Soul, Scenery, and Storage: 2021 Street Glide vs. 2021 Chieftain vs. 2022 R 18 B | Cycle World

[@michaelschmitzerle2587]

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

[@bertflores6377]

Brand loyalty can hold one back. I've owned 3 HD's and 2 Goldwing's but my BMW is a precision beast. The TFT takes some getting use to but other than that it a fantastical motorcycle. we can armchair quarter back about what's the best bike but until you actually been on the BMW and first hand witness the fit and finish, it's engine and ride. Did I mention I had 2 GW's and 3 HD's?

[@spencerderosier6649]

Youve made my decision. When my Vulcan motor goes out I’m getting a BMW

[@lanejohnson7656]

Venturing off into the unknown can also be bad. I have zero experience with their bikes but have some experience with their cars being in automotive. Finding a shop that will work on a BMW can be a nightmare depending on where you are and many areas will have to resort to trailering it to a shop. And on the automotive side they need repairs.. lol. That alone will keep me off a BMW seat.

[@charleschenet2336]

@@lanejohnson7656 BMW cars and BMW motorcycles are a completely different. Don't judge the Bikes until you try it.

[@ragetobe]

@@lanejohnson7656The issues is the same in the UK but in reverse, finding a place to service a HD is almost impossible, BMW however offer very good service packages.

[@lanejohnson7656]

@@charleschenet2336 If I find their cars not so great I’m not going to spend my money on a motorcycle of theirs.. lol I like BMW car styling because they are wickedly cool looking cars, but you couldn’t give me one. I have a hard time believing their bikes are any better..

[@jamesrichardson2893]

I have a Chieftain and agree on the stock seat, i didn't like it at all, so changed it to the stock Roadmaster seat and it's so much better. I find the foot position compared to the Harley is so much more comfortable. I find the Harley just sits too high and found I couldn't lean it as far as the Indian. I have stage 1 and 2 performance upgrades and the bike has great power, and very comfortable on long trips

[@thomasjoseph9224]

Still like your Indian? I’m about to buy one. Long time Harley rider here

[@caesarskiba9008]

This is why i love competition in an open market. It forces competitors to be better and better!

[@gtsteele6219]

I'm still searching my Chieftain for that "blow-molded plastic" with the untrimmed flashing. Was your test bike a kit?

[@maddoggie501]

I have the BMW R18B. I absolutely love the comfort and uniqueness of this bike. It has a lot of character and if kept under 80 it’s completely smooth. I rode for about 50 miles at 90 to 100 and although it vibrates it never hurt my hands or made me slow down. As a owner of numerous HD tourers, the BMW is a fresh breath of air, and you won’t see one on every corner.

[@LEEBEECEE]

I just bought a new 2023 B , any advice ? Thanks

[@lanejohnson7656]

Something else you won’t see on every street corner is a shop that will work on a BMW. I can’t speak for their bikes, but being in the automotive side they are needed… As much as I dislike Polaris thru experience with several of their products I would easily by an Indian over a BMW

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

@@lanejohnson7656 bmw bikes aren’t like that I work at a dealer we never work on them

[@feloniousmonk3049]

@@LEEBEECEE Buy the tools and buy the cable to reset the light when you do your own services. Absolutely use the specified fluids for service. Fuchs Titan EG 4218 BMW M3 GL5 spec 70w-80 hypoid gear oil for final drive on the shaft and gearbox. learn to adjust the valves and do oil changes yourself. PIA to pull the right fake "valve cover" and have to use a tool from the tool box to undo access to the motor oil spout.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

@@JNAMOTORSPORTS Probably because the fluids, material and labor rates are exhorbitant for basic service.

[@titankeith]

My 2014 Indian Chieftain has been an amazing bike. I've never had a better bike, and I've owned them all. I am seriously considering the Indian Challenger, though.

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

Did you get a challenger? I think if I had the money the challenger would be the best bike

[@CVO_MAN]

I always owned HD Touring bikes and my last one is a CVO Road Glide. Last week end I bought a BMW Transcontinental and the handling of this bike in tight curves and hairpin bends is amazing and much better than the various HD Touring bikes I had. Suspensions too are way better than the Street Glide or Road Glide or Limited I had all with Ohlins shocks. The level of details and perceived quality is just amazing with the BMW R18 B or Transcontinental. The Torque that these bikes give in REAL life (not with numbers only...) is exactly the same of a 114 ci HD V-Twin. Vibrations? Use the mapping modes and learn how to manage RPMs with this huge Boxer 1800 cc engine and everything will be under control. The 10.5 inches TFT of the R18 B or Transcontinental is from another league. The Marshall stage 2 of my Transcontinental is way better than the Boom Audio 2 system of my CVOs (Street Glide, Road Glide). These bikes are way better than what I see in many USA videos where reviewers or wannabe ones tend to always stay with American bikes.

[@joshbrook6849]

Id say Harley sponsored there review!

[@dh2392]

If you're touring on these motorcycles, Harley dealerships are everywhere, while BMW dealerships are scarce. A breakdown on a BMW motorcycle could literally result in a tow of hundreds of miles to the nearest dealership.

[@CVO_MAN]

@@dh2392 probably in Your Country. In Europe BMW dealers are definitely more present, in number, than HD dealers.

[@dh2392]

@@CVO_MAN yes, I am talking about the US. Here BMW dealers are not common.

[@duosable]

@@dh2392 Harley dealerships are everywhere because there are harleys break down everywhere. LOL just a motorcycle joke.

[@Fred-eg9sx]

I notice that folks rarely mention the BMW's adaptive cruise control and the reverse gear? Why is that? I found the ACC to be a game changer for touring, and the reverse gears make it a breeze to move the bike around.

[@carlobighouse5434]

ACC is definitely a game changer

[@harrieback6457]

Where is the goldwing?

[@donnyirish190]

Nice review guys, I own a RGS and a Chieftain and agree with your opinion on fit and finish. Where I would disagree is in the handling aspect, Harley stock suspensions have always been hot garbage, the main reason so many guys turn to fox, ohlins ect as the first mod done to the bike. The mono shock is a far superior design and the Indians now come with fox installed. You left out one major category and that’s reliability.I can’t speak to BMW as I have never owned one but the Indian is as close to bullet proof as you can get, just like it’s cousin the Victory bikes were. The Harleys seem to always have issues with every bike they put out, us Harley owners just come to expect it as part of owning a Harley. My father used to tell me when I was young don’t buy a Harley unless your willing to work on it, and unless you have the money to pay a dealer that advice still rings true today. That being said I will always own a Harley even tho they are far from the best bike available they are however the most loved bike available by most Americans.

[@KindredGh0st]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the input. I have a Vic Cross Country that really didn’t give me many problems. I was pissed when they shut down Vic, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I buy a Harley given their reliability, and that BMW looks like it’s got a face only a mother could love. Thanks again man!

[@Tonycrossfit]

I owned a 2014 Street Glide Special with the 103 and regret selling it. I really loved it and enjoyed riding it like I stole it 😎. I now own a 2004 Road King with the 88 engine and numbered 15/100. I really love the way it rides better than the Street Glide I owned previously. I’m thinking of getting the R18B. I want something different and nostalgic.

[@ehsan83]

Great comparison but one important point was missed and that's the reliability and maintenance cost of these three bikes. In which order you would classify these bikes?

[@gregorywarren2460]

Love these comparisons. Great job as always!

[@yoshit9819]

Great review. Having been a Harley rider all my life (still own 2. 01 fatboy and 74 shovel) went to an Indian Springfield in 16. It was different at first, but the "connection" you guys mentioned, came around.

[@stephentest9117]

My 16 chieftan is tight smooth ride and the price comparison you guys didn't mention you get more for your money speaking with the indian where as Harley always wants extra for windshield that doesn't move floor boards on a indian are gigantic

[@lanejohnson7656]

@@stephentest9117 Indian gives you more for your money alright.. Very limited paint options, terrible colors of what options you do have, what paint you get wasn’t well done, inferrer chrome, a gimmicky windshield and a guarantee that it will not hold its value in comparison.. What a deal..

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

​@@lanejohnson7656it won't hold value because harley artificially inflates their prices, they purposely don't sell good deals and they want you to trade in old bikes so they can get you into another overpriced bike but then they can sell used Harleys at a higher price to appear "value retained"

[@Focus_On_Your_Driving]

Victory made Harley work hard to keep up. Had a 2011 Cross Country and it could carve mountain roads and walk away from the Harleys.We Victory owners were thrown under the bus when they sold out to Indian and made our bikes worthless overnight. Victory was one of the best bikes I ever owned.

[@blbikerman]

I STILL OWN MY VICTORY CC PLUS A INDIAN AND A STREET GUIDE, THE VICTORY CC HANDLES BETTER AND WILL OUT RUN IN THE CORNERS AND STRAIGHT OF WAYS

[@richardsmith5738]

I completely agree. I would actually say, "Victory made Harley work hard to CATCH up." That Freedom 106 engine was way ahead of Harley for years. In fact, I'd put my 106 up against any stock HD 107....that had several problems when it came out. By the way, I'm not a HD hater. I have one, but I have to be honest.

[@KeystoneTexan]

My 2011 Jackpot walks all over those HD 107’s. Long liv e the Freedom 106!!

[@colbylaro9361]

The reviewers couldn't seem to detach indian from Polaris, why not try an indian? I absolutely love my chieftain.

[@lanejohnson7656]

What Polaris did to Victory owners is a big reason why I will likely never buy an Indian. They dropped Victory, screwing their customers to try to play off a names heritage that was dead for at least a half century. I’m not a fan of Polaris due to terrible experiences with their jet skis and 4 wheelers so I I’ve never been excited to drop $30+k to see if their bikes are any better. I damn sure won’t drop $30+k to be tomorrows Victory owner.. They would have earned more respect from me by building up the Victory and building their own legacy and heritage instead of dropping it for a dead name and try to play it off as it never died. And the victory bikes except that funky looking touring bike had a better style to begin with.. Can’t remember what model of Victory caught my eye. I was all in on it until I seen the Polaris casting on the engine (I wasn’t aware Polaris owned them at the time). Instant flashbacks of my sisters jet ski she purchased 1 year before Polaris quit making them. It was a pile of crap day 1 and lived in a shop. Brother in law tried to trade it and the dealerships flat out told him they didn’t want it. He finally hauled it to the dump where it belonged before even being unboxed. I’ve been around FAR more junk Polaris 4 wheelers than decent ones.

[@fauveride]

I have an r18c, and when I watched this video a few months ago, I sympathized with the vibration issue. However, I have driven 15000km now, but I can confirm that the large vibration has been greatly reduced. That's a fact that surprises even me

[@dccycler3554]

This was one of the most balanced and objective reviews of three baggers that i have seen. Well done guys. While it was balanced, I did scream at the video a few times….especially when it came to the comment that Indian wasn’t that comfortable / lacked room-e-ness on the floordboards and seat. I realize this is subjective - but - by all accounts many riders argue how UNcomfortable the Harley stock seat is. HD floorboards…seem fine and no issues from my perspective. I was surprised that you didn’t mention the throttle lag on the Indian which is a real disappointment but you learn to manage it. Again, this was a well done review of the three !!!

[@c5vette739]

The stock seat on my SGS is very comfortable.

[@jamesrichardson2893]

I have a Chieftain that had that throttle lag, the dealership reprogrammed it and it worked much better. I also find when in sport mode it completely eliminates any lag at all, it's much more responsive

[@dccycler3554]

@@c5vette739 I had a SG and on a 400 mile ride, I was in pain. For me, short distances the stock HD SG seat was fine….but forget about it on long hauls. Thanks for the comment!!

[@dccycler3554]

@@jamesrichardson2893 Ok, I have now have a Challenger, stage 1…and might need to get it re-tuned…as I still have some throttle lag but have gotten used to it. Good idea, thanks for the comment.

[@DarkHorseParatrooper]

@@jamesrichardson2893 lol I may need to complain to the dealer then, see if they'll retune my Challenger for free. I totally get why people dislike the low end throttle input. On the rm I had, it was smooth.

[@GreenFields-7777]

I owned a Harley for 18 years and rented numerous BMW’s. I currently have an Indian dark horse chieftain. I love Harleys, but Indian is a better motorcycle all around. Unless you want all the merchandise and the belonging that Harley brings, I don’t see why you would buy one over an Indian. The best motorcycle I’ve ever ridden is a BMW 1250 GS adventure. The power, the speed, and the balance and the agility are amazing and the tech on it is incredible.

[@chops1971able]

I ride a 2018 Roadglide special and really have no complaints. I’ve never rode an Indian, but the local Indian dealer is having a two day event coming up this month where you can come in and test ride every model. I’m kinda drawn to the Cheiftan, and I’m looking forward to taking it for a spin. Who knows, maybe I’ll make the switch.

[@emilyarelyvictor1]

Maintenance and reliability? Which bike will let you stranded in the middle of nowhere more likely?

[@gregennico9277]

I need to ride the harley 114. I've ridden the chieftain and absolutely love it

[@TwistySeeker]

I would like to see the Honda GoldWing DCT vs all of these. The GoldWing is a bagger and the Wing with the trunk is a GoldWing Tour. I have previously owned a 2017 Harley CVO Limited. I now have a 2018 GoldWing Tour DCT with airbag. Both Harley and GoldWing are great in their own way. Great review.

[@nokoolaid]

The K bike too

[@His_Scout_Sixty]

I think you guys should have compared the Regular Glide with the 107 instead of the Special 114. Just because of the price range. Great Video! Thanks for the info!

[@gerardmontgomery280]

Can I just say thank you. I've seen a few HD's and R18's in the wild but Indian haven't really got a foothold in the UK yet. That said I've been looking at their bikes, they look great in pictures. This is the first review to show the Polaris group stuff that's carried across. I now realise there's a reason they're a little cheaper than the competition and that's because they're just not as special. The Beemer and HD are bespoke machines. As a UK/Euro rider I'd probably have the R18 Classic, partly due to dealer network, partly due to quality but mostly due to style. The big baggers are a little too big for our roads. Oh and I've also ridden 1100 and 1250 boxers so I already love those engines. Personally I'd have likes to see a telelever on the BMW though. It just seems right for a boxer.

[@ManAndMachine23]

Nothing like the feeling of a Harley,it’s a modern day Classic,Period!

[@johnmac4769]

Need to look at the bikes in 10 years and see how they look after 75k miles. I have a 2011 Electraglide with almost 70k miles. Chrome is still perfect and paint is too with the exceptions of a few stone chips. I have seen 10 year old Indians with rusty chrome. I have no experience with the BMW's so I cannot say anything good or bad about them. I have had no mechanical or electrical issues. Longest trip was a trip to Sturgis and around the Eastern US. Total miles was 7500.

[@northerniltree]

10 year old Indians? No such thing as of today, unless you're talking about a '53 or earlier. Polaris debuted the new Thunderstroke Indian in 2014.

[@jjrebel2135]

How about a review of the Honda Rebel 1100 with all the OEM touring accessories (Batwing and bags)?

[@teecee2146]

I have an Indian Chief Vintage 2016 and I like it. I like all three of those bikes that you tested too. Good review guys. 🏍️

[@jasontcolson]

It's about time that someone did a review on these baggers!

[@_audacerider3838]

Should have taken a Moto Guzzi MGX-21 to be a viable second hand option and it will our run and out handle and out brake all of them!

[@lprto9831]

Never heard of these before looked them up good looking bike

[@k9m42]

Love that bike but could use about 20% more power

[@calmbeneathcastles]

Great comparison!

[@Memphis8583]

I had that exact Harley, I recently traded it in because of the awful suspension and I was getting a lot of engine ticking at low RPM, put 35 thousand K in 3 years. It’s try what they say, Harley’s are amazing, if you upgrade them with aftermarket parts

[@kaijessen3654]

I have never ridden a Harley but what you said about the suspension would knock it out of the running for me. Indian is a Polaris product so after I got so thoroughly screwed, when Polaris dropped support on my Victory, I would never buy a Polaris product again. That’s not just me because the workers at the motorcycle dealership that I frequent rate Polaris as the lowest in customer support. The BMW I have some experience with and I would call it an adventure cruiser. It’s fine on the freeway and passes Semi-trucks with ease, but I don’t like freeways. I took the R-18 through two reservations, including the Navajo Nation, and the roads out there are terrible but you have them all to yourself. The stability of the R-18 was incredible while navigating through all of the deep road ruts and bumpy surfaces. I was airborne at one point and the bike landed smoothly. The bike is kind of analog but so is my 2000 r1100r BMW so I’m used to it and I don’t care. The styling harkens back to the original BMW cruiser so I don’t know how these guys could label its styling as random. The more I rode it, the more I loved the bike and the 2022 Classic gets comments on its looks everywhere I go. I have had four cruisers, one Kawasaki, two Victory and a Yamaha Star Warrior. Only the old 850 Kawasaki and the BMW R-18 didn’t give me backaches from riding them. One last observation. When in town and on the freeway, most bikes that you see are Harley. Get into the outback in the middle of Nevada and northern Arizona you will see mostly BMW motorcycles. BMW bikes all have adventure in mind. KTM has racing high performance in mind and Harley and Indian are for in town posers riding to the bar or for a couch like experience on the interstate. Also the braking capability is of number one consideration in safety and even these two cats agreed on BMW having the most refined brakes.

[@LesterSuarezGonzalez-dz9ns]

The three of them are magnificent motorcycles, I have always been a Harley Davidson fan but since The German Company created this Amazing, powerful and impressive monster I became a loyal fan of the Awesome BMW R18 B which no doubt at all has become my favorite Motorcycle, because of it's massive, impressive, imponent and majestic boxer Engine which impress me a lot at first sight with those two massive and impressive Cylinders that outstand spectacularily at both sides of the huge and impressive boxer Engine, besides it's Beauty it's outstanding, great sound, powerful, majestic, very high Quality elememts all around, technology, in fact I m in love with this Spectacular German wild Beast!!!, So no doubt at all my favorite Motorcycle it's The absolutely Amazing BMW R18 B!!!, Very good explanation and video as well, so Thank You guys for sharing!!!, Greetings from Cuba!!!

[@barrybarnes96]

Those jugs are so big and so exposed I'd be constantly afraid of dropping the bike and ruining them.

[@CrazyGreek80]

I have a 2021 Goldwing non touring with the DCT and I can ride for miles and miles and not feel like I got beat up like these bikes but hey to each his own ride what you like.

[@sdefiel3719]

You are right ... Harley is the best. Next review. S

[@chonasimpson6487]

Yes everybody listen to the reviewers Indian sucks Harley rides better and it has a mysterious soul to it and it is a great bike for really tall guys and it is better in everyway smoother and less vibration keep buying them and do not even test drive a Indian listen to reviewers who prefer Harley they are always right. Do not buy Indians.

[@sdefiel3719]

@@chonasimpson6487 I have never heard that in any legitimate reviewer's video. Most say that the ride is similar and some say Indian is better. Quality is usually won by Harley. Yeah the soul thing is a Harley plus and vibration is about equal. I almost bought a Scout when they first came out but there were better bikes out there. I really like the FTR and I wish I had a place for it in my life and in my garage. Just relax. S

[@basbeenakker]

Thanks for the info guys but riding a bike is a really personal thing. But anyway still a nice video 👍🏽

[@jjohnson8977]

Can you do a comp on the 3 versus ride comfort and stability with a Toyota tundra?

[@uglyboysmallz3845]

You guy’s did a great comparison test, thank you. You both just nailed it. The touring/cruiser segment is a totally different animal than race/sport bike categories.

[@duosable]

The rest of the world never had any issue with not having forward controls. Most of the Japanese and European models have the "cramped" sitting position. Forward control only works with a proper backrest or the spine is going to give up before the knee does.

[@devinlamberty4604]

Can we get one with the new H-D Street/Road Glide ST models. It be nice to see how the STs line up with these other brands now

[@villiamo3861]

Very good vid, notably when going through the comfort items etc (floorboards on the Beemer, 'locked-in' seating on the Indian etc). Thanks.

[@amg5795]

I think you forgot to mention Reverse Gear that Harley is missing.

[@roryrice8742]

The new Gold wing standard should be in this test! Its a bagger!

[@MarcRitchie]

Excellent review! The video production is superb as well. It's gotta suck having to do all of that work at the PCH:)

[@filmerbert4381]

Thank you. A lot of work goes into making these videos for a one man crew.

[@rodyjperez7659]

Your wrong on the ride feel, not used to the bike where you can push it to the limit. Indian Motorcycle has the extra suspension travel which protects you under those harsh conditions and big potholes, try to get that out of a Harley-Davidson.

[@hermanwashingtonsr.8205]

What about the Honda Goldwing vs the other three

[@joeblow5037]

If I'm going bagger, It's gonna be that Gold Wing DCT (the one without the top bag) that thing is freakin sweet in flat black and red.

[@highpeaks6542]

The Harley is a bit down on power , but because of the shorter wheel base and steering geometry it’s much better at low speeds maneuvers than the Indian. Also there is a throttle lag on all Indians off idle. Things that drove me crazy. Food for thought. I got the SG. Fits perfect. Plenty of power. Bars perfect. Seat good. To each his own. Enjoy…

[@chonasimpson6487]

The best bike is the one you like period . Reviews are just one tool in the tool box never buy something based on a review ride them all .One thing that BMW has the most tech and Indian and Harley could both use adaptive cruise ,reverse and adaptive suspension all of them practical and usefull to every day riders.

[@garybaldwin1061]

Excellent review...the best!

[@richardcasey7521]

Why was the water cooled Indian omitted?

[@tygreenwood472]

Of all these baggers the HD is the most appealing to me the way a classic bagger should look the BMW and Indian do nothing for me currently own a 18 FLHTK more than happy with it.

[@gjrip]

Damn, unanimous for the OG speaks volumes. Harley’s still got it. Pan America and Sportster S proving that too. They got caught sleeping for a bit but I think they’ve turned a page and we’re about to see decades of Harley success again. Hope Livewire goes well too.

[@johnkestly4762]

I love my 2021 Heritage Classic, loved my 2019 Road King, I had 2 Indians, 2014 Vintage and a 2015 Chieftain. I will take a Harley over an Indian any day. BMW not on my list for lots of reasons.

[@aarondeere]

You should give bmw a chance. I have a '18 heritage and it's a great bike but recently got a '22 bmw r1250rt. Absolutely amazing comfortable bike. So much fun to ride and while the 114 is a great engine the bmw boxer engine is even better.

[@pinfold1000]

no honda gullwing?

[@His_Scout_Sixty]

14:57 “Is this really going to stop on time?” Lmao same thought here driving my Indian Scout Rouge. I squeeze the F$&@k out of that ABS and sometimes I don’t feel the braking power is there.

[@nielsyoh]

Excellent review!

[@dplorbl]

Correction: Victory baggers came before the chieftains Point of reference: Victory kicked HD’s ass, raising the bar, which forced them to stop producing driveway art. Since their demise, HD (and you too Polaris) have gotten soft, producing lackluster shit….sorry but lipstick on a pig doesn’t make it any less

[@TonberryShuffle]

My thoughts exactly and why I'm so pissed that Victory is dead.

[@marcmo7138]

@@TonberryShuffle Well it will happen to Indian as well. It always does. Can't remember how many times they have been bankrupt and disappeared for years only to come back for a few years and disappear again.

[@chonasimpson6487]

@@marcmo7138 I doubt it Indian sales have been going up every year while Harleys are dropping.

[@mechcavandy986]

The Harley can’t be any smoother than the BMW. I’ve owned / ridden them all. I got up to 80 on the R18 in short order, and it felt like I was going 50! I’ve owned a Chieftain Stage 3, and the motor is all ALL THAT. I don’t see a problem with the design. I’ve owned more Harleys than I can count. I’ve owned 2 BMW touring bikes and several adventure bikes. IMHO, if you want a mechanically sound bike that less likely to need any major repairs, buy the BMW. I own a BMW F650 GS Dakar now (one of my bikes), and I will always have one in the stable. “Make life a ride!”

[@byronruhter4144]

Is the vibration on the BMW something that comes with a boxer engine or were you saying it was designed into the bike?

[@feloniousmonk3049]

Designed into the bike to simulate the HD evo or twin cam vibration, as well as being a heritage design beckoning back to earlier day... R5ish?

[@TonyHiggins]

Complete FanBoyz review, with outcomes you could predict after 2 minutes. I have ridden all these bikes at one time or another, and while a few of your observations are valid, many (maybe most!) are subjective opinions disguised as judgement. I have over 400,000 motorcycle miles over the past 18 years, split over a number of bikes of different makes and styles, and I just don't understand many of your conclusions. It's also noteworthy that the specific variants of the bikes you chose to compare play into certain outcomes; the Chieftain is the "Limited" configuration with a narrower front wheel than its original design, which is still available in some versions of the bike and which has markedly different handling. I heard no significant mention of aero for any of the bikes - windshield and fairing effectiveness, etc. Interesting omission for touring machines... My current long-distance ride is an '21 Indian Roadmaster in the classic fat front tire design; the saddle has been replaced by a Russell Day-Long, which is a smart move for any bike that will carry you more than 4 hours. I rode all these bikes (and some others!) before making my choice, since it will carry me my next 200,000 miles.

[@talltimbot]

My chrome reverser lever and Massive flat 2 jugs are bitchin.

[@humbertoj.vanegas2549]

I don't think y'all road the BMW correctly. You should've let the engine take you somewhere before you took the engine anywhere... Does that make sense? Also Love how the HD is the best and the Indian is BETTER. Thanks guys.

[@ehrflq1234]

perfect video. god i thanks to you guys for this comparison. (springfield would be more decent choice though)

[@gabbyhayes1568]

I love R18, but not in this configuration. I would buy the the stripped down version, straight cruiser, over anything Harley or Indian makes. The fit and finish far out shines the other two. But it wouldn’t measure up to the other two for touring imho.

[@inasuc]

Paid promotion with Harley Davidson!

[@erics9754]

Dam straight bro.

[@Matosjay]

#team #harley#davidson#screaming#eagle

[@ericthered7226]

This recipe is exact opposite of what 95% of other reviews and previous owners say. Not just someone that has an Indian and they think it's the best. I'm talking about previous HD owners that sing the Indians praises.

[@TheVictory106]

My Indian rides so much smoother then my Harley

[@SalinasBMW]

As a non-bike guy… seems like there is bias here for the Harley. 🤷‍♂️

[@airtexaco]

Polaris? Why is that bad? By that logic, how do you like your AMF? What does AMF even stand for? American Machine & Foundry.

[@chonasimpson6487]

Indian 1 BMW 2 Harley 3 Rode them all my opinion . I quess it is all subjectve a lot of this due to body type. Big guys generaly like Indian better short guys Harley and also people who want to fit into a image like Harley. Indians are more for outsiders who do not follow and do not care what others think same goes for BMW they buy what they like and do not care about looking cool.

[@thanosetsitty1896]

You guys forgot to switch out the orange couch and black coffee table.

[@chonasimpson6487]

LOL

[@MichaelH416]

BMW is gonna take a lot away from the other two on price point. I love the R18 and could almost consider one. My complaint with the R18 is the engine design. As a touring rider, there’s no option for highway pegs to stretch out cuz those jugs are in the way.

[@galatians22122]

Crazy how people Complain about the very thing that makes the BMW So Special. Had BMW Used a V-Twin then they would be accusing BMW Of being a Wannabe Harley. The Motor is what Makes the Bike!

[@MichaelH416]

@@galatians22122 I agree. The engine is what sets it apart. You can’t rest your feet, or stretch your legs out on those jugs though. Makes for a tough 1,000 mile day, which I do regularly on my bikes. When they figure out a way to overcome that I will consider purchasing one.

[@leward]

Battle of the bat wings!

[@nokoolaid]

As a caveat, I ride a 2009 R1200RT. None of this really surprised me with BMW. Sometimes they go the home grown route with certain things that are well known and developed already and in this case it's the infotainment. The foot size and riding position would be a stop for me and why they didn't use an electric windscreen is beyond me. They have on other bikes, really one of the first to have it if not the first. From what I have read, they might have had clutch slippage RE power. It's a lot for a single dry disc of that size to manage the torque. All of that said, I can find enough fault in all to avoid this exercise. HD is expensive before considering the manufacturer surcharges and then the dealer convenience fees. Running the gauntlet to buy one is like having to play monopoly with Andy Elliot and Steve Richards and I always feel like an atheist at a Pentecostal Revival when I go into a HD dealer. Then there's Indian. I want to like it, but there's not lineage/provenance really. It was bought and paid for and they're as much or more than HDs where I live with worse attitudes in the dealerships. Lastly, BMW. I've owned one for almost 12 years now. While you'd think I'd be all for signing up again, watch my video, Why BMW Needs to F Off. They can be schizophrenic on how they deal with issues and I got stranded from a problem that's becoming more common now, but silence from BMW as the bikes are getting old. They really needed to step up and instead ignored it. With their other bikes, like the R1250's and K1600s, I think they have the best balanced performance out there, but I just don't believe enough to get one again. They pissed me off that much. What's left? Maybe a Goldwing. They are a better value and function for the money.

[@ericthered7226]

Also, I think that Internet reviews have made some talking points more important than they really are. Same in the gun community. What topic am I talking about with this video? Fit and finish. It's a talking point that Internet reviews bring up and now everyone makes a bigger deal about it than it really is. That being said, I haven't compared the two (don't care about BMW). I can't see it being as big a deal as what people make it out to be.

[@LooxJJ]

You should also bring in Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 (and also discontinued Yamaha's Star Eluder) ...that is how to properly copy Harley Davidson, and become better at it.

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

I have ridden the kawi several times (20+ hours) as well as a couple of harley glides and I agree with what you are saying. Weren't those Yamaha star edition's right after they bought the star motorcycle company? I am possibly thinking of something else. Not quite sure.

[@LooxJJ]

@@Thesaurcery4U2C “Star” was a brand under Yamaha (just like Lexus under Toyota). They dropped Star in 2016.

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

@@LooxJJ One of the Japanese manufacturers had bought another company that made great bikes but just went under. The few years that they made them they were using much of the superior hardware that the company had in stock still, from what I remember the couple of years that they were made, they were built with Japanese technology and all of the feet/ hand controls - bolts, hardware etc. that the previous owners had that was of much better quality. I thought that there was a Star motorcycle and what I did remember fit perfectly into that scenario. Lol. Now my curiosity has me wondering who it is that I am thinking about because it is in the similar timeline.

[@HDR20]

I agree with you. When it comes to baggers, lap times,1/4 miles times, etc are irrelevant. Indian(Polaris) is missing the boat in this segment they tend to think more power and more gadgets is the answer. The fit and finish on their baggers are horrible. I do like the cruiser line a lot. Its just like victory i was a huge fan of the cruisers but not their baggers and it really has not changed but the name for me anyways

[@markshirley7639]

Just to say bmw have been building motorcycles based around this engine since 1923 ! Harley 1903. You don't talk about cost of running inc service intervals and cost of service, BMW wins this hands down . Obviously in the USA you're going to favor the Harley. BMW have a retro department and that's the market this bike is aimed at. I'm pretty sure bmw have no intention of competing with Hd nor do they need to. Here in the uk they all would be used as a second 3rd bike and not a main bike mainly .

[@bacda14]

For me only right in this segment is HD, only reason why you like this kind of bike is because of HD, every others want part of the market share. And if you want be different/special then u do not buy HD

[@DustyCowdog]

Can anyone comment on service intervals? I really don't want to take my bike in the shop every 6k miles. I want reliability and the longest service intervals, not talking about oil change, brakes or tires. Cheers!

[@Chance-ry1hq]

“Cable hygiene”. Who came up with that one?🙄 These two sounded like a couple of Harley fan boys, using adjectives I’ve never heard paired with the word Harley in the sentence. I think we know who pays the bills at this channel.

[@erics9754]

Wow a lot of commenters can see through the biased video their is hope now ! Many people with fully functional brains .

[@jefferyturner4675]

Fit and finish are the most important features??!! WHAT??!! I thought reliability was the most important feature. But you're the pros...I guess..

[@Boxer1250RT]

Harley - the King of the road minus the rear suspension. Spend $30K and then another $1,500 for a better suspension. Harley has been told by 1000s customers that the rear suspension sucks!!! BMW - new kid on the block with terrible floor boards and break/shifter locations. I could not get my foot out from under the shifter. It is better with foot pegs. Also, BMW is way too heavy than it should be. K 1600 is the actual Super Tourer (not a bagger) for the brand that I owned in the past. Non of these bikes can touch the refinement of the K 1600. Polaris (Indian) - cheap looking plastics and chrome and terrible fit/finish. That Indian should be a $19,000 bike like the Harley Heritage. I would take Harley Road King or even Electra Glide over all of these at $20,000! Cheers. Great work.

[@chonasimpson6487]

Nothing on my Roadmaster looks cheap.

[@andromedach]

The entirety of the BMW R18 series has been such an astounding disappointment. However it was obvious very early on they were focusing on social media instead of riders. Hence why the line is so much nicer to look at than to ride. That they released two tour models with non adjustable windscreens was unbelievable. All four models need to lose ten percent or more of their weight No BMW should weigh this much and have such poor engine behavior. All with the highest seat height of any bagger. At its price point is also suffers from not having ESA The Indian is just let down so much with the fit and finish that you don't trust the rest of the bike. However quality of life features it beats the Harley hands down with electronically locking bags and adjustable windscreen.

[@bertflores6377]

Have you actually ridden the R18B ?

[@hotdog9262]

some call it the best cruiser bar none

[@stephendavidson5387]

should have included Goldwing

[@BlackbirdSSR]

That Thunderstroke engine in the Chieftain is bulletproof and so much fun.

[@thesage1621]

until you hit 50k miles...then it goes kaput

[@theonlyredspecial]

@@thesage1621 really ? 😮

[@therecanbeonlyonechris5019]

@@thesage1621 not true Harley guy. I have 50k miles on mine not a single problem except there was some sort of relief valve on the front of the right side case that would weep a drop or 2. It was hardly noticeable. I got it changed out

[@tdozzy991]

I just dont like the looks of the BMW.

[@ericthered7226]

I'd like to know what bike Justin rides. I bet I already know.

[@rfastring]

Price matters. My 2022 R18B was $16k before $500 military discount. No HD or Indian came close. Shaft drive, no belt adjustment.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

LMAO.... wait until you get the service bills on that. Price of parts is outrageous. You'll get final drive service bills for 500 ml $75 bottle of 70w-80 G3 hypoid oil every service. $1100 services every 12k miles. And a biggy at 24k miles for transmission fluid service too.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Are you insane? Fluids changes are easy to do compared to a HD. $75 for gear oil ? No way.

[@galatians22122]

You are Right! If you are In the Market RIGHT NOW Is the Time to Pick Up an R18: Low Miles Pre-Owned there are some crazy low prices out there. I picked up the R18B From a Harley Dealer with 200 Miles for $10,499. STOLE IT!!!!!!!!!

[@galatians22122]

@@feloniousmonk3049 As if Harley service is cheap ha ha ha

[@hillbilly4christ638]

You can afford it compared to a 40k Harley. Oh wait, now Harley is woke. Wait for it, the gay drive. You can get it in every color of the rainbow. Remember Cartman!

[@hdmoto3875]

I feel you didn't mention the Indian comes with power locking saddlebags, Power adjusting windscreen, tire pressure monitoring, and LED lights all the way around. You can't get that on a Harley unless you get a CVO, but you still don't have a power windscreen. I had a 2018 street guide special, and I felt cramped on that bike, And after about 20,000 miles I kept smelling oil when I got through riding it, I have no idea why. So I traded it in on a 2020 Indian chieftain elite, and I don't regret it at all.

[@UnkindPenguin71]

seems like a bias.

[@lanejohnson7656]

Probably because not everyone cares for those 3 features. To me personally a power windshield is a gimmicky feature that’s it not a matter of if but when it will fail. My Klockwerks is not only install and forget with zero worry of mechanical failure but also adds to the looks of the bike.. Whenever I’m getting off the bike I am opening at least one bag to throw gloves in and grab a hat. I’m literally standing right next to the bag so locking it (if I want to) isn’t an issue. I also don’t have to have my fob if I want to get in it or someone else I know is getting into it if it’s unlocked. Which happens a lot in my experience. I’m not a fan of tire pressure monitors because for 1 tires balance better internally, I often order tires and install them myself, I don’t like ugly weights on the outside of the wheel and most importantly I like to inspect my tires frequently and I trust a gauge more. With tire monitors people to tend to get lazy and just look at the screen to see pressure and not inspect their tires.

[@hdmoto3875]

@Lane Johnson And that's okay, but a lot of us do care about those features. You do you, that's okay, those of us that like those features, will enjoy them. I have two Harleys, and I have two Indians, so I'm not a Harley hater, I love my Harleys, but I love my Indians too. Harley fan boys are just haters, they hate anything not Harley. I like all motorcycles, I don't care about the name on the gas tank, if I like it, I like it.

[@lanejohnson7656]

@@hdmoto3875 I’m far from Harley or die. Yamaha made some of the most sexy and reliable bikes on the planet. It’s sad they got out of the game. Something to ponder on. When you demand manufacturers to add features that will end result make their products disposable and throw away with systems to fail with time, you will get a throw away bike that drops in value dramatically.. Not a big concern if constantly chasing the latest and greatest and can afford the loss.

[@deandesrosiers6857]

Great reviews guys. Your conversations are perfect for these bikes. I am 6’3” and I have the BMW R18 TransCon and it’s a work of art. I feel like I have lots of leg room. And the 10 inch screen, stereo, acc, brakes, suspension and overall tech is light years ahead. After 20 years of sport touring and adventuring riding, it’s nice to slow down and lumber. The vibration disappears using roll mode and the character works.

[@hangglider100]

BMW R18 - a piece of art👍 🌟

[@phillippugh2161]

Except for the fact they can't give them away

[@choose_wisely144]

Just ordered a 2022 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, it arrives in September. Though I'll miss riding for this summer, I'm still excited about the bike. It offers some much more standard opinions than any of the two bikes listed in the video.

[@grumpyoldpig]

My last HD spent 17 weeks in the shop during is first year. Switched to Indian and very happy!

[@fmpabxx7834]

Apparently you absolutely suck at taking care of your bikes. My Harley is a 2004 with 50k miles and it's in pristine condition.

[@Ryan-ko3ve]

​@@fmpabxx7834may have got a dud lol. I have a 2019 sgs with 84k miles and still running strong. Only needed Oil and tires.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Yeah right because you have hardly any miles on your bike. 50,000 miles on a 21 year old bike. Pathetic really. My bike looks good because l don't ride it. HAHAHA😂😂😂​@@fmpabxx7834

[@repealthepatriotact]

@@fmpabxx7834 You need to back off man. He clearly states it was in his first year-that's not "taking care of" his bike, that's a clear poor build and warranty claim nightmare, which a couple of my friends have had with Harley as well. Maybe 2004 was a great build quality year, but the more recent years......I hear more hit and miss. 3 of the older guys I ride with tried the new Goldwing and they were all mad they hadn't dumped their Harleys years ago. And a Goldwing will easily double the total miles a Harley will while being way faster, smoother, and getting better mileage.

[@SpudsMcHaggis]

LOL! Another biased shootout! In all of Cycle World reviews they always pick a Harley as the winner. Guess you love HD's dollars more then actually doing an unbiased review. I haven't ridden the BMW so I can't comment but, the SGS is not as good as you make out it to be. The Indian is the better all round package over the SGS especially, in the handling and performance side of things.

[@bvrsqzr3569]

How is it biased? They called out good and bad on all the bikes. Anyone who rides knows a lot of it comes down to personal preference.

[@SpudsMcHaggis]

@@bvrsqzr3569 It is biased because they always choose Harley in all of their reviews.

[@tomjohnson3610]

I picked up a Chieftain and have no complaints.

[@thomasjoseph9224]

Still liking it?

[@tomjohnson3610]

@@thomasjoseph9224 yes. Went from a Rocket 3 Roadster. Less power (stage 2 kit helped a bit) but much nicer ride.

[@tranquildeath]

Lots of Harley bias….

[@galatians22122]

If you are In the Market RIGHT NOW Is the Time to Pick Up an R18: Low Miles Pre-Owned there are some crazy low prices out there. I picked up the R18B From a Harley Dealer with 200 Miles for $10,499. STOLE IT!!!!!!!!!

[@OzBloke]

That Indian rear suspension does it for me - My Streetglide nearly broke my back 😏

[@hondanut7564]

Agreed HD rear shocks are embarrasing !! swapped out for Ohlins as first thing to do

[@PotatoeJoe69]

I think everyone would agree Harleys rear suspension is shit, and they probably make it that way on purpose.