3 Years With My Indian Chieftain Dark Horse: Honest Review | MOTOBLADE

[@MOTOBLADE]

What bike have you guys owned the longest? Let me know down below!

[@bradlozano2571]

The longest owned...A 2006 Victory Kingpin i bought brand new i had it till 2020

[@mirage790]

Owned a 2008 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 for 7 years...my first bike. I love her because I'm a small woman (5'2", well never mind how many pounds, lol), but the more I watch Indian Chieftain videos, I'm seriously thinking of trading her in for the Chieftain..and there is one for sale in my area right now (don't tell anyone, lol). We want to travel a lot the next few coming summers, and we don't trailer, we ride everywhere. The Shadow is ok on the highway but I'm always looking for a 6th gear.Thanks for a nice review!

[@adriangarcia9826]

My first and only bike 18 Chieftain DH. I love it

[@stuwhyte479]

I have a 1988 harley fxr that I've owned since 1989.. Long ⌚. I have a 2020 chieftain darkhorse in titanium smoke also what a great bike they are. Indian done a bang up job absolutely gorgeous great stance, tons of power and torque the list goes on. Great review mate. Cheers 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🍺 🇳🇿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@airtexaco]

Ive had my challenger for a year now. Its not the longest i have owned a bike but it has the most miles- 11,000 so far!

[@toxierobbins3069]

I’m a recovering Harley rider too now since trading in my Softail. Just had my 6-year anniversary with my 2016 Chief Classic. Nearing 35K miles and it’s still my daily commuting mule. Added the stage 3 kit upgrade 2 years ago and what a beast that is comfortable and powerful.

[@user-qx1zt8mq4q]

1st off Thank you for making this video. I've been "Brand Specific " forever ! I need a change and i think i'm ready to change and go with Indian MotorCycles. You have the MOST Comprehensive Tutorials on bikes out there today . Seriously. KZbin is my "Goto" when it comes to buying a new bike. Lately i've been looking at the Indian Chieftain / Challenger and your videos are the BEST out there for people like myself that are on the fence and ready for a change . I've been loyal to HD for practically my whole life with an exception of a few BigDogs thrown in there. Reight now i'm on a 2016 Street Glide . Back in 2013 when they debuted the "New Chieftain " in Sturgis and i was there and have loved this bike ever since i seen it but haven't been able to stray away from HD. I've done countless demo rides but ..still can't pull the trigger .I agree with you about the fit and finish on the chieftain and you've really helped me warm up to this bike. They will be doing a demo days here in Latrobe Pa. In mid May of 2023 and i'm excited to ride the chieftain again and the new Challenger ! So listen Thank You once again for taking the time to do these videos . Your the BEST and keep up th e good work.

[@robertemmons2260]

I was browsing around on my YT and had came across your video. Thank you for your honest review. Back in June of last year I had made a deposit on a new 2022 Scout. Two months later I was finally able to take delivery of it. That bike was awesome to ride! I loved riding it around everywhere locally. I've added on a batwing fairing and leather saddlebags to improve my riding experience. It's only drawback was the short fuel range averaging 120 miles per tank. So I had traded it in for a 2017 Indian Chieftain Limited that had a ton of upgrades done to it. Unfortunately our Utah winter had settled in so I am unable to take it on any rides until spring. But, wirh what little time that I did have on my Chieftain was enough to convince me that I had made a good decision. I absolutely love the Powerband audio and have already started purchasing everything to upgrade the sound system by installing the concert audio lids on my saddlebags. Unfortunately the speakers are still on backorder, but since I have a couple more months of wintery weather I'm in no hurry. I have many HD friends and family who are wanting me to join them on rides this coming year, and even a couple hard core HD owners wanting to test ride my Indian.

[@ChadGrimes]

You can send your ecu to lloyds garage and tell them what intake and exhaust you have. I'm pretty sure they get rid of that annoying governor, plus you will have a custom tune that usually pretty much improves everything a little

[@MOTOBLADE]

That's sounds amazing! I never knew about that. Thank you!

[@bombaya85]

Yeah, I have just opened my eyes up for the Indian Chieftain, got to test ride a 2015 last week, and tomorrow I`m heading back to have a closer look at some paperwork. What a machine!

[@MOTOBLADE]

They are amazing. Won't trade my Indian for anything, except maybe another Indian! Hope it works out for you! Ride safe brother!

[@donaldvincentavenger2790]

Excellent review. I know very little about Indian motorcycles, but I'm learning thanks to reviews like this. I would like to commend you on your presentation. You are a very good and organized speaker.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. I enjoy my Harley, but I've owned 2 Indians (a Chief and now the Chieftain) and in so many ways they are just incredible bikes - best bikes out there in my opinion. Definitely try to get some seat time in one on a test ride, I think you'll really enjoy them. ✌🏻

[@Geriatric_Gaming]

Great review from a REAL owner. Because of this video, I just put a deposit down on a Roadmaster - I like the older style 50s front end.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Congrats! Welcome to the tribe ✌🏻

[@rickcorl7161]

168,000 miles on my 2015 Roadmaster Did the big bore at 100K. Very low maintenance costs. I just bought another one (2019) That's how much I enjoy it!

[@MOTOBLADE]

That’s awesome! I’ve been debating doing the 116 conversion to mine. I at least want to do a stage 1 kit. But then I go rip around and I’m like, this thing already has plenty of power so why bother 😂 I’m sure I will get to it eventually

[@jaykay9639]

Im pcking up my Indian chieftain tomorrow traded in my 2022 Honda dct tour Goldwing and i couldn't be happier about it.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Welcome to the tribe! Glad you’re here ✌🏻

[@patland73]

That bike is, for sure, a beautiful piece of engineering. I personnaly think its one of the best looking bike nowadays. Sure looks like an awesome ride! The bike i own for the longest, my 2007 Boulevard c90T bought brand new. Can't resign myself to let it go, its a nice ride, and is sooo reliable! Thanks for the ride my friend! ;-)

[@MOTOBLADE]

Those boulevards are very nice rides. Had a friend back in college that had one. Thanks for watching my friend ✌🏻😎

[@patland73]

@@MOTOBLADE Never had a single problem with it, low maintenance, fuel efficient, and a lot of power, not my daily anymore, but i still love it every time i take it on a ride.☺️

[@dmccombe7]

Brilliant review. Been looking to upgrade from my 2003 HD Road King Classic that i've owned since new. Few mates changed over to Indian from HD and rave about the build quality. The Roadmaster is the one i'd go for but dealership doesn't have its demo in yet. Many thanks for a great honest review.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Glad I could help! My Chieftain is basically a road master at this point. Roadmaster stock windshield, trunk, surround audio... only thing it doesn't have are the lower fairings and I'm thinking of doing those soon! Welcome to the Indian tribe brother 😎✌🏻

[@boxer71c55]

This is by far the best review vid I've seen on Indian motorcycles. Great job! I'm going to buy a 2022 dark horse

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks! I actually have a review coming soon on the 2022 Dark horse. Awesome bikes. They've kept all the great features from mine while adding some extra stuff. Ride safe and have fun!

[@boxer71c55]

@@MOTOBLADE I will keep an eye out for it bud.

[@przemysawwrzosek4812]

I have Indian Chieftain Dark Horse too. Absolutely love my Horse! What you've said is 100 % truth! :))))

[@MOTOBLADE]

They are incredible bikes! Nothing has been made yet that I'd trade it in for :)

[@motorcycleden]

You have a very nice looking bike! It was between the Indian and Harley when we purchased the bike before the one we have now. Both are nice bikes. My brother has a Roadmaster and loves it!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Well I've got a Harley in the garage now too, so I appreciate both. American bikes are second to none!

[@hadespaganism2405]

One thing about Harley-Davidson quite a few of the dealership went out of business and I think it's because Harley-Davidson wanted bigger dealerships and larger the building raises the cost to maintain the building and a bigger staff if you can even find people who want to work nowadays !!!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Seems like a lot of people don't want to work nowadays unfortunately. They'd rather get a government hand out...

[@darkhorse1989]

Just got a 19 darkhorse and I had a street glide before that. So much better than a harley. Just put some taller bars on it and tab slip ons with zombie baffles and it sings to me

[@MOTOBLADE]

Looking at putting taller bars this spring and maybe do a stage one kit. Congrats on the new ride! Welcome to the Indian family. Ride safe!

[@hectorvaldes7781]

Tanks exelente video from California 🤗🤗

[@ccrider1990]

I’m also 5’-8” tall. My feet won’t even reach the crashbars. What footrests are attached to your crashbars? And are you happy with them? Great review, by the way.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I'm using Kuryakyn Longhorn Tridents for the footrests. I have a video on the install of those on my channel. I am very happy with them. When my feet aren't actively shifting, they are on those rests. They're a great investment!

[@icebrakernh]

I love my 2018 roadmaster after 3 years since I brought her home.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Our Indians are amazing bikes!

[@theodoreko2700]

I have a 2017 Dark Horse which I bought use with 11,000 miles on it. You said the bike has great comfort on mind I notice when I hit a bump or raise area road it a solid hit my front wheel has no give. It’s like riding a hard tail bike. And your right about dealership. I took my front wheel off to get a new tire mounted wait which I already had purchased from that dealership .they said come in 3hrs. , when I did the tire was mounted in the wrong directions and they had a bunch of black weights on one side

[@MOTOBLADE]

That's interesting about your front wheel. Mine is definitely not like that. Maybe have your suspension checked as well up front? Fluids/air in the tubes. Or maybe they just redesigned the front suspension for the 2018s. I don't know, all I know is mine is like riding in a layzboy. Soaks up bumps like they're not even there.

[@theodoreko2700]

Continue from last post when remounted it the second time the weights were fall off. Plus the tire was still mounted wrong they didn’t half the valve stem aligned with the dot on the tire. Last time I went there.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Dealership I bought mine from was amazing. Then I moved away and, like you, I had a less than stellar visit to another Indian dealership. Bikes are great. Just need more good dealerships.

[@kenbrownlee4170]

I have a challanger...2020..I like it so much now I want a chieftain as well Thanks for the review Great job with opinion and details

[@MOTOBLADE]

I'm sorely tempted to get a challenger. It's such a nice bike. Glad you liked the video, thanks for watching!

[@602North]

I’ve had most major brands of bikes over the last 40 years, the last two before the one I have now were Harleys and I owned the ElectraGlide classic the longest. I test rode an Indian Chieftan and Challenger in Daytona back in March and fell in love with both of them for different reasons. My choice between the 2 would be the Chieftan. I’m old and found riding on 2 wheels with my wife was not as easy as it used to be and bought a new Can Am Spyder. Thinking I’ll get another 2-wheeler in the spring for solo rides. -RJ

[@MOTOBLADE]

How do you like the spyder? I've never ridden one but I've been meaning to go try one out. They look cool!

[@602North]

@@MOTOBLADE It's fun and comfortable. It has more power than you think. Mine is an F3 Limited so kind of sporty vs the RT. I always say an F3 is a Street Glide and an RT is an Ultra :-). I miss leaning in the curves but it handles like a sports car to me.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@602North Good to know! I will be trying to do some test rides on spyders in the spring for review videos. As long as you're having fun, that's all that matters. Leaning is fun, but being able to bring the wife along and be comfortable is worth it too!

[@dccycler3554]

As always, another great video man. Wish you had time to put out more content. I have a 21 Challenger Limited and an 20 Indian Springfield Jack Daniels. The Springfield is nothing but a Chieftain minus the fairing. I would encourage you to look again at the Challenger if you are thinking of a second bike. Indian is on top in IMO. Still love HD - which I’ve own a couple…but Indian is truth.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Good to hear from you! I've been putting out 1 video a week since summer time. Wish I could do more, just busy. I love the Springfield look (since I started on a Chief) and I love the performance of the Challenger. I have some calls out on the Challenger looking for some deals. Not 100% sure yet. And you're right, as much as I like my Harley, the Indian is truth. There's nothing else like it.

[@dccycler3554]

@@MOTOBLADE Good luck on the Challenger shopping. 12/28-31 might bring a few end of the month deals. Be safe on 2’s and in the sky.

[@harryhowell5644]

11,5oo miles. I get that in less than a year dude. My 17 ultra had over 50 k in 3 and a half years. Now it's my daily rider and my wife likes to ride too. Now I'm on a 21 roadglide limited 7 k in 6 months. Ride that shit

[@MOTOBLADE]

I try to ride as much as I can, but I do have winter up here from the end of october to middle of april. I also have a second bike so I have to share the riding between the two :)

[@dnice488]

Hello, my name is Tony. I have been following your channel. On your upgrade video you said you were going to show us how to repaired the powered windshield from going up and down. My 2018 chieftain Dark Horse and the powered windshield stop going up and down. When will this video be posted.

[@roberthunter9368]

For your sound systems. Did you have to add a 4 channel amp under the fairing. Or an additional amp for the Trunk. I ride 50/50. With And without the trunk

[@MOTOBLADE]

I added both. Have the install video of the trunk Amp on channel if you need it.

[@thecrm4634]

Weird that yours tops out at 121. My first ride, this was my first "big boy" bike and the guys I ride with tell me, I hit 138 and didn't even know I was going that fast and she had more. Now I did get mine "used" it had 1700 miles on it. Maybe the previous owner worked around it already.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Had to be modified. I'm in the process of increasing speed on mine. All computer controlled. 138 sounds awesome!

[@volatilegraphix]

What kind of aftermarket windscreen did you install?

[@MOTOBLADE]

That is an OEM Indian windshield I bought from Indian online through their parts page - but it's from a Roadmaster. The Roadmaster windshield has a slightly different shape and I liked the look of it versus the touring windshield so that's what I went with. Hope that helps!

[@volatilegraphix]

@@MOTOBLADE thanks!

[@TheIndianscout]

Does that oil cooler help with the engine heat that people complain about from the rear cylinder?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Oil cooler works great. Never had an overheating issue with it, and I was at sturgis in 111 degree temps riding hard. It's a beast.

[@TheIndianscout]

That's great to hear .I heard other people pulling the cat out the exhaust for cooler engine temps.

[@przemysawwrzosek4812]

Need some help with some overheating issue. Could you advise on installing an oil cooler?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Indian makes one and I have it on my Chieftain. Not an expensive part as far as Indian parts usually go, and I would highly recommend it. I did not install it however, so I can't comment on how difficult or easy it is. It was already installed from the factory on my Chieftain. I used to ride in south Tennessee in 95 degrees in the summer - never had an overheating issue, so I'm convinced it works pretty well. Hope that helps!

[@przemysawwrzosek4812]

@@MOTOBLADE Can you tell what is that cooler to find the same?

[@tonywhite4985]

Just purchased a chieftain ltd .love ya video

[@MOTOBLADE]

Awesome! Welcome to the tribe 😎

[@taatrs]

The phone compartment is almost unusable. My only complaint. Other than that it’s a fantastic bike.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I will agree with that. I feel so silly when I say it out loud, but my phone screen is so big I need more room 🤣

[@taatrs]

@@MOTOBLADE not to bad for the worst thing about an otherwise fantastic bike.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

@@MOTOBLADE I still have an Iphone 6S and it fits. The only newer Iphone with 5G that will fit seems to be the Iphone 13. Also, I run a really short lightening cable (available on Amazon)

[@Sharky_On_The_Road]

I just bout a 2018 Chieftain Limited the beginning of this year 2022. But have had a 1994 Honda Shadow 600 for about 12 or 13 years. and still have my 2007 Yamaha Stratoliner 1900. And yes the 2019 and up Chieftains look like crap and look like the Street glide. That`s why had to get a 2018 one.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Love my 2018. Just rode 5000 miles round trip to Sturgis on her. Handled like a dream. Love that bike! Link to my Sturgis 2022 Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLlv0HxKrcZ6NiPds74dJsTHDmwOSVjGnu

[@ahhshytson]

I prefer my cardo in my helmet for music.

[@kevinb.3528]

? Is the dark horse a 2017 or 2018? Thanks

[@MOTOBLADE]

2018

[@filippocorti6760]

How are they in terms of reliability and longevity compared to Harleys?

[@MOTOBLADE]

In terms of reliability, I can tell you I've talked to many Indian owners who were former Harley owners. They were tired of the bike being in the shop more than it was on the road. They made the switch to Indian and couldn't be happier. I have never had an issue with mine. Engine is bulletproof, handles like a dream. I have a Harley, so I don't want to sound like I'm crapping on them, but I can tell a quality difference between my Indian and my Harley. The Indian wins. If I can find a report with some hard numbers I will do a video on it, but reliability reports for motorcycle brands are much harder to get than for car companies. My best suggestion is talk to as many Indian owners as you can. If I had to stake my claim and only choose one brand, it will always be Indian.

[@filippocorti6760]

@@MOTOBLADE Thanks.

[@Bass.Player]

Only sound I want to hear while riding is the exhaust note...

[@jeffray2869]

Whats the red light blinking on your tack?

[@MOTOBLADE]

I looked it up when I got home. It was the battery light but the flash rate was indicating that the battery level in my key fob was low. Replaced battery in key fob and it went away. Handy little alert.

[@paraflyingnews]

7:17 Exactly my point why I bought a 2017. Let's show the difference to Harley. Don't imitate!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Agreed!

[@grimreaper7502]

I might switch to Indian over my harely I need something bang for my buck

[@MOTOBLADE]

Make the jump. Come to the dark side :)

[@grimreaper7502]

@@MOTOBLADE the new Indian chieftain is so nice I might next year for a test drive

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@grimreaper7502 I've got a review on the 2023 Chieftain Dark Horse coming within the next 2 weeks here, stay tuned, I think you'll like it! Thanks for watching :)

[@kevinpleitez6671]

12k miles in 3 years, do you even ride?

[@MOTOBLADE]

From November to April it's in the garage for sub freezing temps and snow. Put about 10 on it this season - 5k alone round trip to sturgis in 2.5 weeks (sturgis videos on my channel as well).

[@jamesjones-xp6rd]

121 ehh ? Sold.

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@jamesjones-xp6rd the new chieftains have a 116 Thunderstroke. With a good tune on that and a stage 1 kit, you could probably compete in the king of the baggers championship race 😂 these things have great low end torque. Top end won’t thrill you like a sport bike but the acceleration from a stop is great.

[@papichulo7757]

Why do you want to go faster than 121 for all that just get a sports bike

[@MOTOBLADE]

I'm an adrenaline junkie. I fly aerobatics and work as a flight instructor. This is my "plane on the ground." I had a sport bike. Don't like them for comfort. The Indian did 110 riding to sturgis across the plains of South Dakota. I figure that's pretty good. Can't hurt to have more power though 😃

[@papichulo7757]

@@MOTOBLADE I here you how reliable is the indian chieftain

[@greenshield1]

NEK?

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yessir. Fellow Vermonter?

[@greenshield1]

@MOTOBLADE my family has an old farmhouse and land up in East Charleston on Echo Lake. It's been in the family for 100 year or so. My Uncle retired there back in the 90s. I've been going there , since birth, in 77, every summer with family. I do the same with mine as do my siblings. I was baptized up there. I also have been going up every fall for over 10 years, to cut trees and make firewood for my aging uncle. I recognized the scenery in your video, I have been all over up there, many times, it's like a second home. Southern by birth, but Vermont is definitely a part of me. You don't sound like a Vermont, native?