I own a Harley! Will always Love Harley! I like the Indian and am amazed at how great they ride, but once a Harley owner always a Harley owner. They improve every year. Good composition!
I ride a street glide. Actually just bought it and this bike has nothing to envy on my Harley. Great looking bike and color. Harley/Indian doesnt matter all I wanna do is ride
I really like the new fairing. The older ones looked like a freight train nose sticking out being so rounded and ornate. That one looks a lot more like the victory cross country, which I liked a lot.
I agree with you. The "Classic" fairing was inspired by Art Deco locomotives from the late 1930's. The newer fairing design is a muscled up version of the Cross Country. The newer front fender and wheel designs also are reminiscent of Victory Cross Country's.
I've seen a lot of negative comments about the new Indian's but I really like them. Thanks for the informative review! My local dealer is having an open house later this month so I'm going to go try them out.
Thank you for this video Shawn! I am considering upgrading my Springfield Dark Horse to a Chieftain. I had been looking at the Chieftain Classic. This bike has made me rethink the whole project. Thanks for all you do for the riding community................Cheers!
This ONE video instantly makes me a fan of such bikes. i have never had a single clue what sort of bikes are these. i dont know, this is beautiful. wonderful video about the bike. amazing
I bought a 2017 Indian Heritage Classic last Halloween. It was one of those they would let go about $2000 different than the new 18's coming in. It came with a full windshield that blocks most of the wind and bugs. I had the dealership put on a chrome backrest and luggage rack. Haven't been able to get it out because of the 8" snow last Thursday. It's blue with a cream paint on it. Everyone looks at it and complaints it. The suspension is great just glides down the rode. I like the backrest and luggage wreck for my girlfriend to hang on. I had a Yahama cruiser with the larger engine, I had it for 7 years until I seen these one of these. The bike has a great response with the throttle and breaking. Just a wonderful ride down the highway. I can't afford the ones with the large display, but this is something I could afford. See ya down the road, Gary
Shawn, I LOVE your enthusiasm for reviewing bikes! Your voice is so calming and relaxing. I own a 2017 Indian Chieftain and I traded in a 2014 Moto Guzzi California Touring for. I like the thought process for the 2019 Chieftains, but it looks to much like a street glide to me. Would I trade in my 2017 for a new riding mode enabled bike? Quite possibly, YES. Did you find out if the new bikes have traction control? My Guzzi had both and believe me, it’s missed. Keep up the great work.
@@Mingo-lo4plwhat model Victory, let's narrow it down, Cross Country. You must have been on a Harley too long so that's what you want to see. I owned Victory before and anyone that knows a Victory fingure print can tell you these bikes have way stronger similarities. Which only makes sense since Polaris owned Victory. Why bite off the competition when Victory were good looking bikes. Polaris is ressurecting and old brand in part.
Love me the Indian Line. Gorgeous bikes. Beautiful day to ride in "The Couv". I miss it back home sometimes. Traffic isn't as bad there as it is here. Ride Safe People !!
I recently got the chance to test ride an Indian Chieftain that was the same color of this one in the video, but I had the cams, performance chip, stage on mufflers, larger air filter , and the 116 engine in it. I asked the demo truck guy to put it in ' sport mode ' before he got on a 2019 Indian Roadmaster in the lead in front of me. Grabbing a handful of throttle and winding 1-4 gears out to 3,500-3,800 rpm's made the stage one mufflers put out a really DEEP and throaty rumble. Throttle response was very snappy in ' sport mode'. I really like look of the new style seat on the 2019, Chieftain that lets you sit lower and farther from the dash.
A ride review from someone I trust, who knows what he's talking about! I'm very happy with my Yamaha Eluder, but that Indian is a very, very nice bike. In fact, I see a lot of similarities to my Yammy. I think people who complain the most about rear cylinder heat, aren't people who typically ride a big V-twin. It just comes with the territory. Funny, one complaint I hear a lot from Yammy owners of the Venture/Eluder is the LACK of the heal shifter as a stock item. I'm fine without it. With it, you lose most of your long floor boards. Peace and love.
I’m a Harley guy, but Indian did a great job on that seat. Looks just like saddle man step up, which many people are going to and have been for the last couple years
I'm a Harley guy but, here's the deal they are both great products but there is a difference between the two. When I walked Into my local BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Can Am, Sea doo, Polaris, Sling Shot, Kymco and Indian dealer, I was greeted the 19 year old motor cross dude. He was a great guy don't get me wrong. Its just different. As I walked through the sea of Motorcycles, Jetski's, side by side's Quad's and snowmobiles, I made it to the Indian show room the first thing you notice is that almost almost every bike is designed after a Harley. The Chieftain is styled like the Street Glide, The Challenger is styled like the Road glide and Chief is a Road King design. At first look you can tell that the bike looks good. They've done a good job the colors design. As I sat on them them the bars felt awkward for me but I'm sure that's because Im not used to it. But I did notice that on a Harley everything on it is designed to be seen . HD does not use plastic covers to hide Starters, oil tanks, transmissions ect. On the Indian they just plastic covers on the bikes to hide all of those things and it tends to give it the metric bike look. Also, and most surprising is on the motor they a fake head cover over it. They have tried to make it look like a head with cooling fins but its not real, you can tap it and hear the tin like sound it makes, I don't get that. Anyway, The accessories display was really small, They had only a few jackets and shirts to chose from. Last but not least when I asked about tuning and performance I found that they don't have the equipment to do any real tuning or performance. When asked they said they could send it to a guy in Portland that has a dyno.???? Its different, like I said I'm a Harley Guy but when go a Harley Store its a Harley store. Everything you need is there. Bikes, support, Gear, knowledgeable people. The bikes are about $1000 apart as an average. Ill pay that to make sure I get everything I need and the store doesn't have 10 other motorcycle franchises in it. Just my opinion.
The mode setting changes the ratio between the throttle sensor and throttle body. So in sport mode for example it might open the throttle 15% when you open it 10%. At least thats what they do in a car, along with auto trans changes.
I lean towards the vintage look of the Indian motorcycle, but I can appreciate this refresh look. I hope Indian will let the consumer still have a choice of a vintage and a modern style looking motorcycle. I like the different ride modes, the size of the screen reminds me of a small television, that I had in my room when I was a little kid...lol. Excellent 1st ride and impression video, Smoak. That is one nice Indian motorcycle, um...um...um.
Don't you hate people who whine about motorcycles? I never cared for the "Yugo" from back in the eighties. So... I don't spend my time watching Yugo videos and whining about them.
Lots of design and engineering from the orphaned Victory Cross Country and Magnum line is showing up on this bike. We knew it would happen. Wait till they make a frame mounted fairing model a la Victory Vision. I gave them that idea a year ago.
Love the new look of the Indian. A little Victory DNA in the fairing? Always room in the carport for one of these! Just have to convince the wife that it's a good thing.
The new bike looks awesome, finally stopped some of the hokey pokey things they had on the previous model. The dash display system is interesting, need to check one out in person.
You can thank abate, for helping with pass a new ordinance for motorcycles at stop lights in Washington State. If the light doesn't change you can proceed after you have stopped and not worry about getting the running a red light ticket.
That's a beauty. I like the new look. It seems to have a bit of a Victory look to me. If you take a road trip and get to pick a demo, one of these or a new Goldwing DCT would be my choices. Would be awesome to see an extended use review on both.
The previous "butt ugly" fairing kept me from interest in the big Indians, however, now I am in love. They have opened three stores north of Atlanta, so next week we take a road trip.
I have spent many hours looking at Harleys. Love the look and the Heritage fits me like my goat skin gloves. However, my observations of sick, expensive issues with H D prevent me buying one. Have had BMW, Guzzi, Triumph, Kawasaki, Hondas and never worried about maint. cost.
John Wesley 🙄 they were rated the 4th or 5th most reliable brand by JD power a couple years ago. Only the Japanese companies beat them. It’s a lot easier to hear about problems when they sell 200,000 units a year vs Indians 10,000. All motorcycles models have some problems, Harleys are reliable what you’ve heard is a myth. Indians have electrical problems, they even quit selling their stage 3 kits last summer because they were blowing up, now they’re having to change out connecting rods to do a stage 3 build. There’s Milwaukee 8s out there making 150+ horsepower on the stock rods and crank still. Just sayin. Not saying Harley is perfect but it’s a myth that they aren’t reliable.
Vicdian ….nice bike , here in the UK theres not many Indian dealers but quite a few Harley dealers . I'm on my 11th Harley I had a Victory once and had paint issues in under 2 years and went back to Harley. This Indian may just sway me back its very nice just waiting to see the Raptor when its launched
Great comparison shot near the end of the video of a 2018 in the background. I'm not against the '18 fairing, it was unique. Just a choice. Glad the war bonnet is back on the front fender.
Looks more like a Harley every day. That's a good thing. I like the ride modes and electric bag locks. Harley needs to catch up on that. Keep it up Indian. Competition is a good thing.
hmmm...yeah. Looks like a Harley, so it looks like every other boring thing out there **Yawn** There's a reason even HD is trying to get away from looking like HD. I agree these Indian's do have a lot of options that make them a hands down winner, and these 19's have some great options over HD, so why try to style like an HD? Seems they should keep offering their own style.
Just don't like that it still comes incomplete.. passenger grab on.. Lower wind management.. Saddle bag guard's, to start.... Too incomplete for too much $$
The most beautiful thing on the motorcycle was taken off: the auxiliary headlights built into the front cowl. I think the polaris wants a design similar to that of the Harley Davidson street glide and this decharacterizes the Indian. It does not work for me.
I am really tossed between the 2019 Indian Chieftain Limited and the 2019 H-D Street Glide Special, i love the look of the new Indian and love the new features. I am buying in January, but honestly, i don't know which way i'm going yet, i love the SGS in scorched orange, but now i love the look an features of the new Chieftain.
Currently i have several Indian's now, 1948 Indian Chief, 2003 Indian Chief, 2010 Indian Chief Bomber and 2014 Indian Chief Vintage. So i am certainly leaning towards the Indian Chieftain.
I told you not long ago how I own a street bob and rode the new softails and didn’t care much for them and that I preferred the road glide to them but it was too big. Well today Harley had the demo truck at my local dealer and I rode the new sgs and I’m in love! I’ve never ridden anything that I liked more than my fxdb till today. Don’t be surprised if you see me post on Facebook that I traded my bike in lol. I’d get the 2018 though I can’t afford a 2019. Also I didn’t get to ride the fxdr sadly. It was booked all day and I only got there an hour late
This is a good thing...Two fairing types...and now you have a choice of this style and the more traditional Indian style with the Springfield, Vintage and Chieftain Classic and the new style on the Chieftain and Chieftain Darkhorse. It is a tough decision which style I like better...
Always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for posting and providing a better understanding of it. I like the more traditional look but this is kinda growing on me. I do want to see how the sport mode compares to one with a PVCX tuner on it.
Shawn, I rode for more than 50 years. I WANTED an Indian. I crashed my StreetBob, breaking my hip. This was accident #6. I didn't want to tempt#7. I quit riding. The next time you have trouble with a light, look for the circle in the pavement that covers the "wire" for the light. Put your "Side-Stand" on it. Those sensors are made to "sense" cars. M/Cs don't exist to the traffic people. John Spencer Long Beach, Ca
Wow, what a gorgeous machine.. I am quite impressed with what Indian has done in the past few years. I did my vlog review on a 2017 and liked it back then. They have come so far in just a couple of years. I think I am going have to find a demo day to ride one of the new ones!
Nice machine, personally I quite like the heel toe shifter, & I would like to see an analogue rev countet on the Indian, otherwise it's a mighty beast 👍👍
Pretty sure the gauge to the right of the infotainment screen is a rev counter. The LCD screen inside the gauge I think is your gear position indicator and air temperature read out, I could be wrong though.
I have a 17 roadmaster. I like the new vehicle control settings, the standard, touring, and sport. Is that something that can be flashed to get on the some of the older models like my 17?
Cool new features, I like the fender, mode change, and electric windshield. I am addicted to electric windshields now that I own a Vision, HOWEVER that dashboard is just too danged big or something! Thanks for your review.
They do anything to wake up the thunderstroke other than make the throttle really twitchy in sport mode? Loved the comfort and handling of the 2018 Chieftan, but the thunderstroke on the 2018s had the personality of an appliance, really needed a cam, or at least a more aggressive tune. Also looks like that stock seat is set up to take a backrest out of the box, nice feature. I'll have to test ride one of the 19s when the Indian dealer in the area does another demo, especially since I just test rode all of the 19 Harley baggers at a demo last week, will be interesting to compare.
I hear you. This is a great looking bike packed with features. But man a Harley Street Glide or Road Glide Special is just so beautiful. I’m not talking about either company’s philosophies just about the bikes. Just saying and just my .02.
Every year since I sold my 1953 Harley Panhead, I find new reason not to select/choose a new Harley, this bike would be my latest reason. I would look seriously if I plan to replace my Stratoliner 1900s. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the different modes just change the throttle-by-wire- span linearity, but not producing a more powerful engine.
I had a 2014 Chieftain. I test road a new one with the larger front wheel without the skirts. It was a really nice ride, but my 2014 actually handled better with the standard front wheel and fatter tire. PS: I hate heel shifters also.
Hey Shawn,that is one beautiful Indian,oh man I gotta win the lottery so many fantastic motorcycles.If anybody says money can’t buy happiness they just don’t know where to shop.Thanks Shawn that was fantastic.😃👍
I think the front fairing looks closer to the old victory style which is okay. I was wondering do the saddlebags have more or less room than the old style?
Shawn... I wish you would try to raise your camera up higher on your helmet ?? I couldn't see anything but the dash board.... My neck was in ""anxiety stiff mode" all the time with trying to see the road.... :-))
I think the new Chieftain this is a wonderful great motorcycle, which deserves to be talked about. This new one is amazing, looks Amazing, and gives you a choice over the classic Chieftain, which everyone can still buy, and continue to buy in the foreseeable future. This new one, has, along with some of the other models of Indian Motorcycle, a more "up to date" design. You can still spot an Indian miles away in a sea of Harleys. People who can not see that, may not have a good eye for the shape of a motorcycle. Things evolve fast, and Indian motorcycle is exactly where they should be whit the Chieftain, - A little ahead of some of their customers, while holding on to their models with that classical shape at the same time. Indian does what they should do. They make great motorcycles. Well done Shawn Smoak!!!
Nice! is this a joint venture between Indian and Harley? because they got it down. Let me guess the name, is it Chiefglide or Streetain? even better they should just call it Sh*Tstain.
I own a Harley! Will always Love Harley! I like the Indian and am amazed at how great they ride, but once a Harley owner always a Harley owner. They improve every year. Good composition!
It's amazing that in the short time Indian has been around they've managed to make bikes that in many ways are better than HD.
I ride a street glide. Actually just bought it and this bike has nothing to envy on my Harley. Great looking bike and color. Harley/Indian doesnt matter all I wanna do is ride
Ogfbdbdk JD Melcochita. Hotel
Well said
I really like the new fairing. The older ones looked like a freight train nose sticking out being so rounded and ornate. That one looks a lot more like the victory cross country, which I liked a lot.
That is what it was modeled after. The freight trains of the 50s. Its funny you said that.
I agree with you. The "Classic" fairing was inspired by Art Deco locomotives from the late 1930's. The newer fairing design is a muscled up version of the Cross Country. The newer front fender and wheel designs also are reminiscent of Victory Cross Country's.
I've seen a lot of negative comments about the new Indian's but I really like them. Thanks for the informative review! My local dealer is having an open house later this month so I'm going to go try them out.
I like it too. It’s a slightly mire modern looking bike. And NO primary chain.
Thank you for this video Shawn! I am considering upgrading my Springfield Dark Horse to a Chieftain. I had been looking at the Chieftain Classic. This bike has made me rethink the whole project. Thanks for all you do for the riding community................Cheers!
I really enjoy your videos. You have a very nice delivery with a humble attitude. Your enthusiasm is encouraging.
This ONE video instantly makes me a fan of such bikes. i have never had a single clue what sort of bikes are these. i dont know, this is beautiful. wonderful video about the bike. amazing
Man.... this colour is amazing. I loved this bike... really.
Somebody is riding the one I'm going to buy in a couple years.....so take care of it. Also, great video.
Low milage, custom upgrades private party depreciation, and all that good stuff.
Why don't you buy a new one?
I bought a 2017 Indian Heritage Classic last Halloween. It was one of those they would let go about $2000 different than the new 18's coming in. It came with a full windshield that blocks most of the wind and bugs. I had the dealership put on a chrome backrest and luggage rack. Haven't been able to get it out because of the 8" snow last Thursday. It's blue with a cream paint on it. Everyone looks at it and complaints it. The suspension is great just glides down the rode. I like the backrest and luggage wreck for my girlfriend to hang on. I had a Yahama cruiser with the larger engine, I had it for 7 years until I seen these one of these. The bike has a great response with the throttle and breaking. Just a wonderful ride down the highway. I can't afford the ones with the large display, but this is something I could afford. See ya down the road, Gary
I like it!! Yes they did have self canceling in previous years, as does my 2017 Springfield. Shawn, you should get one!👍
Shawn, that’s a beautiful Motorcycle. 😃 Thank You for taking us on the ride.
Shawn, I LOVE your enthusiasm for reviewing bikes! Your voice is so calming and relaxing. I own a 2017 Indian Chieftain and I traded in a 2014 Moto Guzzi California Touring for. I like the thought process for the 2019 Chieftains, but it looks to much like a street glide to me. Would I trade in my 2017 for a new riding mode enabled bike? Quite possibly, YES. Did you find out if the new bikes have traction control? My Guzzi had both and believe me, it’s missed. Keep up the great work.
Beautiful bike, I see Victory motorcycle print on these, don't see a Streetglide. Maybe I need to look harder. Nope def Victory. Welcome back Vic😀
I thought the exact same thing. I always wanted a Victory, so now I guess I'll get one of these!
Totally got a victory vibe upon first glance. I am not mad about that lol.
What model victory looks like this??..... I see street glide... I ride a scout and a vintage and this bike would sure make a nice 3rd bike.😀
@@Mingo-lo4plwhat model Victory, let's narrow it down, Cross Country. You must have been on a Harley too long so that's what you want to see. I owned Victory before and anyone that knows a Victory fingure print can tell you these bikes have way stronger similarities. Which only makes sense since Polaris owned Victory. Why bite off the competition when Victory were good looking bikes. Polaris is ressurecting and old brand in part.
Great review! Indian will make Harley better, Vice a versa. Good old fashion American made competition, and the customer wins, hopefully in the end.
Love me the Indian Line. Gorgeous bikes. Beautiful day to ride in "The Couv". I miss it back home sometimes. Traffic isn't as bad there as it is here. Ride Safe People !!
I bought my Indian chief vintage last month, never been happier. Also i bought it for that beautiful valance fender...👍👍👍
I recently got the chance to test ride an Indian Chieftain that was the same color of this one in the video, but I had the cams, performance chip, stage on mufflers, larger air filter , and the 116 engine in it. I asked the demo truck guy to put it in ' sport mode ' before he got on a 2019 Indian Roadmaster in the lead in front of me. Grabbing a handful of throttle and winding 1-4 gears out to 3,500-3,800 rpm's made the stage one mufflers put out a really DEEP and throaty rumble. Throttle response was very snappy in ' sport mode'. I really like look of the new style seat on the 2019, Chieftain
that lets you sit lower and farther from the dash.
Thanks SO much for sharing this with us Shawn. WOW!!!
A ride review from someone I trust, who knows what he's talking about! I'm very happy with my Yamaha Eluder, but that Indian is a very, very nice bike. In fact, I see a lot of similarities to my Yammy. I think people who complain the most about rear cylinder heat, aren't people who typically ride a big V-twin. It just comes with the territory. Funny, one complaint I hear a lot from Yammy owners of the Venture/Eluder is the LACK of the heal shifter as a stock item. I'm fine without it. With it, you lose most of your long floor boards. Peace and love.
I’m a Harley guy, but Indian did a great job on that seat. Looks just like saddle man step up, which many people are going to and have been for the last couple years
I'm a Harley guy but, here's the deal they are both great products but there is a difference between the two. When I walked Into my local BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Can Am, Sea doo, Polaris, Sling Shot, Kymco and Indian dealer, I was greeted the 19 year old motor cross dude. He was a great guy don't get me wrong. Its just different. As I walked through the sea of Motorcycles, Jetski's, side by side's Quad's and snowmobiles, I made it to the Indian show room the first thing you notice is that almost almost every bike is designed after a Harley. The Chieftain is styled like the Street Glide, The Challenger is styled like the Road glide and Chief is a Road King design. At first look you can tell that the bike looks good. They've done a good job the colors design. As I sat on them them the bars felt awkward for me but I'm sure that's because Im not used to it. But I did notice that on a Harley everything on it is designed to be seen . HD does not use plastic covers to hide Starters, oil tanks, transmissions ect. On the Indian they just plastic covers on the bikes to hide all of those things and it tends to give it the metric bike look. Also, and most surprising is on the motor they a fake head cover over it. They have tried to make it look like a head with cooling fins but its not real, you can tap it and hear the tin like sound it makes, I don't get that. Anyway, The accessories display was really small, They had only a few jackets and shirts to chose from. Last but not least when I asked about tuning and performance I found that they don't have the equipment to do any real tuning or performance. When asked they said they could send it to a guy in Portland that has a dyno.????
Its different, like I said I'm a Harley Guy but when go a Harley Store its a Harley store. Everything you need is there. Bikes, support, Gear, knowledgeable people. The bikes are about $1000 apart as an average. Ill pay that to make sure I get everything I need and the store doesn't have 10 other motorcycle franchises in it. Just my opinion.
The mode setting changes the ratio between the throttle sensor and throttle body. So in sport mode for example it might open the throttle 15% when you open it 10%. At least thats what they do in a car, along with auto trans changes.
There was a clear difference between modes.. Easy to see he got from 47 to 52mph quicker in sport mode. :). But I really dig the look
I lean towards the vintage look of the Indian motorcycle, but I can appreciate this refresh look. I hope Indian will let the consumer still have a choice of a vintage and a modern style looking motorcycle. I like the different ride modes, the size of the screen reminds me of a small television, that I had in my room when I was a little kid...lol. Excellent 1st ride and impression video, Smoak. That is one nice Indian motorcycle, um...um...um.
Looks like they are blending the Victory and Indian designs together! Beautiful!!!!!!
Don't you hate people who whine about motorcycles? I never cared for the "Yugo" from back in the eighties. So... I don't spend my time watching Yugo videos and whining about them.
Perfect!! Thanks!
grayboo212 what a novel idea
Where can I find the Yugo videos?
Cool review, I really love your bike!👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍
Perfect....except the front fender. Is there an option for the old front fender?
Lots of design and engineering from the orphaned Victory Cross Country and Magnum line is showing up on this bike. We knew it would happen. Wait till they make a frame mounted fairing model a la Victory Vision. I gave them that idea a year ago.
What a machine! Love the color and contrast. She's like a steel horse.
Hey Shawn,
Thanks for introducing this marvellous piece of steel
If by an accident you would have 1 spare, I have 43rd birthday soon ;)
Regards
Love the new look of the Indian. A little Victory DNA in the fairing? Always room in the carport for one of these! Just have to convince the wife that it's a good thing.
That thing is gorgeous. They just keep getting better and better. Thanks for vid.
The new bike looks awesome, finally stopped some of the hokey pokey things they had on the previous model. The dash display system is interesting, need to check one out in person.
Love the heel shift Shawn!
My roadmaster use to get hot. I changed out the head pipe and that fixed the issue. I have a 2015 and it doesn't have that cylinder deactivation.
Hey smoaks I have a 21 dark horse chieftain love it hope to come from Nebraska to see you in Oregon and ride with you
That new Indian Chieftain Dark Horse ....sweeeet sounding (and looking) machine, built to be ridden all day long.
I stand corrected , I re watched the vlog & saw the analogue rev countet, it was the way the light was reflecting on the glass doh!!!!!!👍👍😎
Yep!!! Rode one at a demo ride today. I'm sold now. I will be picking one up next Spring. All black!!
All your torque shows up at 2500. It's a great place to happen on a touring bike.
The lights and turn signals in the older fairing look much nicer. You don't have to add additional lights to make it look like an after market piece.
I'd like to see it with the 116 stage 3 on /// taller bars/// 2up back rest that would be cool...
This Indian may be the first pne l saw that l actually liked. Way nice looking bike.
You can thank abate, for helping with pass a new ordinance for motorcycles at stop lights in Washington State. If the light doesn't change you can proceed after you have stopped and not worry about getting the running a red light ticket.
Love those Indians! They just get better and better!
I'm very pleased with my 2018 road king, its very dependable so far about 7,000. Miles so far, no issues whatsoever. The m8 is a homerun!
Welp it's a road king 😅 7k miles ain't got nothing on it
Beautiful bike thanks for the ride! Love that colour as well!
That's a beauty. I like the new look. It seems to have a bit of a Victory look to me. If you take a road trip and get to pick a demo, one of these or a new Goldwing DCT would be my choices. Would be awesome to see an extended use review on both.
The previous "butt ugly" fairing kept me from interest in the big Indians, however, now I am in love. They have opened three stores north of Atlanta, so next week we take a road trip.
John Wesley you could just buy a street glide, it looks better, costs the same, and it won’t lose half it’s value after 24 months.
I have spent many hours looking at Harleys. Love the look and the Heritage fits me like my goat skin gloves. However, my observations of sick, expensive issues with H D prevent me buying one. Have had BMW, Guzzi, Triumph, Kawasaki, Hondas and never worried about maint. cost.
John Wesley 🙄 they were rated the 4th or 5th most reliable brand by JD power a couple years ago. Only the Japanese companies beat them. It’s a lot easier to hear about problems when they sell 200,000 units a year vs Indians 10,000. All motorcycles models have some problems, Harleys are reliable what you’ve heard is a myth. Indians have electrical problems, they even quit selling their stage 3 kits last summer because they were blowing up, now they’re having to change out connecting rods to do a stage 3 build. There’s Milwaukee 8s out there making 150+ horsepower on the stock rods and crank still. Just sayin. Not saying Harley is perfect but it’s a myth that they aren’t reliable.
That’s a matter of opinion. I rode Harley’s for 28 yrs. On my second Indian, now. Will never look back.
Vicdian ….nice bike , here in the UK theres not many Indian dealers but quite a few Harley dealers . I'm on my 11th Harley I had a Victory once and had paint issues in under 2 years and went back to Harley. This Indian may just sway me back its very nice just waiting to see the Raptor when its launched
Great comparison shot near the end of the video of a 2018 in the background. I'm not against the '18 fairing, it was unique. Just a choice. Glad the war bonnet is back on the front fender.
Wherever there's smoak there's fire, right Shawn! Fire it up! LOL.
She's a beaut! thanks for the video!
👍👍
Love the color combination.
When you're caught at a stop light sometimes it helps to kill the bile and crank it. Something about the electrical field.
Ok .... this bike makes me consider buying an Indian
This bike is Awesome !
Looks more like a Harley every day. That's a good thing. I like the ride modes and electric bag locks. Harley needs to catch up on that. Keep it up Indian. Competition is a good thing.
hmmm...yeah. Looks like a Harley, so it looks like every other boring thing out there **Yawn** There's a reason even HD is trying to get away from looking like HD. I agree these Indian's do have a lot of options that make them a hands down winner, and these 19's have some great options over HD, so why try to style like an HD? Seems they should keep offering their own style.
yeah i hate that the CVOs are the only harleys with the electric bag locks....
Just don't like that it still comes incomplete.. passenger grab on..
Lower wind management..
Saddle bag guard's, to start....
Too incomplete for too much $$
They did a great job! One good thing about a heel toe shifter is you never ware out your boots.lol
GORGEOUS / LOVE ALL THE CHANGES FOR 2019
The most beautiful thing on the motorcycle was taken off: the auxiliary headlights built into the front cowl. I think the polaris wants a design similar to that of the Harley Davidson street glide and this decharacterizes the Indian. It does not work for me.
I am really tossed between the 2019 Indian Chieftain Limited and the 2019 H-D Street Glide Special, i love the look of the new Indian and love the new features. I am buying in January, but honestly, i don't know which way i'm going yet, i love the SGS in scorched orange, but now i love the look an features of the new Chieftain.
Harley is assembled in America,
Indian is made in America
Maybe that will help
I felt the same way last year. Rode 'em both. The Indian's adjustable windshield, awesome suspension, easy clutch engagement and great seat sold me.
Get the Indian
Currently i have several Indian's now, 1948 Indian Chief, 2003 Indian Chief, 2010 Indian Chief Bomber and 2014 Indian Chief Vintage. So i am certainly leaning towards the Indian Chieftain.
I love that seat WOW plus the bike is Sharp👍🏼🇺🇸turn around.the color is money
I love the upgrades, THIS IS MY VERY NEXT BIKE!
Shawn that wheel is looking good. Very SGS love it. Need to take a demo ride on this Indian. Great Vlog. Be Cool and Ride Safe. 🇺🇸🏍
It looks like they are getting back some of that angular Victory styling. Not a bad thing as long as they still make the classic available.
Great looking bike! Indian have done a good job here...
I’ve watched a few of your vids. I subscribed today. I have the 2017 chief dark horse.
Darkhorse self cancels indicators
Looks like a street glide to me with a touch of Victory
I told you not long ago how I own a street bob and rode the new softails and didn’t care much for them and that I preferred the road glide to them but it was too big. Well today Harley had the demo truck at my local dealer and I rode the new sgs and I’m in love! I’ve never ridden anything that I liked more than my fxdb till today. Don’t be surprised if you see me post on Facebook that I traded my bike in lol. I’d get the 2018 though I can’t afford a 2019. Also I didn’t get to ride the fxdr sadly. It was booked all day and I only got there an hour late
I’ve never had one but interesting thoughts on heel toe shifter. Nice vlog thanks for the ride.
I came into the store today to see that Chieftain and it was gone!!!!!! Guess I'm gonna have to show up on the 29th for the demo rides!!!
Sorry about that..! This was our Indian rep's demo. We should have them in stock soon!
Thanks!
love the new look Indian is going with!
Smoke it Smoak! Sounds and looks like a beauty!
This is a good thing...Two fairing types...and now you have a choice of this style and the more traditional Indian style with the Springfield, Vintage and Chieftain Classic and the new style on the Chieftain and Chieftain Darkhorse. It is a tough decision which style I like better...
Couple things I learned from this video. Nice looking bike. Indian wants badly to be a Harley. You LOVE sport mode. :)
Always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for posting and providing a better understanding of it. I like the more traditional look but this is kinda growing on me. I do want to see how the sport mode compares to one with a PVCX tuner on it.
Shawn,
I rode for more than 50 years. I WANTED an Indian.
I crashed my StreetBob, breaking my hip. This was accident #6. I didn't want to tempt#7.
I quit riding.
The next time you have trouble with a light, look for the circle in the pavement that covers the "wire" for the light.
Put your "Side-Stand" on it. Those sensors are made to "sense" cars. M/Cs don't exist to the traffic people.
John Spencer
Long Beach, Ca
Wow, what a gorgeous machine.. I am quite impressed with what Indian has done in the past few years. I did my vlog review on a 2017 and liked it back then. They have come so far in just a couple of years. I think I am going have to find a demo day to ride one of the new ones!
In 20 + years, when I'll be in my sixties, maybe I would start liking the retro style of the Indian bikes, maybe not.
Like many others, I definitely like the new look!
Best looking Indian bagger to date
Nice machine, personally I quite like the heel toe shifter, & I would like to see an analogue rev countet on the Indian, otherwise it's a mighty beast 👍👍
Pretty sure the gauge to the right of the infotainment screen is a rev counter. The LCD screen inside the gauge I think is your gear position indicator and air temperature read out, I could be wrong though.
I have a 17 roadmaster. I like the new vehicle control settings, the standard, touring, and sport. Is that something that can be flashed to get on the some of the older models like my 17?
Cool new features, I like the fender, mode change, and electric windshield. I am addicted to electric windshields now that I own a Vision, HOWEVER that dashboard is just too danged big or something! Thanks for your review.
They do anything to wake up the thunderstroke other than make the throttle really twitchy in sport mode? Loved the comfort and handling of the 2018 Chieftan, but the thunderstroke on the 2018s had the personality of an appliance, really needed a cam, or at least a more aggressive tune. Also looks like that stock seat is set up to take a backrest out of the box, nice feature. I'll have to test ride one of the 19s when the Indian dealer in the area does another demo, especially since I just test rode all of the 19 Harley baggers at a demo last week, will be interesting to compare.
Hey, I like heel shifters. 😛
I hear you. This is a great looking bike packed with features. But man a Harley Street Glide or Road Glide Special is just so beautiful. I’m not talking about either company’s philosophies just about the bikes. Just saying and just my .02.
Every year since I sold my 1953 Harley Panhead, I find new reason not to select/choose a new Harley, this bike would be my latest reason. I would look seriously if I plan to replace my Stratoliner 1900s. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the different modes just change the throttle-by-wire- span linearity, but not producing a more powerful engine.
I had a 2014 Chieftain. I test road a new one with the larger front wheel without the skirts. It was a really nice ride, but my 2014 actually handled better with the standard front wheel and fatter tire. PS: I hate heel shifters also.
A magic bit of machinery
Hey Shawn,that is one beautiful Indian,oh man I gotta win the lottery so many fantastic motorcycles.If anybody says money can’t buy happiness they just don’t know where to shop.Thanks Shawn that was fantastic.😃👍
Fantastic video great work!
Shawn, 2019 Chieftan Dark Horse or 2019 BMW 1600? ur thoughts
I think the front fairing looks closer to the old victory style which is okay. I was wondering do the saddlebags have more or less room than the old style?
Shawn... I wish you would try to raise your camera up higher on your helmet ?? I couldn't see anything but the dash board.... My neck was in ""anxiety stiff mode" all the time with trying to see the road.... :-))
I think the new Chieftain this is a wonderful great motorcycle, which deserves to be talked about. This new one is amazing, looks Amazing, and gives you a choice over the classic Chieftain, which everyone can still buy, and continue to buy in the foreseeable future. This new one, has, along with some of the other models of Indian Motorcycle, a more "up to date" design. You can still spot an Indian miles away in a sea of Harleys. People who can not see that, may not have a good eye for the shape of a motorcycle. Things evolve fast, and Indian motorcycle is exactly where they should be whit the Chieftain, - A little ahead of some of their customers, while holding on to their models with that classical shape at the same time. Indian does what they should do. They make great motorcycles. Well done Shawn Smoak!!!
I'm in love 😍😍😍😍
Even sounds like a Victory ! 🤔
Nice! is this a joint venture between Indian and Harley? because they got it down. Let me guess the name, is it Chiefglide or Streetain? even better they should just call it Sh*Tstain.