BRUTALLY HONEST Indian Sport Chief Review

[@Bedevere]

As an alternative perspective, I am 6'4" and am riding the 2022 Chief Dark Horse Bobber (custom cams/tune and exhaust) and I have put almost 15k miles this year. I have never enjoyed a bike more in over 30 years of riding. The stock seat is pretty nice (I use a custom made tractor style for aesthetic reasons) as they mentioned and over all controls are solid, the Ride Command was a selling point for me. I also ride in normal mode, the sport setting is nice if you are popping the front end or stunting. The kickstand is a newer design that does really lean over, Indian replaced all the 2022 chief ones for free. The looks, performance, and even the sound have made my Harley friends take notice (the BMW and gixxer crowds still don't seem to care, lol!). Also, Tennessee/Georgia riding is pretty awesome.

[@briarfox637]

What is the ride command? How does that work?

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

@@briarfox637 Think of it as the OS for the bike interface. It has on board GPS so you don't have to use your phone, shows current temps, weather, voltage, gas etc. It's nice to have but I still find myself relying on my phone for most of that. Still though, much nicer system than Harleys lame, tiny little screen on the Low Rider S (Harleys version of this bike) which can barely even be called a screen or interface, and has virtually no tech at all other than a spedo, clock and gear indicator (and can barely be seen in bright sunlight).

[@briarfox637]

@@AdoreYouInAshXI And cost about 20/25k

[@TrailRider1200]

Man Blockhead looks so much younger without his beard 🤣

[@bigfootbiker9144]

He looks strangely Asian too without the beard! All jokes aside I love that he has all his buddies doing reviews now too! Great expansion to get different voices and faces

[@toms5oh]

😂

[@rhl2macwan]

I was thinking the same thing and the voice sounds different too 😂😂

[@b1gmatt904]

😂

[@DanNichols8738]

That's not block head bro

[@alex_ridiculous]

Solid review Justin, glad you liked the Indian. Indian does have a few aftermarket companies providing performance upgrades… these bikes are great out of the box and even better with sports mode with a good tune after a stage one or greater. Indian having success makes Indian and Harley both provide better bikes for us in the future…. Keep up the stellar reviews BlockHead!

[@cjdent90]

Traded my '22 Nightser for my Sport Chief. Fit me better out of the box than the Low Rider S. Absolutely love this bike! Can't get enough of it.

[@Bobby-uf1yu]

did the exact same, funny haha

[@Jonathan-L]

As a rusted-on 'non-Indian' owner, you've got me tempted.

[@valienterf]

I bet because is just has tremendous character.

[@RogueCheddar]

I love that Indian is keeping the TS 111-116 around in different bike configurations. It's a great jewel of an engine. As a proud owner of a 2019 Indian Springfield in steel gray and burgundy metallic, Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day!

[@RestlessMule]

That tie down down job of all the cargo on the bike gives me flashbacks to all the times I moved apartments in my 20’s. 😆 Great video; I love the detailed review.

[@GT-sj3si]

Yup, me too! I've moved nearly everything I owned on a bike a few times in my late teens to early 20's

[@dvsmike]

All year riding is great when you're in socal. Mountains, canyons, beaches, valleys. Got it all😊

[@lukeofearth1036]

You killed it Justin. Love hearing multiple perspectives on bikes not just the same dudes comparing everything to a Harley-Davidson.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you!

[@myronmosley2167]

Agreed. I think this is the first video I’ve ever seen that didn’t immediately say something along the lines of “but the Harley (insert model) blah blah blah”. There was a few mentions of Harley but it was strictly to let the audience know your riding experience. There was a slight comparison to power but it was tasteful. This also is the first review of an Indian from a Harley bro that didn’t say “fit and finish”, which drives me crazy, because you know as soon as you hear that anything objective about the bike is never going to be uttered. And thank you for that. Great video. And I agree with everything you said about the bike.

[@hrobertb]

I just got one of these in Ruby Red! I love it. I'm happy with my choice but you confirming it is really nice. You look like you had a lot of fun.

[@kevinmacwatters1519]

I like your review/comments on the bike. It feels honest and fair - good job. I know you do a lot at Blockhead but on camera is good too.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you! 🤘

[@thetraveler5798]

I Agree 👍 with this statement 💯🇺🇸‼️

[@GreatEgret]

This was great! I love how the review was wrapped in story of the trip. More of this would be sweet!

[@RandysRides]

My old cruiser leaned too much. I came out of a store one day with it on it's side. The stand had pushed through the hot pavement and it fell over. I started carrying around a 4 inch block of plywood to put under it.. it helped with the lean and the pad. lol

[@james-n-mindyA]

Nice job on the video. I ride a 2017 RoadMaster and Love the stock seat. We ride 2 up and easily 2-2.5 hours at a shot. All my Harley friends need more breaks, no dis on them - Love my riding buddies. North Ga Mountains are great riding and its in my backyard.

[@2WheelsSometimes1]

I find it funny to hear the Indian Chief having the trust fall issue, when compared to Harley's odd kickstand. Liking this video style of getting the rest of the Blockhead crews perspective. Thanks Justin for sharing bud.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Telling you, that bike was leaning hella 😅 thank you for comment! Appreciate it

[@CgoodVibez]

Ive lived in bryson city my whole life , learned to ride on these mountains . loved seeing y'all visit man

[@lpete531]

You did an awesome job reviewing this bike and the trip👏🏽👌🏾👍🏽

[@kasraghanbari]

There are so many cherries to pop on a motorcycle, and you just popped at least three of them on one trip. Huge congrats!

[@DustinWoloschuk]

Justin!!! You did an awesome job!!! This was awesome!!! Love blockhead... but it was great to see and hear more of Justin and learn a bit more about who he is. He seems really positive, humble and kind!!! So that was great to see!!! Can't wait to see Chris video after him and his wife do their trip!!! It's awesome of Blockhead to realize his channel has become more than just about him. You guys say "BlockHead Fam" all the time!!! It's so cool to see you actually standing by it and letting us see more of the fam/crew!!! Definitely a great way to keep the channel fresh and interesting. Keep killin it y'all!!! I'm Blockhead channel fan boy fo sho!!! Lol

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words 🤘we appreciate you watching!

[@MrRizotex]

Good Job! Nice Review. I follow Blockhead from many years. Is good to see you taking lead on this video.

[@jhtrice]

Great review! Covered all the details I would have wanted. Looks like you guys had a great trip.

[@wd4477]

Excellent review. Great job capturing the trip, the review and the vibes. Keep up the great work guys.

[@ricklustig6613]

Terrific review, thanks for sharing! I also am an HD man ('22 Ultra LTD) but my son rides a '22 Scout and loves it and is ready to move up to more of a touring bike. This helps :)

[@yahooalerts7632]

I have a 2023 Indian Chief Dark Horse, love my travels. Took possession in March have a little tad less than 5K. Looking forward to lots of Fall riding 🏍️🏍️

[@claytondonnel8719]

Love the look of these Sport Chiefs. They look great rite outta the box. I've been riding Harley's all my life,but I just bought my wife an Indian Scout Sport and that bike RIPS! Smokes my 15 Harley Breakout. Great bikes,may need a Sport Chief in my future 🤘🇺🇸

[@TheEmpiredown]

Great vid/review. Last TOTD trip with my boys was on a KTM 890 Duke R. Awesome time. Got it home and traded it in for a Sport Chief. Put a forward AC, some small floor boards and a Freedom Performance Two into One Combat on. Thing is perfect. Can't wait to follow your lead and TOTD next Spring. Second Indian and I've had ZERO issues with either. Four different dealers in my area. Not many people touch on the fuel mileage, these big twins sip gas until you need them to guzzle.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

I had a 890r for 2 years and would regularly knock out 500 mile days on it running up to the pig trail from east Texas. Such a versatile little standard motorcycle. Just traded it in for a 23 1290 super adventure S. My dealership has ktm and Indian. Finally got to sit on a sport chief yesterday. The thing just feels so damn solid. Can't wait to get to test drive one.

[@TheEmpiredown]

@@cuzimaluzer777 That was a big difference for me, and one I wanted at this point. Firm and solid. The 890 is a flick machine and so much fun to hooligan around on. The Chief is planted and has some more presence to it IMO.

[@freddieRODZ]

“Emotional Baggage” best bag ever!!

[@shadowside1994]

Where can I buy that duffel

[@freddieRODZ]

@@shadowside1994 it was gifted to me. 😅😂

[@jimbobborg22]

I ride a pretty loud bike, I wear ear plugs when I ride for more than 10 minutes. I have a big bag of foam ear plugs, I don't have problems with my ears after riding. Might want to try that. And yea, I can hear just fine for traffic and such. I commute in the DC area on an air cooled Ducati Monster.

[@GraemeBlore]

I went from foam earplugs to Eggz. Much more efficient filtering of loud noise without muffling everything. Highly recommend them.

[@wcraiderevo8078]

The only time I don't ride here in Western North Carolina is when there is ice or snow...or heavy rain. Cold doesn't bother me. Heated seat and soft lowers on the 97 Heritage and heated grips on the 19 Electra Glide Police.

[@posivibegaming9299]

That indian bike looks sick, so awesome big time.

[@rere5223]

This was a great video and review/ personal opinion of the bike during a real world trip. I would love to see this next year with the chieftain.

[@nickelcityrider5431]

Great video / review Justin. Going to rest ride an Indian Sport Chief on Sunday up hear in WNY. I don’t love the winters hear, but I understand your point. Even near Buffalo there are more than a few fun roads / curves to ride. Straight line riding is boring af. Hope you keep putting on the vids kid. ✌️

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you! 🤘

[@PerformanceClean]

New drinking game. Take a shot everytime Justin says "crushing miles". Kidding. Great video.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

“Crushing Miles” NOW DRINK 🫵 😉

[@RickyBobber]

Hell yeah! I love seeing Indian Motorcycle getting some love on the channel 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@filoIII]

May I recommend a full boot instead of low-cut sneakers? Your ankle bone will thank you if you dump it in the corners of the Dragon. And no laces to come loose and get caught up in a rotating piece of equip.

[@stevemcconnell9102]

Great vlog dude, really liked the real world review of the sport chief 👏

[@joeplem5329]

Awesome review Justin, I'm basically the same size as you so it's good to hear that perspective from a shorter rider 👍

[@lifeofjustinjames]

✊

[@cyberpunk4622]

Iron J doing a Iron butt. My first thoughts and impressions are that I love you all getting out and riding, I also enjoyed Jay's honest opinions on the Indian. Keep on riding, you guys need to get out of Flo-rida more and explore more and ride different types of motorcycles while having an adventure!

[@RobertMiller-sh7gb]

Great review! Very thorough. Is there an option to raise the bike an inch or two to increase the lean angle available?

[@f.t.w1066]

Excellent review Justin , BlockHead tha BOMB . 👍👍👍👍🇦🇺

[@lifeofjustinjames]

🫡

[@dalekidd420]

Great review, Justin! Well done. Block's gonna have to let you start doing ALL the bike reviews!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you! Looking forward to helping with more videos in the future

[@amnforge]

Great video! I have a 22 Indian Chief and have been thinking about getting the 23 sport chief.

[@garypleasant3116]

BMW K1600 is an unexpected amazing touring bike that did great on Texas Twisted Sisters roads. 160hp and 135 ftlbs. The bike loves to lean over and eat corners. Back recently from 1500mi (my second Iron Butt ride) trip in 30 hrs. No numb hands or feet (butt was saddle sore😂) Took bike to work the next day.

[@NYCuda]

FL to TN is a single day's ride. should be able to do 1,000 mile days on the right bike.

[@laynesinkhorn9590]

Would love to see some videos on the sport chief. Maybe trying to fit the Nasty Hogs Rebel chopped bags. Also, as sacrilegious as it is; getting the Lowrider ST fairing onto the sport chief. I know there are some after market companies making the fairing shell and working on the inner fairing pieces as well. Be an interesting watch anyway!

[@adambatko4773]

I really enjoyed the editing of this video. Good work man

[@lifeofjustinjames]

🫡

[@vaderglide5978]

Thank u sir. Your review was right on and honest.👍🏽🤙🏽👊🏽

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋, BlockHead , Great looking 👀 bike, Thank you for sharing your experience, With the Indian Sport Chief, I have some serious friends in the region, where I live in Correze France, first and second gear, 180° bends at the same time, going up or down a hill, 😱😂 not for the faint hearted,I enjoyed your territorial, Phil from the moulin France.

[@GT-sj3si]

Kudos on the review! Nice ride FL to Dragon and back is a good haul for a test ride. I ride an Indian Pursuit and it's my 3rd Indian, glad you liked it but can't say I'm surprised. LOL

[@paulh6101]

How was the engine heat and throttle response? Was it hot? Did u notice the throttle lag?

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Engine heat was only a problem after hours of consistent riding on the highway (maybe 3 hours or so), and then finally getting in town and being at a stop light. Throttle response was never an issue

[@neek__7898]

Excellent vid! Now I'll wait for the tail of the dragon on groms vid to come out lol.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

👀

[@markmcintosh7095]

Nice job I've been waiting for your review. Thanks

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cbrippee]

Fabulous. Exactly what a review should be. Right to the point, very little nonsense and a concise explanation of of the bike. There were great reviews of this bike back late last winter when Indian got the so called influencer's together. If I were in position of authority with Indian, I would quickly make an additional model of the Sport Chief with an audio fairing similar to what the Low Rider ST has. My goodness, Indian - you already made a better bike.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

🫡

[@Yargilfist]

Awesome to see a video from your perspective, Justin! Stoked to see you getting out on long rides. Thanks for your thoughts on the Indian Sport Chief. I got to test one of those bikes out at some point in my life. I know y'all hit Blood Mountain in my backyard in GA. So, I gotta ask, what did you think of Blood Mountain and surrounding roads around Helen and Suches? Much appreciation for you, my friend! Be safe out there 'round all them idiots!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you! Blood Mountain was my favorite. Being able to be up at speeds while doing some curves was awesome

[@Yargilfist]

@IronJMoto heck yeah 🤘 Glad you enjoyed it so much! Did y'all get to hit GA 180 or RBR (Richard B Russel Scenic Highway)? Both of those roads are also absolutely amazing!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Great review. It is a good looking motorcycle and seems to have some great accessories being stock. Kudos to you expanding your skills up in the mountains coming from Florida. When purchasing a motorcycle, best to understand what type of motorcycle to use based on riding preferences so one gets the most enjoyment out of their hard earned money. Baggers can do twisty mountain roads but not as fun as riding a smaller, lighter more nimble motorcycle but for crushing miles, nothing beats a bagger. To go anywhere, adventure motorcycles can't be beat. Oh the dilemma we riders face with our passion for riding. That's why for those who have the money will usually have different motorcycles in their garages for different riding. Ride Safe. PS - there are MANY great roads to ride in the Tennessee, Georgia, NC, Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia and Ozarks of Arkansas that are WAY LESS congested than the Dragon.

[@alexanders7730]

This is a great video! It was cool seeing justins opinions on things! Love blockhead but the other guys being more involved in the videos has been cool!

[@YingYangStang]

I have to say - I own this bike and my side stand DOES NOT lean like that one I’m wondering if the bar got bent or maybe loose - check it cause it doesn’t look right …

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Interesting 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@leudwigvonshwartsenhelm3624]

I want that bike, but how would it feel for a tall person to ride it? Would forward controls be enough? Are the forward controls far enough forward? Are there many seat options?

[@bigmooseymoose]

Great video Justin!! you killed it bro. ya should def. make more videos like this. getting other peoples thoughts on the bike and just letting the rest of the crew vibe out on the channel. Love all the content, keep it up!!!!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Appreciate you 🫵

[@JessieSousaNoMashMe]

Now we need a review of your street bob! Awesome video!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

👀

[@yoavziv69]

I liked what I heard. Honest, real and professional. An interesting and informative article, a huge inspiration.

[@jeffharper6259]

More of these reviews Justin!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

More to come! Thanks.

[@pics-by-pete]

Justin did a great job reviewing the bike. love these types of informative videos.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thank you! 🫡

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

Pro tip: You know That little twisty thing right below your throttle on the right hand side on your handlebars underneath your throttle ??!! 😊tighten that and that's cruise control brother.

[@sl1nky775]

I got the same on my forty eight! Cruise control unlocked, thanks brother!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

I know what you’re talking about but Newer bikes with TBW don’t have that.

[@richardparkhouse9571]

eric doesn't get enough credit he really brings the humour to the channel 🤣🤣

[@josephsaia5527]

Is it easy to burn your rain pants on the exhaust like a Scout or Harley?

[@sidjer]

Great Video! Good insights on the bike! One question, does the engine gets uncomfortable hot ? I’m interested in the bike but I’m concerned about the engine temperatures and my crouch riding in SouthFL. Thanks ! 🤙

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Engine gets hot after riding on highway for hours, then being at a stop light. That happens on most bikes. Depends on the weather and how long you’ve been riding. For the most part, I had no issues with heat beside one day after 6 hours on the highway, and then getting stuck in town in traffic.

[@Shah_creates]

Unrelated note: What is the black frames/light-tinted sunglasses you wore at the end? Looking for something similar

[@kerrydillon411]

Good job Justin great presentation for Blockhead Garage 👍

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Aw appreciate that!

[@baosw]

I really like this bike, thank you for the trip you shared with us. Would you like to compare it to a Road King Special... I strongly hesitate between the 2... Any advices ?

[@freddieRODZ]

Great video Justin!!! Very thorough review.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

My guy 🙏

[@bigfootgarage2201]

So Justin if you could go back to before or you got your street bob and they were about the same price would you pick the Chief sport over the street bob?

[@lifeofjustinjames]

The only way I would pick the Indian over the Harley would be if I was NOT planning on doing any modifications and keeping the bikes completely stock. You get a good value for Indian in a stock configuration. But Harley all day cause the endless aftermarket support 🦅

[@krismerchant4982]

Great review. Ty. I have a chieftain right now and I would like this bike in my stable.

[@forgedglory]

Thought most of Tennessee you can ride year round. It doesn’t snow every year, and when it does it’s mild. You might have a week once every 2-3 years where you can’t ride. That is if you don’t mind the rain and cold.

[@jenshasselmann1699]

You did a nice review on that motorcycle Justin, but always remember the raingear😅👍

[@bobbylee3567]

Great video! Just picked mine up a week ago. Your video helped influence my decision. 👍🏼

[@vmonk1474]

I live in the mountains of NC. Some of us ride year round. A little cold may stop some, but I see no reason for that. I love my Indian FTR on the Dragon. I like the looks of the Chief, but can't buy it because of the lack of lean angle.

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

It’s shouldn’t be hard or expensive to raise the bike for a respectable lean angle. I did with my Sport Glide.

[@bigdeal6058]

With no windshield how do you like it on tge highway? I think I would need a windshield.

[@gilesprickett6898]

Great review, good see different content team ! 😁

[@tylerlaubenthal5563]

Air cleaner is not like a harley. Does not need a rain sock btw. Great video!

[@throttle_therapy0025]

How’s the wind protection on that long ride?

[@iainpearce6379]

More Justin vids please great job dude ps next time you should have a contest beforehand to see how many times you say "crushed it" 😂😂😂

[@vaderglide5978]

Outstanding Justin. Carry on…..

[@peteleopard9963]

I'm currently down to either a Lowrider ST or the Sport Chief. It's been a rather tough decision but this video has helped. Any folks with experience with both i'd love to hear your take on them.

[@brianheffernan8982]

Great video. I enjoyed it. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

🤘

[@bradstoddart5567]

I think Justin is gunning for your job Block!….lol, great video!

[@tomvail6207]

Good video Justin!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Thanks!

[@dormantmenace]

San diego... twistys 10 minutes from my house.. north ..south...east... for hrs. . Still cold in January. lol still get ice n snow. But you can still ride um. You will have to dodge flat landers and hipster in Subaru's and teslas..making u turns and pulling out in blind turns.. But ya first thing I would do is longer rear shocks...And pipe. Got to get that rear end in the air.. not only increases lean angle, but makes the bike turn in much better...

[@Jonathan-L]

5:55 ... what brand/model helmet is that? It looks really nice :)

[@the-jp3hd]

Epic video… it was a toss up between the sport chief and the low rider st…. After watching this i think im going with the sport chief… looks like way more for the money… thanks again

[@K9AMA]

What kind of fuel mileage were you averaging? Thanks!

[@hairyvelo]

Excellent review. We need to see more of you on here.

[@lifeofjustinjames]

🤘😁🤘

[@CactusJack252]

Justin, which vibrates more in the bars to you, the chief or your street bob?

[@lifeofjustinjames]

The chief. Not a fair comparison though because on my street Bob, I’ve upgraded the bushings, riser, bar, and grips.

[@randyvaught2235]

Great video. I'm thinking about an Indian. I'm 5'6",. No many videos on short riders.

[@cheesecrums1559]

I have a 2022 Honda Fury. I'd love to have you guys trick it out! Review it and everything else :)

[@thomasosteen6027]

Thank you for the video. I’m comparing this bike to the Harley lowrider S. Take care

[@invictusunum4808]

Ii have a 2019 Street Bob as well and i like my front brake. Its my rear brake that is a little sluggish. Before the Street Bob, i had a 2017 Iron 883 and that thing would stop on a dime!

[@ChadGrimes]

I have the same rain gear and it can be rolled up real tight into a gallon zip lock for storage

[@pootmahgoots8482]

Shouldn't Eric have gotten the key for spilling oil all over the ground? It's awesome seeing Indian getting some love. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, Indian is the better value bike straight out of the box. My very first bike was a 1980 Kawasaki KZ1000 and then I went and got an Iron 883 and was so disappointed because it was that perfect looking bike in my price range but out the door, bone stock, it was a dog. After doing the S&S Hooligan 1200 kit, seat, suspension, bars etc. I finally got it to where I enjoyed riding it. Then I rode an Indian Scout Bobber. Bone stock that thing has grunt. It was comfortable and I didn't need to change much of anything except for things that I thought looked cool. I struck up a nice relationship with the Indian dealership that I got my Scout Bobber from and they let me take some of the older stock bikes out or test drives to get them out and stretch their legs after sitting for a while and I had just fallen in love with Indians. I loved Victory when they were around so it makes sense that I'd like Indians. So happy to see Indian getting some more love from the Blockhead crew. :) Unfortunately my Scout Bobber was stolen when I lived in Minneapolis so that's a bummer, but oh well. It is what it is.

[@milootis50]

I second the key transfer!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

🔑 👀

[@BaggerBro]

Checking oil is a normal thing and should be done often, now if Indian designs a bike where it cant be checked on the side of the road, id call that a shitty design.. Indian Motorcycles should get the key 😂.

[@clarkbabin9799]

Ive been kind of MIA here but if you guys are still out there try out Hwy 151 the Devils Drop. Its about four miles shorter than the Dragon but only one sign to tell you of a serious switchback . But its as challenging as the dragon till you get near the end which is crossing a small waterfall. Before you get off theres a good mom and pop restaurant called the Highway 151 restaurant. I just saw the new Indian sport model not sure what it is based off but it looks like it was trying to be the sportster 131. Dont know much beyond as far as engine and other specs since it was an add that just teased you. Have you guys seen the new R18 Roctane. It looks like a real nice bike.

[@MattieXMoto]

Did the 116 engine overheat at all? Pretty impressive. Might be my next bike