Indian Motorcycle Chief reviews

I don't own an Indian but would if I could afford one.I had an chance to ride one a while back and really liked it. The young salesman that went with me on the ride looked at me like an old gray bearded guy like me would take easy but he changed his mind when I hit about 110mph.I liked the power of the bike and it also handled well. The only gripe I had was the seat was a little to hard. RIDE SAFE&SOBER SONNY MARTIN Show less

I bought by 2000 Chief new in November 2000, after 30 years of riding everything from Aprillas to Yamahas, including an 84 Shovelhead FLH. I think there's a couple of things to keep in mind here. First...about 90% of the folks in this forum with adverse comments don't even seem to OWN an Indian motorcycle. Maybe the Chief just isn't their "cup of celestial seasonings" (if you get my "drift" about anyone who would use the word "drifter" in the same paragraph talking about an Indian motorcycle!) For the guys who do proclaim to own one and are having problems; Indian stands by its product and will come through on warranty issues. (yes... I had to have my rear fender replaced, and a head breather installed. My bike was in the shop for TWO WHOLE DAYS!!!) If it's a matter of not being able to reach the handlebars, or an inability to ride a cruiser without scraping the FLOORBOARDS... (FLOORBOARDS!!! Doesn't that sound like something that MAY SCRAPE if cornered by someone who wants crotch rocket performance from a V-twin cruiser????). Buy a "drifter" (or a Volvo!) I've ridden my Chief some 12,000 miles now. Even though it's mostly stock, it gets all the looks and all the comments to the point that my Fat Boy and Road King buds admit a grudging respect. (It helps that I can also wax their asses throughout the entire powerband!). So...if you're truly in the market for a real American cruiser (because we ARE of a different mindset than our brothers who don't see the difference from riding metric bikes), and you'd like a bike that stands out from the crowd; buy a Chief. You'll buy me a beer next time you see me! Show less

I've had my 2000 Chief for almost 2 years now. I've put over 15,000 miles on it, so this review is not an impulsive love affair with a new bike. I really enjoy riding this bike, not just for the looks and all the attention you get but for the reliability and comfort it gives me. I rode this bike from Texas to Sturgis and back and never had any major problems. Yeah, the altitude in Colorado made her gasp for air a little bit, but that's to be expected from all bikes except fuel-injected versions. As for the problems that you hear from other riders about this bike, Well, none of them were serious enough, nor recurring to have made me change my mind about buying this bike if I had known about all of them beforehand. If you hear people whining about this bike it's either one of two things, They don't have a good mechanic who knows what he's doing, or, they don't know how to ride an American V-twin. Show less

After falling in love with the looks of this bike it was all down hill. It just doesn't look good in the back of my pick-up going to the dealer all the time. The front forks leak, the tailight module is bad, and the petcock is rusted causing the plugs to foul. It's been to the shop four times for repairs and all problems still exist. Thank God for the lemon law in Washington. Show less

In the past years I've had Harley, Honda, Triumph, Matchless, Norton and a few I won't mention. This is the Koolest and best bike I have ever ridden. There is no way you could compare a Drifter with it. I tried! Just because someone done a knockoff of the fender design, don't make it an Indian and never will. See how many used Indians you will find for sale. Probably won't until the Indian company comes out with something better, but I don't see how they can beat my 2000 Chief. It is the best bike I have ever ridden. And that's a fact! Show less

If you are looking for a ride that turns heads, has loads of power and LOVE attention, go for the Chief. Have had mine (2000) for 9 months now and couldn't be happier. Top of the line components and chrome out the tailpipe plus that classic Indian styling coupled with todays engineering make for one beautiful ride. A Harley clone? I think not, when did you ever see a Hawg that looked like this?? Perhaps Indian clone would be more appropriate. Having rode now for over 25 years and owning numerous bikes including 4 Harleys this is by far (except for my 81 Lowrider for totally different reasons) my favorite. Sits low, can feel the power with very few changes and rides great. This is not your ordinary ride though, you have to get used to steering your way through slow turns and the bottoming out and floorboard dragging was mostly solved by tightening up the rear shocks. If you're shy and want to hide in the crowd get a Harley (or whatever) if not go for the Chief. Show less

I've had the Indian Chief now for 2 months and have almost 5k on it. I love this bike, first American Bike I've owned, Prior to this bike I owned (and still have, but up for sale) a Yamaha Road Star. The Indian handles better than the Roadstar, much lighter feeling, but have to be careful with the floorboards dragging. Sometimes if I'm going over 85MPH and the winds are wrong the front end feels strange due to the large front fender catching the wind. I thought I would have to change the handlebars when I bought the bike but since riding, I have never felt the need. I've rejetted and put on new pipes. Had it dynoed at 84.3HP. The quality is great, most items much heavier duty than my Road Star. Customer service from both the Company and my local dealers is fantastic, best I've seen in my 30 years riding experience. Was thinking of getting a Harley but with the out-the-door price of the Harley plus mods to make it look good the Indian was more cost effective, plus so far Indian is holding a better resale than Harley. Any questions Email me. Show less

I have had just about every bike on the market in the past 30 years, and I feel that perhaps the Chief is the last bike I will ever need. Yes it is a clone of sorts but it will out perform any stock Harley and the customer service from both the dealer and Indian makes Harley look like a joke. My dislike for Harley and the lack of customer service has made my decision to buy Indian an easy one. Sure it has problems but at least I can get them fixed for the next two years, how about you? And I can honestly say I haven't heard of one Indian with cam bearing problems. In my opinion the Indian is the bike that Harley should be, but we all know that's not going to happen. So ride your "unique" Harley to the next large bike event and see how many clones there are, and I don't just mean the bikes. Show less

I own a 2000 Millennium Chief and couldn't be happier. Having owned various other bikes for over 30 years and the last two HDs, this one is definitely superior to my last HD full dresser. After selling my HD two years ago when we moved, I sorely missed riding (like my wife told me I would). Well, I checked out the Road King and was ready to put my money down for one, but I happened to find some info on an Indian. Out of curiosity, I went and looked at them and was impressed with the styling and chrome extras included. But the clincher was the test drive. The Indian engine is balanced, so I don't have the trembling at a stop or coasting. The seat is lower so I don't have to practically stand on tiptoes to hold the bike up at a stop. With the power of the Indian I am not the last one straggling along in a group. Yes, the downside is no tourpak but the side bags hold as much as the dresser. The footpads do drag on the stock bikes but mine were raised an inch so I don't have that problem anymore even with the ole lady on the back. This bike is an awesome cruiser and takes me comfortably everywhere I want to go, even with the ole lady !!!! Show less

I own a Y2K Chief. I like the bikes low clearance, being 5'7" I can plant both feet on the ground from the saddle. After the initial 500-mile break in the S&S motor quiets down and gives a smooth ride thru all 5 gears. The Chief handles well in turns for an 850lb cruiser and is very responsive to the throttle. I have over 3000 miles on her now and all trouble free riding. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to upgrade their present ride for a cruiser. Show less