Rabid Hedgehog's Review of the 2016 Indian Springfield

[@timhosea8175]

I have had a Scout for 2 years, have ridden bikes all my life and had lots of 'em. Bought my wife a Springfield last month, she LOVES IT! So, long story short, I took it for a ride last weekend and fell in love too. Picking up MY new Springfield tomorrow!

[@billiondollardan]

These bikes look incredible too. 2.5 additional inches of travel in the rear is an incredible advantage over the Road King

[@RabidHedgehog]

Very much more comfortable. Almost Gold Wing comfort.

[@billiondollardan]

bought it. Thanks!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Awesome! Enjoy it!

[@josezerpa8177]

What a beautiful bike! Great review, enjoyed it a lot! Cheers..

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thank you!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I watched your RK review and now this one. I may have to subscribe! I enjoy your intelligent reviews. I think I'm pretty much sold on Indian. Every review is a thumbs up. I looked at the chief vintage last year and was blown away at the fit finish and quality like you spoke of. I was especially blown away by that tan leather bags and seat, the leather was top quality and absolutely beautiful! I agree about victory. I fear buying one because I'm not sure they will be around much longer. I can count on 1 hand how many victories I've seen on the road In 5 YEARS! I don't see how they stay in business. Even the local dealer does good to have 3-4 bikes on the floor and focus more on Polaris off road vehicles.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thank you! Polaris knew what they were doing when the bought the Indian name and I am happy they put the quality and time into the brand they did. I do want them to give that love to Victory as well. RSMF out there and enjoy that wind!

[@devonriley110]

JohnnyRebKy Are you a psychic?

[@JohnnyRebKy]

NO.....but economic forecast are pretty easy to predict when you never see a product being bought or used by anybody

[@devonriley110]

I was just joking.

[@BegoneJonah]

" I fear buying one because I'm not sure they will be around much longer." You were right!

[@irvinpope7165]

Hey Hedge.......I rode tested the Chieftain and Roadmaster. Awesome rides! They did a bang up job when Indian designed it! Couldn't believe the smoothness in the delivery through each gear. The suspension is so smooth like a Cadillac.....LOL. Unlike Harley, There are two drain plugs and that's it. It uses 5.5 Qts, filter.....Done.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yeah Harley it's three, then open primary, then filter, then pray the gaskets survived.

[@tshortbull8683]

I agree about the higher quality of Indian over victory. I bought a '16 Scout recently and the salesman told me Indian is supposed to be Polaris' luxury motorcycle brand.

[@daveyarmstrong86]

Bought a Scout Bobber Twenty in December and really liked it, but found it just wasn't a great long range bike. So trading it in for a 2018 Springfield this afternoon...can't wait! Thanks for your awesome reviews bro!!

[@markellars9245]

Thank you for the quick reply. I own a Victory Vision and I love it, but after 7 years it is time to move on. I also own a Indian scout.

[@stephensledge13]

Thanks RH for another great review. I have a ‘14 CB1100 which I like a lot and considering this in about a year and a half. Doubt I will buy new so wanted to watch your ‘16 review of the Springfield. Thanks again.

[@hooeetube]

2,000 miles into a 2022 Springfield, I really will never go back to HD. The balance and agility are unparalleled.

[@KTR2020_1]

Enjoy your reviews (just subscribed). I picked up a 2016 Roadmaster last year and have been very impressed with the bike. Your reviews last year for the RM and Chieftain were also appreciated. Thanks for sharing!! Kevin - Bolton, Ontario

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thank you!!! I love to hear feed back from awesome subscribers like you! RSMF

[@jeannezimmermann4913]

couldnt agree more. I rode the Springfield after riding a friends Road King. It made the HD seem like a John Deere tractor.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I have to say the Milwaukee 8 and the Springfield are much closer though, so it can make the decision a bit harder.

[@phillombardi7978]

Tough being HD 107's are out. I do like the look of the Indian but hear the 111's run very hot. Great vid dude thanks!

[@RabidHedgehog]

The 111s can get crispy in city riding and sitting still, but moving around I usually feel nothing. I hope to have a 107 Harley review very soon to compare.

[@mewandawebasa3589]

I think he likes it :) thanks for the review. still shots in the beginning were a nice touch and helpful

[@RabidHedgehog]

+Mewanda Webasa Thank you!

[@BegoneJonah]

I wanted a Road King - and I kind of still do - but, wow, I test rode a 2018 Springfield and fell in love with it. Yes - it felt very nimble. And looks gorgeous. (I love retro styling.) I think I may go Indian. Problem is, there are a lot of good used Road Kings on the market... not so many Springfields....

[@RabidHedgehog]

There is a ton of truth to that because many Springfields are held on to since they are still a relatively new bike while the King has been around for basically 25 or so years. I have seen only two used Springfields in my area recently. Good look hunting and I am sure you will find the right one.

[@alward5678]

The Bike looks to Gaudy for my taste. The road king has a more classic bike appeal. Other than that I'm sure it is a good bike.

[@leightri]

so this bike is actually as good as it looks! I spent 20+ years thinking I should buy a Harley. I rented one for 5 days... A black Electra Glide looked great, but the suspension bottomed out at dips in the road, and bits fell off it (literally). I think I need to test ride the Springfield. I like it isn't just another HD, and have seen the sales in the first half of this year rocket up for Indian. A better bike for less money?

[@RabidHedgehog]

It's actually a bit more than the Road King it competes with, but it is a better bike to me.

[@BegoneJonah]

Yeah - not less money. A bit more. But they put stuff on it (ABS, cruise) that are options on a Harley.

[@markellars9245]

Great review!!!! Will you be riding the 2017 Indians. I don't know if I want a vintage or a Springfield. Thanx Mark

[@RabidHedgehog]

Mark Ellars When I get a shot to I will try and get a couple out this year.

[@rossm.jamison764]

Thank you. I enjoy your reports

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thanks

[@KrazyKoolNYer]

Good review, I haven't ridden the Springfield yet but it is a beautiful bike and I am sure the ride quality and handling is smooth. I do like that its Indian ans to the HD Road King, Looking forward to seeing your video on why you feel Victory is a cheap bike. thanks for sharingRide safe

[@RabidHedgehog]

+Krazy Kool NYer It'll take a moment before I can get there on the Victory review but it will be coming.

[@60fitandvegan89]

+Rabid Hedgehog If you think victory has cheap quality you are mistaken. I have been rideing an 1999 v92c for the past 17 years and the quality on my bike far outclasses the six HD,s I have owned. And I belive there would not be a present Indian motorcyle company if Polaris had not created Victory first

[@RabidHedgehog]

I actually like the older Victory bikes because they started out top notch. But they have let too many projects, such as Indian, get in the way to me. I have rode older Victory Vegas and Jackpots with the 92 and the 100. But for some reason these modern ones stink. It's just my opinion though. I am going to be giving the Victory bikes a second shot. I like the Impulse TT though right out of the box. So it's nothing against them, just why have they let them go downhill. I feel the same way about Star cruisers as well. Yamaha's main line of standards and sport bikes are vastly better built. But climb on a Bolt, or 1300 Deluxe or any of the others and I feel they skipped them in favor of the sporting lineup.

[@TAMBO26]

I love your excitement! I'm in the market for an upgrade (currently 650 V-Star which is fine for day to day riding and short touring....but I need more power!!) I thought I hated the look of the Indian bikes... that is... until I saw them in person!! They are like rolling pieces of art! Beautiful! The Springfield is getting good review after good review..... I may have an Indian in my garage soon! Wondering about the buffeting.. did you say how tall you are? I'm 5'6 so I doubt it would be an issue for me.

[@RabidHedgehog]

It would not be an issue at all for you. I am around 5'11" or so.

[@adamcontreras3716]

Thank you for the review, i'll be test riding one next week!

[@RabidHedgehog]

Cool! Let me know what you think!

[@HarleyDayRider]

Thanks for the review. I can't wait to get on one of these new bikes. Our demo days are coming up in June so I will have to give it a test ride. Ride Safe

[@RabidHedgehog]

+HarleyDayRider It's fun and worth it.

[@blackhawk2475]

Great video. Just purchased one and all you say about it is absolutely correct. However you fail to mention one thing that I would like to address. That is the amount of heat the engine generates. I find it a bit hot while at stop lights and a bit when riding. Did you experience the same? Thanks and ride safe.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Blackhawk 247 I did not that day. We did not hit the stops very much to feel it. However, a friend of mine purchased a Dark Horse before getting his license so I rode it for him in a more mixed situation and also in 90+ degree weather and holy crap the Thunder stroke gets hot.

[@tommartin1223]

Blackhawk 247 you can get the oil cooler for these bikes too

[@blackhawk2475]

tom martin Thanks for the info. Definitely something I will look into.

[@SpykeZ0129]

It's the cat coverter that's like midway on the exhaust. Take it off.

[@blackhawk2475]

Hello again RH... Although I've had the Springfield for some time now, there is one more question I'd like to ask. On the right handle bar, there is a similar lever (like on the left to go through the menu). For the life of me I do not know its function. Would you know by chance? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@chrisdroste3296]

i went to a Demo Event this past weekend (5/28) and got to take this bike out. Initially i was intimidated by her size but once i was on the road.... O..M..G... this bike is Ridiculous! Rides like an old Cadillac(as in a good thing, silky smooth over EVERYTHING) and i just could NOT believe how light and easy-handling bike this is. I just got a 2016 H-D FatBob(nearly 700lbs) and while i love love love that bike and it's handling...this bike is like.... 200lbs MORE, and it handles like it weighs half that! Honestly i personally wanted either a longer screen, or a shorter screen. the stock one for me personally wind buffeting across my helmet, and that huge Thunderstroke, i felt like it needed another gear...maybe two! it's just such a relaxed bike to ride and that engine is so effortless i felt like i wanted to keep it around 1700-1800rpm all day it was a freakin' magic carpet! I almost seriously though of trading in my new bike for this; and by the time i got back to the dealer and off the bike...it was sold to the guy who test rode it before me!!!

[@RabidHedgehog]

As a previous Fat Bob owner that if exactly right. This thing outweighs it and out maneuvers and out powers the Bob. Polaris does an amazing job at making balanced bikes.

[@vulcanman64]

I bought the new road King instead of the Springfield but paid more for the road King because of two tone paint, abs and security. The Springfield still had more bells and whistles tho. I liked the Indian but the Harley appealed to me more. Strange Polaris makes the victory as well as I hated every victory I tried. I also found them ugly.

[@RabidHedgehog]

So far Vulcanman I tend to agree on the Victory Bikes. I do like both the Road King and the Springfield, but I would take the Springfield. That is if I ever go to a heavy touring bike. My plan is to outfit a Rocket III Roadster with the bags and such (since the touring model has a detuned engine).

[@vulcanman64]

+Rabid Hedgehog honest answer and I appreciate that.

[@googleuser2082]

Beautiful bikes. I bet Harley are worried about Indian now. Far superior bikes all round

[@RabidHedgehog]

To me that's the hope. You stay at the top too long you become too complacent to make changes.

[@googleuser2082]

***** Exactly. HD hasn't had enough horse power in their engines for years. I'm so glad Indian are doing so well

[@RabidHedgehog]

Well except the Night Rod/V-Rod maybe :)

[@tshortbull8683]

I couldn't agree more. however, time will tell if Polaris can keep Indian going better than the previous 2 owners.

[@tshortbull8683]

+Rabid Hedgehog how tall are you? do you happen to know your inseam and wing span?

[@buckotte1414]

Hi Hedge !.....you should'a gave us a go-over on the maintenance points. Oil changes, metric or sae....etc. thanks, buck p.s. they do look nice !

[@RabidHedgehog]

I could put those in the descriptions if available in the future.

[@buckotte1414]

+Rabid Hedgehog Super ! Nice to describe the work-on-ability ..[or otherwise]...features.

[@jeannezimmermann4913]

Did a test ride on a Springfield..awesome. Rode a friends Road King, makes the HD seem like a John Deere. Oil changes for Indian are simple. One oil type (two drain plugs though). They sell oil change kit oil, filter and washers. HD (like my Buell) needs three types!!! (Buell needs 2). The Marietta Dealership was so friendly. I got a test ride. My 2 friends and I got free t-shirts and challenge coin. This after leaving the BMW dealership where my friend spent $25K and we got squat! Indian rules!

[@N617A]

Hey mister rabid? Between this, the new gen road king and the triumph America... what order would you arrange them from most smooth to least smooth in terms of power delivery?

[@RabidHedgehog]

The Springfield and M8 Road King are tied and the Triumph will be the lessor of the two as it requires hitting the spurs a bit too much. Now again with the Twin cam in the Road King the Springfield wins. The reason why they tie with the M8 and 111 is that they both have good low end take off, both accelerate into the midrage well, then at top out they're still not really out of breath. The reason the Triumph is behind is that it is all midrange with no low-range accel and no high end. It is a little more buzzing in nature as well as the P-Twin will send it into your hands and you'll get those pins and needles after a good long ride while the 111 and the M8 are balanced at speed and designed well at keeping the vibes and buzz out of the controls.

[@jjayallan]

Excellent review, great job😀👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🏁🏆

[@RabidHedgehog]

Thank you!

[@shadowchaserdk]

Great Review.. thanks :)

[@abumusa8848]

Could you do one with Hammer S or hammer 8 victory ?

[@RabidHedgehog]

+Abu Musa I will try. I need to add the Vision and Cross Country back to the list as well for second chances.

[@abumusa8848]

OKAY :D

[@gabbyhayes1568]

Don't break down on one while touring though as Harley dealers won't help you out. It's a fantastic bike, but I'd be afraid of the lack of dealer support while touring. With that said, my Buddy has one and it's the most awesome cruiser style bike I've ever ridden. Throw a leg over one and the quality is apparent. They are the only cruiser I've seen that actually makes a Harley seem inferior in that regard (i.e. quality). However, I haven't ridden the new HD 107 bikes either. I hear they've narrowed the gap with the Thunder Stroke.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Gabby Hayes oh have they done so. I rode the 2017 Road King and it is awesome with the new mill.

[@dixienormous3262]

One of the nicest baggers on the market. Great review, but please don't shift so quickly, it's a bagger not a sport bike. I like to hear the drop of the RPM and click of the gear shift.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I'll try and hold out on cruisers from shifting for the next batch :)

[@quidestnunc9238]

Please view GA Ramblin Man KZbin channel segments featuring Indian Springfield tour of New England for an entire week. Heat and Seat issues.And the New York City Indian Roadmaster owner of TWO of them who traded eventually for a Gold Wing GL1800. As a 2010 Geez Wing owner, I definitely want an Indian because it has sex appeal unlike the appliance -like reliability and boring nature of the GW.

[@chonasimpson6487]

I can attest to the floor board size my husband takes size 16 lol. So your feet are small compared to his.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Nice

[@1400IntruderVS]

The criticism of victory over Indian is kind of pointless. Indian is being marketed a higher end motorcycle. For those who have not been following. When Victory introduced their Vegas bikes the brand was being marketed as high end American custom cruisers with an emphasis on custom. There was an assortment of colors, paint schemes and even a choice of finishes for the engines and frames. The price tags often exceeded what you would have expected to pay for similarly equipped Harley. Unfortunately and in spite of great reviews the custom based marketing of options did not create the volume of sales they hoped for. So the strategy had to change. In more recent years Victory has streamlined their product line by sticking with what sells while reducing the color pallet and the a lot shiny bits as well. Less chrome and less color and less complicated paint schemes. All but one get the same black painted frame and all have virtually the same engine detailing. Again lower cost and simplifying assembly, which help them to lower the price tags. What was the new mass produced custom high end American motorcycle became the working mans full size American motorcycle. The performance is there. They continue outshine many other machines in ride quality and handling and often power, but now their pricing isn't very far from the rest of the competition. With Indian they are making another go at. Indian representing a higher end American luxury cruiser allows Victory to move their marketing toward the performance or muscle-bike sub category while still offering great alternative touring machines. So this sub market shift seems to be working favorably. While I will agree that Victory does not have the bling quality of the Indian. I think it is unfair to say they feel cheap to ride. They are really two very different riding experiences.

[@RabidHedgehog]

+1400IntruderVS Solid opinion.

[@erics9754]

$27,500 in Canada way too much.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I can understand, it is a bit on the pricy side here to.

[@saddle8bag]

Victory was hoping to get Harley people onto more modern bikes. Yes things like switch gear were plastic as opposed to giant chrome anchors, but that has its advantages too. Like not throwing off blinding glare directly and via the windscreen, not requiring constant polishing, not weighing an English ton etc. Polaris decided if they want the Harley crowd they have to play to what they know, paint and chrome. Indian, gets all the fancy doo dads Harley has. It also has a power plant with more low end power, but IMO much less mid-top end. The Springfield looks like a much improved bike over the Chief series. When they first came out, I road my Vic Cross Roads 250 miles to Michigan to ride one. I felt great when I got there. After about a 10 mile ride on the Chief Vintage, my ass was developing hot spots and my right leg was damn near on fire. I repeatedly banged the thing off the rev limiter as the power just up and quit. Needless to say, I was happy to ride my CR 250 miles back home upon returning from that little demo. Other issues I had with it was that it was ponderous at low speeds and the tan leather on the seat looked like garbage after about 1k miles of demo rides. I'm also no fan of screw off gas caps. One thing you may not have noticed on your short ride was those ridiculous tiller handlebars. In the short run they may be okay, but I doubt they'd be comfy long. Look at the peculiar position your right wrist is cocked. That ain't natural. Anyway, enjoyed the vid. Glad to see they put a wider seat on this one and a subframe capable of carrying a trunk. Still, that whole bias ply tire and ginormous fender business ain't my cup a tea...

[@DarioCruz92]

It's funny but I just posted a comment about fit & finish on your Chieftain review before I saw this vlog. I agree, if you're used to looking at Harleys, the (few) plastic parts and the cruise & radio controls on Victory's bikes really stick out and make it look a bit cheap. But I have to admit that the quality look of the Indians equal that of the H-Ds (in my opinion, anyway).

[@RabidHedgehog]

That's my thoughts as well. I rode some Yamaha Star motorcycles last year where they used the same L bracket bolted deal to the control box as Victory and I remember how much it made me think it was an after thought to them. That's why Victory just is not quite there with me the cost cutting makes things look like after thoughts.

[@DarioCruz92]

It'll be interesting to see what direction Polaris takes Victory in the coming years. Indian bikes do a better job of being an alternative to H-D in the traditional cruiser market. So will it force Polaris to improve the quality of Vic or just drop the brand, or will they take it to totally different direction? A direction you mentioned in another blog of what you want H-D to do with their V-Rods. Meaning they using Vic as a platform for American innovation in design and/or technology. I hope they do. It sounds a bit crazy but Polaris has made some bold moves lately.

[@rocknrollaholic]

i have a brand new 2016 road king...indians are cool..but growing up i always wanted a harley not an indian..lol

[@gaborkorthy8355]

Sorry that is not an Indian. The last Indian was made in Springfield MA in 1953. It is a Polaris with Indian tank script. If you put Porsche name tags on a Subaru would you call it a Porsche ?

[@ultrahighgain412]

Cool story bro

[@SpykeZ0129]

This has to be the most autistic thing I've ever read.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

gabor korthy STFU you idiot.

[@robr1901]

gabor korthy obviously you know nothing about business another sad person that doesn't know what he's talking about!! (Sheep 🐑) Do yourself a favor and don't post anything you dont make any sense

[@davidfalgout7304]

GABOR.... YOU ARE SADLY MISINFORMED! WAKE UP!!

[@depdeim9787]

Stupid price.for a Polaris engine.the old ones with the S&S engine would be better.

[@martini79man]

But they’re not. Just wrong

[@davidfalgout7304]

yet another autistic reply

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Nice