2001 Indian Motorcycle reviews

I wish I would have found this website before I bought my indian chief. It seems there was a warning from someone named James that austin texas had the worst indian dealer in the united states.Beleive me, he knows what he is talking about. I am telling everyone I know to buy an American Ironhorse or a Harley. I have a 2001 indian chief for sale, cheap. Unfortunately there are a lots of problems that go along with it. Mainly electrical and transmission problems. Show less

I have owned 2 Harley Davidsons (well really only 1 the Sportster in my mind doesnt count) But the Softail does. The Scout is alot like the Softail and I dont think you want to go very far on this bike, but I love every thing about it. It handles well at various speeds, it comes equipped from the factory with most of the custom equipment you would put on your Harley but dont have to pay extra for later. My dealer in Illinois has been very helpful and he has a really good mechanical department. The one complaint I have heard the most is about the service or lack there of at most Indian dealers. Over all I love the bike and glad I spent the money. Show less

Overall, an excellent bike. On the plus side, you get tremendous power after the restrictor plate is removed. Any stock HD will eat your dust (except the VRod). It includes boatloads of chrome alreay, riding the Scout will get you more attention than you sometimes want. People will bombard you with questions and positive comments. I have had no repair/maint. problems at all. It will hold its value well and should be a collectors item in the future. On the negative side, it is too quiet (removing the baffles or aftermarket pipes can change that). In addition, forget about using the horn. You can barely hear it. Lastly, this bike was not made for long distance touring. 350 to 400 miles per day and you are ready to rest from all the vibration. (It is comfortable, though). Overall, you can't go wrong with the Indian Scout! Show less

I write this review with mixed emotions because I love the Indian history and brand recognition. In a world of Harleys and Japanese crusiers I thought the Indian was a great choice. Unfortunately since purchasing my 2001 Scout I have experienced excessive vibration from the front end, especially hand controls and Tear Drop headlight, much more than my Harley. I have also experienced and continued to be plagued by no netutral light, which the dealer has not been able to fix. Another problem is excessive amounts of blowing oil out of the air filter which was solved by a $150 Breather kit. I lost my speedometer after just 1000 miles and the dealer said it would take 3-4 weeks to just get the part from Indian, still unfixed. They said it was because Indian is in CA and parts would take long time to get here. In that case Indian should be just selling bikes in CA! I also have a constant loud squeaking in the rear suspension when ever the bike is ridden for a short time. I do not think this is a big problem, but has become very annoying! In another direction the quality of Indian dealers is poor in my area, most are car dealers with little motorcycle experience. I am sure there are good Indian dealers, but not in my area. I have expressed this to Indian in Gilroy, they have not returned my call, apparently customer satifaction after you purchase their bike is not a priority at Indian. After spending $17,000 plus on a motorcycle it is unfortunate that I have to write a review like this. On a more positive note, the bike gets more attention then any Harley on the road. Show less

This is the first big bike I have owned. I am impressed with the power band. It has more power than most think and surprises people all the time. The chrome on the bike is outstanding. I looked at Harley but didn't want to spend all the extra money to chrome it. It gets alot of looks. The problems I have had have all been easy fixes by the dealer with no complaints. No repeat problems. I would recommend. I like my S&S engine. At least I know it will start and run like a scolded dog. Swipter Show less