Living Off the Slab: Test Riding the 2014 Indian Chief Vintage

I went to a demo ride of the 2014 Indian Motorcycles and rode the new Chief Vintage. For comparison I decided to visit my local Victory dealer and compare the Chief to a similar model from Polaris's other brand--the Victory Crossroads Classic LE.

[@QuestoDomini]

Really useful video with information that I don't hear much on other reviews...and I liked the music too! Thanks Craig!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks northlight, I appreciate the feedback. While at the demo I had several HD owners come up to me and ask my impression as a Vitory owner. Virtually all of them liked the ergonomics and thought it felt much like their current rides. Who knows maybe I just got one that was not set up for a guy my height. Once the production bikes come out I would like to give them another try.

[@forrestkjohnson]

Very insightful, appreciate a review from the perspective of someone who really enjoys their victory. Polaris -vs- Polaris is what i was looking for, i'll test ride the cross country and the vintage and will go with what feels right. Thanks for the insightful review Craig!

[@SimonSays559]

yup those are going to be my next frames. you silently sold me on the glasses, which wasn't what your video was intended for lol. thank you

[@linger2001]

Craig, Thank You for a great review. This is the first of your videos I've seen and I thought your insight and manner in which you delivered it was very nice. I have a Cross Roads that I've had about a year now and just have not fallen in love with it like my previous motorcycle which was a Honda VTX1300. I'm hoping the new Indian has a little more character than the Cross Roads. I love what I see about the new Indian in every way except the tail light arrangement. I want to see one in person.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thank you! It seems like being a little cramped is a common observation for current Victory owners. Like you, comfort was the main reason I choose the Vision over the other touring models out there.

[@bowtie22100]

Thanks for the review bro, nicely done. I plan on going with a Victory or an Indian by this spring, I have admired the Victory for some time now, when they broke out the new Indian it made me do a double take. I'll try them both, but either way I hope Indian is here to stay.

[@fidelssn689]

Still. It was a very good video with plenty of helpful information! Nice Bike riding scene! Have a Wonderful Day and a Outstanding Life!!!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the video. Definitely go and ride the Indians. They are beautiful bikes and have a lot to offer. As I said in the video my only real complaint with them is the ergonomics. The bike I road just did not fit me well…but that stuff can be changed.

[@johnayres2180]

I've had a Victory Vision Tour, and I now ride a Victory Cross Roads. For my riding style the Cross Roads really gets the job done. I love the new Indians (especially the Chieftain), and I'm going to test ride before one next spring. I agree with you on the price difference, and that may be the deciding difference.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

kp, I was not trying to imply that there is a druability issue with the new Indian engine. Polaris has a track record of making great products and I have no reason to this otherwise of the Thunderstroke. However it is a brand new engine without an track record at this point. The Victory Freedom 106 has several years of creating a proven track record for being a pretty bullet proof engine...thats all I was trying to say...

[@josephthedestroyer]

I'm glad you compared the Indian Chief Classic to the Victory Cross Roads Classic, as I am interested in both and wondered how Polaris would pull off two bikes in the same category. Thanks!

[@TheHuester44]

I'm an experienced rider and if the stock factory set up feels too small you can change that feel by changing the seat and or handlebars . I'm 6'3" with long legs like you. The best thing to do is to go to a dealer and sit on them and hopefully take them for a spin. In my opinion this is where Harley riders have an advantage as there are so may options available both from the factory and a ton of aftermarket stuff.. I like the Indian and Victory bikes and hope to get one or the other soon.

[@netgawd]

Gina, I test rode the Indian (I had to drive 5+ hours to the nearest demo truck) a couple of weeks ago... then test rode both a Heritage Softail and a CVO Road King this past weekend. Here are my personal opinions (and note that they are only that!) Some info: I'm 5'8" 30" inseam, so slightly shorter than the reviewer. His observation about seating position was pretty good- bars are a bit of a stretch for me. Road King bar position is better, but bars will fix that. Continue due to limit-

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Jim, I think you will find that the Victory's come out of the box with a little more room. However, that does not mean the Vintage will not work for you. You really should go and ride all of the models you are interested in. You may find that the Indian fits you perfectly. Tell the sales peroson you concerns and see what they can do to help make the bike comfortable for you.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks Forrest, I appreciate the comments. Let me know which one you choose.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I would love to have riden and compared the Road King, but unfortunately I cant just walking into an HD dealer and take a test ride. The demo truck is coming nearby in Oct, hopefully I can get down to try the new touring models. I like the changes Harley has made.

[@northlight1908]

Your review is honest and very detailed. It seems that you personally may be more suited to the Victory ergonomics, although you did point out that highway pegs and pullback handlebars would have made the Chief Vintage a better fit (those are two options that I, too, would add). Cost of those two items (per the Indian website) would be $500, plus labor of course. I think the Vintage will really appeak to H-D riders who are looking at a new Heritage Softail or Softail Deluxe.

[@ubtrio08]

Got to demo ride these bikes, and all I got to say is WOW!!!!!!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I think the model is a Servo in satin steel...very comfortable

[@TheRumJumbie]

Good review, better than some of the 'pro' reviewers on the 'Tube. Would love to hear your take on the Judge and base Chief.

[@gixxr2busa]

Hi Craig, I'm 6' 6'' tall with a 36 inseam. How do think the Vintage will work for me. I was in between getting a Vision or Cross Country until I seen the Vintage. I've haven't rode either. I really would like to get the Vintage to fit me. Thanks for the video.

[@oemdesign1]

Good video Craig. I also have a Vision and am looking for an around town bike. I saw the Indians at the AVR in Iowa this year and although they look and sound good, I felt cramped. I'm 6'2" and that's one reason I purchased the Vision in 2011. I haven't riden an Indian yet and do plan on it. This is an interesting video with polaris against Polaris.

[@kevinpahl1]

Craig, when you compared the Victory to the Vintage, really the only similarity between the two is v-twin power, and leather bags/windshield. The CrossCountry is a touring platform; the Vintage isn't. I'm a smaller rider, so the criticisms about fit don't really apply to me so I'll ignore that portion (and guess that the Victory would feel too big for me perhaps? One other thing you mentioned was durability (as a plus in favor of Victory). Is durability suspect on the Chief? Why?

[@stevemaggers4900]

Great review. I'd love one but the Classic is $7k more expensive here in the UK.

[@northlight1908]

Oh, and I wanted to mention, you might dial back the volume a bit on the background music, it was just a little intrusive while I was trying to listen to your comments in the video.

[@digbysdownunder]

Hey Tank , how do like eating humble pie? Selling like hot cakes,, you just keep carrying your tool kit with you mate.. Lol

[@SimonSays559]

this is going to be really off topic but I'd like to know what kind of oakley glasses you're wearing? i need some new frames haha

[@GrumpyBlack]

Cool ass jacket/glasses/beard dude...thanks for the info

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks cherrypieguy. You are correct, I am not unbiased and don’t claim to be. All I can do is give my honest opinion based on my personal experiences. It does come down to personal preference, which is why I encourage everyone to ride the new Indians and make up their own minds. I also agree that $3000 would not stop me from buying the bike I wanted. However, when you get more comfort and better handling (In my opinion) from the less expensive bike, it has to make you stop and think.

[@orcalover948]

I'm definitely buying an Indian over HD. I loved HD for so long, but Indian is just too awesome to pass up, plus, the Dirty Bird Peace Pipe for the Indian puts all exhaust systems to shame. If you haven't seen the video, just type it in. The best sounding exhaust i've ever heard by far.

[@scarygt]

Descent review. I did hope that you were going to ride the chiefton and give some comments about that bike. I think Polaris will have better sells with the Indiand than they do with the Victories because of how nice and retro the Indians look. I'm a diehard HD man but I love these new Indians.

[@TheHuester44]

Everybody has a choice to ride what they want for various reasons . It's good to have a choice . You like what you like which is fine . How boring it would be if everyone liked the same thing. Lighten up and enjoy your ride.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Unfortunately I have not ridden the Kings Mountain Indians so I can't really can't answer your question. Maybe someone out there has ridden both.

[@Sig721Tau]

@ Craig. Basically, u did this video to downplay Indian because you're a fan of victory motorcycles. Am I right? But u did a great job on reviewing both bikes while showing riding footage of both bikes. One is suppose to do bike reviews w/o any bias or brand loyalty. Like those Harley guys do all the time.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

There are a lot of sites out there for motorcycle related information. Do some searching on the topics you are interested in and I am sure you'll find many of them. Just about every model and type of motorcycle has a forum dedicated to it.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Sorry you had a problem with the sound. I do admit the background music is a bit loud but I can hear everything I am saying throughout the video. Possibly the video was not buffering correctly or fast enough.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

If I hit the lotto I have a whole list of bikes...of course I would need another garage to keep them in.

[@rickstout9748]

I think the Indian looks more like a motorcycle, the Victory looks like something from outer space, ...Ive never rode either bike so ill take your word on the handling

[@Sig721Tau]

@ Michael McLean. Thanks for the info. Idk about how low octane fuel can hurt a bike.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I had a chance to ride the chief Yesterday, so a review will be coming before too long...

[@dieselhater]

Id buy a Victory tomorrow if the only dealer in the state wasn't an hour away. I like Moms but cant buy a bike and hope I can get it there if it needs service.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

You have to do what is comfortable for you, but I would have to make the same choice if I wanted to buy a Harley, BMW or a Honda. In the end if I really wanted the bike I would just have to figure out a way to make it work.

[@netgawd]

In short, the Indian is a BIG bike! Ride is plush, like sitting on a sofa. Handling is good but "lazy." Feels more powerful than the $31k HD CVO. Lots of passenger room. Exhaust note is nice if understated. Beautiful bike, pictures do NOT do it justice! Read these in reverse order due to character limit...

[@netgawd]

Throttle lag is something I observed too, but got used to. Leg position is more restricted on the Road King. I felt like my knees were too high. The engine on the stock Indian felt stronger than the CVO Road King, and that was 2-up on the Indian vs. solo on the HD! Road King has quicker handling, but Indian wins on ride quality, especially on bumps. Engine on the Indian felt much smoother, no annoying vibration. You can take the bags off the Indian... do that on the Road King, its UGLY!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Interesting, thanks!

[@MrTurnone]

I liked Victory a lot when they first started, then they just started getting weird. It's like they have already lost their way. The cross country 8 Ball is good looking and is what I think Victory should be building. The other mega cruisers (Vision) look like close encounters of the 3rd kind....

[@JusticeKnuckles]

all the dialog audio is in the left ear. perhaps your headphones or speakers are only pulling the right output?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I could not agree more.

[@ademersoy4286]

the vintage is awesome thunder stroke 111 cubic inch with @95 horsepower no doubt it has plenty of grunt liked the xtras which comes standard keyless start ,abs,cruise control wow what next ? I wish they were $19.000 down here in Australia they start from @$29.000 but that's fine definitely getting one that's for sure

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Indian has create a very nice bike with a lot of features. The Thunder Stroke engine has a ton of torque which translates to great roll-on power, the HP numbers however are not all that high. The dyno numbers that I have seen have been in the neighborhood of 75HP to the real wheel. Of course the torque numbers are what is important for acceleration. All in all, it is still a great bike.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

You are obviously entitle to your opinion on the two bikes. Personally I think both are attractive. I always liked the Dark Chief. I don't think the new Indians necessarily look like Victories, Polaris went out of their way to make sure that they shared almost no common parts (I have read less then 1%). But what I think does not count, get what you like and enjoy it!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Nope. I did the video because I thought it would be interesting to see how two Polaris products with different focuses would compare. I really was expecting to love the Indian and was thinking about buying one...I still am. As I said, they are beautiful bikes. However I did not like the ergonomics on bike as it was set up, and for ME the Victory handles better. So if being unbiased means being less than truthful then you can call me biased.

[@halfazzhomesteader]

if I hit the lotto I will buy both!

[@cameldriver]

In the end its all about what trips ur trigger. Ha. Love my 99 Chief.

[@jamesshows7180]

We'll done 😎😎😎😎

[@torinotom71]

we have no dealers for either close by ,, nearest one is like 60 miles away and it sells both indians and victory ,, they only had like three of each ,, we do have several harley dealers around my area and all kinds of aftermarket things for them from motorcycle parts to cloths to posters and free food on saturday also they rent harleys

[@Sig721Tau]

Wow, 60 miles! Lol.....

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

A good working relationship with your dealer is important, not matter what make of bike you buy. For me I have the opposite issue, the Victory dealer is very close and the Harley dealer (and other manufactures) are all at least 45 minutes away. Not a big deal as far as miles go but it does take extra planing when you need to drop off the bike for service. Still if one of those dealers had the bike I wanted and I felt they would do a good job for me, I would still buy it. You are correct however, Harley hands-down wins the battle for aftermarket accessories and clothing.

[@kevinduhon9465]

Why are you talking at the beginning of the video when all we could hear is music?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't know, some people are having troubling hearing the voice track. I have listened to the video on three computers and my phone and can hear the voice track just fine, even though the music is a bit loud on my phone. My editing software moves the voice track to the left side when I use my wireless mic...which I did for this video, so you might try changing the left/right balance. Sorry you are having trouble listening.

[@f150bft]

Can't hardly hear the guy talk cause the music is too loud.

[@roadkingglider4683]

Well...... he does have a beard so he obviously knows what he's talking about....

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

And it is white...don't forget that...LOL.

[@ThurstonHowell3rd]

I gotta go with Indian. I just don't like the looks of Victory motorcycles. For me it's as much about ascetics as it is about performance.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks cool we all like different things. Ride safe!

[@fidelssn689]

Could we see more Bike and less you?

[@antoine20008]

Could you film mainly bikes more than you, and you may have benefit to use more frequently a razor for your beard... As it is. We just leave in a second,

[@MrJimg999]

Turn the goddam music off!!

[@DoesMamaKnow]

I cannot stand the obnoxious music...ultra loud guitars. I'll watch other reviews. Jeeesh!

[@O7ROADKING]

what a complete load of crap.typical of Polaris