest water cooled engine at 107cu in but the air cooled Thunder Stoke engines are 111 & 116cu in.
Thanks for the info!
get that radio blasting. These types are really popular here in canada. I can see why, it gets really windy on the highway and these dont budge, I hang on for dear life on my kawasaki versys (which has been sat at Southampton docks since mid November)
Oh dear - sorry to hear that!
Batwing fairings work, - they are a 'look' so once you become accustomed to it there is not a problem. I think that the history comes from HD's Electra Glides as they were designed to offer great coverage but still be removable. I don't see it as a big deal on the right bike, - with a full coverage rear mudguard/fender.
Good to see you on these big "Murican" machines periodically Andy. The Goldwing, ( my opinion only) is still king of the large full on tourers. Interesting review as usual brother and when are you trading in your old GS for the new 1250 model? Sorry to hear about the lockdown mate, but hopefuly things will return to some sort of normality soon. Stay safe.
Thanks Andy - and I agree about the Goldwing! ...sadly I don't think we are going to have anything approaching "normal" for many months yet... :0(
Great video, it's a fantastic bike, I felt the Brembo brakes were very good for a cruiser. The current largest engine Indian do is the Thunder Stroke 116Cu in (1890cc).
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for another great video, how do you rate this one vs the Goldwing experiance?
They both ride beautifully - but the Goldwing carries its weight lower, feels much faster and smoother and lets face it is a much nicer looking machine....different sort of ride really, not necessarily a valid comparison (I know I made it!)
Great review as always!
Thank you! Cheers!
Good grief TMF, did I hear you extolling the virtues of keyless ignition??....... I knew you’d come round eventually😉
Well in these bikes where it locks the panniers as well then it does make sense.....well spotted!
Got that on my car and bike. Hate it.
Yes yes yes! I absolutely love Indian bikes. Stunning machines. The Scout and FTR for me :)
I love the American cruiser look. I ride an FXDF but Ive never ridden a bike with such a large fairing. Did you feel your field of vision was restricted in any negative way?
No not at all Andy.....no worries on that score....
Great review! I think for the money, I'd dish out a wee more and pick up that Goldwing you enjoyed earlier in the year. Admittedly, neither are really my style but I sure enjoy the review
Fair enough - thanks for watching!
Sounds like “lockdown” 3.0 at the time of this posting - must be frustrating for our friends in the UK. Things not any better here in the colonies; lots of folks in the hospitals and way too many deaths. That said always good to watch your reviews.
Yes Paul things are worse here than ever - I can’t quite understand why here in the UK we seem to have been hit so hard compared to other countries....we are indeed back in total lockdown with everything closed and fines being issued to those that leave their homes for non essential reasons....really hacked off with it now..
Front reminds me of a dodgem car but nevertheless what a bike..
Which heated gloves were those please ? I currently use Keis inner gloves but having to use a larger pair of winter gloves makes it bulky in some sense and don't really seem to offer much more heat than wearing two pairs of gloves ! Of which I'm exactly doing 🧐😂
They're my Keis G701s....great bits of kit.
You look good riding a Indain challenger! 😎👍
Thanks ✌️
Been waiting for a European review and thoughts on our indian bike, me i personally love it, but i went with a gold wing due to the deal i was given. Standing still it felt well balanced to me and the brembo front brakes with ss lines i loved, your the first person i hear say they had issues with them.other things you missed the navigation has weather map overlay, if thats the limited is has the bosch smart lean technology ,,the front foxed fairing have vents you can open and close, all the lights on the bike are led, it also jas puddle lights under it. The indian head upfront also lights up in white led. The audio systen is 200watts and it loud and you can upgrade it to 4 speakers and even more power.
If they were the same price would you still have gone for the GoldWing I wonder?
That 'Bison-Bonce' fairing needs a woolly finish between the speaker cabs for extra crash protection & style, apart from that, a strong & handsome beast. The 21st C. 'Vin-dian Black Prince' perhaps? : )
I was almost on it myself when you opened her up. Enjoyed that. What a bike to take on holiday. I wonder if, back in the day, the average American could afford one or was it also a luxury then?
These bikes have only been around a year or two!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Oh thanks, I was thinking if a working guy would have been able to afford an original Indian.
I had no idea Indian made left hand drive models................ Amazing.
:0)
I have one, it’s fantastic
Looks pretty damn cool, Andy. A Goldwing competitor, you'd say?
Not really - very different styles of bike - but as they’re both very large bikes I’ve ridden I couldn’t help the comparison....
If you get the chance, try an Indian Scout. A cruiser much more suited to our crowded English roads. Looks better too. IMO.
Yes I will try too - so far I have been very impressed with Indians.....
Great review. Living in Suffolk I have made by several trips to Krazy Horse and I love the Indian range of bikes. Everything I've read about this bike has been good....but that front end of seriously ugly! Love to see a review of one of the big air cooled models or the Scout.
I'm hoping to get to those Gareth (when the weather improves)....
perfectly splendid review ! , can you please add the engine noise in closer view of bikes ??
Ok next time!
Thanks for the video keep them coming if you can due to lockdown
Cool bike, maybe you can get to ride a HD Streetglide next for comparison.
I'd love too!
I really do like it 👍. But with our crap roads in the UK I'd be worried about the size of the touch up pen needed to keep that front end looking good 😊
Yes good point - not ideal for our small roads....
Hi can you tell me what cameras you use please? I'm taking a tour across the US in Spring and would like to record the trip. Thanks
Details of all my kit in the description....
@@TheMissendenFlyer thank you.
Love it👍 but too big for me. I have the Indian scout sixty and love it. Was originally worried that these bikes are too big for uk roads however the scout rides smoothly on small roads.
Fair enough!
I embarrassed to say as an American I have never ridden a Harley or an Indian. I’ve never been a fan of V-twins especially watching them idle as the handle bars and front wheel shakes. Enjoyed your review as always.
Fair enough! Thanks for watching and for stopping by.....
Hey Andy for looks it’s the gold wing like you it’s that fairing it just don’t look right. But having said that could I get used to it maybe 🤔 the one thing well two things the gold wing has is a reverse gear/ creep mode and a sleaker look . Good job cheers : )
Thank you Malcolm!
at the end of the video I wanted to yell into the past to tell you about your chin strap. Great video as always!
Did you not see the caption I put on the screen as I left the layby, or read the description??
@@TheMissendenFlyer No, did not. (confused) doesn't it make it worse, to know your strap is undone and keep riding (I've done it before, but I pull over ASAP and do it up)? or if you forgot about it, why not say that in the description or caption? not trying to make a big deal out of it, but this is a weirdly strong response to my comment
I did say that in the caption and description - hence my “strong” reaction (it’s quite frustrating when people comment on the obvious, especially when you’ve taken specific steps to avoid it like I did)....but he Ho, it’s only entertainment, don’t sweat it.....
It doesn't look like there is much clearance between the grips and the mirrors. Did you find yourself bumping into the mirrors when reaching for the grips?
No not at all - the mirrors were great actually...not too stalky.
That engine looks beautiful but I'm affraid that's where it's good looks end. Can you imagine having your favourite Lady Gaga track blaring out those huge speakers via Apple car play while riding through Great Missenden? 😂😂
After watching the last couple of 44 teeth vids and your vid I'm convinced the Goldwing is the top bagger out there.
Can't argue with you there Richard!
haha... ye, gaga is the right word to describe the look of this bike... well would need a more eccentric colour... not that mousy grey :))
I've been watching your older videos and I've just bought some acf 50 ,hopefully it'll stop my poor old bike getting even more rusty ...
Good call - it's good stuff - just redid my bikes last week....
Ditto, need to watch the vid again and clean them first
@@nickholmes2464 only £25.89 for the bottle & spray on eBay 👌
Unfortunately a bit like HD, the main thing it’s selling is an image, and right now cruisers are desperately uncool with young people it seems (I’m not one, just observing what tends to happen in online forums). I do have a theory however that they may have reached peak uncool with young people, which could mean once those young people are replaced by a following generation they could potentially become cool again.
Sadly for me I couldn’t justify spending goldwing money on a goldwing and that makes a lot more sense.
Now the FTR1200, that’s an Indian I really want to try!
Yes I loved that - did you see my review?
Young people can't afford a bike like that and the same is true for the big Harleys.
@@TheMissendenFlyer I did - it actually really helped me to understand the bike! Most of the US press kept doubling down on it being a ‘flat track’ bike... but we don’t really have that kind of flat track racing here so it was a bit confusing what a big block flat track bike was lol.
Thanks for all the great content
@@darkiee69 it’s true, but the core big cruiser market are guys buying what was cool when they were young but couldn’t afford
I’m 35...I’ve ridden Harley’s since I was 21....my current bike is a 20yr old fat boy with only 2100 miles on it!, I love cruisers but my friends all ride sport bikes
How was it up on the back wheel and the odd stoppie? Definitely a bike for men with a big moustache.😀😀
I didn't want to risk a stoppie in case my chaps got scuffed....
I sat on an Indian Bagger at 2018 EICMA - what a monster I couldn't stop laughing about it at the time.
Yes they are big ol' beasts aren't they....
It’s not Indians biggest engine. They have 111 and 116 CI air cooled engines for their other big bikes. It is however, their biggest liquid cooled engine.....
Most powerful maybe?
I agree with those here that it’s great to hear your review of this bike. I gotta say that I’m not as offended as most of the way the fairing looks from the outside, but I hate it from behind the bars! All I see is screen and speakers. I’d much rather see the gauges which in the video show up as tiny circles. I think Indian is putting out some decent cruisers but they have an uphill battle against HD when similarly priced. And I’m not a Harley rider by any means...
Indeed....thanks for watching!