Indian vs. Harley: My Honest Take with the Indian Pursuit
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- The Indian Pursuit isn’t just another touring bike-it’s been my escape, my therapy, and a reminder of why I love motorcycles. Life has thrown some challenges my way recently, and riding has been a much-needed reset.
In this video, I share why the Indian Pursuit stands out, not just as a machine but as a brand that puts people first. While every company is in business to make money, there’s a right way to do it, and Polaris has always done it right in my eyes.
I also break down my long-term thoughts on the Pursuit and how it compares to the Harley Road Glide, covering:
✅ Handling & Weight Distribution - Why Indian still does it better
✅ Suspension & Comfort - One brand is ahead of the other
✅ Reliability - My experience with the Road Glide check engine light
✅ Harley vs. Indian Identity - Why switching brands isn’t losing yourself
✅ Evolution vs. Revolution - Is Harley really catching up?
I own a Harley and love it, but Indian deserves more respect, and the Pursuit is a serious contender in the touring world.
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I rode a number of Indians at a demo day. As a Harley guy I found them to be cheaper in quality - bad paint, lesser quality on the fit and finish. They didn’t inspire a lot of confidence in quality.
Wishing you the best in finding a new job and if it means anything I’ve always enjoyed your RUclips content. I traded in my ‘18 heritage last September for a pursuit and couldn’t be happier. It’s just so much more bike and at 30k miles on the heritage and having to do engine work, Harley left a bad taste in my mouth. Like you said in the video you do get much more interest on the Indian. I’ve been asked a few times already about the pursuit. Can only remember twice I had anyone come up and inquire about my heritage.
I have a 21 Indian Challenger and never looked back. Love it. Good Luck to you. Every thing will work itself out. Blessing from VA
I have a 2023 Pursuit icon. I can offer some advice on the heat issue. Living in south Texas, I experimented with the positions of the lower vents. Open the left lower vent all the way. Open the right lower vent about 1.5”. This creates a bit of a vaccuum effect where it’ll take away some of that heat you feel.
Love my Pursuit!
I've had two Indians: A Roadmaster and a Challenger. Both were dreams to ride, but they were unreliable. None of my Harleys left me stranded, but both of my Indians did.
You’re right! Getting you home is a big deal.
Interesting. Ive had several Indians and I’ve never had an issue to where I the bike left me stranded. Many cross country trips have been worry free for me and my bikes.
@joedangelo5640 Breakung down is kind of luck of the draw. Been riding Indian and Victory for 20 years, almost 200k miles, and only had 1 issue while on long rides. Very few issues on all of them.
Damn…my results were just the opposite. 🤷♂️
I’m glad they seem to be better. My challenger(first year) was a complete p o s. Kept cutting out in the middle of riding for one. Spent over 6 months in the shop and never got fixed. Sold it and the buyer got a Loyd’s tune and that cleared the issues up. I’m glad they teamed up with them. I did like the ride quality, but the lack of dealerships and the way victory went down will keep me on my Harleys for now.
First year or 2 there were new bike issues. No issues on my 21 or 23. Numerous long trip on both, never worry that there's no dealers near by. Ride safe.
Indian baggers are definitely easier to maintain since they have only one oil to change versus the Harley 3 oils.
Lmao how longs it been since you owned a harley. The twin cam to the Milwaukee 8 use the same oil in all 3 holes.
@ LOL…don’t be depressed at your condition
Not really
I'm too short to ride a large touring bike with confidence, but I absolutely love my Super Chief Limited. It fits me well but has plenty of power and comfort for the long haul.
Hey . 1st time tuning in friend & I got your back. I subscribed! Good luck my friend!! Have a beautiful day!! Cheers!! Illinois, USA
I’ve been riding motorcycles for 41 years now. I’ve owned many bikes and brands, most of them were Harleys. I bought my first Indian last year. I bought a new 2023 Roadmaster. I couldn’t be happier. One thing is true! Harley has always been considered the ” Cadillac “ of touring motorcycles. But, if you are looking for the Rolls Royce of touring motorcycles then you’ll definitely buy an Indian.
Fit & finish sucks compared to HD.
However, the Indian bike itself.....the power, the handling, the Infotainment system, the reliability, & etc...etc.....is hands down a WAY better STOCK motorcycle.
Once you upgrade the ECU/flash/jail break, Stage 1, Cat Delete, & pipes, it's a complete BEAST. RIDICULOUSLY FAST & TORQUIE. My new 24 HD CVO/ST will give it a run for its money, but I love love love my 23 Pursuit. Im vice-versa of the guy posting below, my HD's have stranded me, and I've owned 2 Indians with ZERO issues. 40k on a 2020 Challenger & now 20k on my 23 Pursuit. I've owned 10 Harleys & have had many breakdowns.
I still & will ALWAYS love Harley thou.
I disagree with the fit and finish comment. I think when they first came out and had their flat paints, they looked very plasticy and I felt it just match the HD finish but in terms of fit and finish on these new bikes, I think its pretty on par with HD.
Good luck to you on your job situation. The timing might suck but there are some damn good deals on last years models and especially used Challenger/ Pursuits right now. Ride safe.
Thanks! I might have to take a look
The Challenger looks good from the front end to about the middle and then it kind of loses me. The same thing goes for the Chieftain and the Springfield models. It's the plastic mid-engine cover and the passenger peg and how that's positioned and how it looks that kills it for me. Then if you want to do a 2 into 1 exhaust, there aren't many options and they're more expensive that what you'd pay for one to put on a Harley.
I can appreciate anyone with a differing opinion on design being that its so subjective.
Very good video! You got a new sub here. I agree on the motorcycle wind therapy thing! I have ridden for over 50 years, and I ride a beautiful Hot Citrus (bright metallic orange) 2012 FLHXSE3 CVO Street Glide for which I paid MSRP in cash new in Aug 2011, and to which I have done a ton of engine mods and other enhancements. It's a 900+ lb monster, but honestly it's never felt heavy to me. Maybe I'm just used to a big heavy bike. I have Traxxion Dynamics AK-20 cartridge forks on it, and it came with the preload-adjustable spring rear shocks, and it came lowered 1" from the factory. And it now costs me almost nothing to ride!
The new Indian Challenger/Pursuit are very strong competitors to Harley, and if I was in the market for a new bike, I would strongly consider a Challenger or Pursuit... or the new 2025 Chieftain with the PowerPlus engine. I have never had a frame-mounted fairing like the ones on the Challenger/Pursuit or the Harley Road Glide, and the Chieftain has a batwing fairing, so I might be more partial to the Chieftain. But that's all just academic because I'm almost 68, and honestly my bike will probably be my last one.
I wave to everyone on two wheels... literally EVERYONE. I don't care what they're riding. Almost all riders wave back, or even wave to me before I wave to them. Life is too short to be a brand snob. I've had a lot of nice little exchanges at traffic lights, gas stations, rest stops, etc. with other riders on everything from big baggers like mine to little 100 bikes, and everything in between. I love talking to other riders, as long as they are nice. I have no time for assholes!
Great video as always Dan. I’m on my third Indian. Started with a 2017 Chief Vintage , then a 2019 Chieftain Darkhorse, and last July I moved up to a 2023 Pursuit. All great bikes, however the pursuit is an insanely comfortable bike. I do a lot of 3k week long rides and 1200-2000 mile long weekends so long ride comfort is my only requirement. The pursuit provides that and more. The seat amazes the shit outta me as I usually swap out for a mustang or road sofa within a year on all my bikes. Not so with the pursuit. The engine…wow, can’t say enough about the 108 PP. I do miss the low end torque from the 111 when riding in the smokies, However I am still learning the
Power band on the 108.
Best of luck on finding a new work situation. Keep up the fires.
Thanks man! That's awesome to hear you're so happy with your Pursuit, especially with all the miles you put on!
I live in South Dakota and Rider a road glide we have a very good Indian dealership in our town and I have no problem with them I think they're great bikes but none of the Indian riders will ever wave. I find it so odd it's almost like we have Indian snobs instead of Harley snobs if that makes sense. Good luck with finding a job, good video
Suspension on this bike is great, though sometimes I wish it was a little stiffer in the front end for the pot holes, at times. The electric adjustability is the rear Fox shock is brilliant! 🇦🇺
I can appreciate that feedback.
Anyone thinking that adjustable screen is a gimmick has no idea how wonderful it is to have. To be able to lower the screen as you enter tight twisty roads or as you enter low speed limit areas, while still being able to raise it fully to escape the wind and head buffeting is a wonderful 🇦🇺
Totally agree.
NO….do not wrap the pipes. Remove the cat from the OEM header.
I believe Polaris dealerships out number HD nearly 2:1. It'd be nice to see Polaris incorporate Indian within their dealerships with a strategic layout throughout the country. Unfortunately, we are seeing more HD dealerships closing every year.
Great video, looking forward to future videos!
Thanks, I'm working on some more videos now!
I do like some of the features that Indian offers, adjustable windshield, shocks, etc., which Harley is certainly lacking, but I'm not a fan of Indian's styling. It would be cool if you can do a comparison with the closest Harley Road Glide, features, pricing, HP, maintenance etc, to give us viewers a side by side look.
If you angle the lower vent towards the exhaust it helps a lot on those really hot days. If your doing 80 you don’t really feel the heat anymore
Agreed on angling the centre towards the motor. I've been angling both vents towards the motor, but I see someone else comment leaving the left hand vent fully open. 🤔. I'll have to try that. 🇦🇺
That is great advice, next time I get on one I will give it a go
Wish you all the best job wise. Thank you for your honesty.
Thanks I appreciate that.
Do it brother. I have the 23 pursuit limited. Incredible bike. Whether hitting the twisties. Going into town. Or of course long trips. And now you have the option of the new 112 power plus motor. Out of the gate stock it is far superior to its rivals. You wont need to touch the bike other than maybe pipes if you want more sound.
I think that 2025 Indian Chieftain Base with the 108 for 26,499 and the 2024 Street Glide in Grey Chrome for 25,999 is a good comparisson since there is alot of 2024's in the dealership still....
Stay strong, things will get better.
It's all good no matter what you ride. Thanks for the video
I agree and you're welcome
Great video ! You would make a successful Indian Motorcycle salesman 👍
Nice looking bike.
Future videos to make
One on your 3D printer and one about that new monitor I seen on your desk.
Look forward to more videos from you!
lol great minds think alike. I’m thinking about both of those for video ideas in the near future.
But which can do wheelies better?
It's funny i myself have a 2018 heritage classic and I find that people on street glides or RD glides don't wave at me because I'm on this heritage.But like u I've always liked the indian chieftains and the pursuit,i hope everything works out for you and enjoy riding into 2025😊
That is interesting to hear. I don't ever notice anyone snubbing on the wave. I appreciate the sending of the good vibes. Ride safe my friend.
In my area, the closest Indian dealer is 100 miles in heavy traffic. I have two Harley dealers in my area. If I had and Indian dealer in my area, I would have one.
You have to de-cat that Indian just like a Harley to reduce the heat. My only gripe about the Indian is the air filter placement and the strange oil blend they run. Not readily available in my area. Where as I can easily get things for my road glide limited. Oil , spark plugs, filters, brake pads etc. Even the auto parts store has everything for my Harley. Nothing for Indian however.
You get more people asking about the Indians because you don't see them out much. Harleys are everywhere and a dime a dozen but Indians don't sell many bikes. I know most Indian riders and RUclipsrs keep talking about Indian catching Harley but that is a talking point only. Indian sells roughly 13k-25k bikes yearly compared to Harley's over 100k. I like both brands but may switch to Indian because I don't like what Harley is putting out.
I disagree on the comfort of the rider seat. After an hour or so, it's painful. I use an AirHawk to help, but I'll be getting an Ultimate seat for it. Great bike otherwise and the safety tech saved me recently from t boning some fool who pulled out in front of me at the last moment. 🇦🇺👍
I have an AirHawk for my Heritage and I love it but I didnt feel the OEM Indian seat was uncomfortable. I guess that is also a subjective thing that people would have varying opinions on.
I’m sorry about your job situation, my friend
Id buy a goldwing before I'd buy an Indian.
I've ridden a Goldwing and I LOVED it, BUT I also felt like it lacked character which is partially part of its character. The Goldwing almost felt TOO refined to me.
Exactly - if I ever moved away from Harley - the Goldwing is a far superior bike compared to an Indian.
Goldwing for life.
Car play is very frustrating on these machines!
Indian touring bikes are much better balanced and weigh less than comparable Harley models
@@indianbill3123 I don’t think so.
You said it wasn’t good in the snow. The rest of your argument is invalid.
😁
Honest take is how BS videos always start with ranting useless stories and false tellings by distorted perspectives. Perfect entry for honest talk is that he‘s been through sh… lately, wow, what will come out of that? Click-bait it is, just that, a sneaky bastard click-baiter. In fact He loves it, the rest is niggles crap or rant-sh.. and false gratefulness as he goes on how bad HD is and Indian people so great, in fact they are no different, it‘s people. Good dealers, not so good dealers and staff. He happens to have locally a better Indian dealer over Harley. next area it‘s the opposite. That‘s the point he will never get even with all his mappings. Blah, blah, blah.
I had to approve your angry comment out of the spam filter. I am sorry for whatever you have going on in your life that you are taking it out on me.