Indian Challenger vs Harley Davidson - reviewed by a Harley owner
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- Опубліковано 6 січ 2020
- Today, I got the chance to ride the new 2020 Indian Challenger and compare it to my 2020 Electra Glide. Special thanks to St. Petersburg MotorSports, and for the use of the Indian Challenger, 727-456-6088, 555 34th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Phone: 727-456-6088 stpetepowersports.com
www.ridelikeapro.com
/ ridelikeapro
www.freedomshields.net - Авто та транспорт
Hi friends and fans! If you'd like to watch an interview I did with DanDanTheFireman where he interviewed me for almost an hour, here's the link, enjoy the podcast! ua-cam.com/video/7HjmYUtKZmw/v-deo.html
Nice bike but I'll never switch. I've too many dollars invested in Harley t shirts.
LOL
Killed me!
good point. made me laugh.
LOL....Not to mention my collection of jackets,garage decor etc Good one!!
😎
Born and Raised HD, but just bought my first Indian and the new Challenger at that. HD has some work to do to catch up and bring themselves into the modern age if they want to stay in business.
I own a Road Glide and a Chieftain. You gave an honest and detailed opinion. I love both of my motorcycles for different reasons. Thank you Soooo much for not bashing Indian.
i feel like i see people bashing harley in the comments a lot more than indian. probably unfairly so from what ive seen
ive got the challenger limited and its the best bike ive ever owned...
Crash guards are a must. Really saved me in an accident I was in. They were bent, saddlebag smashed from them bending, but I stayed up and wasn't touched. Challenger is a really nice bike, but as for me, i really LOVE my Road King. Took it from a 107 to a 114 with a stage 4. Plenty of power for my purposes. Best bike I've ever owned. Great review.
I love my RK as well. Mine is a '11. Saving up to do a trask turbo kit on it.
05 RK with 65k miles, still in love!
Casey Jones!!!😎
You can put crash bars on for 220.00 dollars
I love your honest review and approach. Some folks are such brand addicts they can't see value in anything but what they like.
Appreciate the neutral and fair review, Mr. Palladino. That Challenger looked snorty! From a practical standpoint, more output can be very desirable depending on where one rides. In Florida, that extra power is less important than it is here in Wyoming. We have 80MPH Interstate and 70 MPH highways, long steep grades, and altitudes that eat up the HP quick (about 3% for every 1,000 feet)...a bike which is "okay" at sea level starts to feel puny when you get near the 10,000 foot passes and even an extra 10 HP makes a noticeable difference when passing a semi on the mountain.
I love the crash bars. They saved me and my HD Ultra Limited from sustaining a ton of damage when I low sided when I ran over an oil slick at night.
Jerry, I really like these test ride videos. Please keep it up. Thanks for sharing your experience & perspective.
This old Harley rider would sure like to see Harley come out with a 60 degree water cooled 150+ horsepower engine. I wouldn't even care if it was a V4, it just needs to make serious power stock. Put it into something that looks like a Harley, but has modern suspension and viola! I'm sold.
Jay Coy
Indian just did that
@@mrfast2win it's 122HP not 150+
Didn't you hear about the new Harley Dirt Glide (actually Pan America, I just call it a Dirt Glide) ? It is a liquid-cooled v-twin with about 150 HP, but just another one of those adventure bikes that every other manufacturer has been making long before HD ever thought of it. Another bright idea from them just like the Livewire. They should've instead built that engine to be installed in a new touring/bagger platform to compete with the Challenger.
I’ve ridden both on demos in Daytona on the same Rodes and curves. I’ve found that in the corners I’m on the boards on the Harley-Davidson a lot, and not so much on the Indian. The adjustable wind screen is very nice when caught out in bad weather or in Florida where the morning temps may start cooler and get warmer though the day. I agree the Indian is a more comfortable ride and has more room two up. I like to ride the mountains so torque would be a big thing for me. I would agree that both motorcycles are good and both have stepped up their game in the last 5 - 7 years.
37,000 miles on my Roadmaster and outside of one recall no service needed, I do my.own thing, not an issue. Indians are showing up running over 150K no issues... only time will tell. Sticking with Indian for my bagger, i do have a VRod as well for short trips and will never let go of that baby.
Wildz06 love my nightrod. Am thinking about a scout with some bags for longer trips
@@ryanoliver9131 hey Ryan, I have a 2003 all silver 100th anniversary Vrod Muscle. I got the bike last year, I remember seeing that bike in the HD dealership and thinking it was one of the most beautiful bikes ever and that one day I would get one. Bike had 12,000 miles on it, yes, 16 year old but so far is a keeper. I traded in my Roadmaster for a Challenger.
Wildz06 I have the 2016 night rod special bought it new 2 years ago. Had to order it from New York and ship it to PA. I also just bought a 2019 triumph street triple r. But I need a bike I can travel on. The scout might not be the best at it but it looks awesome and with some bags and a luggage rack I think I could pull it off. Then again might get the 2020 low rider s. Congrats on the bike and you are right it is a badass muscle cruiser
I have a VROD as well, and I'll never sell it. The liquid cooling is very nice to have out here in the west, where we have temps above 100° routinely. The only way to get similar performance out of an air cooled Harley, is to dump tons of money in upgrades.
One of the best most honest reviews I’ve seen. Been a fan since your VHS tapes.
Thank you.
What's a VHS tape. Lol 😂😂😂😂😂
This was such a well-tempered presentation and as such, it was relaxing to follow along with you on your thought process. I respect you for pulling over and locating the turn signals right after you recognized that needed your attention. However, there was a bit of tension for me when I saw that sand on that parking lot and you proceeded to put that bike through some maneuvers. You didn't let anyone down and sharing that driver's view was impressive.
I found the heat on my legs quite noticeable when I test rode this model last November at a motorcycle convention in Long Beach, CA (it was in the low 70's F.). I have an MT-10 as one of my rides which also throws out heat compared to bikes I've owned with less compression ratio or less volume in the cylinders (my Husky 701 single cylinder or my former CB 1100 that ran on regular gas), or good air management (Honda VFR & Interceptor). I think the Indian's performance comes at the cost of that heat gain for now.
As you can read, I don't have a heavy bike nor have had experience with such. I found the Challenger a handful in the show's parking lot, at least compared to the air cooled, un-faired Indian Springfield or the Harley Road King Special I tested the same day. -Just sayin', "top heavy" came to mind for me on the Challenger. The fit & finish . . . the graphics on that Indian and of course the tractable power were well appreciated.
The Challenger actually has a lower center of gravity when compared to all of the Harley baggers due to the Indians engine being mounted lower in the frame and acting as a structural member.
Great review!! I currently have an 18 Roadmaster that I would never give up but I am looking forward to test riding the Challenger as soon as I get the chance.
Happy new year motorman. Thanks for the video awesome review.
Thanks, happy new year to you and yours as well.
Thanks Jerry. Great no BS review. Hope we see you down here in Melbourne, Australia some time.
I'm a die-hard BMW rider, but it always warms my heart to see an American motorcycle company coming out with great products. Indian definitely edges out Harley with its motor and technology, but Harley has the design down. Nothing reminds me more of America than a Harley cruising by down the freeway.
We need 1080p plus Jerry! Its the era of 4k already. Watching this on a giant tv doesn't do your videos justice. Fantastic content as always. Keep up the great work.
I film in 1080 but download in 720 because 1080 takes forever to upload to youtube. And I pay extra for the best upload speed available from Spectrum. This video would have taken 3 to 4 hours to upload and if an error occurred, I'd have to start all over again.
Jerry...Love your tutorials, I have learned a lot. I also enjoy your reviews and have purchased some recommended products.
I am now considering one of your recommended "Freedom" windshields. I noticed in this video you're using the touring(wide) model on your ElectraGlide. Do you prefer this model over the standard? Does it eliminate much more wind?
I have a 2014 Ultra Classic.
Thank you
If only I lived in Florida, I would be your best student ! I really appreciate your honesty in this review!!! Thanks...
I have been riding all my life nearly ! But I never learned how to ride until I saw ride like a pro vids ! The secrets to riding well ! Oh yeah I'm 65 !
Yeah me too and nearly 71
Jeff's RGU same. Ridden bikes all my life but it wasn’t until I got a Harley tourer and I was trying to do a U turn I realised I was a bit inadequate. However after watching the Man I soon got it sussed
Hey Jerry.....appreciate the video. You mentioned the heat on this bike. Do you know about the HD EITMS feature? If so, does Indian have something similar to keep the heat down?
Videos and pictures don't do that paint justice. It looks great in person.
Anyone know if the issues with the Challenger are overblown?
Good review.
As a street glide owner I couldn't help but notice a little bit of hidden bias.
Reguarding your comments on the dealer network. From Leesburg you could have gone to Indian of Ocala. It's much closer and a far more enjoyable ride. In consideration of the dealer network, I've done a little research across the country and have found no real reason for concern when it comes to services and repairs.
I'm shopping the challenger and I think it bests the Harley in every way accept two.
1: customizing and personalization.
2: lifestyle experience.
I've owned and ridden HD my whole life. I'm definitely a fan boy.
But I gotta say... Harley has some catching up to do!
Anyway thanks for all of the great content. I look forward to more.
I currently have a victory jackpot I’ve been researching this Indian for a while now and I totally agree with you! Every review made on this bike from a Harley owner is the same the reasons why they don’t want to say that the challenger is actually BETTER than HD reasons are the challenger is more powerful but I don’t need all that power anyways, 2.) we don’t know the reliability don’t know too much about Indian. I’m sorry but HD is overpriced, unreliable they are damn near ALL the same
Motorman, the color of your flhp and the flhtp is awesome. I love that blue!
Love these bike reviews.
Got to ride the Challenger this week at Bikeweek. It's a nice bike with a lot of nice features but I'll be keeping the RoadGlide. Love the look and feel of the RoadGlide.
I have been to my dealer twice, when I bought and when replacing both tires. That was a mistake, labor rate was crazy. A couple of oil changes at an independent is all I've needed. Trouble free bikes don't need dealer support.
Great honest review Jerry...no bias at all.
Is the slow throttle response at idle due to the one cylinder shutting off and having to reactivate?
A fair and honest review, TY! '17 H-D Streetglide for me!
What's you thoughts on Iron Butt Challenge 1000miles 24 hours.
I really like what Indian did with the Challenger, as do I like the new Road/Street Glides. Not sure I want to part with $30K or more for either. Nice review - looks like you had fun too!
Derald Groth exactly. I’m currently riding an 05 vtx 1300. I’m happy with it. I’d like one of those, but it’s too much money. The Honda I have now, I do not care if it rains or if I leave it outside without a cover. I don’t own a garage so it would hurt me to have one of those beautiful bikes outside. I do leave my bike in the hangar during the few days that I don’t ride. Other than that, it’s at the apartment complex exposed to the elements at night.
Yeah, the prices are getting to stupid. I would bet that there is a $10K markup to get to that MSRP price. If a dealership wants to sell it, they will work with you. You can always walk away from the deal.
I'm the same way, I ride a 2007 Yamaha Royal star tour deluxe (been paid for, the best kind of bike) in immaculate shape, but I'm thinking of adding a dresser for a second bike. Prices on new bikes are stupid, I NEVER buy a new bike, car, or pickup, I always buy used.
I cannot believe how clear the audio and video is while riding down the road with no wind noise! How do you do it? Very informative review, keep up the good work!
Love the young salesman they are the same world wide one hand in the pocket, once he makes his first sale and gets his bonus he'll have both hands out! Great video cheers Jerry.
I heard that sometimes the Challenger surges at a stop or will cut-off for no reason. Did you have that experience at all?
Hi Jerry I have just brought a triumph thunderbird LT 1700. I will be purchasing your pro video to improve my riding. What views do you have on this bike. Thanks. Dave
"Turn signals? I don't need no stinkin' turn signals!"
Reminds me of your other video at the college when you said that they could always kick you off the obstacle course but it looks deserted which basically means "Rules? I make or break the rules!" LMAO!
All joking aside, as for the renowned Harley clunky shifting you should try using Red Line. It works perfectly and maybe they can sponsor you some. : )
Keep the dirty side down Motorman!
A fantastic, fair and honest review. Thank you Jerry!
sounds like something rapping when your stopped at a red light.
Has rear cylinder deactivation.
I agree wierd noises coming from engine. That's the first thing I notice when I test rode one. It does not instill cofadence in it all rattly like that. The Harley motor sounds alot stronger and better. Also I felt the throttle response was lazy of the line. I think the torque curve is a little higher in the rpms. But I did like the ride and adjustable windshield for sure.
I have a Indian Springfield & love it but I do agree there is some noise while stopped. As for the “lag” in the throttle... I had that as well but once I got a dynojet PVCX with stage 1 it is completely different 👍🏼
👍👍👍 been wanting to try one out to compare with my roadglide
Hi motorman,
You’re right as always. With the right technique, head’n eyes, friction zone, any bike is more or less manoeuvrable.
Thumbs up of course for your dedication to
Road safety, keeping us updated.
👍👍👍👍👍👍🏍🏍🏍🏍
Thanks for all the useful information and thorough explanations on your channel!!!
Owner of a Harley Davidson Road King and
a BMW K1600 gtl.
Bye from Sweden
Great review. Thanks
Great review!
Beautiful bike . I'm looking at the sportster 1200T low rider. For touring. What do you think Jerry?
Great review, thank you very much
Jerry, have seen you ride many bikes, have you ever tested or reviewed a Hyabusa, just checking?
Hi Jerry good review, I'm a fairly new subscriber and I really like your videos. I own a 2016 Ultra Classic, and I also own a 2020 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. You've said in many of your videos "ride what you like". I personally love both of these motorcycles, however in my opinion I just don't like the looks of the Challenger. The look and styling of a $20,000+ motorcycle is important (to me) so for that reason alone it’s a deal-breaker. I traded in my 2015 40th anniversary Goldwing for the 2016 FLHTCU, (and never looked back). All the things you like about Harley-Davidson I feel the same way, and I know you're not a brand hater because I've watched many of your videos, and that makes a great unbiased review! I also purchased all your videos; the Pro-guards for both bikes and your book as well (I'm getting ready)! I hope to see you in the spring; I would love to take your class! Keep those great videos coming; happy new year from Ohio!
The crash guard deletion is a style thing. But the standard dark horse guards front and rear fit the Challenger. A little secret. The tour pack off the Chieftain Dark horse fits on the Challenger. However, Polaris is developing one specifically for the challenger, and doesn't want dealers fitting the Chieftain tour pack even though it's plug n play.
Jerry thanks for the review. I own a Chieftain all my buddies have HD. The dealers are for sure closer to HD. Mine is 27 miles away. But I love my chieftain. The bank sensor works on mine. I have dropped her on low speed, embarrassing maneuvers while practicing slow turns in parking lots. Only hurts the ego the 1st couple of times. :)
What is the resale like between Harley and Indian? I think that would also be something to consider. Not just the monetary side but ease of selling.
The Victory's looked better and seemed more reliable. They are all good motorcycles. Just buy what you can afford.
Great review. I'm sitting in Canada and wishing I was able to take it for a test ride. Oh well. Spring will arrive. Dealership location where I live: HD or Polaris, well over an hour and a half for either.
A quick 2 hour flight into Tampa and go for a test......80 degrees all week 1-9 to 1-13
Would you buy a demo Challenger if its floorboards had been "pre-scraped" by the Motorman? :-D Thanks for the review!
I was able to use the same rear crash bars from my Chieftain to put on my Challenger and the quick release passenger backrest also is the same and they do have a extended reach seat that looks identical to the stock. It will set you back a couple more inches. I lifted my handlebars up as far as it would go first I turned them Sharp and I was able to move them up an inch it made a big difference so I could extend my arms straight out. And the turn signals are a pain they should have put the radio controls on the right hand side. I find myself hitting the radio control a lot... LOL but I only have 300 miles on it I'll get used to it. I bought the base model and put them in a crash bars and heel shifter on it. Once the snow melts away in a couple days I'll be taking it back out again. Want to get it past 500 mile mark so I can do the first oil change. I do have a kit that I will be putting on that allows you to quick release the saddlebags. 😊
How does the engine sound. Is it loud and tough. It sounds a little wierd on the video
So the police electra glide comes with a fairing? And does it come with the Ultra rear shocks with extended suspension travel as compared with the street glide?
Yes.
Thank you for your honest view. Indian hit home run on this model. The Harley is great too!
Good review and like Movie quote “ wave of the future” ie liquid cooled engine 👍
Jerry great vlog thanks. Be Safe🏍🇺🇸
I enjoyed your review of the CHALLENGER, and your comparison to the H-D products, which you are very familiar with. At 14:30 you mention feeling heat from the "water" cooled engine. I submit to you ,that the CHALLENGER ENGINE is better served by being liquid cooled, but for the operator, no real benefit. At 25:10 you mention that folks can likely locate a H-D dealer that will be closer to their home, unless they happen to live near to an Indian dealer, of which there are far fewer, and it's totally true that H-D has a BIG Edge in that aspect. At the end of the video you mention the tour pack. I asked about this, (May 2021) and learned that folks can attach the same big rear trunk to the CHALLENGER as is seen on the ROADMASTER. Again, my complements to you on your videos!
Thank you for the very thorough review.
Great review thank you from manitoba Canada 🇨🇦🏍
Great review, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I currently own a 2014 Victory Cross Country, which I've had for 5 years and with it made journeys to every state in Australia. When I sat on The Challenger, for the first time, I felt right at home. But I too would want front crash bars. A top box would be cool too. When packing for a long tour, I find that I lack cargo space and have to leave non-essential items behind. But I can get an aftermarket top box one from Givi.
Where do you find a good deal like the 1 year old Harley with 4000 miles for 17,000 dollars?
A ton of great info, thanx dude.
Excellent review Jerry!
It's now near impossible to get parts and accessories for the Challenger due to covid. And some of them were shipped with poor mapping which caused unexpected stalling.
I'm in Hemet Ca- my Indian dealer will pick up and deliver my bike for service work. Dealership is in San Marcos. Also got lifetime free oil changes.
Any thoughts on challenger versus a goldwing? I am considering both. Riding a road king now, but HD lost me as a customer due to cam chain tensioner design flaw on TC88 engines. Thanks for a great review.
I'd take the Challenger over the Wing.
I’d love to try one.
Less than half way through the ride I am liking your opinion. As I do on most riding tips. Question; Not if you're going to buy it but would you own it or suggest owning this bike?
Where do you buy the police bikes? Auction?
They’re not crash bars! They are called highway bars. They won’t call them crash bars for liability issues
It’s all about personal preference with bikes of this type and price point. Everyone makes a pretty decent bike these days.
I agree with you. I got a chance to test ride a few Indians and they are very well built bikes. I am riding a Street Glide and don't think they have given me enough to change. To your point, power is not and issue and I like the way my Harley rides. Would never fault someone for buying any other bike, HD is just my preference. Nice review, thanks.
Nice vid, you handle that bike well !
That frame is virtually the same as the Victory xc. Hyd rear shock instead of my airshock, different fork castings for the brembo calipers . I think that motor will bolt into a Vic. Just turned 83k on mine so mbe ill try that motor swap one day!
But i do like that new Electra Glide of yours!
Great Video! Jerry's opinion matters, BMW K1600?
Looking for turn signals? 😂 on almost any motorcycle besides harleys that switch is the exact same spot. I guess it shows how much you get used to what you ride all the time
Probably in the same location by law, for safety.
@@azmike3572 then why are harleys different?
The turn signals on my 52 Pan emanate from my left arm.
I would love to move south one day, but I'll tell you, I feel badly that your review of this bike is on roads that are as straight as my review's roads are curvy... lol. Very good review and good information. People were telling me I was wrong about my feeling that there is play in the throttle - but you noticed it, too, even in Sport mode. So I'm not losing my marbles. Yet....
8:04 you are referring to the "Smart-Lean Technology"
Maybe it's just me but it sounds like a lot of knocking coming from that motor😏
Sounds like diesel
Sounds like a sewing g machine..
Typical V-Twin engine. They all sound like that. Both my brothers and buddies Road Glides sound the same, as does my Honda.
Thomas Reyes I am hearing it too !
I've been to the dealership and looked these and they sound good in real life o think it's just the way the camera is picking it up. (It doesn't have the Harley rumble but it sounded good)
As far as power do you like the 107 at all or is the 114 a must?
107 is snappier off the line as it has a shorter stroke, the 114 makes more power overall though. In a touring bike I would try for the 114, on a Softail though either motor is fine.
I appreciate your honesty in this review. So many brands so little time lol. I ride a Harley Street Glide Special and love it.
You can always hear that top end knock on all their bikes. Took me years to get used to it.
Appreciate your review. I might be crazy but I’m about to trade my street glide on a challenger. I’m older and want that softer ride!
I switched to a challenger about a month ago
Did you trade it in? How is it? Thinking about doing the same
I did trade my Street Glide in on a Challenger. I love it. It gets up and goes!!
I rode one this past weekend. There's a lot of differences but one thing was the lower center of gravity. Just getting it off the side stand felt lighter. I also was looking at how far back you sit in terms of the head stock. The handlebars are really swept back further than on a Harley.
The ease in which you can lift a bike off the kick stand has to do with the length of the kick stand not the center of gravity. If the bike is at a slight lean when on the kick stand, it will be easy to straighten it up. If it leans over quite far on the kick stand, it will be harder to straighten.
@@motorman857 I took that into account. To me at least it felt lighter at lower speed than my SGS but YMMV
@@rickgray8007 Uhhh, ok then.
I'm 6'4 and those bars are way too low for me. I've got a midnight venture and the bars are low like these and drives me nuts
Great Review thank you 👍
The Vermonter
Thanks for watching!
I know I have been very satisfied with my roadmaster. I liked the way my roadking handled but the roadmaster is even better. With that mono shock with air, it adjusts really nice when my wife and I ride. Love the adjustable windshield! Radio reception not so much.
Love this bike in white
At idle that thing sounds a like a diesel.
Hey Jerry, great to hear your voice again. I talked to you a couple times a few years back. I'm Bob from Champlin Minnesota. I currently ride at 73 years old. My 2002 Suzuki LC1500 is getting pretty heavy for me. I broke my back 10 years ago,so I was thinking of buying a Scout 60, so I could pick it up if it fell over. I still follow your technique's for riding. I only have 7K on the 02. It's still brand new. I'd like to sell it and buy a new Indian Scout. You have a Podcast? Can it be listened to on iheart radio? Stay safe out there, Jerry.
Sorry no podcast. You might want to try a Triumph Bonneville for it's up right riding position and light weight.
I bought my 23 Pursuit from Vargas in St. Pete. He and the rest of the kids at IMotorsports are awesome. Plus I like riding over the skyway bridge to go visit so it’s an all around win🎉
Speaking of tip overs. Today, l almost dropped my bike because I forgot to put down the kickstand. I saved it, though. 😂
The Harley needs larger saddlebags so you can keep a couple of spare M8 motors with you.
Love my Victory 2013 Cross Country Tour with the tuned 106. 110/110 RWHP/TQ. Only 36,xxx miles and there good for about 150,xxx. No issues.
Boardwalk Blue, Lloyds cams, Lloyds air filter, Lloyds 1/4 throttle, Lloyds timing wheel, Atom bomb 💣 exhaust.