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[SDCVO]

As N. GA Hog said, the Chieftain is an abortion.

[/quote]

I couldn't agree more. Looks like "just another Victory" to me.. As I said before, time will tell but after the initial "early adopters" buy up the first wave, I don't see these Indians really giving Harley any sales competition. I am sure that they will come up with their own "high line" (CVO) version which could end up being interesting. Guessing that will take a year or 2.

[CVO Brian]

 :jack:Brian...this is not a contest to see "who's is bigger, HD or Indian" but merely a comparison of features and bang for the buck.  And don't misunderstand me, I am a HD fan, but not blindly devoted to the brand, particularly in light of what's happened in recent years with quality and reliability.  Certainly, nothing will ever look and sound quite like a HD, but there is a down side to that as well, and that is limited innovation out of fear of losing their blindly loyal customer base.  The sad part is that they are losing it anyway as Baby Boomers age and stop riding, and younger riders are NOT going to tolerate having to purchase a bike of whatever model, then turn around and spend a few more thousand just to make it run right, sound right, be comfortable, handle better, etc.  Not to mention that they will not be happy campers to learn, after the fact, that their 25K + bike has mechanical components which may cause serious engine issues after 30K miles or so.  Certainly not all of them, but it is an area of concern and will not be tolerated by younger buyers.  The demographics are changing right under HD's nose, and I fear they are going to be caught behind the curve.  I don't think there is a single person on this forum who would remotely be happy purchasing a 35K automobile and having some of the issues present in a 35K bike from HD.  I'm nearly 62 years old, grew up having to work on my cars in the "bad old days", and sometimes enjoy tinkering with the HD's I've owned, but I would never consider purchasing a vehicle these days that required the kind of maintenance I used to perform on older vehicles...like many, I want to get in, turn it on, and drive it...perform routine maintenance, of course, but most people these days would have a come apart fit if their car/truck had to be in the shop for days/weeks because of chitty design like the current issues with HD valve trains, crankshafts, cam bearings, and manufacturing tolerances.  There is absolutely no reason HD cannot build a rock solid bike, other than a "we don't care because we don't have to" corporate philosophy.


Midnight,

Well said my friend. I couldnt agree with you more. I was just hoping Indian would have done better appearance wise on this bike. I was at the unvailing, maybe thats why I was a little bitter about it.lol

[dlaws01]

Hey, this is Indian's debut, their real "first" year with a solid financial backing.  They really didn't have much choice but to start with their retro heritage styling this year. It was kinda what everybody was expecting.  Give Polaris backed Indian a few years to get their game in order and I believe that we will see the competition needed to wake up the sleeping giant H-D.  Rome wasn't built in a day.   

[North Georgia Hawg]

Even though I think the Chieftain is FUGLY beyond belief, if I had the funds for another bike I would definitely buy a Vintage. I might even have it repainted in a proper ORANGE to match the Honey Badger.

I really, really, really like the pure retro look of the Vintage with all that tan fringe. Windshield bikes are beautiful... and Indian seems to have gotten everything right with the Vintage.

Ken

[ultrarider123]

Got to do a test ride on the chiefton on Friday. Rode good with lots of power but with that huge faring sticking in the wind, it felt very dicey at 75 mph. Didn't have the time to ride the other two but I would bet with just the windshield, it was much steadier. NO mechanical noises from the drivetrain and pulled hard in all gears. 6th was VERY tall and only for freeway speeds. Liked it but not near enough to trade ginger. Maybe a second bike option for someone. Love the looks of all three. They did well, IMO

[2k]

All in all, I liked it OK. If they could have done a little better on the motor, I might have like it better. Either way, I'm sure they don't care what I think.

[2k]

Another

[Skipper]

All in all, I like it OK. If they could have done a little better on the motor, I might have like it better. Either way, I'm sure they don't care what I think.

Your's remark about motor (engine), is it for appearance or performance?

Skipper

[2k]

All in all, I like it OK. If they could have done a little better on the motor, I might have like it better. Either way, I'm sure they don't care what I think.

Your's remark about motor (engine), is it for appearance or performance?

Skipper

er

100% about the appearance.......the performance should be there as it is really a Victory motor, just a tad bigger.

[CVO Brian]

That Blue one and other red one with the tan seats and bag were Awesome. They had Fish tail pipes really cool. Im just not a Road King Type a guy. Like my Hard Bags and Batwing. or the Shark Nose

[ultrarider123]

Forgot to mention that I did notice quite a bit of vibration in the handlebars than I was expecting. Mainly 70-75 on the highway in either 5th or 6th. Again, wished I had ridden the chief with just the windshield. I did notice that the leaders and the blockers taking the demo folks out were not on a chieftain so that might say a lot. Otherwise, really like the look and feel of the bike and the motor. Glad I rode one now

[smkymtnboy]

Forgot to mention that I did notice quite a bit of vibration in the handlebars than I was expecting. Mainly 70-75 on the highway in either 5th or 6th. Again, wished I had ridden the chief with just the windshield. I did notice that the leaders and the blockers taking the demo folks out were not on a chieftain so that might say a lot. Otherwise, really like the look and feel of the bike and the motor. Glad I rode one now

would you buy one!?

[North Georgia Hawg]

would you buy one!?

EXCELLENT QUESTION!

Your ball, Howard...   

Ken

[hogasm]

Forgot to mention that I did notice quite a bit of vibration in the handlebars than I was expecting. Mainly 70-75 on the highway in either 5th or 6th. Again, wished I had ridden the chief with just the windshield. I did notice that the leaders and the blockers taking the demo folks out were not on a chieftain so that might say a lot. Otherwise, really like the look and feel of the bike and the motor. Glad I rode one now

So you checked out the air pressures, engine alignment oil levels, if the shocks are adjusted properly to make sure that the bike was not compromised in any way from another test rider. You also made sure that the windshield was at the appropriate height for you so wind buffering would not effect your 70-75mph ride at all....

[ultrarider123]

It was just a test ride, not a thorough evaluation for Motorcyclist mag so no, I did not give it a mechanical physical prior to my ride.  From my seat, that's what I felt and I expressed that. As for the windshield, it's electric and can be adjusted on the fly at various heights ( I believe a first for a movable fairing bike) and yes, I played with it a bit and liked the adjustability.

As for the "would I buy one" question, that would be a yes. Will I buy one?  If I did, I would wait a year or so and see where they are in the refining at that point.