Long term 2019 Indian Chieftain review

[@copperbeckville1853]

Yup, finally turned 40 and have retired from the sportbike world. Never thought I’d get a bagger (always laughed at them) but this video got me to take a test drive on the base Chieftan. Bought it 3 days ago and motorcycling has never been better.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Awesome! I seriously was not into the bagger concept either. But time have changed. Ride safe out there.

[@paulh6101]

How's the chieftain holding up

[@larryhouse3776]

I'm 28 now. In the same situation. Got a chance to demo a Chieftain with no cruiser experience. Ordered one the next day.

[@terrygeersr3697]

my 2019 Chieftain Dark Horse 111 runs SIGNIFICANTLY cooler than my 2017 Chief Vintage. The 2019 Chieftain is an incredible handling bike, not one person who has ridden it, regardless of what they choose to ride, has anything but gushing praise for the ride on my Chieftain. It handles like a much smaller bike, light and nimble - yet only 25ish lbs lighter than my Chief Vintage. I have ridden 2k mile trips on this bike and had zero bike fatigue after 4-5 days in the saddle. We rode over 800 miles a day several times. The ride commmand blows any other bike electronics away, so system to use, great view of the screen and gauges, unlike other American made V-twins.... The stereo is incredible - I have been riding with earbuds for years and now only listen to the bike stereo thru the fairing speakers - never ever thought I'd be doing that. I get 40-47 MPG typically, thought I have had tanks give me 57MPGs occasionally. Torque of course is asshole puckering and passing on the highway is as quick as any bike I have ever ridden - without even getting into the revs. Did I say it's as nimble? :P nimble as a ballerina. The low fuel light does come on early - not sure why...So far I haven't had any issues with the Gunslinger seat - far more compfortable than the seat on my Vintage. Several companies have a rear suspension air fill extension that comes out the right side with no side panel removal. I am so glad the Queen decided I needed a new bike :D

[@Blake31797]

1st person I have found on YT in Oklahoma!

[@RabidHedgehog]

We are a rare group.

[@charlieg.6242]

Perfect explanation of the advantage of a heel-toe shifter.

[@luisbenitez3428]

Best review on this bike out there thanks... man

[@CraigSmith568]

I test rode an FTR1200S and the heat off of it was brutal. All touring bikes have way too much stuff that I don't want, but if I were too buy a new touring bike I would get the Goldwing. Not even close. I have an 03 Goldwing and it is still a great ride. None of this crap on a screen. I never turn on the radio.

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

Love those Indian motorcycles! They just keep getting better and better!!

[@adamurbanik7545]

Finally Someone with common sense appreciates awesome video my friend you nailed it

[@ericthered7226]

I appreciate the video. My experiences have near mirror imaged yours. I have a Z900RS Cafe. I love the bike, but it's only for me. There's lots of riding I would like to do and want a bike that my wife and I can comfortably ride together. I've looked at the same bikes you have. I thought I wanted a Chief until I saw one in person. A Goldwing has crossed my mind, but like you, I don't want one to daily ride. I've been locked in on a Chieftain, but I want to ride one before I sell my Kawasaki. It's hard to find a bad review on a Chieftain. I'm ready to throw a leg over one and try it out. I'm pretty sure it's what I want. They're beautiful bikes.

[@phillipternullo4934]

Indian and Harley-Davidson is just too expensive . I paid cash for my 2002’ Road King and that was too expensive . But it’s just gotten ridiculous.

[@RedbeardsAdventures405]

I feel you on that! My 18’ Road King was too much for most, but I just had to have it.

[@saddle8bag]

The heat thing is good to know. I demo'd a Chief Vintage when they first came out and it baked my right leg. I still like the looks of that one. Maybe I'll have to give a new one a try. I know they shortened up the rake for 2020 so it should steer a bit lighter now.

[@RabidHedgehog]

To me they have always been light on the steering, but I came from HDs at the time. So it was a bit of a trip to get on something big that like the turn. But to me the heat has gone down, then again, maybe my tolerances have gone up too? I don't know, been riding for so long now and I always wear gear in summer and winter and such so hot/cold/ indifferent I always feel about the same.

[@tlong9812]

Compared to the challenge what are your thoughts.

[@RedbeardsAdventures405]

Nice ride. People severely under estimate baggers! Stay safe out there and keep the chrome side up! Also we should meet up sometime!

[@RabidHedgehog]

You know this is funny but we share the same last name. Did you know that?

[@RedbeardsAdventures405]

Rabid Hedgehog I had no idea.

[@kraigwilliamson6227]

I just switched over myself. However, it's Harley-Davidson all over with accessories prices!!!!! Pissed off!!!!

[@benmack8359]

Honestly, so full of it regarding the heat. The Chieftains are far and away hotter than my SG. My bro has a 19 Chieftain Darkhorse and he told me it was hot as hell. I didn't believe him until switching bikes one day. Wouldn't be a bad thing when it gets colder out as it helps keeps you warm. But on hot summer days, that can be killer on the butt, thighs, and legs.

[@docdp5532]

Stumbled across your channel looking at Low Rider S videos. When you pulled out of the Harley Dealer I was thinking that it looked just like the Outlet Mall off Reno....then I saw the Braum's. You are the first moto-vlogger I've seen here in Ok, way to represent. I was just out on Route 66 from here in OKC up to Tulsa today. Been test riding bikes around the area for a second bike. Test rode the Rocket 3 over at EuroTek, what a bike. Test rode the FTR as well, cool bike but not the best riding position for me. Want to test ride the Low Rider S next.

[@RabidHedgehog]

I have to agree that Rocket III is a monster of a machine and a great ride. I need a chance to ride a new one sometime. I like the new Low Rider S over the Dyna series one for sure and if you get a chance to ride then back to back you'll know why. Better chassis, better suspension, better seat in general. I will say the only thing Dyna vs. new Softail platform is that if you're taller the new Low Rider S is a bit shorter than the old. But it's probably one of the better Harley motorcycles out there, but I still enjoy the Fat Bob over it. Try both!

[@docdp5532]

@@RabidHedgehog thanks for letting me know your thoughts about the Softail version vs the Dyna because I was actually kind torn with those two. I'm really leaning towards the Rocket 3 for my second bike, the feeling I got when I cracked that throttle was like no other that I've ever had on a motorcycle....163 lb ft torque is something you don't forget

[@andromedach]

Buy a Road Master and get a bunch of options for next to nothing compared to a limited/dh. As for Harley, just note that Harley's PG&A numbers are as high as Polaris's Slighshot + Indian vehicle,PG&A, all combined.

[@cantujose1766]

Saludos desde Monterrey N.L México 🇲🇽.

[@martyboddie9953]

When I bought Harleys that came with heel-toe shifter I removed it as soon as I got home. I hate them. I am thankful my Indian did not come with one.

[@RabidHedgehog]

This is something I have learned is a to each their own kind of deal. The big thing about why I like them is wearing a size 14 my foot is the entire floorboard and does not pivot well off of it for a toe shift, but hitting it with a heel is darn perfect for me, and well as tapping down to downshift.

[@markmcintosh7095]

I had the dealers take them off before I left the dealership.

[@richardsveum8452]

Size 15 here and I definitely agree

[@chrisblake1918]

When I get financially well again, I may have to take a ride on one of these.

[@RabidHedgehog]

They are a good ride and I have no regrets.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Was never a bagger guy, rode a mates $54000 Harley Street glide CVO: and to be honest I wouldn’t pay $20000 for it, the vibration and suspension was terrible, have never ridden a Indian but sat on a Chieftain Dark horse on the and it felt very comfortable and didn’t seem as big bulky or heavy as the Harley, oh no I said I wouldn’t buy a new bike for another 2 years

[@shoomapadoo1141]

Don't normally watch 30 minute vids but I enjoyed this one. Great job and interesting to hear. I'm in Tulsa Oklahoma and were looking at a Springfield but I'm recently inclined to the chieftain. Curious about the red. Was it something you chose or just received a great deal?

[@LaMontPowell]

illuminated gas indicator is giving me anxiety.

[@morrisdennis]

It sounds badass !

[@joshjacobs2153]

I've been looking at one of them FTRs for a while. hopefully gonna be able to trade my ninja 400 for one before next season!

[@ut1004bp]

How about the Catalytic convertor, I've heard the one side over heats the foot?? Is this a problem or was it on an earlier model? I took the heal shifter off my Stratoliner as it was too forward for my comfort.

[@sublimekid247]

hahahaha thats hilarious I am currently cross shopping the cheiftain darkhorse challenger darkhorse and a goldwing and I am a current MGX21 owner. I love the MGX21 but moto guzzi material and design choices baffle and disappoint me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Guzzi but the saddle bags are atrocious the fact a 2017 bike doesnt have a led low beam is crap and the replacement options are extremely limited the after market mod options are VERY limited and VERY VERY expensive. I have rode both the challenger and chieftain and like them both but Indian fit and finish for a 30K bike has me slightly concerned. I am hoping to try out a Goldwing in the next few days and I am unsure if I am willing to do the tour model for the electronic rear shock adjustment headed seat and tour trunk.

[@shaneott2874]

I recognize that Swadleys.

[@amjrpain919]

That looks like the round barn in Arcadia!?

[@RabidHedgehog]

It is

[@amjrpain919]

I'm in Yukon! Hope to see you around!

[@illalwaystaketheb-side4336]

Nice bike. Just like on my 2019 Chieftain, I’ve noticed that left front corner of that dash pocket is slightly lifted up. Strange. It’s on everyone I see. Ride safe.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yeah, first thousand, good, shortly after and up it goes. It reminds me of the 80s, 90s, American pickups that every single one has a cracked dash no matter what it seems. I will say I have not decided if it is the sun and heat or the flexing of everything while riding that causes it.

[@jordipi7652]

Looks like cheap plastic.

[@KindredGh0st]

Hey rabid! Any updates on the bike? Had it been reliable? Want electrical issues?

[@RabidHedgehog]

It was very reliable. Never had any issues with it in nearly 2 years. I did trade it in because I wanted to return to my more standard motorcycle roots.

[@Steve-qn8gn]

Watching you try to show how you can get through the screen features was painful. Not only was it not picking up the swipes but it was slow. I’m surprised at that considering how everyone raves about the infotainment system.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Faster on the buttons and such. I don't usually use swipe. Also dust and swipe and gloves don't really go hand in hand either. Better to have a clean screen when doing it. Or just use buttons.

[@Steve-qn8gn]

Rabid Hedgehog I’m looking at the ruby smoke, trying to justify the price to myself. Is that the limited?

[@MrTysdaddy76]

Tell them abt the cubbyhole mine have broken twice need one now

[@RabidHedgehog]

the top one? Mine never broke but the heat does distort the door, which I think I mention.

[@aaron_martin]

That area has terrible traffic.

[@RabidHedgehog]

Yes it does. Probably the worst in OKC or close to it.

[@williamdavidson4576]

A:\aron Martin. You think that’s bad, try coming over to Phoenix. Edmond is a breeze.

[@khaccanhle1930]

What traffic? Try driving that beast in one of the cities I've been in: Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi. . . It can take me 45 minutes to go 4 miles at 5pm. If I'm lucky I might get my bike as fast as 40mph for 15 seconds at noon when the streets are "empty".

[@RabidHedgehog]

I've done Phoenix. The Valley packs as much people into it in something like 300 ish square miles as the entire state of Oklahoma. It's a joy.

[@johnspencer2560]

FRAMEMOUNT Fairing

[@gunsmokestunes5225]

It's not an air cooled engine

[@RabidHedgehog]

In what way? I recommend you go to your resources and check again. Scout, Speed plus, and Power Plus are all liquid cooled fully jacketed engines. Thunderstrokes, like the one installed on the Chieftain are air-cooled. Still don't believe that here's my source from Indian themselves. www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/motorcycle-engines/

[@morrisdennis]

Harley Davidson is in very bad financial shape, it grieves me 2 say that...