2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse: Short Rider’s 6,000 Mile Review

[@bjontheba]

Here is a tip for the next time you drop your bike. And, more than likely, there will be a next time. Buy a tow strap. I'd say at least 10 feet long and 3 inches wide. Then the next time you drop your bike, wrap one end of the strap around your highway/crash bar and the other end around a solid item toward the back of the bike. If you don't have rear highway bars you can wrap it around the passenger pegs or floorboards. Then place the strap over your shoulders, grab hold of the straps as low as you can grab, and back up to the bike. Tighten the strap over your shoulders and squat as low as you can on the seat. Then use your legs to lift up on the bike allowing the weight of the bike to be distributed over your shoulders via the strap. That should help you lift your bike if you get stuck with no one around. Also, to help with wind buffeting, try lower wind deflectors on the front forks.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks for the tip. More than likely is right. I make a concerted effort to be mindful of where I’m putting my feet and keeping my bars straight when I stop. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get caught by surprise by a depression in the road, or even a road that’s just not level. 👍

[@JoseReyes-dv4hg]

Wow awesome thanks 😊

[@camilleriap2]

I cannot thank you enough. It has been over twenty years since I have rode a motor bike. My brother has been putting the bug in my ear to get one and ride with him. I am going to get a roadmaster within the next couple months. Something I have now that I did not have when younger is fear. Thank you for the confidence to do this. Going to take some riding courses to get prepared. Again thank you.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks for the great comment! I'm so happy knowing my review was helpful to you like that! People who have been riding much longer than I have say taking courses is always great for remembering/recovering/sharpening skills, so you're already doing it the right way! And I know you'll love the Roadmaster! Just remember the words of FDR: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!" Have fun and be safe! DMV SoloRider

[@Dertysoul]

Hey got your reply. Thanks for the encouragement. On Wednesday 08/18. I got a deal on a 2020 Indian RoadMaster. Took touring back case off. Pushing myself to learn to ride properly.... GETTIN THE HANG ON IT!!!

[@DMVSoloRider]

Congrats, that’s awesome!!! Really happy for you - you’re going to love it! Practice is the key! Check out Motojitsu on KZbin - he has tons of videos for practice skills/drills you can set up. Find a huge parking lot and use the parking lines for u-turns, turns from a stop, weaving, etc! Go get it! 😉

[@dccycler3554]

On the buffeting issue - I had the same problem and here are the things I did and now have zero buffeting. Option 1 - get a taller shield and be prepared to look through it. Option 2 - as the other gent said get a set of lowers (advanBlack, Hogworks, or Indian’s Roadmaster version will also fit the Chieftain). Option 3 - believe it or not the helmet you wear will have an affect depending on how it hits to wind. I am 5’6 and have a reduced reach seat on my heavy 2020 Harley Street Glide so my seat is lower to the ground and allow me to flatfoot thus my head is not in the wind. Hope this helps. I am also in the DMV if you wanna hook up for a ride.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Hey there, thanks for the recs. I ultimately decided the solution is a new motorcycle, and I traded up to a Challenger. Buffeting played a central role in that decision, which I’ll get into in upcoming videos! As for group rides, I’ll have to try and carve out some time and see if I can set something up. My work schedule is so scattershot these days it’s really hard to plan! 🤦‍♂️

[@paulson9616]

Great video, Sir. Have you experienced the difficulty of reaching kickstand being shorter inseam?

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks! I experienced it with that chieftain! I had to get the “reduced reach” kickstand Indian sells for shorter riders! 🤣

[@Dertysoul]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!! I have been riding for 3 years and been riding the Kawasaki Vulcan S and Victory Octane. Think of buying a 2019 Chieftain. Was intimated about my seize (5'7" also) was concerned if I could handle the weight difference. Your thoughts please in any capacity would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@DMVSoloRider]

My thoughts are don’t delay, go buy that Chieftain!!!!! 😂 Honestly, I love riding mine! Every moment on my Chieftain is a complete joy. And I say that appreciating my basis of comparison is very limited! I’ve ridden my Scout as you’ll hear about in my videos, so I have that comparison. And when I chose my Chieftain, I did so over the Challenger, so hopefully that says a lot about how much I love my Chieftain - the Challenger’s a great bike! I won’t lie though, the Chieftain’s heavy - 830 lbs. you just need to be patient, think about what you’re doing, particularly when you’ve been riding for a while, maybe you’re really hot and a bit tired. That’s when the weight can get you - you know, exiting a gas station where the driveway is a bit of a tilted incline. You just need to always remember to keep that wheel pointed straight ahead when you come to a stop. 😂 I was out on a long 10 hour ride last Sunday, and I honestly almost had a drop under those very circumstances, and my arm is still sore from fighting to keep my bike upright. But that’s just the consequences of riding a big bike when you’re a smaller guy. You just have to be more aware/better than a bigger guy! Do it man, I promise you will not regret it for a second!!!

[@DMVSoloRider]

Oh, one other thing to keep in mind about the 2019s - they aren’t getting Indian’s new CarPlay update that they just released for the 2020s. 😭 That may not be a consideration for you, but wanted to flag it. I have no idea if Indian is going to roll out Android Auto either, but I would assume they will sooner or later. But if you use iPhone and you want to use Waze, I’d try to shoot for a 2020...just get it in 2021 when they’ll likely be $21k like the 2019s are now. Oh, and the 2020s have the 116. I’ll post a review of the new engine in a few weeks - I wouldn’t wait just for the 116, but it’s an added consideration!

[@JoseReyes-dv4hg]

Its a very nimble bike don't be afraid brother!!!

[@terrygeersr3697]

Loved your video. I too am a short rider, at 5'9" however only a 28" inseam. I have a 2019 Chieftain Darkhorse as well and agree with most of your comments, easily the most nimble bike I have ever ridden and I have ridden a ton of bikes in my 48ish years of riding. One item that is different for me is that I can ride my Chieftain for more than 800 miles in a day and not have any seat issues. Don't get me wrong, I have issues - hell I am old and 800miles in a car is a bitch for me - however I found the gunslinger seat to be awesome - beats the hell out of the stock seat on my 2017 Chief Vintage for sure. I have the same concern with making sure I put my feet down when I should...I laid my down backing out of my garage the first time - this bike turns so much sharper than the Vintage and with the fairing the balance is a bit different - I have a short drop out of the garage and that was just enough to give me an issue - I did the same thing and laid it over gently...just as my wife walked out into the garage...anyway, great review/info sharing- I really appreciate the windshield and bars info as well. Ride safe, ride often

[@DMVSoloRider]

Hey Terry, great to hear from a fellow inseam-challenged rider! 😂 I’m glad you love the seat! It’s one of those things - like different fairings/windshields, etc - that are just different for everyone! I’m happy to report that I absolutely love the seat on my Challenger - haven’t hit 800 miles in a day yet, but did get to 625! I’m trying to figure out an iron butt/saddle sore effort this summer, so I’ll definitely be putting my butt and that seat to the true test! As for those slow motion drops...they’re gonna happen. 2x on my Challenger, both totally preventable, but I just wasn’t concentrating at the time. 🤦‍♂️ I’m an expert at picking it up really quickly so nobody even notices! 😂

[@119topdawg]

@@DMVSoloRider ya moved on to a challenger already!? DAmn! I went to Indian ride days to check out a challenger and left with a Chieftain 😏 - had a 2017 Chief Vintage which I loved, I wanted something easier to handle - the vintage was awesome on a highway but not easy for me to move around at slow speeds. Ride the Challenger and was seriously impressed. My wife was watching me move it around and said you need to get that bike. I then tried the Chieftain and fell totally in love. How ya liking the Challenger?

[@DMVSoloRider]

Your wife said you need to get a Challenger. You, my friend, are a very lucky man! 😂 Not only did I move to a Challenger after 11k miles on my Chieftain, but I’m almost finished editing my 10k mile review of the Challenger itself, so keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks! Needless to say, anyone watching my videos can see I’m a big fan of both! I’ve had a lot of fun on the Challenger...my review will answer the most important question: which one would I pick starting from scratch?! 😉

[@DMVSoloRider]

Hey frank, welcome to the channel! My first piece of advice based on my experience is you can't make a wrong decision between the two. I'm assuming you've watched my Challenger review too. Depending on the time of year you buy, the advice I gave at the end of my Challenger review is still my opinion. If you can get a real good deal on a Chieftain over a Challenger, don't hesitate. Heck, if you can get a good deal on a 2020 Challenger over a 2021 Chieftain, then get that Challenger. But all of that only matters when we're talking about $$$. Outside of that, I still think overall the Challenger's the better bike. More HP, more Torque, more technology. Ride Command still needs plenty of work, but that's the same tech on either bike. All I can really advise is to ride them both and just see which works best for you! Like I said in my Challenger review, I wouldn't hesitate to rent each for a weekend! Either way, you'll have a great time!

[@119topdawg]

@@DMVSoloRider so, update on "loving the seat" on my 2019 Chieftain. Not so much anymore. after about 7k miles the seat seems to be breaking down rather than breaking in. I will be taking it to a custom seat maker in Marion IN to have it rebuilt - thin out the horn, add their custom foam inserts, and lower it an inch - possibly some custom cover as well. We had them do my wife's Spyder seat last year and they are awesome to work with - insanely inexpensive as well. I'm retiring in July next year and 4 of us are doing Route 66 so I need to get this done sometime this winter...

[@mrbloat]

Excellent review, Very informative!

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@johnspencer2560]

You should use THE FRONT Brake, FIRST. It's MORE Effective than the REAR. JS

[@DMVSoloRider]

I typically apply both brakes simultaneously. My sense is, at least when I’ve triggered ABS, I’m not using enough front brake and too much rear (although I swear it always feels like I’m barely touching the rear brake). 🤦‍♂️

[@loukennedy9058]

Awesome information mate, thanks for sharing 👍

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@tomgarney7700]

You can solve your flat footing issue by buying and wearing boots when you ride. I wear redwings, waterproof tall boots with vibrant style soles. Reaching the ground is no problem with these.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Got ‘em. I wear boots with a 1” lug sole, and I still can’t flat foot. Lol It’s all good though - as long as I can get the balls of my feel down I’m comfy! And I usually just one foot it at stops anyway!

[@heathjohnson2575]

I am 5’6” with a 26” inseam and want a bagger but nothing at Harley fits me. Seat height means nothing it’s all about width. I ride a scout currently but hope to get a chieftain. I used to own a dyna switchback but even lowered and with short person seat wasn’t ever comfortable enough. I could ride it but too many situations where if I were alone would have been screwed.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Well, try riding an adventure bike or even a pre-2021 FTR, and I’ll disagree about seat height. Lol Your legs are a bit shorter than mine, but I’d like to think you wouldn’t have a problem riding a Chieftain - just always keep one leg down. I get your point about seat width too, but the 1-leg down approach would solve that. One thing I’d say about the Chieftain compared to the Street Glide - much better balanced, and even with one leg down the bike will virtually keep Itself upright!

[@yuzhao3253]

Big respect to you, love the video and the work you done. I have same problem as you, short 5 5 and short leg 28inseam. I have tried the cheiftain in store and everything was nice BUT the stock kickstand. As 28 inseam I cant reach the kickstand or maybe when I lucky I can do it but not everytime. How about you sir or how you solve that problem. Thanks

[@DMVSoloRider]

I’m so glad you commented! You can buy a special kickstand for short riders for the Chieftain from Indian! It has a little tongue that sticks out at the base, and you can grab it with your toes and pull it back - worked like a charm for me! Go get that Chieftain! 👍😂

[@Michelle-mc7ht]

@@DMVSoloRider I know I am late on this subject, but I just bought my Chieftain Darkhorse. I went to the Indian dealership and switch out the kickstand and I still can't reach it. I am only 5' 1. Everything else is good as long as I have my bf or a friend there to put the kickstand up for me.

[@DMVSoloRider]

@@Michelle-mc7ht Hey Michelle, there’s no such thing as late! Congrats on your Chieftain! That’s a tough one though! Have you looked into any additional extension pieces you can attach to the stand so you can reach? 3rd party stands that have a longer tongue you might have better luck with? Alternatively, some sort of extension rod you can keep in your saddle bag and whip it out to grab the stand when you need to get it up? For example, when I take pics of myself with my bike I use a tripod to hold my phone and it has a Bluetooth remote to control the shutter. But I could use the tripod itself to grab the stand and pull it back. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and at 5’1” riding a Chieftain you’re already a badass, so I’m sure there’s a solution! 🤣✌️

[@angelodemma5480]

I’m that ups guy… we are brown!

[@DMVSoloRider]

🤣🤣 UPS is the best!

[@JoseReyes-dv4hg]

What a great video thank you, I greed with everything but to me the height is not a factor well my opinion im five eleven but my girl is five three and handles the bike very well,,happy new year and God bless!!!

[@DMVSoloRider]

Thanks Jose! When I was new, a big bagger isn’t something I really gave much thought to be honest. But I’m glad I took a few minutes in this video to talk about height and my experience - I’ve heard from a number of folks that there were hesitant based on their own size, and were less so due to the video. As for your 5’3” girl - clearly a keeper! 👍😂

[@JoseReyes-dv4hg]

@@DMVSoloRider 😁 she has been for ten years 😳 😁

[@DMVSoloRider]

😂👍

[@Carcyclechronicles]

I hear ya! I'm 5' 7" and have the same issue. We have a cross country in the garage which I ride occasionally but its too stretched out for me. The mrs is shorter but longer legs so she rides that, looking into possibly a chieftain but the 111 is a slug.

[@DMVSoloRider]

A Slug?! Ouch! lol The 111 is a torque machine! You just need to try not to race a Challenger if you happen to come across one in the wild. 😂 😂 I've never ridden a Cross Country, but I hear from lots of riders who love them - glad to know your wife is keeping yours busy! As for longer legs - that's just a weird thing I never really thought much about until I started riding (unless I was buying pants!). Funny how that works, right?!

[@Carcyclechronicles]

@@DMVSoloRider i say slug because it feels slow compared to our victory's. Got the chance to ride a 111 with big bore kit and stage 1 cam, once you've done that a stock 111 feels slow. Challengers here in aus are $40,000 aus while chieftains are going as low as 25k, will be doing what you did though ( st glide/road glide) test rides to compare the difference. Mrs seems more comfortable on the cross country then me, I find myself leaned forward but also the seat is pretty wide. Ride safe 👍

[@DMVSoloRider]

Ride them all, that’s what I say! The Harleys are good bikes, but for me the Indians just feel better. And you get a lot more for your money...although, it’s hard to say any motorcycle is worth more than a Chieftain at the prices you can find them at the end of the model year. I may have a Challenger, but in a couple thousand miles I’ll have to do my “review” and a serious comparison to the Chieftain. I have lots of thoughts! 😂

[@Carcyclechronicles]

@@DMVSoloRider I've sat on both chieftain and challenger and not much difference in seating. Enjoy the challenger, I'm 6-8 weeks from riding again (wrote off my bike) recovering from broken collarbone.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Ouch! Well, you heal up - the roads need you!

[@JJnATX]

Grew up on dirt bikes and rode street bikes for several years before kids but haven't ridden in 18 years. wonder how much of a 30" inseam will help with the bike weight.

[@DMVSoloRider]

My legs are shorter and it was never a problem on the Chieftain. Like I say in the video, you just need to be alert/aware of your surroundings. Offered the same message in the Challenger review I posted a couple of weeks ago! My best advice is to try renting a bagger and seeing it feels. Some Indian dealers rent bikes, and there’s always eagle rider and twisted road!

[@JJnATX]

@@DMVSoloRider I've taken several levels of MSF when i started street riding years ago - going to rent one of these or a street glide soon to try it out.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Yeah, i at first thought you said you only road dirt bikes so I was wondering if MSF might be a better start. Then re-read and edited. I promise your inseam won’t be an issue!

[@dwayne4887]

Try JES lowers to reduce that buffeting

[@DMVSoloRider]

Yup, I read about those and people seem to think it makes a big difference. When I put my little windshield extension on it completely eliminates the buffering, so I think I can also get a taller windshield. Maybe a 14-16” freedom shield!

[@dccycler3554]

On the buffeting issue - I had the same problem and here are the things I did and now have zero buffeting. Option 1 - get a taller shield and be prepared to look through it. Option 2 - as the other gent said get a set of lowers (advanBlack, Hogworks, or Indian’s Roadmaster version will also fit the Chieftain). Option 3 - believe it or not the helmet you wear will have an affect depending on how it hits to wind. I am 5’6 and have a reduced reach seat on my heavy 2020 Harley Street Glide so my seat is lower to the ground and allow me to flatfoot thus my head is not in the wind. Hope this helps. I am also in the DMV if you wanna hook up for a ride.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Hey there, thanks for the advice. I ultimately decided as much as I loved my Chieftain, it was time to try a Challenger! 😂 I’ll talk a bit about why I made the change in upcoming videos, and buffeting plays a big role! I really hate looking through a windshield. 🤷‍♂️

[@dwayne4887]

@@DMVSoloRider can't go wrong either way in my humble opinion.

[@DMVSoloRider]

😂 It’s a problem when your solution to any minor motorcycling issue is to buy a new motorcycle! 🤦‍♂️🤪

[@Topnikko]

Why not take the helmet off when you're parked and talking to people?

[@DMVSoloRider]

My channel’s just a fun hobby. I’m not trying to make a lifestyle/personal life vlog, so I don’t think my face/identity are really relevant. Plus, I prefer to protect my privacy. 🤷‍♂️

[@Topnikko]

@@DMVSoloRider gotcha

[@DMVSoloRider]

👍

[@Topnikko]

@@DMVSoloRider I'm on the fence about whether to buy a Chieftain or Challenger Dark Horse. They're both very appealing.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Be sure to watch my new video on Friday - my 10k review of the Challenger, and I compare it quite a bit with the Chieftain! It’s a looong video, but I think it would be helpful to anyone picking between the two!

[@Dertysoul]

Go to my IG page @ dirtysoul2thee (Pic of Snoopy and Charlie Brown) pics posted there. Keep in touch, I will keep you updated.

[@DMVSoloRider]

Will do!