I have a Chief bobber 111 Added a saddleman 2 up seat, stage 1 air cleaner and rampage pipes- it’s smooth and torque with extra air flow and it sounds fantastic- my upgrades cost me roughly $1600 with professional installation and flash- out the door I’m $16500 on the bike- I looked at the dark horse version but price was about 3k more without stage 1 and seat upgrades. There is definitely no issue with power- the other thing is ride command did not really blow up my skirt so no loss in my opinion on that- I like simplicity but still having a modern dependable motorcycle- good review. I think the Sport Chief is in a slightly different realm and a good comparison to the low rider S-
Good video. I have the Super Chief Limited with stage 2 performance upgrade and a Lloydz custom tune, heal toe shifter & padded backrest. Been riding cruisers for 43 years, and it's my favorite bike to date. I relocated the backrest back to give my wife a little more room to move around on longer rides, the kit was from Ultimate Seats. Still looking for a set of passenger mini floorboards. Ride safe and enjoy the ride.✌️
Sport Chief for only one reason. Dual disc Brembos. Braking one of the most important thing for us riders. If I can't stop the bike quickly, I won't buy the bike. Those single front dics are ridiculous for such heavy bikes.
I practice with my Bobber in parking lots. I'm sure the double disc is superior but if you know what you are doing and know how to use your brakes these still work really well.
Squeeze harder. I had a 1982 Honda with drum brakes, cable front and operating rod at the rear. No hydrologics, easy adjustment, and you could still lock up either wheel. Therefore I really don't know what you're talking about. The super sensitive brakes on some bikes today, like my dual disk Kawasaki, are so easily locked up in an emergency that most riders will lock up the front and instantly dump the bike without ABS. I've seen it happen over and over on DanDan. It's just silly.
Gonna be that guy and jump in here. Dual front brakes don’t actually stop you significantly quicker/shorter than a single disc. The difference is within 1/10ths of a second and less than about 20-30cms. Now i’m saying that, 30cms could be the difference between hitting something and not hitting something. What the dual discs actually do significantly better is heat distribution between the discs. If you’re cornering heavy/hitting the twisties/constantly on those front brakes, the extra disc to spread the heat and wear over will make the brakes better in the sense that you’ll get a longer riding session out of them before they become so hot they’re unuseable. Now you’re never going to really get to that point unless you’re doing 2-3+ hour sessions in the twisties or hitting the track but having been on the track and had my brakes get that hot, duals is noticeable and significantly better at that point. But for cruising on the highway or riding around town, singles will serve you perfectly fine.
As my last bike was a Vic Hardball which I sold when Polaris killed off the brand, I’m really glad to see Indian has stuck around successfully and ran with finally reviving the brand. That said I’m inclined to think off the showroom floor I’d likely pick the bobber with taller bars, to be more like my first Vic which I dearly miss, the High-Ball.
2023 Darkhorse Bobber for me. Stage II exhaust and the Fox rear shocks. Need a different seat though, because when i decide to twist that throttle... it can leave me behind if I'm not hanging on...
I have test ridden the Sport Chief and it would be my pick after putting forward controls and changing out the bars and risers for the same bar set up that is on the Chief Dark horse.
I didn’t test ride it yet but was able to sit on the sport chief and dark horse bobber chief… feel the same exact way as you. Want to get them on the road and see how I feel, hopefully this weekend
Great video. First Indian comparison video I've watched the whole way through. 9 out of 10 of these guys doing these vids are so annoying. THX FOR BEING REAL. I am/was so stuck on the Sport Chief but you got me thinking now about the Super with the more comfortable riding position. But the dual front disc and better susp is hard to resist.
I ended up with the Sport Chief in Ruby Smoke. I liked it for all the reasons you stated and I ordered the mini 5" mini apes for comfort, but left the mids. I added crash bars, a 2 up seat, rear pegs, sissy bar w/ pad for the Mrs, and saddlebags for convenience. I also added the upgraded headlight and Stage 1 air cleaner. I love this bike. I'm still waiting on Indian for my bars, heated grips, and fish tip exhaust. Fully loaded.😁
@TheRicanRocketeer You built just what I had in mind. I would like the Fox shocks he recommends in the video. I'm not a fan of riding in that clamshell, muscle bike serup with hands and feet well forward and basically all of my weight on my tailbone. Mid controls are pretty good aa long as there's enough vertical space for my 6'2" and 32" inseam. Learned that on a F6B Goldwing I rented for a week. My Victory Cross Roads Classic has okay handlebars, but I really want apes. Now if i can just reduce the helmet buffeting over 70 mph.
I just bought a sport chief two months ago. I've put forward controls on it and an upgraded air filter. Absolute game changer on an already amazing bike! I've got a stage two kit ordered and fab28 pipes on the way. I have zero regrets and zero things I don't love about this bike.
Sport chief looks amazing and has the best components overall, but the chief bobber dark horse with the stock mini apes and forward controls is unbelievably comfortable in comparison to the others models.
@@jayteesgear It's nothing more than greed to make you spend more money on upgrades. You would think for over $19k you would have a top bike not having to pay extra for important items such as Engine protectors and a deep comfty seat, also when you get any other colour apart from black you still have those ugly black side panels fitted, the back brake lever being so small and thin for such an heavy bike that requires more use of the rear brake yet it's so thin and short fitting a square ending on the rear brake allows your foot to feel the amount of pressure you are using to slow the bike down. It is a nice bike to ride but could they have done better? hell yeah a lot better. They have fitted so many cheap individual parts costing you more cash to make a better machine, spending over $19500 should be enough to give you a complete bike that does not need you sending off for extra parts, Indian motorcycles/Polaris failed. Designed by people I feel have very little riding experience. The Triumph Rocket as all these parts and more like heated grips as standard for near the same price, but I wanted a stylish cruiser the local dealer did not have a bike for me to test ride if they had the bike I now have would never have been bought by me and will soon be reluctantly sold.
I have the regular Super Chief and I love it. It isnt quite as big as the Limited but, it is almost all the bang for less buck. Plus I am not a fan of the full chrome engine anyway.
Coming from years of literbike riding hunched over, all of these honestly look like couches compares to what I'm used to. Sport chief with taller handlebars is definitely in my near future
This video is for me man, 😆😆, interested in a cruiser coming from a cbr600rr....been a few yrs but want to ride again...missing the night life and everything to do w the lifestyle...truly is a lifestyle
I just got the Sport Chief yesterday. (Icon Smokey Quartz Metallic Pearl) 😁 I ordered the Freedom 2 into 1 Shorties exhaust. Also adding the Thunderstroke High Flow Air Intake. Got the 10 inch risers and the tall tint wind screen to have options. If anyone knows of any handlebars that are similar to a drag bar with more pullback, please let me know. Or if you can recommend a handlebar with some sort of pullback minus the rise, please advise.
Man I really wish American Motorcycles weren't so goddamn expensive. For what you get from Harley and Indian, you can get something just as good or better, and almost ALWAYS faaarrrr more reliable, for half the cost. It's a damb shame. Same thing with their accessories, they are absurdly expensive. If they had bikes in their lineup that were cheaper or even smaller displacement, they would sell a fuck ton more bikes. Almost like when harley made the Iron 883, they sold more of those than any other bike they made. If indian made a cruiser bike that was between $6,000 and $8,000 brand new (WITH ABS, None of that add $4,000 for a different color and ABS bullshit that they try and pull with the scout) they would be selling thousands of them. Look at bikes like the Rebel 500 & 1100, The Yamaha Bolt R Spec, and the Honda Shadow and Shadow Aero. They sell like hot cakes. Oh and the Kawasaki Vulcan S, it's well known as one of the best cruisers for beginners and experienced riders.
I have the Chief dark horse with sissy bar and passenger seat. Love the bike but definitely need to change to forward controls cause I’m 6’4”. Thanks for all the comparisons
It has to be the Sport Chief. Looks alone its the bobber i love. But I want that Fox shock and those dual Brembos. I just sold my 2023 Chieftain darkhorse and it has fabulous suspention. I'd have kept it but going across America in the summer I needed water cooled. Whatever you buy in the Indian range I doubt you'll be dissapointed their product.. while a litte over priced is phenominal. I think I'd need the bobber and the Sport.
I need to look at them, but I really like the Sport Chief and Bobber Dark Horse. I'm a bigger guy (6' 250) and I would think the Sport Chief and Bobber Dark Horse would be the best fit. The Super Limited is nice, but it's not my cup of tea. The Chief and Chief Dark Hose bars are too low.
none of the bikes offer everything you want. its annoying that you have to sacrifice what you want when spending 20k. I would take the sport, but then you need forward controls and better bars. The darkhorse bobber is great, but then you only choose matte paint. The Super doesnt have the killer logo on the tank and has that donut front wheel. The DH bobber has mini apes but they look tiny in relation to the super wide diameter of the forks. Its like this with every Indian model. why cant i choose any customization from the factory? they dont allow you to. And finding a dealer nearby is impossible, so repairs and aftermarket parts are super challenging. I would love to own an Indian. But if i am spending 20k on a chief or 30k on a challenger, i want and expect it to have everything i want. Not what they decide i can choose. So thats why you stick with a harley. Yeah HD doesnt have everything i want either, but they do have tons of aftermarket parts and 9 million places nearby to get repairs or upgrades done
I wish the Super chief has tubeless tires / wheels. After much thought, I am really thinking about trying to find a base model Chief and putting the windscreen and side bags (and passenger provisions). I don't see enough difference between the two motors to justify one of the other models, and I'm not a fast rider anyway. The new gauge is nice but I prefer the analog and don't need the GPS or any of that stuff. Basically I'd like to set it up like a Super Chief. Is there a difference in the way the Super Chief and base Chief ride as far as comfort / suspension?
The base chief has drag style bars which have you leaning more forward. The super chief has classic cruiser style bars that give you a relaxed upright position. I don't know if there is a difference in suspension, I don't think so but I'm not sure.
I have a dark horse. The only i hate about it....absolutely no one makes aftermarket parts. Its horrible, you have no options for pipes seats bars etc. You have to settle for what you can find, not what you want.
I think if I had to go across country, I would still pick the Indian. I don’t think I could ever get past that little speedo gauge. If I were to pick a bar hopper bike, I would hands-down pick the Indian.
Polaris has 0 business making motorcycles, especially Indians. Wife had the bobber dark horse and we traded it for a harley 4 days later. Thing was garbage. The transmissions are geared too low and the thunderJOKE motors are underpowered and overpriced.
I have a Chief bobber 111
Added a saddleman 2 up seat, stage 1 air cleaner and rampage pipes- it’s smooth and torque with extra air flow and it sounds fantastic- my upgrades cost me roughly $1600 with professional installation and flash- out the door I’m $16500 on the bike- I looked at the dark horse version but price was about 3k more without stage 1 and seat upgrades. There is definitely no issue with power- the other thing is ride command did not really blow up my skirt so no loss in my opinion on that- I like simplicity but still having a modern dependable motorcycle- good review. I think the Sport Chief is in a slightly different realm and a good comparison to the low rider S-
Good video.
I have the Super Chief Limited with stage 2 performance upgrade and a Lloydz custom tune, heal toe shifter & padded backrest. Been riding cruisers for 43 years, and it's my favorite bike to date. I relocated the backrest back to give my wife a little more room to move around on longer rides, the kit was from Ultimate Seats. Still looking for a set of passenger mini floorboards. Ride safe and enjoy the ride.✌️
Thanks for the comparison. I’m loving my Sport Chief. Just ordered my exhaust for it.
which exhaust did you get?
Sport Chief for only one reason. Dual disc Brembos. Braking one of the most important thing for us riders. If I can't stop the bike quickly, I won't buy the bike. Those single front dics are ridiculous for such heavy bikes.
Don’t forget the uprated suspension
I practice with my Bobber in parking lots. I'm sure the double disc is superior but if you know what you are doing and know how to use your brakes these still work really well.
Squeeze harder. I had a 1982 Honda with drum brakes, cable front and operating rod at the rear. No hydrologics, easy adjustment, and you could still lock up either wheel. Therefore I really don't know what you're talking about. The super sensitive brakes on some bikes today, like my dual disk Kawasaki, are so easily locked up in an emergency that most riders will lock up the front and instantly dump the bike without ABS. I've seen it happen over and over on DanDan. It's just silly.
Gonna be that guy and jump in here. Dual front brakes don’t actually stop you significantly quicker/shorter than a single disc. The difference is within 1/10ths of a second and less than about 20-30cms. Now i’m saying that, 30cms could be the difference between hitting something and not hitting something.
What the dual discs actually do significantly better is heat distribution between the discs. If you’re cornering heavy/hitting the twisties/constantly on those front brakes, the extra disc to spread the heat and wear over will make the brakes better in the sense that you’ll get a longer riding session out of them before they become so hot they’re unuseable. Now you’re never going to really get to that point unless you’re doing 2-3+ hour sessions in the twisties or hitting the track but having been on the track and had my brakes get that hot, duals is noticeable and significantly better at that point. But for cruising on the highway or riding around town, singles will serve you perfectly fine.
The twin rotors compared to the single are good but nothing to brag about.
As my last bike was a Vic Hardball which I sold when Polaris killed off the brand, I’m really glad to see Indian has stuck around successfully and ran with finally reviving the brand.
That said I’m inclined to think off the showroom floor I’d likely pick the bobber with taller bars, to be more like my first Vic which I dearly miss, the High-Ball.
I have a Chieftain Dark Horse in Ghost Grey, but do love the Chief range, great review 👍👍
Thanks man
2023 Darkhorse Bobber for me.
Stage II exhaust and the Fox rear shocks.
Need a different seat though, because when i decide to twist that throttle... it can leave me behind if I'm not hanging on...
Did you do the fox shocks? Are they worth it? I ride two up and while we are light people we bottom from time to time and it hurts.
Got the Sport Chief today. Went in looking at scouts went out with sport chief.
Truly love The Amazing Indian motorcycles, because they are beautiful and of a high Quality motorcycles!!!, Good explanation and video as well!!!
I got the Super Chief Limited for the bags, windshield and relaxed riding position. I love the tech and the 116 in sport mode is like a rocket.
I have test ridden the Sport Chief and it would be my pick after putting forward controls and changing out the bars and risers for the same bar set up that is on the Chief Dark horse.
I didn’t test ride it yet but was able to sit on the sport chief and dark horse bobber chief… feel the same exact way as you. Want to get them on the road and see how I feel, hopefully this weekend
Great video. First Indian comparison video I've watched the whole way through. 9 out of 10 of these guys doing these vids are so annoying. THX FOR BEING REAL. I am/was so stuck on the Sport Chief but you got me thinking now about the Super with the more comfortable riding position. But the dual front disc and better susp is hard to resist.
I’m with you on the Limited it would meet my needs better. Comfort, storage and wind protection for the long haul.
I ended up with the Sport Chief in Ruby Smoke. I liked it for all the reasons you stated and I ordered the mini 5" mini apes for comfort, but left the mids. I added crash bars, a 2 up seat, rear pegs, sissy bar w/ pad for the Mrs, and saddlebags for convenience. I also added the upgraded headlight and Stage 1 air cleaner. I love this bike. I'm still waiting on Indian for my bars, heated grips, and fish tip exhaust. Fully loaded.😁
mids all day everyday 👍🏻
@TheRicanRocketeer You built just what I had in mind. I would like the Fox shocks he recommends in the video. I'm not a fan of riding in that clamshell, muscle bike serup with hands and feet well forward and basically all of my weight on my tailbone. Mid controls are pretty good aa long as there's enough vertical space for my 6'2" and 32" inseam. Learned that on a F6B Goldwing I rented for a week.
My Victory Cross Roads Classic has okay handlebars, but I really want apes. Now if i can just reduce the helmet buffeting over 70 mph.
nice review ....dollar for dollar the sport chief seems to have the best value for what you get
I just bought a sport chief two months ago. I've put forward controls on it and an upgraded air filter. Absolute game changer on an already amazing bike! I've got a stage two kit ordered and fab28 pipes on the way. I have zero regrets and zero things I don't love about this bike.
@myleshopkins2529 gonna love the fab28 stuff..that's what I run on mine
Sport chief looks amazing and has the best components overall, but the chief bobber dark horse with the stock mini apes and forward controls is unbelievably comfortable in comparison to the others models.
Agree 100% I’m stuck between those two models for exactly these reasons!
I got the Chief Bobber Dark Horse and changed that seat straight away and with that extra comfort seat it feels like a completely different ride.
They shouldnt even come with those silly seats
@@jayteesgear It's nothing more than greed to make you spend more money on upgrades. You would think for over $19k you would have a top bike not having to pay extra for important items such as Engine protectors and a deep comfty seat, also when you get any other colour apart from black you still have those ugly black side panels fitted, the back brake lever being so small and thin for such an heavy bike that requires more use of the rear brake yet it's so thin and short fitting a square ending on the rear brake allows your foot to feel the amount of pressure you are using to slow the bike down. It is a nice bike to ride but could they have done better? hell yeah a lot better. They have fitted so many cheap individual parts costing you more cash to make a better machine, spending over $19500 should be enough to give you a complete bike that does not need you sending off for extra parts, Indian motorcycles/Polaris failed. Designed by people I feel have very little riding experience. The Triumph Rocket as all these parts and more like heated grips as standard for near the same price, but I wanted a stylish cruiser the local dealer did not have a bike for me to test ride if they had the bike I now have would never have been bought by me and will soon be reluctantly sold.
I have the regular Super Chief and I love it. It isnt quite as big as the Limited but, it is almost all the bang for less buck. Plus I am not a fan of the full chrome engine anyway.
For me it would definitely be the sport chief and I'm with you when it comes to pullback risers I would change that only. 👍
I’m with you I would get the Sport Chief with forward control
Coming from years of literbike riding hunched over, all of these honestly look like couches compares to what I'm used to. Sport chief with taller handlebars is definitely in my near future
I love the darkhorse, but a comment was made about twin disc brembos. Why all the models dont have them is a good question.
This video is for me man, 😆😆, interested in a cruiser coming from a cbr600rr....been a few yrs but want to ride again...missing the night life and everything to do w the lifestyle...truly is a lifestyle
Chief bobber all the way. Throw a 2up and some 12” Burley bars and Im happy😎💯
Happy New Year brother
In my opinion, the Sport Chief is the best model bcs of the brakes and suspensions. All other things can be modified after buying easely.
I wonder how those bikes diver on the road. There must be a difference between 19 front wheel and those kinda balloon tires of the bobber...
i have a scout and like it a lot but good lord that sport chief is nice
I hope they add a sport chief with a fairing that can match the low rider ST
Greetings from Manchester United Kingdom defo the bobber❤
I just got the Sport Chief yesterday. (Icon Smokey Quartz Metallic Pearl) 😁 I ordered the Freedom 2 into 1 Shorties exhaust. Also adding the Thunderstroke High Flow Air Intake. Got the 10 inch risers and the tall tint wind screen to have options. If anyone knows of any handlebars that are similar to a drag bar with more pullback, please let me know. Or if you can recommend a handlebar with some sort of pullback minus the rise, please advise.
Can you make a video comparison of the Indian chief vs the HD street bob?
Man I really wish American Motorcycles weren't so goddamn expensive. For what you get from Harley and Indian, you can get something just as good or better, and almost ALWAYS faaarrrr more reliable, for half the cost. It's a damb shame.
Same thing with their accessories, they are absurdly expensive. If they had bikes in their lineup that were cheaper or even smaller displacement, they would sell a fuck ton more bikes.
Almost like when harley made the Iron 883, they sold more of those than any other bike they made.
If indian made a cruiser bike that was between $6,000 and $8,000 brand new (WITH ABS, None of that add $4,000 for a different color and ABS bullshit that they try and pull with the scout) they would be selling thousands of them.
Look at bikes like the Rebel 500 & 1100, The Yamaha Bolt R Spec, and the Honda Shadow and Shadow Aero. They sell like hot cakes.
Oh and the Kawasaki Vulcan S, it's well known as one of the best cruisers for beginners and experienced riders.
Why not the inverted KYB front shocks on all of them. They look to be same type I have on Victory Cross Country.
Sport chief looks insane
Im torn between the bobber and the sport chief for a first bike but im also wanting to go on long rides. So idk what way i should go
The sport chief is everything I would want in a bike. The only change would be the exhaust.
Very Nice video, Thanks for sharing!
I have the Chief dark horse with sissy bar and passenger seat. Love the bike but definitely need to change to forward controls cause I’m 6’4”. Thanks for all the comparisons
It has to be the Sport Chief. Looks alone its the bobber i love. But I want that Fox shock and those dual Brembos. I just sold my 2023 Chieftain darkhorse and it has fabulous suspention. I'd have kept it but going across America in the summer I needed water cooled. Whatever you buy in the Indian range I doubt you'll be dissapointed their product.. while a litte over priced is phenominal. I think I'd need the bobber and the Sport.
What kind of helmet you wearing if you don’t mind me asking?
The new Chiefs are nice and all, but my stunning 2019 Indian Springfield in steel gray and burgundy metallic is Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day!
Sport Chief or Chief Darkhorse for me.
I need to look at them, but I really like the Sport Chief and Bobber Dark Horse. I'm a bigger guy (6' 250) and I would think the Sport Chief and Bobber Dark Horse would be the best fit. The Super Limited is nice, but it's not my cup of tea. The Chief and Chief Dark Hose bars are too low.
Same boat as you my bro, hope to test ride them both soon and see if that will sway me one way or the other
Good Job sir, thanks!
none of the bikes offer everything you want. its annoying that you have to sacrifice what you want when spending 20k. I would take the sport, but then you need forward controls and better bars. The darkhorse bobber is great, but then you only choose matte paint. The Super doesnt have the killer logo on the tank and has that donut front wheel. The DH bobber has mini apes but they look tiny in relation to the super wide diameter of the forks.
Its like this with every Indian model. why cant i choose any customization from the factory? they dont allow you to. And finding a dealer nearby is impossible, so repairs and aftermarket parts are super challenging.
I would love to own an Indian. But if i am spending 20k on a chief or 30k on a challenger, i want and expect it to have everything i want. Not what they decide i can choose. So thats why you stick with a harley. Yeah HD doesnt have everything i want either, but they do have tons of aftermarket parts and 9 million places nearby to get repairs or upgrades done
I wish the Super chief has tubeless tires / wheels. After much thought, I am really thinking about trying to find a base model Chief and putting the windscreen and side bags (and passenger provisions). I don't see enough difference between the two motors to justify one of the other models, and I'm not a fast rider anyway. The new gauge is nice but I prefer the analog and don't need the GPS or any of that stuff. Basically I'd like to set it up like a Super Chief. Is there a difference in the way the Super Chief and base Chief ride as far as comfort / suspension?
The base chief has drag style bars which have you leaning more forward. The super chief has classic cruiser style bars that give you a relaxed upright position. I don't know if there is a difference in suspension, I don't think so but I'm not sure.
I have a dark horse. The only i hate about it....absolutely no one makes aftermarket parts. Its horrible, you have no options for pipes seats bars etc. You have to settle for what you can find, not what you want.
I think if I had to go across country, I would still pick the Indian. I don’t think I could ever get past that little speedo gauge. If I were to pick a bar hopper bike, I would hands-down pick the Indian.
Sports Chief will be mine the second I pay off my Bobber. :)
Super Chief all the way for me.
Where is the Vintage?
Where's the Super Chief Limited?
Sport Chief by a mile.
It's indian man idol
And🥁……the best chief…….the fxlrs 😂
You are obviously joking.
Polaris has 0 business making motorcycles, especially Indians. Wife had the bobber dark horse and we traded it for a harley 4 days later. Thing was garbage. The transmissions are geared too low and the thunderJOKE motors are underpowered and overpriced.