Owning an Indian Motorcycle - A Harley Riders Perspective

[@mrdude3540]

That Indian scout bobber is the best bar hopper bike I have ever seen there’s no comparison from Harley or anyone else in my opinion

[@IronBornRider]

Thanks Mr dude! I agree lol!

[@mrdude3540]

@ what do you think of the new design of the 2025 Scout bobber?

[@IronBornRider]

@ I’m still partial to the older design but overall it’s impressive. I got the chance to demo one last year and it’s still awesome

[@mrdude3540]

@@IronBornRider I like how they took out the huge radiator frame, but I like the older style engine industrial look

[@IronBornRider]

@ agreed. There’s a lot of things to like about the new scouts, but I do prefer the previous gen looks

[@streetsean]

I traded my ultra for an Indian roadmaster, and I've had more people stop me to complimenting me on the RM than ultra by far.

[@IronBornRider]

The roadmaster is a great looking bike for sure!

[@married2dastreets]

I love my Indian .. I only wish there was more aftermarket parts

[@IronBornRider]

Same here

[@vmonk1474]

I was on Harleys for thirty years. Today I have an Indian Pursuit, and FTR. Obviously I like Indian better.

[@IronBornRider]

Right on, ride safe

[@papertrail44]

Great points. 883 XLH, Shovelhead & Low Rider S owner here. The Indian Chief would be my model of choice if I was gonna "defect". Great handling & performance.

[@IronBornRider]

Yeah the chief is they’re do it all bike. It’s solid all around

[@hirdy161]

Never ridden an Indian but they're very cool. Got a Harley. Never thought id buy one, but as soon as I swung a leg over that big old Dyna and fired it up I was sold. It shakes rattles and rolls, it lets you know its a fuckin bike, but its so comfy. People who say they're slow are speed-adjusted to ridiculously high performance, its faster than 90% of vehicles on the road. Plus, in the UK it barely depreciates! Don't think I'll ever sell it, I definitely feel that's my steed now. I imagine Indians are quicker and better handling, probably better on fuel. I don’t care though. As silly as it sounds, a big air cooled Harley has soul like nothing else.

[@IronBornRider]

Hard to beat the feel of an old dyna. I’ve been thinking of getting a dyna myself. Cheers!

[@BikeLife_Commando]

I have a low rider St and an Indian Pursuit Dark Horse icon. I like you love them both. I am new to both brands and I think they are great. I use them both for different events. I think the Harley Community is a lot tighter though. Great video.

[@IronBornRider]

Thanks for sharing and I agree with you. Both have different utility and the Harley community is definitely tighter.

[@tomoates8568]

I've owned a few different brands, and I've found it's not just the "Harley tax" for me lol. I just love customizing my bikes, so I spend a ton on aftermarket parts no matter what brand I've bought. That said, I do disagree that the Harleys "feel flat" when it comes to power. I've put a slip on exhaust on my Lowrider ST just to get a better exhaust note, but the power it has stock is amazing

[@IronBornRider]

The 117s actually do have a better engine feel, you’re right. But a lot of the Harleys I’ve demo’d over the past 3 years have all felt a tad flat. Could just be me though

[@dr.g6105]

I had a road king for years, but now ride a chief vintage. I LOVE it. I can’t imagine ever going back. And you’re right, I haven’t changed anything on it: I haven’t needed to.

[@IronBornRider]

Right on!

[@elijahgarcia1015eg]

Love how people hate the sportster so much but it’s the same bike they started on plus it’s such a customizable bike the possibility with are endless and parts are always available at a low cost

[@IronBornRider]

The sportster is still one of my favorite harleys, I always end up regretting selling them. I’ll probably end up with another at some point.

[@tokairic3925]

Until I bought my Harley 1200 Sportster I always changed many parts on my bikes. However the 2004 Sportster I bought is just what I wanted. Only changes from stock for this model are: mirror extensions (so I can see more than my elbows), rev counter (just a personal preference), and mid mount footpegs and controls (I don't like forward set). It also has a small rack on the back to carry a tool roll etc. I am perfectly happy with it as it is. For me it is enough that its a Harley.

[@IronBornRider]

Love me a good sportster

[@kennethkuehl4270]

First bike was an iron head sportster. Back in 1981 (1977 XL 1000) was before the “yuppie riders” Harley and bikes in general were disrespected on the road. Still have (2003 fxstdse) a Harley, but have stopped at local Indian dealership a few times. The Scout looks like a cool bike.

[@IronBornRider]

The older sportsters are pretty cool imo

[@Markotto09]

The Apple analogy was spot on.

[@IronBornRider]

Thanks!

[@Jacob99174]

This guy was born with iron in his blood! 👍🏿

[@IronBornRider]

Lol thanks!

[@martyv5417]

If it makes you feel any better, the Indian Scout is a girls bike too! 😁

[@IronBornRider]

Lolll it does actually

[@T4G95]

The “harley” tax really is not just a harley thing. I have owned kawasaki and suzuki sport bikes… trust me.. every bike you own you will want to customise a little.

[@IronBornRider]

Yeah every bike has a “tax” but Harley is a bit extreme lol

[@_S.E.J_]

Love both, but HD will always have my heart ❤️

[@IronBornRider]

Same here brother 🤘

[@icyGrip666]

I've not a cruser guy. I've riden several harelys and I've riden the scout and the ftr. Indian gets you good bike out the door, harely gives you a cool looking bike. Ether way enjoy liked the video.

[@IronBornRider]

Right on! Neither is a bad option in my opinion.

[@NicePantsLance]

I 100% agree. Harley's are a tad overrated, and i chalk it up to people's lack of knowledge on other brands. It's impossible for me to be impressed by any Harley, when i picked up a Rocket 3 Roadster for under $10k and tuned it for free. Now i make more power than a 131ci Harley for way less money, and its more comfortable and reliable. Put 26k flawless miles on it so far. On the other hand, i know guys with newer Harley's that needed engine replacements in the first 3k miles. If you think a Harley is special, go ride a Yamaha Raider, Suzuki M109r, Vulcan 2000, or a Triumph Thunderbird and get back to me. Whatever you can get from a Harley, can easily be trumped by something cheaper off the used marketplace

[@IronBornRider]

Yeah on paper Harleys generally fall flat against the competition. But theyre fun bikes, easy to modify and fix and you can find parts easily. I think everyone should have at least one Harley lol

[@honestbrute9216]

Greetings from Charles County MD!

[@IronBornRider]

Maryland riders!

[@jamesbastiaanse6877]

If you tune an Indian it will need to come from the dealer. The ECU will override aftermarket tuners.

[@IronBornRider]

The powe visions won’t work?

[@jamesbastiaanse6877]

@ our certified tech says they get overridden and will revert back to factory.

[@IronBornRider]

@ that’s interesting. Never knew that

[@BR7Fan71]

The Harley has been my dream bike for a very long time. The price keeps me away. The Indian is the better buy, with and without out the extras. The Indian can give me what I want with the extras without breaking the bank. If I choose the Harley Street bobber without the extras, the Indian with extras I want is still cheaper.

[@IronBornRider]

Agree. Pound for pound Indian offers a better bike on paper.

[@vinthilldesigns4861]

Great video!

[@IronBornRider]

Much appreciated!

[@Excesv]

I brought myself an Indian pursuit. I feel indian riders are people who enjoy riding. Harley owners, I feel are more like "look at me"

[@martincvitkovich724]

good grief

[@OLICIT]

That is not what the “Harley Tax” means, what it actually means that you can buy many metric cruisers which are almost identical or better, but the Harley costs more purely because it’s a Harley, same goes with Harley clothes and other accessories if they are branded Harley Davidson

[@IronBornRider]

The Harley tax means exactly what you said, but it’s also broadened to include what I mentioned. Both are true www.v-twinforum.com/threads/what-is-the-harley-tax.4022/

[@martincvitkovich724]

some day you will wake up and realize how ridiculous your perspective is

[@martincvitkovich724]

The Harley Tax is the money you have to spend to reverse the GOVERMENTS restrictions. ie. Free flowing air and exhaust

[@au303]

The thing I will never understand is the unfriendliness from Harley riders. They refuse to wave to or socialize with anyone not on a Harley. I like all bikes from most manufactures so I just can't understand it.

[@IronBornRider]

Totally, even when I’m on my Harley some don’t wave lol. It makes no sense

[@stevewilson8752]

Most of them think they are to tough 👊👊to wave or smile , they going for the dumb 1% bikie look & think they are to cool to wave or say hello , Cheers from Bundaberg Australia 🇦🇺🍹🕺

[@garygullikson6349]

I owned and rode two '48 Indian Chief's and some other brands for 70+ years. Mostly a commuter and loner. I never met a super macho "bad ass" Indian rider. Most just were long time fans of the brand and not much interested in conforming or impressing anybody. Never understood disrespect between Harley and Indian or Chevy vs Ford folks. There is a lot of ego involved in motorcycling and it can get inexperienced riders killed or crippled for life.

[@privatemac2628]

9:51 Dude, what are you talking about? Android has 70.7% market share worldwide.

[@IronBornRider]

I should’ve clarified, in the US

[@SG-wj2qj]

Ride whatever you like. I Couldn’t care less about Indian. Polaris Gutted Victory Motorcycles - which where actually making proper good motorcycles with their own brand identity, and rebranded them into Indian. Your modern day Scout is an essentially a Gen.2 Victory Octane. I loved my Vegas, Cross-Country & Gunner & Highball. Still have my highball.

[@IronBornRider]

@@SG-wj2qj definitely. Ride what you like, that’s the whole point of motorcycling. 🤘

[@MegaBailey67]

I have plenty of compliments on my 2023 fatboy 😮

[@IronBornRider]

I do love the fatboy 🙌

[@jbone9900]

Im thinking about getting into bike and folks say avoid the fatboy since im new.

[@IronBornRider]

The fatboy is a great bike but I wouldn’t pick it as my first bike

[@QuinnTales-sq5pl]

You get more for your money with a stock Indian than Harley. Harley have more aftermarket but they have been more available for a longer period. I would say Indian are probably 10 years behind on the over all set up. There are more Harley Davidson dealerships and more independent dealerships, Indian tend to be more multi franchise. The Indian community needs to grow but Polaris do not understand the strength that will give them, they are starting to change that in America but the EMEA is way behind. Also Polaris will not encourage or support independent garages which also reduces the customer support and parts and is the main draw back and restriction on after market parts increasing. I currently own an Indian Roadmaster and love the ride, based in the UK but the support for the rider is very poor! "I love my Indian Motorcycle, Polaris not so much".

[@IronBornRider]

I love that phrase “I love my Indian motorcycle, Polaris not so much” because that embodies everything in this video. Thanks for the comment!

[@QuinnTales-sq5pl]

@@IronBornRider I had that printed on a T'shirt I could send you one, got friends with Victorys so going to do one for them as well.

[@delarosadevin]

If you want a bike that is hassle free and just fucking works buy anything other than a Harley. If you like setting piles of money on fire and feeling like your flying WW2 era aircraft killin’ nazis get a Harley. Stock HD aint it.

[@IronBornRider]

I’ve had 3 Harleys and they’ve all been fairly hassle free *knock on wood

[@RoadReality]

LOL, you just HAD to get a jab in, didn't ya? It's all good, I'm still on a bagger and you're not, so I'm better than you! :D Kidding - ride what you want, I don't care. :D

[@IronBornRider]

@@RoadReality lol I just had to do it

[@RoadReality]

@@IronBornRider I don't blame you, not one bit. :D

[@BossMan302]

It’s not that Harley needs a “stage 1” it’s the tune from the factory is tuned to make the EPA and environmental nuts happy. Indian doesn’t give a shit they shipped tuned maxed. A simple tune on a Harley will put it where it should be. Everyone should own a tuner anyways so it’s not that big of a deal.

[@IronBornRider]

I get the EPA part, but not sure how Indian circumvents it

[@mrdude3540]

@@IronBornRider it’s because Indian motors are better lol 🍻

[@BossMan302]

Harley doesn’t have to circumvent it. Look at the head of Harley Davidson he literally said he is “like a Nazi for the environment” EPA restricts and Harley goes even further.