Indian Chief Review

[@30Thousand]

Very informative video with lots of detail! Thanks for putting this out. I bought a new 2022 today that my dealer still had in the showroom and so far I love it!

[@bertsbike]

Thanks! Enjoy that 22’ Just make sure you got that fuel pump recall taken care of. All the other quirks are livable.

[@Annddrreeww]

Great review! Really appreciate the detail and commentary on the fit and finish.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks Andrew! Appreciate the comment!

[@richaewilliams9694]

Thank you for a thorough review and the beautiful Tennessee scenery.

[@bertsbike]

You bet!

[@aaronschug6671]

I have the exact same model as you. I have about 4,000 miles on it and have a slightly different experience. Mine didn't have any paint issues aside from under the fuel cap like you said. Nothing weird with suspension either. I haven't experienced the starting issues so far, and I live in Colorado where temperatures can fluctuate 20-30 degrees riding from where I live, up into the mountains. Or can fluctuate even more simply because its CO. I have noticed that when I first go to start the bike, the pump primes for a few seconds. It starts much smoother if I wait for that to finish priming. I have noticed a few instances where when I downshift, it gets stuck between gears and I have to go up and back down again. It's happened 3 times total. Otherwise it's an amazing bike. When I'm out with friends, mine is almost always singled out when we stop for lunch and gets complimented. It is one of the best looking cruisers out there, hands down. Turns into corners easily, reliable, powerful, and has an amazing exhaust note. I love it. Interestingly it's my first street bike. I came from dirt bikes so it's not like I had zero experience. But it was very easy to get used to. Awesome video! 😎

[@bertsbike]

Hey there! thanks for watching! Appreciate the input. Since the fuel pump was replaced I haven’t had a “non-start” yet. So mine was indeed faulty. I always wait for the priming sound to finish. The forks were replaced again but still clicks. Overall I’m happy with the bike. I don’t have the shifting issue you described. Just a tighter 1st to 2nd shift when the bike is cold. But that’s a well documented quirk of the 111.

[@tacosan9256]

Cool bike, I bought a ‘23 Chief Bobber 111. Very happy with the bike. I actually prefer the stock pipes too, has a good growl at speed. I have upgraded the air intake and that is a definite recommendation. It removes the delay and gives the bike more punch, especially in Standard mode but I like sport myself wherever I go-

[@bertsbike]

Hey there! good to hear that! Congrats on the bike! 🏍 Yeah sport mode is fun!

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Beautiful bike, love the white. My friend who has the BIL channel is going to get a Chief Dark horse I believe, he would find this great video of help I think. Really well done!!

[@bertsbike]

Thanks you! Yes, I know that channel. I’ve watched his videos!

[@yoshit9819]

Nice bike. My 16 Springfield has 61k miles on her. No issues

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching. Yeah, I guess I got lucky with mine🤣. The springfield was on my radar as well before I bought this.

[@joelvirella]

Awesome video! Been looking at this bike for a hot minute. It does look nice in white.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks’ Most people say that especially when they see it in the flesh!

[@stevenguajardo6049]

That's a nice lookin ride. Indian, and Harley just destroy the competition when it comes to looks. I've noticed Indian really goes all out on custom paints,and they don't charge an arm and a leg. Great review. Thank you for being honest on the cons. I have a Harley and I would like to buy an Indian. I would like to have one from Harley and one from Indian. Ive been to the dealership and the bike you have is the bike I was lookin at. Are you thinking of putting bags on her?

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching! At the moment, I don’t plan on bags, I have a set of throw overs that I use. For the most part, the rack and sissy bar I’ve added do most of what I need.

[@DonnGilray]

Hi Bert. I have the exact same bike. I am 6'3" and have stayed with the mid controls for now. I did add the tall seat that puts me back an inch or two. I added blind spot mirrors. I really like this bike! 2022 Indian Chief White Smoke. Mine has all chrome pipes.

[@bertsbike]

Nice’ Hope yours has been issue free. I like it! I do want to get the extended reach seat for sure! Would love to see the All Chrome pipe look.

[@TC-yg4dn]

Riding around my new Chief…only drawback was the sound of the stock muffler..I had cars merge into my lanes several times and while stopped next to a Harley, I couldn’t even hear my bike at all..Instead of having to spend $1000s for a muffler upgrade, I decided to yanked off the stock muffler and now it sounds like a beast..after hearing the roar I can never go back..

[@bertsbike]

Yes sir. I’m going to upgrade that muffler soon. Probably Dean Speed - Rampage.

[@Stevel_]

Love the bike in white. Black is so overdone on cruisers. Great video, thanks 👍

[@bertsbike]

Thanks! and thanks for watching. I agree!

[@mang3139]

Did you test the bigger motor? If so, how much difference in sound, feel, etc?

[@bertsbike]

No I didn't. I'm sure I would like it tho. The 111 had more than enough scoot for me.

[@WolfAngelRock]

Any experience with this in dense urban traffic? I'm in the market for a motorcycle and I live in the NYC Metro area.

[@bertsbike]

Yes. Been in it plenty. I'd say for a cruiser it's fine. But it being a cruiser it has some drawbacks inherent in the design. If you're gonna be in dense traffic most of the time it's probably best to get a bike that's taller (more standard ergos) so you can see over the traffic. At a stop behind an SUV you'll pretty much sit lower than the back window and disappear in the drivers rerview mirror. You can work around this... but some of the best bikes for that situation IMO are naked or adventure-ish motos. Also it's air cooled and even with the rear cylinder deactivation feature it gets HOT. Lastly, if you're leaving it unattended in a condensed environment the US bikes do not have a fork lock so anyone can wheel it away without some aftermarket lock.

[@WolfAngelRock]

@@bertsbike Thanks for taking the time to reply in detail, I really appreciate it.

[@bertsbike]

@@WolfAngelRock Anytime!

[@RidiculousRocketry]

Nice review and video. I learn a lot from content creators like you. Well done. There's an Indian motorcycle in my near future. I won't ditch my Victory rather we'll have a sister-wife.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks Russ! That means a lot! Hope you get it soon! update us when you get one! Be safe out there!

[@rxman4453]

Great vid. I have one and am interested in you input and just overall experience with the bike. Also I am I in how you accessorize it. I ordered mine on April 1st and receiving in October. I am currently doing aesthetic/functionality upgrades and am going to leave the performance upgrades until I put more miles on the bike.

[@bertsbike]

Hey there. Yes, overall I’m very happy with the bike. I can confirm that Indian did have a bad batch of fuel pumps go out. Mine was replaced and so far I haven’t had a starting issue yet. The most annoying thing is the fork issue. They replaced my forks twice now and still there’s clicking. So i guess it’s the way it is… I’m doing mostly functional mods at the moment. I may get an exhaust soon… Probably going with dean speeds… but I really want something to retain the obnoxiously big exhaust look. hahaha

[@csean7zero]

Really appreciate this review, do you still have the bike? I just got a great deal on a slightly used 2022 Super Chief 111. Bought it in SoCal while on vacation, now just waiting for delivery.

[@bertsbike]

No. I traded it in a while back. It went back so many times to the dealer to fix so many issues/quirks, It wasn't worth the hassle anymore unfortunately. It was my dream cruiser on paper anyway.

[@csean7zero]

@@bertsbike I hope I have better luck with mine than you did with your Chief.

[@bertsbike]

@@csean7zero I hope so. Let us know how it goes!

[@jakefatman4876]

Of course panting should be perfect It is part of This kind of bike good info 👍

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching!

[@baskoro1234]

really cool bike. congrats!

[@bertsbike]

Hey thanks!

[@charwakgummalla8188]

Hey there. Nice review. I have problems with my bike too especially the paint issues. How did you go about the warranty part and getting them replaced? Just want to know the procedure to get mine fixed as well.

[@bertsbike]

Well, For the most part my dealer was pretty good about addressing the issues. However, usually if you call Indian direct and create a case it tends to speed things up a bit. Most of the issues aren’t really solve-able cause they’re flaws in the design. But the ones that need to be addressed are the fuel pump and the paint.

[@dougcombs7252]

You mentioned you previously owned an Indian Scout. How does the Chief compare to the Scout as far as comfort, ride, suspension, and handling?

[@bertsbike]

Ah yes. Thanks for watching! Stock vs Stock the Chief is a significant upgrade all around even with the issues I mentioned in the video. The only thing the scout does objectively better is speed. Since the motor can be rev’d out harder. When you get past 4K or so something else happens with the scout. Both bikes are versatile enough to be ridden calmly or aggressively. the Chief is the better distance bike IMO.

[@JohnSmith-fw2et]

I have a concern about the design of the back bumper. What happens when you ride through a water puddle or on a wet road ? It looks to me that the water off the back tire is going to be thrown all over your back. Hopefully someone will do a video where they wet down the pavement, put on a white shirt and drive through it. I want to see the results.

[@bertsbike]

Lol. Yeah, I’ve been out in the wet with it. But I always carry a pack with me. So water does kick up for sure. I didn’t notice a rooster tail tho.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

A solid video. I wish Indian motorcycle had made a " R " version. With upside down Ohlins front forks. And an Ohlins rear shock. Adjustability. Oh well.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching… I’m pretty sure that’s coming down the pike… How can it not? Even with this “OK” suspension. It rides and handles great!

[@lexburen5932]

Indian FTR Carbon

[@Formu11a]

I have been looking for my first bike and wondering if the indian chief is a good choice? I really like the look and the extra feature on the dark horse.

[@bertsbike]

Well, I would say it would depend on how much prior experience you have on a moto. If you have little to no riding experience, In my opinion its not a beginner bike. But if you absolutely have to have it, I’d put it on tour mode until you get comfortable with the power and weight. The dark horse is great. the 116 is a noticeable difference, but personally I’m iffy on the ride command. It’s pretty new technology and I feel like it’s not rock solid yet. I like my bikes pretty basic.

[@Formu11a]

@@bertsbike yeah unfortunately i do not have any motorcycle experience but been driving for a long time now. I was going between the indian chief dark horse and the Honda rebel 1100. But the look of the indian chief kinda gets me, even though I know I should take something with less power for now 😅. But much appreciated for the advice.

[@bertsbike]

@@Formu11a Yeah anytime. Any bike you choose, Just respect the power and ride within your abilities. Let us know what you end up with!

[@DonnGilray]

I haven't ridden in years but I liked the Chief model so much I started with it. I took the BRC class and then spent some time in a parking lot getting used to slow speed maneuvers. I am 6'3" and can easily flat foot it. I spend 15 to 20 minutes in a parking lot when I go on rides doing slow speed maneuvers, emergency stops, swerves, etc. I was also told I should have started with a lighter bike. I am 61 and went against the grain a little - but I am acclimating to it just fine.

[@FeatheredDino]

I can promise you all of the tiny issues you found when cleaning the bike, are still issues present on Harleys lol. I bought a 2020 Softail Standard, it has paint peeling in a couple tiny areas from the factory. It has bolts that get surface rust on them. It has small inconsistencies. The chrome spoked wheels rust to shit no matter how much I try to keep them clean, so Harley must've done a shit chrome job on it. Plastic everywhere... EVERYWHERE. My bike is like 50% plastic. Plastic cover things on the gas tank mouths, plastic cover by the dipstick for... No reason that I can tell. Plastic cover over the battery to protect it from shit coming off the rear wheel, where they should've just extended the rear fender instead of put a separate piece of plastic. MASSIVE plastic box full of wires under the gas tank for again, no reason, since there's a giant hole in the frame right above it that all the wires easily tuck into. So, don't fret any issues you have on this bike. Cause I promise you.... Harley's come from the factory just as imperfect. The main difference is that Harley guys have accepted into their soul that their bikes are a POS, and to then it's OK to need an entire rebuild every 45k miles.

[@bertsbike]

Ah good to know! I had a Harley for a hot minute and I did notice that the bike was prone to rusting if you didn’t look after it. 2nd Indian now and compared to the one I had and ones I’ve ridden in the past, the matte paint finish seems to be very delicate compared to gloss. Which I guess comes with the territory of matte paint The frame gloss paint on the Indians seem to be thick and high quality. In my book Indian gets a very high score on fit finish and quality but In the Cruiser market I feel HD has the edge at least on the pre 22 models. On the new Pan Am and Sportster S, I feel HD has slipped a bit and using lower grade components. The thing I love about Indian is the styling, power and design. I also feel like the bikes are designed well out of the gate and don’t require much modification out of the factory. You could buy it stock and be happy.

[@richardcasey7521]

Can you tell us how far you can travel on one tank of gas?

[@bertsbike]

Yes, So the Fuel gauge says your low on gas at about .70 of a gallon left over. So if you run it dry you can get about 180 at 45-50mi to the gal. But I usually fill up at about 140miles. So around 1gal still left.

[@alexnevarez1554]

Quick question, I am buy my first bike and I really want the chief, would you recommend it for a new rider as a first time bike.

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching! No, I don’t recommend it for a beginner.

[@duke927]

I like the bike but accessories are scarce especially bags.

[@bertsbike]

Hey thanks for watching! Yes, mounted bags are the hardest to find. But most guys are modifying existing cruiser bags with lots of success. I use a set of throw overs for trips. Having the luggage rack and sissy bar add lots of utility for day to day.

[@duke927]

@@bertsbike Thanks for the review and info. I have a Springfield so I like my amenities:)

[@duke927]

I’m thinking as the Chief is like a scout. Scout accessories could have been modified for the Chief or the same dimensions used for the fender bolts.

[@bertsbike]

@@duke927 Some guys on the forum have modified bags for scouts and other bikes for it.

[@rocketman1531]

too much talk. show how the bike handles, throttle response, etc. Review added nothing to my research

[@bertsbike]

Thanks for watching anyways!