The REAL Reason Harley Riders Hate Indian Motorcycles

[@rossb48]

Sounds like High School all over again.

[@SilverIndian]

Harley was bought by AMF..They don't know it or forget it by purpose.. But overall , enjoy & ride what you have. Polaris is healthy strong company & will support Indian motorcycles. I chose Indian because is more reliable, better handling, suspension & better value for money.

[@IronBornRider]

If nothing else, Harley riders should be grateful to Indian for driving competition so that they’ll be more inclined to innovate

[@CaptainRon1913]

Polaris sure supported Victory, didn't they. They are not "better" handling, not more reliable, and not a better value for money. Basically the same price as HD's.

[@CaptainRon1913]

@@IronBornRider Complete bs

[@oldninjarider]

In some ways, the AMFs and later Willie G bikes were vastly superior to what they have now. I own three older HDs and they just work.

[@TheWolfsnack]

Kind of ugly bike though.....

[@thesetwowheels9401]

Who Cares!!! Harley is a Harley and Indian is an Indian. Ive owned both, and there is definitely a difference, and similarities. i like em both. ride whatever you like

[@kuronoroux8864]

I will never forgive Polaris for stopping the Victory line, instead of just make it a sub brand of Indian

[@IronBornRider]

@@kuronoroux8864 that could’ve worked

[@amerigo88]

My first big cruiser was a Victory Cross Roads a few years after Polaris killed it. Polaris showed no class or brand understanding, dumping Victory as quick and as dirty as the DOT allows. Like Oldsmobile or Plymouth, Polaris was required to provide parts for a legal minimum of ten years - which is all that was offered to Victory owners. Many affected owners, including me, just cannot trust Polaris with Indian. Fool me once... Bonus, with two years left, victory parts are getting very expensive according to my local, former Victory dealer. They quoted me $500 just for a drive belt. Now I ride a Harley and look at Indian with suspicion, given that it has only been stable since 2011. I also prefer Harley dealers as they sell one kind of vehicle, motorcycles. Local Indian dealers typically carry all sorts of Polaris ATVs, plus watercraft, and usually other brands also. Harley guys and girls that tour know they can count on finding HD dealers all over the Lower 48. Polaris is smart, they load a lot of features in their Indians, but that is partly due to the lack of aftermarket add on features. It gives Indians some of that metric bike tendency to be a great value, but you better like it as is from the dealer. Don't like the seats from the Indian dealer? Good luck!

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

At least Polaris is a American company.Harley is as much foreign made as U.S

[@geraldscott4302]

I own and ride two Harley Davidson motorcycles, but certainly not for most of the reasons mentioned here. I bought both mine used. A 1989 FXRS Low Rider, and a 2002 Sportster 1200C. I am NOT a fan of Harley Davidson, only the bikes they USED to make. I tried to buy a new base model Sportster 883 back in 1995. They wanted TWICE msrp, and it would take six months to get it. They insinuated that I could get it sooner if I were willing to pay more. I told them where to stick it, went down the street and bought a Kawasaki for UNDER msrp. I told myself I would NEVER go back to a H-D dealer again, and I haven't. I bought the FXRS in 2003, and the Sportster in 2016. The reason I like OLDER Harley Davidsons is the way they look, sound, and feel. I despise the brand. Not only did they try to rip me off (and they are STILL ripping people off) but they no longer make anything but flat black computers on wheels. You couldn't GIVE me a new one. And they are going to be making those in China. Not only is their CEO a woke joke, but he's also GERMAN.

[@adamlanglois563]

You summed up my feelings pretty well. Cheers 🍻

[@403punk3]

Honestly I feel like Indian riders hate Harley riders way more. Harley riders don’t even care really but Indian riders absolutely need validation

[@anti7928]

South Park shows what we think of Harley riders..

[@12masterr]

The real reason is because indians are a better motorcycle for about the same price, and they know it!

[@ng7882]

I get it .I do. But im telling you. I have an Indian Scout. It was my first motorcyle. I've tortured it..and only once my check engine light had come on and it was a glitch. Never once after has my check engine come back on. Necer had any issues. No shaking, smooth, quick, and nimble. I can and still find parts with ease. There's nothing i can't find for my motorcycle. The reliability is unbelievable! I dont care about brands ..I ride and thats all that matters ..I love riding .. owning an Indian doesnt define who i am..but i totally understand that if you own a particular motorcycle and dislike others. Animosity can arise. Im so much at peace and happy when i ride.

[@IronBornRider]

I also have a scout bobber and it’s my first Indian motorcycle. So far I love everything about it, cept maybe the seat lol

[@NKBobcat]

We don't hate Indiam motorcycles. I rarely think about them and if I see a nice one, I like it.

[@403punk3]

Dude you’re not being forthcoming here. KOB is only done 4 seasons. 2021 HD won, 2022 Indian won, 2023 HD won and 2024 Indian won. They are at a tie at this point not Indian wining the most over all as they way you worded it would suggest

[@IronBornRider]

Wasn’t trying to be misleading, appreciate the feedback. My research shows Indian won in 2020, I think that’s where the mix up happened

[@403punk3]

Ten 4. Thanx for the feed back 👊🏼⚡️

[@CaptainRon1913]

The current Indian is not a "storied" brand. The current Indian has no relation to the old Indian Motorcycle Company. Polaris purchased the name, thats it. Since then, Indian has tried to copy the HD look and feel with their lame batwing and shark fairings.

[@welfare_baybee]

that's how all the new guys get started. Kia used to rip off jaguar styling before they found their own identity and it worked out great for them. Hyundai got started like this too. If you can get the look you want but with superior technology why wouldn't you? There's only so many ways to style a cruiser.

[@tjbarke6086]

Nothing says freedom and rebellion like devotion to a corporation.

[@IronBornRider]

Lol A+ comment

[@stevebeard7667]

I don't hate people who ride Indian motorcycles, and I have a Harley. If I were going to buy a new bike, I would certainly go ride an Indian before I dropped 25 to 30 grand on any bike.

[@IronBornRider]

I’ve ridden both and for some models I like Harley, and for others I like Indian. Nice to have choices

[@TheBananaStrangler]

I have a couple Harleys and I also love Indian bikes. You, my friend, represent the majority of HD riders that I have met. They prefer HD but appreciate other bikes as well. It’s only the vocal minority of HD riders who give the brand a bad image in the eyes of other people. If a motorcycle brand is that integral to someone’s identity that they feel personally attacked by anyone who likes another brand, then that person needs professional help.

[@ykmalachi]

I own both brands. 2023 I bought a new Chief rather than a Harley.

[@tonydavage5437]

Im a harley rider ,i couldnt care less, ride what ya want,

[@adrianc6219]

We need Indian - for one reason- to make HD better!!!

[@IronBornRider]

Yes! Competition is good for us consumers!

[@alexred09]

So what you are saying they all act like a bunch of Neanderthals 😂 although they may have been more civilized. I do believe having multiple brands will push biking forward. To me it’s not Indian vs Harley, for me it’s MOTORCYCLES VS CARS. We need more bikes on the road and less cars.

[@IronBornRider]

Lol I didn’t want to say it out loud but yeah, I like to think about this stuff sometimes and analyze (and sometimes over analyze). Totally agree on the motorcycles vs cars, it’ll help everyone if we have less cars on the road

[@marcparingaux9205]

and less idiots on bikes

[@martincvitkovich724]

The reason to buy a Harley and not a Polaris faux Indian?,,,,Victory Motorcyles. They were also Polaris and went out with Polaris sticking it to the faithful

[@IronBornRider]

Hoping Indian sticks around

[@watsonkustoms]

As a Victory owner, I was very sour about that for years. I have come around since & just accepted that it didn’t make financial sense to have two competing brands under the same roof while also competing with HD.

[@thedemocraticscot3693]

2007 Triumph Rocket 111 _ The last real cruiser. Best wishes from Scotland.

[@RobRoy-t6h]

Funny but true. I’m at motorcycle swap meet and a couple walks in wearing Harley jackets, t shirt and she had a Harley bandana on. I started talking with them and asked what they rode. She said she rode an Indian scout and he rode a Victory cross country and proceeded to berate me because I actually ride Harley Road King! Can’t make this stuff up, I had to walk away. All I can say is ride what you want and enjoy.

[@dreambrew]

Very strange story. Why wear the brand if you don't like the brand?

[@IronBornRider]

Maybe they still like the clothing lol

[@MrPoliarinis]

Harley-Davidson today operates more like a fashion brand than a motorcycle company, a fact supported by its sales

[@watsonkustoms]

My wife rides an Indian Scout & I ride a Victory Hammer….we don’t wear HD clothes but have HD friends. Just enjoy the ride & keep 2 wheels down!

[@sleethmitchell]

i've had two pre-1950 indians. you know, real ones. got them for $150 each. can't get them anymore. so i've been riding older harleys for a couple of decades. both are great bikes. but i'd take and old indian over a new harley any day of the week.

[@Weirdalbertan]

I love Harley’s. I also love my Indian. And have owned all four of the Japanese brands and loved them all too. Last year a patched hells angels complimented my Indian rogue this summer while getting gas in kindersley SK and I don’t think he hated me lol.

[@IronBornRider]

Real Harley riders will recognize and appreciate good motorcycles

[@vmonk1474]

I rode harleys for thirty years. Today I have two Indians. I’lll never go back to h-d.

[@toejam503]

Early 1900s, Indian made their name in Brand sponsored Board Track Racing. Harley Davidson refused to sponsor this type of racing as it killed too many riders. Harley Davidson dealerships promoted friends and family oriented small motorcycle clubs before WW2 whereas Indian only promoted Factory sponsoring of racing and big events. Nowadays, Polaris axed the Victory brand in favor of the Indian name, relying on the Indian's past racing reputation. It's not the same company nor the same bike. Indians are now mostly plastic as Harleys are still Steel.

[@benca101]

BTW - Harley went woke, and as far as I know, is still woke. Ran by a European. So when I finally had a budget together, I bought Indian. glad I did, I think the 116 in the Chief is outstanding and the chiefs look meaner than Harley's softtail line. In the end, i would be happy with either bike... but might lean towards one of Indian's liquid cooled engines.

[@mrdude3540]

The other day I went to a bar and I start talking to this other rider and he asked me what do I ride and I said Indian and he asked politely though why did I choose Indian over Harley and I Told him because it’s badazz and he said fair enough. For some reason Harley riders are jealous of Indian and I think I know why because Indians way better.

[@IronBornRider]

You can’t deny that Indian makes great motorcycles for sure. Can they improve? Yes, but that goes for every brand

[@FrankBonessa]

I could care less who rides what. I have Z900 and GSXS1000. HD and Indian riders usually give me dirty looks. When I'm on my new Low Rider S I get a few acknowledgements. Big deal. Be proud of what you ride.

[@oldninjarider]

I'm not so sure that some Harley Riders hate HDMC. It can be a toxic relationship especially when you buy a 2024 FLHRXS and HD wants another $70 for the Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) aka Hill Hold Sensor and an hour of labor to flash the ECU. Or in my case, a Pan America with a litany of first-year ownership issues. The latter traded away...

[@dreambrew]

Most people i know who ride, respect any brand because it's about riding. If you have a problem with what I ride, it's your problem. I love my Indian SCL and have received many compliments on it's appearance. I bought what I wanted to please myself, not to impress anyone but it seems to get positive responses.

[@IronBornRider]

100% agree. I don’t understand why people care what brand or type or motorcycle another person rides.

[@dreambrew]

@@IronBornRider There are those in every crowd. I guess they didn't evolve from high school 😄

[@IronBornRider]

@ lol yup. That’s what I was hinting in the video 😂

[@noahknight4039]

Outside of motorcycle gangs, in the real world, outside of KZbin nobody gives a damn about what you ride. No one cares. There’s no sport bikes vs cruisers, Indian vs Harley or any of that nonsense. The internet isn’t real. What you have is a lot of insecurities and people telling fantasy stories. Whenever someone makes a video of a small cc bike being good enough the comment section trashes all litre bike riders. When in reality litre bikes don’t sell that well, most people are afraid to ride them and the vast majority of accidents are with smaller cc bikes because they sell a lot more. But because people are insecure, they say all litre bike riders whisky throttle into oblivion and you don’t need that kind of power. But they never tell a Hellcat, Tesla Plaid or Corvette owner they don’t need the power, why? Because no one is afraid to drive a car. And it’s the same with Harley. It’s the second best selling motorcycle brand in the US. And the bikes are known to be expensive. The popularity of, coupled with the price tag will always generate a lot of hate. And have people making videos of Harley riders being like this or that.

[@exexpat11]

My only two cardinal sins would be... 1. Unreliability 2. Taking customers for granted

[@OzBloke]

Who really gives a flying faaaarque. 😵‍💫

[@chrissmith7669]

Who hates Indian? I have two Harley and don’t hate Indian. Wasn’t the bike I chose.

[@mattmattes3913]

I don't care what anybody rides. Real motorcycles don't have ECU's or Body Control Computers. That's joke folks, don't get too bent.

[@teakey]

I see all the work put into this.

[@IronBornRider]

Thank you! It’s not easy finding 300 clips lol

[@yoshit9819]

I been riding Harley all my life. Still have my "AMF" Harley. 1974 FXE. Which I bought 35 years ago. Bought an indian In 2016. Just bought my second one. So I guess I own a fake Indian as well as a fake Harley

[@FrankValiente-ng4mk]

Bought Honda and never look back, well the darkhose is a looker.

[@jvillain9946]

And? Volkswagen owns Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porche, Bentley, etc... You don't hear people saying they would never drive a Lamborghini because its owned by Volkswagen.

[@venumus1]

Clearly u aren't actually a car enthusiast. Most people believe Lamborghini lost all it's soul when it was acquired by VaG better cars sure but that isn't why u bub a Lambo. U know what you do hear all the time why spend 100k on a porche when it's a suped up bug

[@jvillain9946]

@venumus1 but are you gonna say no if someone gave you one or let you drive it? Also they still do their own manufacturing. Volkswagen just owns the brand. Just like how Indian does its own manufacturing. Polaris just owns the Indian brand. The only real problem is y'all need something to complain about at all times.

[@jvillain9946]

@venumus1 it would seem you're not a true car or bike guy bc you refuse appreciate the engineering, capabilities and arstetics of any vehicle that doesn't agree with your strict personal beliefs and discriminations driven by a need to feel superior and be offended

[@venumus1]

@@jvillain9946 Lamborghini do not do their own manufacturing lambos now have Audi engines and Audi drive terrains. And would I drive one absolutely would I spend a extra 75k for an Audi to have a Lambo badge no I would buy an old Lambo that is a terrible car but a true Lambo. Granted none of that would ever happen because I'm not a super car guy.... And I don't know what u seem to think I'm offended by I just pointed out what was wrong in your statement

[@jvillain9946]

@venumus1 omg you people and your semantics. "They don't hand craft every single part they use so that means they don't manufacture anything,". No company does anymore. Also old were shit. Yeah they looked nice on a poster but that's about all they were good for. Also also, just bc you misinterpreted one lil part of my statement doesn't negate its legitimacy and was completely off subject of from the overarching point

[@NoName-sl5rp]

It's their money and they can spend it however they like but I simply cannot understand how they can rationalize getting a Harley when Indian is more reliable and far more powerful for much less. And if they want comfort Goldwing still dominates that class as well as reliability and still under Harley's average price tag.

[@exexpat11]

Indian has had transmission problems. Harley has had major problems with the Revolution Engines Grenading. Also HD M8te Engines early models had cooling problems.

[@recklessrt]

What did Arnold ride? What do the Angels and Sons ride? Indians are just Polaris bikes.

[@natedog01able]

I had 3 Harley's and 1 victory and let me tell you what I thought about both. Harley Davidson has been building cheap out dated bikes with low technology incorporated products. My victory had over 225k miles on the original motor. I did a clutch in it and spark plugs fuel filter and oil changes. At 35k Harley Davidson the motor is shot it leaks oil and is ready for a rebuild. I work a lot and don't want to spend time fixing my bike alot. I just want to get on it and ride. Indian only advance what victory never did

[@THX5000]

Harleys are trikes with 2 wheels.

[@jessitaylor4170]

Today's Indian is not a real Indian, it's Polaris.

[@Sovspot]

Its an American made motorcycle, with good performance and reliability. Why does the fact it is owned by another mean anything? Harley Davidson isn't the same company it was 100 years ago either.

[@whitemaniagaming6942]

The thunderstroke engine is literally a modern version of the ones from Indians heyday. These are Indians with Polaris money like what AMF was for Harley

[@2DaysAgoISawAVehicle]

We are waiting for a new Indian 4(air cooled)…we are patiently upset😂❤

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

The Polaris Indian has an Impressive line up Ive riden a few of them.😊😊

[@deanblanton-fh3gq]

As a rider who owned both the Harley and the early Indians. Both are great American bikes. Due to the greed of the Indian board and owners back in 1953, Indian died and so did its history. Harley, somehow stuck in there since 1903. Even in the 70s was a bad time for Harley, but AMF kept the doors open at Harley. Can’t say that for Indian who shut their doors in 1953. Many attempted to resurrect the Indian over the years. Even Royal Enfield from Britain tried to save the Indian brand by rebadging their bikes and selling them as an Indian. A Italian bike manufacturer attempted to save the Indian brand. Didn’t do well. Indian can’t really say they have been around since 1901. I believe the Indian brand died at that time. Back in 1996 the attempted to bring back the Indian by using the famous S&S engine. It really was the Gilroy special WTH a Harley designed engine and the Indian name. That went south again for that California manufacturer and the company closed its doors. Around 2011 an off road manufacturer who owned a great bike company called Victory. This bike company could have been a tough competitor for Harley if allowed. But this off road manufacturer killed the Victory and all the folks who bought that great bike. They started to produce again the Indian brand. So in my opinion the Indian started again in 2011. Haven’t been in the business making bike as long as the American Icon Harley. Harley has gone sideways with their cheap act called WOKE. These fools running the company will do everything they can to destroy the BRAND we the people hope Harley can survive this stupidity and kick the Woke ass out of the front office. Send the shoe salesman from Germany back where he belongs with his weak board of non directors. As an old ass this is my opinion of shear stupidity over the years. Back in the day, Indian was a great motorcycle, but the engines were out dated using the old flat head engines. Harley kicked ass with their many engine designs that was produced over the years. From the early flat head,knuckle head, pan head, shovel into the EVO years all great engine designs just needed a little correction regarding some of the design flaws. Sloppy engineering.

[@geraldscott4302]

I almost bought a new Victory V92C. But it still had some problems, so I thought I would give it a couple of years so they could get the bugs worked out. But that never happened. They dropped the V92C, got involved with the NESS MESS, and came up with the disgusting overpriced Vegas. It was pretty much all downhill from there. I gave up on getting a Victory, and in 2003, bought a 1989 Harley Davidson FXRS Low Rider. Back then Harley Davidsons were still carbureted, and still sounded and felt like Harleys, and had bright shiny paint, lots of bright aluminum, and chrome. I have added more chrome to both my Harleys. Today, both Harley Davidson and FAKE Indian make nothing but flat black computerized JUNK.

[@TheWolfsnack]

@@geraldscott4302 You got that right bro!

[@bigncornfed]

harley, like an indian except all the parts are made in china...at least rice rockets are built by our allies, not our enemy.

[@arlanwade3268]

The excuse of tribalism is only a polite euphemism for bigotry. It's not unique for Old-school HD riders; others will likewise despise you for owning a different brand of pickup truck or luxury car (it just seems more common in the HD Biker CULTure). If you meet someone who uses their machine to boost their ego and be a snob rather than make more friends; you are in the presence of a fool (they should be avoided; such people only bring joy in a room when they leave).

[@dakarpsi]

Indian is a Canadian company, I'm not interested in a bike that runs on maple syrup

[@DonGoldstein-b7q]

Polaris is in all American company making an all American motorcycle. They put their billions of dollars into resurrecting the Indian brand from the ground up and scrap their victory line to do it. Polaris is a company far more profitable than Harley and more diverse. Harley riders Actually really do like and respect Polaris and Indian. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mosgor]

Who owns Harley-Davidson? Is it not that woke BlackRock group? 😉Is that better than Polaris? 🤔 Personally, I think the rivalry is - mostly positive. Harley-Davidson has evolved a lot since Indian Motorcycle started making an real impact again. What do I prefer? 5 Harleys later - I now own an Indian Motorcycle ... Of course.😁

[@_S.E.J_]

🇺🇸❤️

[@teewhy2602]

A I

[@IronBornRider]

Nope. Real human

[@marcparingaux9205]

Blablabla