Rabid Hedgehog's Review of the 2016 Indian Chieftain

[@davidadams8934]

Great review, Your right about the windshield height, 2016 they put a lower height windshield on. Also the engine oil hour meter counts down to let you know when it is due for a oil change. The Chieftain also has a air ride shock that you can adjust. I have a 2015 Chieftain and love it. Happy riding!

[@RabidHedgehog]

+David Adams Ah the Indian guys said it was springs vs. air. And at least the air load on it was more choppy so I guess that is why I believed it.

[@agma00766]

I upgraded from Fat Bob to a chieftain. I m glad I made that choice. This chieftain is so comfortable and composed. I have had it for a year now and still enjoy riding it :)

[@DarioCruz92]

Polaris also did a great job on the showrooms and merchandise for the Indians. Not that it helps with performance but it does give you an overall sense that "fit and finish" is important to that brand. I have a feeling that H-D is feeling the pressure from Polaris and it's the reason why they're pushing newer upgraded models quicker (i.e. Low Rider S and Roadster). I wouldn't be surprised if all their touring models get bumped up to 110 c.i. engines next year or in 2018. Hopefully, it forces H-D to produce a 6-speed Sportster soon. Great review as always. Thanks for the vlog.

[@BossBikesClub]

Great review, Rabid Hedgehog. We took out the Chief Vintage and Chieftan and loved them too. Hard to choose which I want more!

[@KTR2020_1]

Thanks for another great review. First accessory I put on my RoadMaster was the heel/toe shifter (feels really strange to ride without one lol). I changed the windshield to the Klock Werks style flip shield and though a little shorter than OEM it is a bit wider and provides pretty nice coverage on the highway (looks a little nicer too I think :). Thanks again for sharing - Cheers - Kevin

[@RabidHedgehog]

That's the way to go having a hill toe. Glad you are out enjoying the wind!

[@pmh1nic]

I think HD has stepped up their game and addressed a lot of the issues you raised with the new Street Glide with the Milwaukee Eight engine and the suspension modifications they've made.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I agree. I loved the engine in the Road King and I did get to ride a Street Glide a few weeks later, although I did not film it as it was spur of the moment and a friend needed navigation through the area and it was much improved even of the 110 version I rode earlier in the year.

[@snakebite6511]

That being said, Harley riders should be thanking Indian. Harley would not have changed shit if it wasn't for Indian

[@KrazyKoolNYer]

Another Good review!! I never knew that the Chieftain was the direct competition to the Street Glide. Learn something new today! LOLRide safe

[@xnuke1]

Chieftain does have air adjustable suspension in the rear. Springfield uses the air shock from the Chieftain/Roadmaster platform.

[@RabidHedgehog]

What is strange is the Indian rep there said it was riding on regular springs. And at least it's adjustment felt like it as it lacked the smoothness of the Springfield. So it may have been limited to that demo bike but when I got on it he said it was regular.

[@xnuke1]

I am really very surprised he would have said that. Possibly the air shock was pumped up to a higher pressure, which would cause a stiffer ride. But no matter. Keep up the good reviews!

[@RabidHedgehog]

+Chris Ross Yeah I found it odd as well after reading more one it.

[@dbest1aVlogs]

Good review, have been looking forward to testing this bike out . Hopefully soon . Seems like this one touched your heart hehe. I love that adjustable windshield , such a win win in my book.

[@RabidHedgehog]

There is a lot going for Indian right now. I have not found one I don't like yet.

[@joedangelo5640]

The features are a trade off. The Street Glide has more gadgets on it than the Indian - like GPS. I agree that the Indian is smoother, but Harley fans like the rumble. Also, the CVO Harley has more HP and torque than a stock TS 111 (but you can upgrade the cams, air intake, and exhaust on the 111 and beat the CVO).Also, I don't think many Harley folks or Indian folks would shop a GoldWing.

[@ArisimaSpinosa]

Good review! Thanks for your comments on the Springfield and Chieftain. I've ridden a Chieftain and can echo your conclusions. There is an Indian Demo Ride coming up in about a month near me, so I'm going to head over and try out the Springfield. I think, although I can't be sure, that the Chieftain you rode had the "flare" windshield, rather than the standard windshield.

[@RabidHedgehog]

+Andy Madison It may have. I swore the last one I rode that was the Chieftain actually had a taller windshield.

[@mindspinn311]

As you were saying Harley needs to do something to get better they were developing the Milwaukee 8 engine. Indian forced that, as well as emissions laws.

[@CraigSmith568]

Not a fan of the heel shifter. I like to move my feet around on the floorboards and the heel shifter locks your foot in one position.

[@RabidHedgehog]

If done right they do not do so bad. Kawasaki for instance has the heel portion beyond the floorboard so you slide back a smidge and lift to access.

[@mindspinn311]

@@RabidHedgehog Same as how the Victory heel shifter was positioned. Proper.

[@CBVTX]

Can't figure Polaris out. The Indians are awesome machines while the Victory line has issues and are way overpriced. I don't see Victory surviving at this price point.

[@godwhomismike]

I think that was why they did the Octane. To buy time and have a model that can sell well for a bit. Sadly, there are dealers marking them up. Local dealer near me is asking $13k for the Octane.

[@RabidHedgehog]

+Carl Briles Victory started out as a great bike and really well made. They then just let them go out to pasture so to say and have not called them back to the barn. I hope they get better.

[@RabidHedgehog]

+godwhomismike They do that with the Scout as well. Normal Scouts somehow or another it seems like most are 15K after all the "fees" when they are supposed to start at $11,999.

[@daveramsey9804]

I love victory motorcycles but the price got to come down

[@barackblows1942]

Dave Hodney How does zero $ sound?