Hey Ryan, I'm a Challenger owner, former Street Glide owner. The Challenger is hands down the better bike for performance, handling and value. The GPS works without paying for it. What you have to pay for is the weather overlay and traffic if you want it.
This is not a review, this is a comparison between the Indian Challenger and the Harley Road Glide. I think it sounded very bias towards the Harley, sorry Ryan.
I own a 19 Street Glide. If I had to chose between a Road Glide and a Challenger, I'd chose the Challenger. For big guys the ergonomics on Indians is better. The Indian feels more balanced.
@@jam471975 You can use Google Map Maker and filter out unpaved roads. Plus, there are other map apps available that have more options than either Indian or Harley, like TomTom - which you can use with Apple Car Play or Android Auto.
Plus using CarPlay uses your phone for service not gps. So if you don’t have cell service you don’t have gps. With gps you will never lose service no matter where you are. I use my phone for gps and connect to my helmet headset and there are lots of times I don’t have cell signal so I have no gps. Dedicated gps is always better.
@@joedangelo5640 you do realize that Google map maker went end-of-life in 2017 right? And it would be pretty difficult to use Google map maker when you're on the bike. Most of the time I uses maps is randomly when I'm already on the bike. As much as I hate Harley Maps there is just somethings it does better than other mapping app.
@@jam471975 sorry... "My Maps" by Google. And, you can import gpx files. Plus, like I said before - TomTom app works with carplay. Beyond that, the navigation on an Indian is free for life, you pay (after 2 years) for the weather and traffic updates.
Indian/Polaris is definitely testing my loyalty to Harley! Each bike they come out with gets better and better! The Challenger, the 22 Chief ... I think Indian is winning the non-Harley purchaser that Harley, because of their aging base, needs to capture!
Both Iconic brand names - yeah - I know the story! But I’ve had 5 Harleys - enjoyed ‘em…..but I’m giving Indian a shot because I like their approach, attitude and styling so far 😎
Forgot to mention that Indian Challenger has top of the line front investors suspensions , a mono rear suspension which help the geometry of the bike when taking corners, plus top of the line brembo break, oilcooler so that engine won't cook your legs on a long trip, and yes I want power on my Touring bike because when I'm riding with my wife and our bags I definitely need power to move that weight .
Exactly, he completely skipped everything that makes the Challenger perform better than the RG in every way. I care more about the engine, suspension, brakes, chassis, more so than navigation. This guy is clearly a HD fan and that's fine, but lay all the facts on the table.
Love the channel. Thanks. Lots and lots of cons in your review. Frankly, the electronic screen, ride modes and suspension are far superior. I was also surprised with your assessment of the brakes. I don’t think there is a comparison between the two and hope Harley upgrades and invests further. Lastly, I’m 6’5” and the Indian seat is so superior. Also love their tank. The tear drop is a tired, tired design.
-------------------- a tired tired tired design is having only 2 cylinders.....a Indian of 1940 or a Henderson of 1930 were american motorcycles that a HD could NEVER measure up to ....to this day.... hey Ryan ....V- twin .... two too few....period.
@@waynephillips5741 They spank hard too 😂. I've been looking at those F6Bs. Man, good looking long azz bikes. I didn't like the style change in 18 as much but they're still really beautiful machines.
I change the windshield height on my Roadmaster almost every ride. I can look over it or through it depending on conditions. It's like you have 6 windshields in one so why would you need aftermarket ? I'll never go back to a fixed shield. Virtually every manufacturer that offers a touring line puts power shield on as standard. HONDA, BMW, KAWASAKI, YAMAHA, INDIAN, VICTORY. Agreed , its about knees in the breeze no matter the make. Also agree HD has a much more established dealer network.
I used the power window on every ride on my Roadmaster, and I use the power window on my Challenger every ride. It's only a "gimmick" until you ride with one through a thunderstorm on a highway, and then go back into stop and go traffic in a city.
@@danielstewart7732 agreed! My passenger loves it too. at full up, Causes the air to go over her helmet instead of punching her in the face. Another scenario , go through a pressure/temp change and fog collects on the shield. The ONLY people that I EVER heard dismiss the power shield, ride a brand that doesn't offer them. Yeah, it's a big deal. Btw, there is only one brand that makes a touring line that doesn't offer it. Ride modes are also a big deal. I never thought I would say that before I had ride modes. (again, only one brand dragging their feet on this feature)
I actually had one on an older Honda. Never used it. Just left it up. I prefer to get a more precise windshield with proper flow for me. Just my opinion and experience as stated.
I am a french biker and I can tell you that I will never buy an other bike than Harley, I'll love it since twenty years now, I am 62 years old, I own three Harleys and I hope they will drive me till the end of my life... Harley for ever... for ever Harley... Thank you Ryan for your videos .
I own an Indian and a Harley. The Indian has had 1 malfunction in four years, and the Harley has had 5 malfunctions in six months. In addition, despite the longer operating history, Harley service techs. are clueless, and Harley HQ could care less about their customer's. What I'm saying is not news to anyone, it's just that I now have experienced it first hand.
Had several bikes in the past like Yamaha 1900, Stratoliner. than I tested HD Road glide and street glide, but after I tested Indian Chieftain limited I falling in love with Indian. Very nice handling and smooth driving 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤘🏼
The boombox is not only touch screen. There are manual controls as well. I went back and forth between the two bikes as well before I made my decision to go with a 2019 Road Glide Special. The 114 with a Stage II torque cam and a suspension upgrade to Legends (front and rear) performs just as well. I couldn't get away from the HD community, the waaaaaay bigger support system in terms of dealerships on long hauls. Finally, the style (personal preference) just "did it for me" with the HD. I was/am a big fan of the Challenger and think Indian has a great product. But I just love my Road Glide. Stay safe, brother.
The new Boom Box GTS (2019 and newer) is all touch screen. As mentioned, there are toggles on each handlebar. The older Boom Box had touch screen and soft buttons.
But…as you say, had to add aftermarket cams and suspension to “perform just as well”. For the price Harley wants, shouldn’t have to shell out potentially thousands to rise to Indian’s bar. And this is coming from an Ultra Limited owner.
Great review, couple comments 1. Nav will always work even after 2 years. The two year limit you spoke about is for the Weather and Traffic overlay on the nav. 2. You can run the touch screen from the bars there are toggles on the back side of the controls on your trigger fingers. 3. You can Bluetooth & WiFi sync nav maps. Look forward to hearing what you think after a long time review.
@@RyanUrlacher Yeah, the nav on the base is an upgrade...$500 I think. Admittedly, I have 2018 Chieftain with Nav and after 3 years I have yet to even use it other than to watch for hard curves on unknown roads.
@@RyanUrlacher You can purchase the GPS for additional $500 on the base model. The subscription you are referring to is for Live weather overlay and Live traffic after 2 yrs.
I'm glad someone mentioned this. Pay-to-play premium services are pretty standard, two years to decide if you like it and want to pay for it. I love my RM, but I really wish Indian would give a Satellite Radio option, I think that is my biggest gripe with the setup.
This was very well made great job!! You missed many things tho.. The triggers on the bars to help navigate the ride command. There is a ton of aftermarket windshields and other stuff Crash bars only come on limited The extra cost on navigation is for live weather and live traffic use.. To get the limited in HD (power, locking bags, rdrs ext) you would have to buy the CVO.. GREAT JOB THOUGHT I WOULD CLEAR SOME OF THAT UP..
@@GiancarloBenzina , Can’t agree, I’ve owned and ridden Harleys since 1972. Both for pleasure and work. Made it through the time when AMF had their foot on Harley-Davidson, until they got away from AMF with the help of then President Regan. I’m glad to see both Indian and Harley-Davidson both on American roads. It’s good for the country that they are. I ride a 2017 Indian road master now and have 41 thousand trouble free seasonal miles on it so far and I’m pretty sure 50 thousand miles will be on the odometer by this fall. Polaris/Indian has only been in existence for 7 model years. They are doing a terrific job with their line up of bikes. I get questionnaires from Indian every year asking what they can do to improve their line of motorcycles. I like that. It’s good business. It’s been a tough year for HD. They dropped their CVO line this year and didn’t come out with their 2021 model line until January/February of this year. However, I don’t want Harley-Davidson to go under! On the contrary, I want them to do well and thrive even. Like is said, it’s good for America that two historical and well known iconic American names are back on American roads together again👍
I rode the new roadmaster limited today at a demo ride. It did feel and ride nice. It felt tiny compared to my ultra limited. The infotainment screen was moving up and down during the ride which was concerning to me. Grabbed it with my hand but it felt tight? It did ride well a little bit stiff. The power was good but not as smooth as my ultra limited. Not enough of a difference for me to trade.
FYI you mentioned you had a problem muting the sound system if you press the volume button straight in once it mutes and unmutes the system. I purchased this exact bike last September and some of my input goes as follows. The throttle is terrible for low speed maneuvers and most will be holding the throttle a little high and using the clutch to modulate a little more but once on the highway the throttle is good. I give the edge to Harley on that on definitely. This bike because of the power and suspension components pushes into a sport tourer category I feel the Chieftain line is more comparable to the Harley touring bikes. There is definitely more feedback from the engine especially at speed but that is because the engine is rigid mounted where as the Harley is balanced and rubber mounted definitely a smoother ride on the Harley. The infotainment center on the base model Challenger whether or not its a software issue or processor is slow and glitchy. As far as the windshield goes totally not glitchy, I use it constantly its awesome, I too had my doubts live with it for more than one ride and you will be a believer. One final note the biggest draw to this bike for me was suspension and handling, there is absolutely no comparison between a stock Harley touring bike and Indian the suspension, ride and handling are just superior I came off a 2017 Road Glide and until I invested in some Ohlins which made it better but no where near as good as a stock Indian.
Great video and great work, Ryan. It’s videos like this - and a significant number of views - that force Indian, and subsequently Harley, to make a better product. Great way to use your voice. Thanks!
I like HD Breakout a lot. So, I went to visit a local HD dealership and they wanted to charge me a lot over MSRP. So, I eventually bought a 1/12 scale model and I have become a happy owner now ever since.
Outstanding video angles! I owned a 2020 Harley Electra standard and after installing three different sets of performance mufflers, stage one download, stage on air filter assembly, and after test riding a stock Indian Challenger my Harley 107 engine felt anemic in comparison. I traded my 2020 Electra Glide Standard in at the Harley dealership for a used 2019, Road Glide Ultra with a 114-inch engine in it. Even after a Woods cam, dyno-tuned Power Vision, fuel tuner, Fuel Moto, RTX two into one exhaust, Ventilator air filter, the stock Challenger felt ' SO MUCH FASTER ' from 3,500-4,000 RPMs. , gains RPM's much faster than my 114-inch Harley, easier to pick up off of the side stand, and I can take a curve much faster than I can on my 2019 Road Glide Ultra. The mono-shock on the Challenger is made by Fox and has more travel and rides over rough roads much better than a 2020 Harley Road Glide. The inverted forks on the Challenger take fast curves much better than the 2020 Road Glide.
@@mrsvetly On my Dyna, yours might be the same, the rear Swingarm is bolted to the engin/transmission. Not the Frame. Thats INSANE. I wish i noticed that before i bought or i never would have. When the engine mounts wear out the rear wheel moves around like crazy and becomes DANGEROUS. Check your motor mounts...
Test rode the Challenger and then the RGS after meeting with you in Sturgis last year. Stayed with Harley but traded in 2 of my bikes to get the Road Glide Limited. Bumped up to the 131 kit before taking delivery and it’s a beast.
Any words on support? One of the best things about touring on a Harley is pulling into the nearest dealership for tires and oil change. No appointment needed.
@@RoadKing05FLHR I’ve never seen a dealership that would take you in for service without having an appt. it just doesn’t work that way. If that was how they did it they’d be swamped and never get anything done. Or your bike would sit there all day waiting for them to get a time slot open to do it lol. They don’t have 50 techs just sitting around waiting for people to drive in for service. Lol
I agree 100%...It should come with standard crash bars! Great review and now I have some info to take back to the dealer and see what they're reaction is when I bring up some of these points.
I have owned both. 2015 Road Glide then the 2020 Challenger and this year went back to 2021 Road Glide. For me it was style more than anything. I felt like the Challenger was a great performing bike just lacked style (my opinion before everyone tires to jump on my back) you have your's I'm entitled to mine). Both great bikes in different ways. I grew up in the HD family so I suppose for me there is some degree of brand loyalty. Oh and BTW there is resale to consider!
When you were talking about the throttle response, what ride mode was the bike in? That’s makes a HUGE different. Touring mode will have a massive delay to keep a level power band, standard mode a little less, and sport mode should be the most responsive
The cost is comparable within $10-$20 if you’re adding front and rear. But my friend waited 3 months for his. Mine were here in 3 days. He also waited months for a tour pack. Mine was here in 3 weeks. He has had his bike back in the shop twice already for issues running correctly. Apparently had something to do with the tune they did. The dealer network and parts availability is very slim in his experience. Also had to go to two different dealers before he got any decent service while shopping and to get a test ride. Obviously that will vary wildly dealer to dealer. Polaris makes a good bike, but has a long way to go on the back end in my eyes. For me, Paint, fit and finish, cheap feeling plastic, resale value, gimmicky BS, and let’s not forget the god-awful looks. Yeah. I’m happy here I’m at.
@@DOHC91GLI Well, I got rid of my Harleys becuase I got tired of them breaking down all the time.I would travel a 100 miles pass many dealers due to how bad the service department were on the dealer near me. Got tire of the my brakes and clutch giving out on hot summer days. I live in South Florida and commute everyday. The stock suspension is garbage. Harley run hot and like shit in stock configuration. I never heard of a company that makes a product and pitches you to buy the extended warranty with the fear that it will break down, thus Dealer support network. By the way, have you heard about the M8 Oil sumping issue that Harley will never fix becuase they know their fan boy customers will upgrade it to the S&S part. Does this sound familiar -"Yes, This part failed, we can install the same part back in but it will most likely fail again down the road, but if you install the stage 2 or CVO version it will be golden. That's why my 15 plus years of Harley ownership will be no more.
I have owned 2 Street Glides and 3 recent year Road Glides....Just bought a 2023 Challenger. Love it....far superior in ride, handling, electronics, modern features, etc
Nice overview and comparison. I'm still leaning towards the Indian Challenger myself, mainly for the little nit-picks and personal preferences that you didn't like ( Turn signal switch, Water cooled, Windshield). To each their own, stay safe!
@@RyanUrlacher You dont look like a young Guy...So i can talk real with you...Ive owned Metrics...a Victory...and 2 HD's...I am not impressed with electronic gadgets...I only look at the Basics of what Motorcycles are...If Indian makes a Bike with A plain windshield Leatherhard Bags with the Challenger Engine....Comprable to the Hertiage Classic Softail for under 20K...I would consider switching...
Ryan I studied this thing for a year its got its pros and cons like all makes. What I didn't do before buying the exact model and color your testing was check the accessories and prices. They are ridiculous on there prices ie: rear sissy bar and back rest 900.00 ?? Then the other stuff crash bars passenger foot boards etc. And the limited amou!nt of accessories. But it rides great very comfy. 47 years riding HDs. I traded my 17 Tri - Glide in on the Indian, HD Tri-glide biggest pos I ever owned.Thank you Ryan for your review and your service!!!
In one of your documentaries Big Daddy rides a Chieftain and says he wants to compare it to his Harley, is there a video of his thoughts after that trip?
Loved the video. Good work. Test rode both HD RGS and the Challenger summer of '20. Ended up with HD. Different overall feel. The engine and transmission sounds, the vibration on the bars and the seat. Liked Harley better. Never rode HD or Indian before. Or any cruisers. Now I understand the Harley culture.
I test rode the Challenger and loved it. I owned Road Glides for 10 years but I really liked the Challenger a lot. It was much better in some ways but HD still has a few pros in its corner too. There isn't a clear winner, it all comes down to what the riders priorities are IMHO.
I love how you showed the TCS irl because most people doing reviews dont do it so you have to find out yourself as soon as you have the bike. :) thx for this nice vid and infos
You absolutely can't go wrong with a Victory. By the way the Challenger was designed and patented by Victory Motorcycle. But then they developed the original Chief / Chieftain line as well, right down to the art deco R2D2 fairing on the old tube steel framed Victory Touring Cruiser platform which was discontinued in 2006, so they've been around for a minute.
Ryan, I consider myself a newbie in the riding. I only log about 30k a year on two wheels, the past 10 years or so. Learning from guys like you with so much more experiance is always a blessing. Thank you for all you do to keep us thinking, informed and connected with the good gear. I have an HD street glide special in the US. I ride a BMW 1200 and a Honda 750NCS as a city bike in Europe where I live primarly and your content is so helpful. I am sorry for the jerks who will hate on this video becuase you rode something other than the “true” american iron horse. Riding is a lifestyle, and I absolutely love how you model that for us younger riders. Blessings brother and keep up the great content. I will agree with some of the comments you seem a bit slanted toward the Harley, but hey ….. I am tilted toward my smaller lighter bike in Athens Greece for lane spliting! You were very honest that your opinion was your opinion. Thanks for the review.
Thank you so much for the kind words. They are truly appreciated! Ride safe & Ride Often! Check out this RUclips Channel as we have a ton of free videos for you! Check out our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos BECOME AN ECXLUSIVE MEMBER-GET BENEFITS: www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon Leave a flat donation: www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate Shop in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store: shop.lawabidingbiker.com Subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast: www.lawabidingbiker.com/app Join our free email club: www.lawabidingbiker.com/emailclub
I have a 2020 Roadmaster. There is no charge ever for GPS. There is charge after 2 years only if want to keep the live traffic and live weather overlay which I believe HD also does not even offer.
Rented a big Indian once. The 2 things I liked were the saddlebags that locked with the clicker like virtually every car made in the last 20 years and I also liked the electric windshield that goes up & down. That said, I have a Harley and will probably not be switching
Good review Ryan. As for the Harley audio system id rather have an aftermarket system installed than the boom box. I have friends with both and the boom box guys would get aftermarket if they had to do it again. Myself, I was in a toss-up between buying a Harley heritage classic V107 or the Indian super chief limited. I test rode them both & I ended up getting a 2020 harley heritage classic V107 in vivid black. The Indian is beautiful and rode nicely. I don't have anything bad to say about the bike but my dream bike was a harley and finally got a brand new one. If i thought the Indian all around rode better it would have been a very tough decision but it didn't ride better. My issue with Indian itself is the lack of dealerships.
Did you deactivate the rear cylinder deactivation for the throttle blip?... it is a feature to help with rear cylinder heat when stuck in traffic...It completely shuts off the rear cylinder at idle. But you can deactivate it in the menus.
I just recently upgraded from a 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 to a 2016 Indian Roadmaster with a 111 cubic inch engine, and I have no regrets. Also, I watch a lot of motorcycle content, and your stuff is by far the most cinematic and has the highest production quality of any channel I watch, excluding the channels ran by the big motorcycle brands or stores. I appreciate all you do for the biking community. I am subscribed to your channel and your podcast. Keep up the good work.
@@RyanUrlacher huh, i was always a harley guy and went to indian this year and i am in love, i have a 2020 roadmaster darkhorse, after watching your video i did that with mine and my response was immediate but who knows. love your vids!
You do a bike evaluation like I do! Great job. Great bike too. Just, well, not a Harley. I came from many, many years on a gold wing. Oddly the Indian touring bikes remind me a lot of what the wings used to be. The Harley has some huge disappointments (suspension etc) but there are numerous aftermarket fixes.
g'day from down under, great review mate, honest and straight to the point, best review on the challenger i have seen in a while. I love the look of the challenger, but love my harley more!
My #1 complaint on my '19 H-D RoadGlide Special is the factory speakers. For the price point of this bike, the speaker volume are total crap. Volume / power is woefully inadequate if you are moving past 45 mph. At highway speeds I just turn it off. The speakers are too far forward for the set up and output. With a 3/4 or full face helmet, don't bother turning it on. This bike should come standard with an updated Boom amp and speakers and 4 of them. I am running the Stage 1 kit with SE slip ons so that is not the cause of the speaker quality.
Now this I can agree on. I had to upgrade my system to a HogTunes kit that has 2 front speakers and a 2x200 amp (which also powers the rear speakers but you lose the fader) and I separately purchased rear speakers for the Tour Pak and installed myself (easy). All in all I had to fork out $900 and $200 for a total of $1100 out-of-pocket to upgrade the useless stock audio.
The service v coats regarding navigation is for the cellular based weather and traffic services as part of the navigation. You do NOT have to pay to keep navigation on the higher trim models.
@@RyanUrlacher obviously you are VERY BIASED and like the harley wobbleson better who cares . same old PROBLEMS , SUMPING ISSUES, BAD CAM PLATE cheaply made cast design . so you have to spend thousands of dollars to fix harleys mistakes cause they know you will . poor in denial H.D . guy's
I ride both an Indian and a Harley, both are terrific bikes, but the ownership experience of Harley is much better. Not only are there more dealers, if you have an issue on the road, there are a lot more independent mechanics who will work on Harley as well. Indian dealerships also seem to have less corporate oversight than Harley, so there is less consistency among them. H.O.G. is a large and active group, IMRG gets no corporate and little dealer support, and doesn't really do much in most areas. Bike for bike, both are great. Company for company, I think Indian still has a lot of work to do.
Is that a 2020? If so do the firmware update and the gps will work better. My honest opinion... hands down the challenger is better then the roadglide and streetglide. There's no comparison unless confirmation bias is influencing the buyers decision. I was in the market for a new bike. Tried both Harley street glide and road glide and the cheiftain dark horse. All 3 felt small but the Cheiftain was a better motorcycle then the harleys. I'm 6 feet. When i rode the challenger it was amazing. The challenger does have room for improvement. I agree with your take on the throttle response. It can be improved. Lloydz has that solved with the Ecu flash but that's an extra $600. On the flip side Harleys have bigger issues with crank runout, sump issues, etc. Not to mention harley changed their crank runout specs as to minimize warranty claims. Harley doesn't value their riders. By the time you reach their runout specs for warranty your out of warranty. Misinformation or confirmation bias is the name of the game if someone buys a harley. It is the lesser bike in 2021...by a longshot. Harlys do have beautiful paint jobs. I'll give them that.
I rode a Challenger last year out of curiosity. It actually was pretty smooth with lots of power. I couldn't get over the looks, very plasticky and the controls looked just like those from the Polaris Slingshot.
I thought the windshield was gimmicky too at first, but after thousands of miles I use it everyday. Up on the highway down in town. I am running a Klockwerks Windshield which I love the looks of.
I test rode the challenger last week to look at whether I would buy one. Even though it was well balance and the power was there, I felt the bike felt kinda cheapy. The harley felt alot better but of course not as performance of the challenger. If I would spend that much money, for me, I would buy the Harley.
Your right about that, your going to to love what you love, but this bike is different from any bike you’ve ever ridden, I purchased one of the first ones delivered.
The Indian Challenger is liquid cooled and the jugs and heads are like the scout with larger cubic inch displacement. Also the windshield is adjustable for wind buffering.
At the end of the day, I still prefer Harley. On a preference issue, I'm in the Niagara Falls, Ont area and I believe the closest Indian is 2 hours away... that's a turn off for me..
My opinion is that at this level of quality there are no bad bikes. All bikes in this segment are superb. The support and technical assistance though is another chapter and relevant limitations or not, but if you choose a bike difficult to be assisted, one day things that could be easy to fix, can turn ugly. I go for the looks and riding sensations but reliability is key on this machines.
Great review. Indian makes a good looking bike. As you have said,I wouldn’t give up my Harley, but I’d have one of each if money were no object! Thanks, Ryan!
Currently a '15 RGS owner (previously had '98 & '09 RG). I was interested in Challenger for awhile now, but did nothing about it. Now I want to know about Pursuit; what can you share on Pursuit?
The Polaris “Indian” bikes are great in that they push Harley to up their game. The 2021 Harley lineup is really solid in large part due to the competition.
@@talkingrock7011 I have always preferred the cable clutch. For some reason it’s smoother for me than the hydraulic one. Also, I like the retro feeling
@@frank118 I’ve ridden with a cable clutch since 1970 and changed to a hydraulic in 2009 and perfectly happy and would never go back to a cable but that’s just me
I enjoy welding and working on my bike as much as I do riding it. I just can't see that happening with an Indian or lots of other bikes. I use a 6 inch adjustable wrench for a spark plug wrench on my HD and I have totally stripped the frame, engine and transmission and most of the wiring and rebuilt it in the parking space in front of my apartment. I just don't see that happening with a lot of other bikes. Yea it is a little clunky and I have to use all the riding skills to ride it but to me that is all part of the love.
Harley has great bikes, they are not as good as the challenger. I own a Harley, rode plenty of them but the challenger is just a better bike for the price and is also more updated. 2021 stock challenger will smoke that crate 131 Harley has. I witnessed it on more than one occasion with more than one 131 lol. The bike is meant to run higher rpms, it’s not working harder just where it should be. Harley is on the lower side of rpms and if that’s what you are used to I can see why you would say that.
The radio mute is WAY easier than my Harley. Just press the left toggle that has the music note. And you can access the entire command system with all the toggles. There are 2 in front and 2 behind. I’ve had 3 Harleys oil sump and ruin all 3 engines. Until that is completely fixed I’m not buying another. Oh and I LOVE that my windshield is motorized. Not “gimmicky” in the least........
Ryan, I like your content and follow all of your videos but you never mentioned any of the features on the bike that Harley does not have. It's supposed to be a side by side comparison. Performance, technology, and features like being liquid cooled, having locking saddle bags, adjustable windshield, inverted front shocks, mono shock in the rear, LED lights front and rear, and bluetooth headset capable that does not require another harley purchase or installation part. I came from years of riding Harley bikes, especially their baggers, having owned multiple Street Glide Specials and Road Glides. I have never owned or even looked at an Indian until the Challenger came out. After one demo ride I was sold, and traded by new SGS for the Challenger that day. It is hands down the best bagger on the market. The 108 engine competes and outperforms the Harley's 114 and the 117 CVO models. I wouldn't dismiss it so quickly. It's getting awesome reviews and increasing sales. The throttle response issue you described can easily be fixed with a tune. These bikes are not cable driven.. New technology, it's all ride by wire software driven. Aftermarket items have also caught up to the point there are tons of options for bars, seats, windshields, floor board, pegs, lights, and anything else a rider needs. And this bike needs very little to make it nicer. All the things you would change on a Harley have already been improved in this bike. I'm sold. Haven't looked back. Like Harleys but love the Indian.
I had a Road King Classic for nine years, it was in isolation a great bike but up against any competition the touring chassis Harley just hasn’t got what it takes. Yes I rode it a lot and well and I managed to round up less experienced riders often but this has little to do with the Harley being good and more to do with me being able to ride around it’s shortcomings. One ride on the Indian had me super excited until I saw the sticker price! In recent times the Indians have copied HD’s pricing policy (those are rookie numbers, get those numbers up!!!) Ultimately I saved 10k and bought a German Tourer that runs rings around most bikes.
3 words. Dealer support network. I can always find a HD dealer around the next corner, not so much with Indian. Also, check out the part cost difference$$$$$.
@@joevsfood your funny! Obviously, LOL you are the CFO, for both Harley and Indian. Oh wait, that's right your the CEO and have full disclosure access to their business plans. LOL what a stupid and unqualified comment.
As a retired HD mechanic,I am not a big fan of the Milwaukee 8 engine,I love my Evo's.I was interested in checking out the Indian, but due to you're video,I have changed my mine.
Windshield isn;t gimmicky at all. Had one on my Victory Vision over a decade ago and was one of my favorite features. Put a low flip up shield on it that would throw all the air/bugs/water/etc. over the rider when deployed but if you wanted the air stream on a hot summer day you could put it all the way down.
I'll tell you what. I've had plenty of rides with guys I know with Harleys, people come up to look at our bikes, don't give a damn about the HDs with the Indian sitting there.
@@RyanUrlacher Wrong mode for that. You need to ride the bike for a week next time and try a Roadmaster that bike will make you switch if your being honest with yourself. Harley ergonomics are for guys under 6ft so maybe that makes a difference as you seem on the short side my husband is 6 ft 5 and was cramped on the Harley and looked kind of silly on it.
From my experience I've owned both Harleys n Indians n I can tell u the Indian was a better built product from engine to trans to suspension overall..not like the M8 oil trans migration n multiple issues on my former 17' RGU..complete disappointment for sure n expensive mistake!!..Ride Safe!!
@@bradhardy2629 I need the number so that I can call cause I want to buy a Harley but I want one of these 10 that you're testing out my number is 218-969-0029 my name is Michael Mize and I just want a nice roll grain or super glad wrong name wrong getting out on the road and old style you're on my team there are 2007 2006 looked at 60 transmission that's what I'm looking for a mate
I have a 2020 EG FLHTP and a 2021 Challenger.... I'm enjoying the challenger as it's great out of the box.. I'm not spending time fixing the harley shortcomings with aftermarket solutions.. I'm just riding it and not caring.. the EG I'm probably double the money making it the way i want.. just my opinion
I am a Harley guy... but we are shopping around for a bike for my wife... she sat on a scout bobber and loved it. At 6’ 4”, I actually could ride it. I also sat on a dark bourse that was built out... not bad bikes. I will always own my Ultra Limited, but I do foresee an Indian in my garage too.
I can feel and understand your affinity for Harley, and rightfully so. You are 100% spot on when comparing the plastic covers to the natural open look of the Harley. I have owned both an Ultra Classic and a Victory Vision, and I felt the same way, but in my case because the Ultra was a 1999 with nearly 100k miles when I got rid of it, the Vision rode like a sports bike, and the Harley was like riding an accordion. I have since also test rode a Harley Road Glide, and I really like that bike a LOT. I would love to ride them back to back one day, but if the Indian rides anything like the Victory Vision , then I might be torn. The Vision is a bike that is totally unique in it's looks (I call it ugly), but it has been absolutely trouble free and fits me like a glove. So while you have a bias towards the Harley after spending so much time with it, and I imagine it is like an old pair of boots for you, the same holds true for me with the Victory so I would likely be bias towards the Indian.
Triumph owner here wise move; you'll going to love Triumph- keep up with your scheduled maintenance and you will not have problems. Triumph is all about speed and torque!!
@@safelyanonymous5717 Agreed. I have a 2014 675R as a trackday only bike and i couldn't be happier! I wouldn't trade it for any other middle weight bike thats for sure.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Ryan, I'm a Challenger owner, former Street Glide owner. The Challenger is hands down the better bike for performance, handling and value. The GPS works without paying for it. What you have to pay for is the weather overlay and traffic if you want it.
This is not a review, this is a comparison between the Indian Challenger and the Harley Road Glide. I think it sounded very bias towards the Harley, sorry Ryan.
Agreed, the challenger is a better bike for the price in my opinion.
I 100% agree.
Correct. When you're downplaying obvious benefits of one versus the other it no longer is a comparison.
Polaris is in the same league as are all the japanese brands. Harleys are precious metals 😂😂
Yeah... He said "this is my opinion".
I own a 19 Street Glide. If I had to chose between a Road Glide and a Challenger, I'd chose the Challenger. For big guys the ergonomics on Indians is better. The Indian feels more balanced.
Not to mention price' and POWER!
And features like key fob for saddle bags, windshield that goes up and down etc.
@@renatooi88If you want an up down windshield on a harley. That will be 5k please.
@@Kashmirknight Exactly 😂
Nice to have enough power to pass too.
Ryan. The challenger comes with CarPlay. Why bother using the baked in gps when you can use Apple maps or Google maps?
Because Google Maps and Apple Maps do not have some of the route filters that are needed for motorcycles like avoid unpaved roads.
@@jam471975 You can use Google Map Maker and filter out unpaved roads.
Plus, there are other map apps available that have more options than either Indian or Harley, like TomTom - which you can use with Apple Car Play or Android Auto.
Plus using CarPlay uses your phone for service not gps. So if you don’t have cell service you don’t have gps. With gps you will never lose service no matter where you are. I use my phone for gps and connect to my helmet headset and there are lots of times I don’t have cell signal so I have no gps. Dedicated gps is always better.
@@joedangelo5640 you do realize that Google map maker went end-of-life in 2017 right? And it would be pretty difficult to use Google map maker when you're on the bike. Most of the time I uses maps is randomly when I'm already on the bike. As much as I hate Harley Maps there is just somethings it does better than other mapping app.
@@jam471975 sorry... "My Maps" by Google. And, you can import gpx files. Plus, like I said before - TomTom app works with carplay.
Beyond that, the navigation on an Indian is free for life, you pay (after 2 years) for the weather and traffic updates.
Indian/Polaris is definitely testing my loyalty to Harley! Each bike they come out with gets better and better! The Challenger, the 22 Chief ... I think Indian is winning the non-Harley purchaser that Harley, because of their aging base, needs to capture!
problem is how long before they go bye bye like victory?
@@AC16 they won't Polaris has deep pockets n Indian is a marquee name that they can build on..good luck Harley ..😀
@@AC16 Victory was never really successful. Unlike HD, Indian is turning a profit and increasing market share every year.
How do you know this? Polaris never reveals their profit with the Indian. They list all of their products as Powersports.
@@alfonsodennis8450 They release their profits in every 10-k, they just don't release unit sales numbers.
Both Iconic brand names - yeah - I know the story! But I’ve had 5 Harleys - enjoyed ‘em…..but I’m giving Indian a shot because I like their approach, attitude and styling so far 😎
Did you get your Indian yet? I got a Springfield Vintage Dark Horse and it’s my favorite bike I’ve had…by far.
Forgot to mention that Indian Challenger has top of the line front investors suspensions , a mono rear suspension which help the geometry of the bike when taking corners, plus top of the line brembo break, oilcooler so that engine won't cook your legs on a long trip, and yes I want power on my Touring bike because when I'm riding with my wife and our bags I definitely need power to move that weight .
Exactly, he completely skipped everything that makes the Challenger perform better than the RG in every way. I care more about the engine, suspension, brakes, chassis, more so than navigation. This guy is clearly a HD fan and that's fine, but lay all the facts on the table.
Love the channel. Thanks.
Lots and lots of cons in your review. Frankly, the electronic screen, ride modes and suspension are far superior. I was also surprised with your assessment of the brakes. I don’t think there is a comparison between the two and hope Harley upgrades and invests further.
Lastly, I’m 6’5” and the Indian seat is so superior. Also love their tank. The tear drop is a tired, tired design.
hmm my factory Brembos havent give me any negatives yet, hope they dont. 19 Ultra Limited....as far as performance the Goldwing will spank both.
@@waynephillips5741 Happy with factory Brembos too
-------------------- a tired tired tired design is having only 2 cylinders.....a Indian of 1940 or a Henderson of 1930 were american motorcycles that a HD could NEVER measure up to ....to this day.... hey Ryan ....V- twin .... two too few....period.
@@waynephillips5741 They spank hard too 😂. I've been looking at those F6Bs. Man, good looking long azz bikes. I didn't like the style change in 18 as much but they're still really beautiful machines.
I change the windshield height on my Roadmaster almost every ride. I can look over it or through it depending on conditions. It's like you have 6 windshields in one so why would you need aftermarket ?
I'll never go back to a fixed shield.
Virtually every manufacturer that offers a touring line puts power shield on as standard. HONDA, BMW, KAWASAKI, YAMAHA, INDIAN, VICTORY.
Agreed , its about knees in the breeze no matter the make. Also agree HD has a much more established dealer network.
I used the power window on every ride on my Roadmaster, and I use the power window on my Challenger every ride. It's only a "gimmick" until you ride with one through a thunderstorm on a highway, and then go back into stop and go traffic in a city.
@@danielstewart7732 agreed! My passenger loves it too. at full up, Causes the air to go over her helmet instead of punching her in the face. Another scenario , go through a pressure/temp change and fog collects on the shield. The ONLY people that I EVER heard dismiss the power shield, ride a brand that doesn't offer them. Yeah, it's a big deal. Btw, there is only one brand that makes a touring line that doesn't offer it. Ride modes are also a big deal. I never thought I would say that before I had ride modes. (again, only one brand dragging their feet on this feature)
I actually had one on an older Honda. Never used it. Just left it up. I prefer to get a more precise windshield with proper flow for me. Just my opinion and experience as stated.
@@RyanUrlacher you're entitled to that brother
I am a french biker and I can tell you that I will never buy an other bike than Harley, I'll love it since twenty years now, I am 62 years old, I own three Harleys and I hope they will drive me till the end of my life...
Harley for ever... for ever Harley...
Thank you Ryan for your videos .
Yeah, Harley Davidson preys on people like you lol
@@joevsfood 👍
@@carolinarider5237 no disrespect brother. I have four Harleys. But I just switched to Indian and I am not looking back.
@@joevsfood none taken. I'm agreeing with you. If I ever buy other bike it will a Indian.
@@joevsfood and @Carolina Rider, no disrespect too, I prefer Hraley for the look, the rumble, the tradition and the customisation possibilities...
I own an Indian and a Harley. The Indian has had 1 malfunction in four years, and the Harley has had 5 malfunctions in six months. In addition, despite the longer operating history, Harley service techs. are clueless, and Harley HQ could care less about their customer's. What I'm saying is not news to anyone, it's just that I now have experienced it first hand.
Had several bikes in the past like Yamaha 1900, Stratoliner. than I tested HD Road glide and street glide, but after I tested Indian Chieftain limited I falling in love with Indian. Very nice handling and smooth driving 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤘🏼
And you have power to pass more than one car at a time.
The boombox is not only touch screen. There are manual controls as well. I went back and forth between the two bikes as well before I made my decision to go with a 2019 Road Glide Special. The 114 with a Stage II torque cam and a suspension upgrade to Legends (front and rear) performs just as well. I couldn't get away from the HD community, the waaaaaay bigger support system in terms of dealerships on long hauls. Finally, the style (personal preference) just "did it for me" with the HD. I was/am a big fan of the Challenger and think Indian has a great product. But I just love my Road Glide. Stay safe, brother.
The new Boom Box GTS (2019 and newer) is all touch screen. As mentioned, there are toggles on each handlebar. The older Boom Box had touch screen and soft buttons.
@@RyanUrlacher yeah man, I made that comment just before you mentioned the toggles, to which is what I was referring. My bad. Safe safe brother.
But…as you say, had to add aftermarket cams and suspension to “perform just as well”. For the price Harley wants, shouldn’t have to shell out potentially thousands to rise to Indian’s bar. And this is coming from an Ultra Limited owner.
Great review, couple comments
1. Nav will always work even after 2 years. The two year limit you spoke about is for the Weather and Traffic overlay on the nav.
2. You can run the touch screen from the bars there are toggles on the back side of the controls on your trigger fingers.
3. You can Bluetooth & WiFi sync nav maps.
Look forward to hearing what you think after a long time review.
The standard does not come with navigation. It throws a screen asking you to contact the dealer.
@@RyanUrlacher Yeah, the nav on the base is an upgrade...$500 I think. Admittedly, I have 2018 Chieftain with Nav and after 3 years I have yet to even use it other than to watch for hard curves on unknown roads.
@@RyanUrlacher You can purchase the GPS for additional $500 on the base model. The subscription you are referring to is for Live weather overlay and Live traffic after 2 yrs.
I'm glad someone mentioned this. Pay-to-play premium services are pretty standard, two years to decide if you like it and want to pay for it. I love my RM, but I really wish Indian would give a Satellite Radio option, I think that is my biggest gripe with the setup.
This was very well made great job!! You missed many things tho..
The triggers on the bars to help navigate the ride command.
There is a ton of aftermarket windshields and other stuff
Crash bars only come on limited
The extra cost on navigation is for live weather and live traffic use..
To get the limited in HD (power, locking bags, rdrs ext) you would have to buy the CVO..
GREAT JOB THOUGHT I WOULD CLEAR SOME OF THAT UP..
Exactly. Hope his audience reads comments to get the facts straight.
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better!!
@@GiancarloBenzina , Can’t agree, I’ve owned and ridden Harleys since 1972. Both for pleasure and work.
Made it through the time when AMF had their foot on Harley-Davidson, until they got away from AMF with the help of then President Regan.
I’m glad to see both Indian and Harley-Davidson both on American roads. It’s good for the country that they are.
I ride a 2017 Indian road master now and have 41 thousand trouble free seasonal miles on it so far and I’m pretty sure 50 thousand miles will be on the odometer by this fall.
Polaris/Indian has only been in existence for 7 model years.
They are doing a terrific job with their line up of bikes.
I get questionnaires from Indian every year asking what they can do to improve their line of motorcycles.
I like that. It’s good business.
It’s been a tough year for HD.
They dropped their CVO line this year and didn’t come out with their 2021 model line until January/February of this year.
However, I don’t want Harley-Davidson to go under! On the contrary, I want them to do well and thrive even.
Like is said, it’s good for America that two historical and well known iconic American names are back on American roads together again👍
I don’t have a challenger or road glide but I traded my ultra for a Road Master. The Indian has a so much better ride I had to trade. Glad I did!!
have heard the same from many harley riders who have moved to indian they all rave about the ride is so much better than their harley
I rode the new roadmaster limited today at a demo ride. It did feel and ride nice. It felt tiny compared to my ultra limited. The infotainment screen was moving up and down during the ride which was concerning to me. Grabbed it with my hand but it felt tight? It did ride well a little bit stiff. The power was good but not as smooth as my ultra limited. Not enough of a difference for me to trade.
@@harryhowell5644 You can adjust the air suspension.
FYI you mentioned you had a problem muting the sound system if you press the volume button straight in once it mutes and unmutes the system. I purchased this exact bike last September and some of my input goes as follows. The throttle is terrible for low speed maneuvers and most will be holding the throttle a little high and using the clutch to modulate a little more but once on the highway the throttle is good. I give the edge to Harley on that on definitely. This bike because of the power and suspension components pushes into a sport tourer category I feel the Chieftain line is more comparable to the Harley touring bikes. There is definitely more feedback from the engine especially at speed but that is because the engine is rigid mounted where as the Harley is balanced and rubber mounted definitely a smoother ride on the Harley. The infotainment center on the base model Challenger whether or not its a software issue or processor is slow and glitchy. As far as the windshield goes totally not glitchy, I use it constantly its awesome, I too had my doubts live with it for more than one ride and you will be a believer. One final note the biggest draw to this bike for me was suspension and handling, there is absolutely no comparison between a stock Harley touring bike and Indian the suspension, ride and handling are just superior I came off a 2017 Road Glide and until I invested in some Ohlins which made it better but no where near as good as a stock Indian.
Great video! I respect what Indian is putting on the road but there will never be a replacement for a Harley!
your maintenance costs will always be way higher then the Indian , Guaranteed .
Brad, that's been proven to be bunk. Cost of maintenance and repair of the baggers, Indian to Harley, is higher for Indian.
Great video and great work, Ryan. It’s videos like this - and a significant number of views - that force Indian, and subsequently Harley, to make a better product. Great way to use your voice. Thanks!
I appreciate that!
You are wrong. You can control the complete functions of the ride command without touch screen. You have the trigger buttons as well.
I like HD Breakout a lot. So, I went to visit a local HD dealership and they wanted to charge me a lot over MSRP. So, I eventually bought a 1/12 scale model and I have become a happy owner now ever since.
Outstanding video angles! I owned a 2020 Harley Electra standard and after installing three different sets of performance mufflers, stage one download, stage on air filter assembly, and after test riding a stock Indian Challenger my Harley 107 engine felt anemic in comparison. I traded my 2020 Electra Glide Standard in at the Harley dealership for a used 2019, Road Glide Ultra with a 114-inch engine in it. Even after a Woods cam, dyno-tuned Power Vision, fuel tuner, Fuel Moto, RTX two into one exhaust, Ventilator air filter, the stock Challenger felt ' SO MUCH FASTER ' from 3,500-4,000 RPMs. , gains RPM's much faster than my 114-inch Harley, easier to pick up off of the side stand, and I can take a curve much faster than I can on my 2019 Road Glide Ultra. The mono-shock on the Challenger is made by Fox and has more travel and rides over rough roads much better than a 2020 Harley Road Glide. The inverted forks on the Challenger take fast curves much better than the 2020 Road Glide.
better bike for less money. My Harley wobbles when I go 70 mph and I hit a sharp bump. Its little scary.
@@mrsvetly On my Dyna, yours might be the same, the rear Swingarm is bolted to the engin/transmission. Not the Frame. Thats INSANE. I wish i noticed that before i bought or i never would have. When the engine mounts wear out the rear wheel moves around like crazy and becomes DANGEROUS. Check your motor mounts...
Test rode the Challenger and then the RGS after meeting with you in Sturgis last year. Stayed with Harley but traded in 2 of my bikes to get the Road Glide Limited. Bumped up to the 131 kit before taking delivery and it’s a beast.
I bet! My dad has a '12 Ultra Classic with the 120R. Dyno'd at 141 hp and 140 ft-lbs, which moves that bike really well. Most fun bagger I've ridden.
Is it still together?
@@rickseibel5904 my dad's 120R is, still running great.
Any words on support?
One of the best things about touring on a Harley is pulling into the nearest dealership for tires and oil change. No appointment needed.
I talk about it in the video. Check it out
No appt needed? Idk what Harley dealers you go to but I’ve never seen one that doesn’t need an appt for service lmao.
@@coop4274 all over the country. I've never made an appointment.
Have you noticed how many Harley Davidson dealerships have close this past year?
@@RoadKing05FLHR I’ve never seen a dealership that would take you in for service without having an appt. it just doesn’t work that way. If that was how they did it they’d be swamped and never get anything done. Or your bike would sit there all day waiting for them to get a time slot open to do it lol. They don’t have 50 techs just sitting around waiting for people to drive in for service. Lol
3 Drive modes with stability control with IMU STANDARD for safety. Which includes cornering ABS and Cornering Traction control.
I agree 100%...It should come with standard crash bars! Great review and now I have some info to take back to the dealer and see what they're reaction is when I bring up some of these points.
👍
@@RyanUrlacher I really appreciate your responses. 👍
Switched from a 2015 harley street glide special to a 2019 Indian chieftain limited and no regrets.
A 2019 street glide would be a big upgrade too lol
I have owned both. 2015 Road Glide then the 2020 Challenger and this year went back to 2021 Road Glide. For me it was style more than anything. I felt like the Challenger was a great performing bike just lacked style (my opinion before everyone tires to jump on my back) you have your's I'm entitled to mine). Both great bikes in different ways. I grew up in the HD family so I suppose for me there is some degree of brand loyalty. Oh and BTW there is resale to consider!
When you were talking about the throttle response, what ride mode was the bike in? That’s makes a HUGE different. Touring mode will have a massive delay to keep a level power band, standard mode a little less, and sport mode should be the most responsive
It was in Sport mode. As good as it gets.
U mention no crashbar etc, but u don't mention how much it costs to get the same HP comparison to the Challeger!
The cost is comparable within $10-$20 if you’re adding front and rear. But my friend waited 3 months for his. Mine were here in 3 days. He also waited months for a tour pack. Mine was here in 3 weeks. He has had his bike back in the shop twice already for issues running correctly. Apparently had something to do with the tune they did. The dealer network and parts availability is very slim in his experience. Also had to go to two different dealers before he got any decent service while shopping and to get a test ride. Obviously that will vary wildly dealer to dealer. Polaris makes a good bike, but has a long way to go on the back end in my eyes. For me, Paint, fit and finish, cheap feeling plastic, resale value, gimmicky BS, and let’s not forget the god-awful looks. Yeah. I’m happy here I’m at.
@@DOHC91GLI Well, I got rid of my Harleys becuase I got tired of them breaking down all the time.I would travel a 100 miles pass many dealers due to how bad the service department were on the dealer near me. Got tire of the my brakes and clutch giving out on hot summer days. I live in South Florida and commute everyday. The stock suspension is garbage. Harley run hot and like shit in stock configuration. I never heard of a company that makes a product and pitches you to buy the extended warranty with the fear that it will break down, thus Dealer support network. By the way, have you heard about the M8 Oil sumping issue that Harley will never fix becuase they know their fan boy customers will upgrade it to the S&S part. Does this sound familiar -"Yes, This part failed, we can install the same part back in but it will most likely fail again down the road, but if you install the stage 2 or CVO version it will be golden. That's why my 15 plus years of Harley ownership will be no more.
You didn't talk about the differences in Liquid cooled vs the Air cooled? This is why I watch your clips!!! Outstanding!!!
pretty sure their is 2 more triggers on the backside of the controls you missed for navigating and using the stuff on the screen as well!
I have owned 2 Street Glides and 3 recent year Road Glides....Just bought a 2023 Challenger. Love it....far superior in ride, handling, electronics, modern features, etc
Nice overview and comparison. I'm still leaning towards the Indian Challenger myself, mainly for the little nit-picks and personal preferences that you didn't like ( Turn signal switch, Water cooled, Windshield). To each their own, stay safe!
Challenger is a great bike.
@@RyanUrlacher You dont look like a young Guy...So i can talk real with you...Ive owned Metrics...a Victory...and 2 HD's...I am not impressed with electronic gadgets...I only look at the Basics of what Motorcycles are...If Indian makes a Bike with A plain windshield Leatherhard Bags with the Challenger Engine....Comprable to the Hertiage Classic Softail for under 20K...I would consider switching...
Ryan I studied this thing for a year its got its pros and cons like all makes. What I didn't do before buying the exact model and color your testing was check the accessories and prices. They are ridiculous on there prices ie: rear sissy bar and back rest 900.00 ?? Then the other stuff crash bars passenger foot boards etc. And the limited amou!nt of accessories. But it rides great very comfy. 47 years riding HDs. I traded my 17 Tri - Glide in on the Indian, HD Tri-glide biggest pos I ever owned.Thank you Ryan for your review and your service!!!
Thanks for the comments Dave.
What was wrong with the triglide?
That scenery is amazing!😎
Amazing indeed. Where did you shoot the video? Thanks.
In one of your documentaries Big Daddy rides a Chieftain and says he wants to compare it to his Harley, is there a video of his thoughts after that trip?
Loved the video. Good work. Test rode both HD RGS and the Challenger summer of '20. Ended up with HD. Different overall feel. The engine and transmission sounds, the vibration on the bars and the seat. Liked Harley better. Never rode HD or Indian before. Or any cruisers. Now I understand the Harley culture.
Thanks for sharing!
Cool to go slow great womans bike.
Not sure but I think that charge after 2 years is for the weather over lay, no charge for GPS
You are correct. They don’t charge for navigation.
Correct. Traffic, weather etc you'll be charged. And the standard model doesn't some with GPS.
I test rode the Challenger and loved it. I owned Road Glides for 10 years but I really liked the Challenger a lot. It was much better in some ways but HD still has a few pros in its corner too. There isn't a clear winner, it all comes down to what the riders priorities are IMHO.
👍
I love how you showed the TCS irl because most people doing reviews dont do it so you have to find out yourself as soon as you have the bike. :) thx for this nice vid and infos
I couldn't decide between the HD or Challenger. So I bought a Victory cross country.
Nice!
Good choice
You absolutely can't go wrong with a Victory. By the way the Challenger was designed and patented by Victory Motorcycle. But then they developed the original Chief / Chieftain line as well, right down to the art deco R2D2 fairing on the old tube steel framed Victory Touring Cruiser platform which was discontinued in 2006, so they've been around for a minute.
Awesome!!! I have a Victory Vision, virtually indestructible. I Love My Bike. I'm a left leg amputee and I can't stay off it... Ride Safe...
@@gregoryjohnson4319 you're not a left-leg amputee, you're a gosh dang beast. Keep it up bro
Ryan, I consider myself a newbie in the riding. I only log about 30k a year on two wheels, the past 10 years or so. Learning from guys like you with so much more experiance is always a blessing. Thank you for all you do to keep us thinking, informed and connected with the good gear. I have an HD street glide special in the US. I ride a BMW 1200 and a Honda 750NCS as a city bike in Europe where I live primarly and your content is so helpful. I am sorry for the jerks who will hate on this video becuase you rode something other than the “true” american iron horse. Riding is a lifestyle, and I absolutely love how you model that for us younger riders. Blessings brother and keep up the great content. I will agree with some of the comments you seem a bit slanted toward the Harley, but hey ….. I am tilted toward my smaller lighter bike in Athens Greece for lane spliting! You were very honest that your opinion was your opinion. Thanks for the review.
Thank you so much for the kind words. They are truly appreciated!
Ride safe & Ride Often!
Check out this RUclips Channel as we have a ton of free videos for you!
Check out our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos
BECOME AN ECXLUSIVE MEMBER-GET BENEFITS:
www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon
Leave a flat donation:
www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate
Shop in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store:
shop.lawabidingbiker.com
Subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast: www.lawabidingbiker.com/app
Join our free email club:
www.lawabidingbiker.com/emailclub
I have a 2020 Roadmaster. There is no charge ever for GPS. There is charge after 2 years only if want to keep the live traffic and live weather overlay which I believe HD also does not even offer.
Rented a big Indian once. The 2 things I liked were the saddlebags that locked with the clicker like virtually every car made in the last 20 years and I also liked the electric windshield that goes up & down. That said, I have a Harley and will probably not be switching
Good review Ryan. As for the Harley audio system id rather have an aftermarket system installed than the boom box. I have friends with both and the boom box guys would get aftermarket if they had to do it again. Myself, I was in a toss-up between buying a Harley heritage classic V107 or the Indian super chief limited. I test rode them both & I ended up getting a 2020 harley heritage classic V107 in vivid black. The Indian is beautiful and rode nicely. I don't have anything bad to say about the bike but my dream bike was a harley and finally got a brand new one. If i thought the Indian all around rode better it would have been a very tough decision but it didn't ride better. My issue with Indian itself is the lack of dealerships.
Did you deactivate the rear cylinder deactivation for the throttle blip?... it is a feature to help with rear cylinder heat when stuck in traffic...It completely shuts off the rear cylinder at idle. But you can deactivate it in the menus.
absolutely love the challenger!!
I just recently upgraded from a 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 to a 2016 Indian Roadmaster with a 111 cubic inch engine, and I have no regrets. Also, I watch a lot of motorcycle content, and your stuff is by far the most cinematic and has the highest production quality of any channel I watch, excluding the channels ran by the big motorcycle brands or stores. I appreciate all you do for the biking community. I am subscribed to your channel and your podcast. Keep up the good work.
did you switch it from standard to sport mode, throttle response will change dramaticly
I was in sport mode when I shot the delayed throttle response.
@@RyanUrlacher huh, i was always a harley guy and went to indian this year and i am in love, i have a 2020 roadmaster darkhorse, after watching your video i did that with mine and my response was immediate but who knows. love your vids!
Definitely agree the crash bar should be included. beautiful bike, and newer tech engine.
You do a bike evaluation like I do! Great job. Great bike too. Just, well, not a Harley. I came from many, many years on a gold wing. Oddly the Indian touring bikes remind me a lot of what the wings used to be. The Harley has some huge disappointments (suspension etc) but there are numerous aftermarket fixes.
g'day from down under, great review mate, honest and straight to the point, best review on the challenger i have seen in a while. I love the look of the challenger, but love my harley more!
Shout out down under! Thanks
Well said, Long Live Harley Davidson....👍👍👍🇦🇺
Sold my batwing and got my first Road Glide. Love that 2021 114. Love the ride on a shark nose.
How are you enjoying the masive 75 hp?
@@darrinburnet1477 it's as eligible for a speeding ticket as everyone else...
My #1 complaint on my '19 H-D RoadGlide Special is the factory speakers. For the price point of this bike, the speaker volume are total crap. Volume / power is woefully inadequate if you are moving past 45 mph. At highway speeds I just turn it off. The speakers are too far forward for the set up and output. With a 3/4 or full face helmet, don't bother turning it on. This bike should come standard with an updated Boom amp and speakers and 4 of them. I am running the Stage 1 kit with SE slip ons so that is not the cause of the speaker quality.
Now this I can agree on. I had to upgrade my system to a HogTunes kit that has 2 front speakers and a 2x200 amp (which also powers the rear speakers but you lose the fader) and I separately purchased rear speakers for the Tour Pak and installed myself (easy). All in all I had to fork out $900 and $200 for a total of $1100 out-of-pocket to upgrade the useless stock audio.
The service v coats regarding navigation is for the cellular based weather and traffic services as part of the navigation. You do NOT have to pay to keep navigation on the higher trim models.
It’s a personal thing with what you want to ride , I will stay with my HD thanks Ryan
U betcha
@@RyanUrlacher obviously you are VERY BIASED and like the harley wobbleson better who cares . same old PROBLEMS , SUMPING ISSUES, BAD CAM PLATE cheaply made cast design . so you have to spend thousands of dollars to fix harleys mistakes cause they know you will . poor in denial H.D . guy's
I don’t know where brad gets his information from but I definitely haven’t had the issues he’s referring to , I guess he’s a H-D hater
I ride both an Indian and a Harley, both are terrific bikes, but the ownership experience of Harley is much better. Not only are there more dealers, if you have an issue on the road, there are a lot more independent mechanics who will work on Harley as well. Indian dealerships also seem to have less corporate oversight than Harley, so there is less consistency among them. H.O.G. is a large and active group, IMRG gets no corporate and little dealer support, and doesn't really do much in most areas. Bike for bike, both are great. Company for company, I think Indian still has a lot of work to do.
Is that a 2020? If so do the firmware update and the gps will work better. My honest opinion... hands down the challenger is better then the roadglide and streetglide. There's no comparison unless confirmation bias is influencing the buyers decision. I was in the market for a new bike. Tried both Harley street glide and road glide and the cheiftain dark horse. All 3 felt small but the Cheiftain was a better motorcycle then the harleys. I'm 6 feet. When i rode the challenger it was amazing. The challenger does have room for improvement. I agree with your take on the throttle response. It can be improved. Lloydz has that solved with the Ecu flash but that's an extra $600. On the flip side Harleys have bigger issues with crank runout, sump issues, etc. Not to mention harley changed their crank runout specs as to minimize warranty claims. Harley doesn't value their riders. By the time you reach their runout specs for warranty your out of warranty. Misinformation or confirmation bias is the name of the game if someone buys a harley. It is the lesser bike in 2021...by a longshot. Harlys do have beautiful paint jobs. I'll give them that.
I rode a Challenger last year out of curiosity. It actually was pretty smooth with lots of power. I couldn't get over the looks, very plasticky and the controls looked just like those from the Polaris Slingshot.
I thought the windshield was gimmicky too at first, but after thousands of miles I use it everyday. Up on the highway down in town. I am running a Klockwerks Windshield which I love the looks of.
I test rode the challenger last week to look at whether I would buy one. Even though it was well balance and the power was there, I felt the bike felt kinda cheapy. The harley felt alot better but of course not as performance of the challenger. If I would spend that much money, for me, I would buy the Harley.
Indian has gone the way of Honda using plastic with paint and chrome parts
Just got a new challenger and sold my 17 ultra Ltd. this bike has a far superior suspension and excellent power so no upgrades needed in those areas
Your right about that, your going to to love what you love, but this bike is different from any bike you’ve ever ridden, I purchased one of the first ones delivered.
Is the engine completely water cooled or just the heads like the Harley
completely
The Indian Challenger is liquid cooled and the jugs and heads are like the scout with larger cubic inch displacement. Also the windshield is adjustable for wind buffering.
At the end of the day, I still prefer Harley. On a preference issue, I'm in the Niagara Falls, Ont area and I believe the closest Indian is 2 hours away... that's a turn off for me..
And that’s the only reason I’d buy a Harley. Bad enough that there’s only one triumph service center near me
My opinion is that at this level of quality there are no bad bikes. All bikes in this segment are superb. The support and technical assistance though is another chapter and relevant limitations or not, but if you choose a bike difficult to be assisted, one day things that could be easy to fix, can turn ugly. I go for the looks and riding sensations but reliability is key on this machines.
I really enjoy my 2019 Springfield Dark Horse but never have ridden an HD so I can’t say one is better. Just comes down to personal preference.
Sorry might be wrong question but Which Highway is that around 8.42 minutes? I would love to see that place
Great review. Indian makes a good looking bike. As you have said,I wouldn’t give up my Harley, but I’d have one of each if money were no object!
Thanks, Ryan!
U betcha!!
Currently a '15 RGS owner (previously had '98 & '09 RG). I was interested in Challenger for awhile now, but did nothing about it. Now I want to know about Pursuit; what can you share on Pursuit?
The Polaris “Indian” bikes are great in that they push Harley to up their game. The 2021 Harley lineup is really solid in large part due to the competition.
Harley has changed relatively nothing in their 2021 Lineup other than taking away from the bikes. Cable clutch for example.
Opinions vary and I thought going to a cable is a step backwards
@@talkingrock7011 I have always preferred the cable clutch. For some reason it’s smoother for me than the hydraulic one. Also, I like the retro feeling
@@frank118 I’ve ridden with a cable clutch since 1970 and changed to a hydraulic in 2009 and perfectly happy and would never go back to a cable but that’s just me
I enjoy welding and working on my bike as much as I do riding it. I just can't see that happening with an Indian or lots of other bikes. I use a 6 inch adjustable wrench for a spark plug wrench on my HD and I have totally stripped the frame, engine and transmission and most of the wiring and rebuilt it in the parking space in front of my apartment. I just don't see that happening with a lot of other bikes. Yea it is a little clunky and I have to use all the riding skills to ride it but to me that is all part of the love.
Harley has great bikes, they are not as good as the challenger. I own a Harley, rode plenty of them but the challenger is just a better bike for the price and is also more updated. 2021 stock challenger will smoke that crate 131 Harley has. I witnessed it on more than one occasion with more than one 131 lol. The bike is meant to run higher rpms, it’s not working harder just where it should be. Harley is on the lower side of rpms and if that’s what you are used to I can see why you would say that.
The radio mute is WAY easier than my Harley. Just press the left toggle that has the music note. And you can access the entire command system with all the toggles. There are 2 in front and 2 behind. I’ve had 3 Harleys oil sump and ruin all 3 engines. Until that is completely fixed I’m not buying another. Oh and I LOVE that my windshield is motorized. Not “gimmicky” in the least........
Nice review, the Indian motor won’t have motor issues like the HD ALWAYS does. The Victory bikes were the same, put gas in change the oil and go.
That's the dumbest comment.
True story bro
Ryan, what helmet brand and model are you wearing. Looking for a modular and want to check yours out. Tks!
CM
Shoei neotec
Ryan, I like your content and follow all of your videos but you never mentioned any of the features on the bike that Harley does not have. It's supposed to be a side by side comparison. Performance, technology, and features like being liquid cooled, having locking saddle bags, adjustable windshield, inverted front shocks, mono shock in the rear, LED lights front and rear, and bluetooth headset capable that does not require another harley purchase or installation part.
I came from years of riding Harley bikes, especially their baggers, having owned multiple Street Glide Specials and Road Glides. I have never owned or even looked at an Indian until the Challenger came out. After one demo ride I was sold, and traded by new SGS for the Challenger that day. It is hands down the best bagger on the market. The 108 engine competes and outperforms the Harley's 114 and the 117 CVO models. I wouldn't dismiss it so quickly. It's getting awesome reviews and increasing sales. The throttle response issue you described can easily be fixed with a tune. These bikes are not cable driven.. New technology, it's all ride by wire software driven. Aftermarket items have also caught up to the point there are tons of options for bars, seats, windshields, floor board, pegs, lights, and anything else a rider needs. And this bike needs very little to make it nicer. All the things you would change on a Harley have already been improved in this bike. I'm sold. Haven't looked back. Like Harleys but love the Indian.
Now that is complete honesty. Well said.
I had a Road King Classic for nine years, it was in isolation a great bike but up against any competition the touring chassis Harley just hasn’t got what it takes. Yes I rode it a lot and well and I managed to round up less experienced riders often but this has little to do with the Harley being good and more to do with me being able to ride around it’s shortcomings. One ride on the Indian had me super excited until I saw the sticker price! In recent times the Indians have copied HD’s pricing policy (those are rookie numbers, get those numbers up!!!) Ultimately I saved 10k and bought a German Tourer that runs rings around most bikes.
3 words. Dealer support network. I can always find a HD dealer around the next corner, not so much with Indian. Also, check out the part cost difference$$$$$.
@@joevsfood your funny! Obviously, LOL you are the CFO, for both Harley and Indian. Oh wait, that's right your the CEO and have full disclosure access to their business plans. LOL what a stupid and unqualified comment.
@@joevsfood your a waste of skin, time and rations.
HD needs more dealerships!!!!
That is correct sir!!!!
Over priced and break down!
The Indian is also overpriced!
@@rico5395 ya hard to believe a motor that makes so little power could break down so much. Great womans bike though.
I’ve had both but I prefer one button signal switch.
until you forget to turn it off and get slammed by a car.
It shuts off automatically after you turn.
The Challenger fairing is closer to a Kawasaki Vaquero
As a retired HD mechanic,I am not a big fan of the Milwaukee 8 engine,I love my Evo's.I was interested in checking out the Indian, but due to you're video,I have changed my mine.
Seems like the Indian would be closer to the Gold Wing as far as aftermarket and support.
Windshield isn;t gimmicky at all. Had one on my Victory Vision over a decade ago and was one of my favorite features. Put a low flip up shield on it that would throw all the air/bugs/water/etc. over the rider when deployed but if you wanted the air stream on a hot summer day you could put it all the way down.
Yah, definitely rider preference. I had a bike for a while with one and never used it. Just letf it up.
NIce. I"ve always had my eyes on the Chieftain. I feel like they look pretty sweet. But I do like my Ultra!
I'll tell you what. I've had plenty of rides with guys I know with Harleys, people come up to look at our bikes, don't give a damn about the HDs with the Indian sitting there.
When you were blipping the throttle what mode were you in.....it matters for throttle response.
Sport
@@RyanUrlacher Wrong mode for that. You need to ride the bike for a week next time and try a Roadmaster that bike will make you switch if your being honest with yourself. Harley ergonomics are for guys under 6ft so maybe that makes a difference as you seem on the short side my husband is 6 ft 5 and was cramped on the Harley and looked kind of silly on it.
From my experience I've owned both Harleys n Indians n I can tell u the Indian was a better built product from engine to trans to suspension overall..not like the M8 oil trans migration n multiple issues on my former 17' RGU..complete disappointment for sure n expensive mistake!!..Ride Safe!!
THE HARLEY PEOPLE NEVER WILL ADMITT THEY ARE BEING SCREWED BUT IT'S INDEED LAUGHABLE .
@@bradhardy2629 I need the number so that I can call cause I want to buy a Harley but I want one of these 10 that you're testing out my number is 218-969-0029 my name is Michael Mize and I just want a nice roll grain or super glad wrong name wrong getting out on the road and old style you're on my team there are 2007 2006 looked at 60 transmission that's what I'm looking for a mate
i agree. I walk past 2 harleys to get on my indian. i never regret taking the indian.
however when i do ride the harleys i always miss the indian
Great video. The Challenger gives you the best of both worlds; performance in a touring package.
I’m a Harley guy so I loved this honest review. And Ryan stated this was in his opinion.
TY!! 👍
I have a 2020 EG FLHTP and a 2021 Challenger.... I'm enjoying the challenger as it's great out of the box.. I'm not spending time fixing the harley shortcomings with aftermarket solutions.. I'm just riding it and not caring.. the EG I'm probably double the money making it the way i want.. just my opinion
I am a Harley guy... but we are shopping around for a bike for my wife... she sat on a scout bobber and loved it. At 6’ 4”, I actually could ride it. I also sat on a dark bourse that was built out... not bad bikes. I will always own my Ultra Limited, but I do foresee an Indian in my garage too.
Thanks for sharing!
Solid review Ryan; thanks for taking the time to put it up. I'll stay with my 2018 SGS HD.
I can feel and understand your affinity for Harley, and rightfully so. You are 100% spot on when comparing the plastic covers to the natural open look of the Harley. I have owned both an Ultra Classic and a Victory Vision, and I felt the same way, but in my case because the Ultra was a 1999 with nearly 100k miles when I got rid of it, the Vision rode like a sports bike, and the Harley was like riding an accordion. I have since also test rode a Harley Road Glide, and I really like that bike a LOT.
I would love to ride them back to back one day, but if the Indian rides anything like the Victory Vision , then I might be torn. The Vision is a bike that is totally unique in it's looks (I call it ugly), but it has been absolutely trouble free and fits me like a glove. So while you have a bias towards the Harley after spending so much time with it, and I imagine it is like an old pair of boots for you, the same holds true for me with the Victory so I would likely be bias towards the Indian.
I've owned 5 different brands over the years. The last bike i got new was a Harley. I'm selling it as soon as i can and buying a Triumph.
Triumph owner here wise move; you'll going to love Triumph- keep up with your scheduled maintenance and you will not have problems. Triumph is all about speed and torque!!
@@safelyanonymous5717 Agreed. I have a 2014 675R as a trackday only bike and i couldn't be happier! I wouldn't trade it for any other middle weight bike thats for sure.
Thanks for the honest review Ryan
Absolutley!
I’ll keep riding my Harley ! 🤘🏻
Same.
Good to have a slow bike you wont get hurt .
If makes you happy, that's all that matters.
Is the Challenger reliable and what is the maintenance schedule on it compared to the Harley?
Same maintenance schedule.
Great review been years since been on that canyon road. 🤓😎 nice. Harley does need to step up there game with things. 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦