Indian Motorcycle Chief reviews

Right after hearing this bike fire up, I was sold! Cost probably a little more than the Harley's I was looking at, but hey...... EVERYBODY has a Harley and only a FEW have the Indians. Even though they're out of business again, I'm still glad I bought it and enjoy all the people that awe over it. Have only had a few minor problems with it. Has been a real crowd pleaser and it looks, performs and distinguishes itself everywhere we go. Show less

I have owned this bike since 01 and put about 8-9000 miles on it. I have not had one problem with the bike in 3 years. It is exceptional. In addition, all the Harley riders have to stop and eyeball the machinery. I had it custom painted, and added V & H pipes. No one has a bike like mine. I would recommend this bike to anyone. Show less

First of all, it is an awesome bike. Second of all, too bad the warranty is pointless now that they're going under. Certainly a Kawasaki Drifter is no comparison but at least you can buy parts and have it serviced until you're too old to ride. Also, with the $20,000+ saved buying the metric bike you and your old lady can take a couple of cruises and still have extra spending money when you return. I love my Indian and wouldn't trade it for anything but I DO have just as much fun on my Drifter and I didn't waste the extra $$$ again. It's all a matter of pride (or should I say arrogance). Too bad we've all swallowed the Harley lie, that all good bikes should be ridiculously expensive. PS: Promote motorcycling; WEAR A HELMET Show less

Well, I bought my 2000 chief "pre-owned". Spent a little time fixing all of the BS repairs the previous owner had done (without loctite I might add). Have put over 10,000 miles on it since in the last 6 months. Rides great, looks even better. However, many of the issues I've encountered shoulda never happened. Leaking rocker box - mechanic used OLD gasket. Rear floorboards coming loose - no loctite on them. Clutch basket came loose - no loctite on nut at all. Electrical bugaboo - plug not fully engaged on back of Electrical Box (between tanks). Only remaining issue I have is the ignition. There's a gremlin in there somewhere - fouls front plug until it gets warmed-up - runs great after that. Have entire new ignition system in box ready to go. I've ridden this bike from Austin here to Sturgis with no problems. Turned around and rode it to Vegas no problems. Bottom Line: I am able to work on a bike and kinda enjoy it sometimes. I understand the risks of buying a used bike. If some of these issues popped up for original owner, I'm sure they would have been covered under warranty. Local dealer is pretty good at getting issues resolved. Oh and did I mention? This bike will wax a twincam's ass - every time. Woohoo ! tomt Show less

I own a 2000 Chief , best ride Ive ever owned , a real attention getter at evert event . The Dealer I purchased from is excellent and really knows his stuff . As far as problems go .. who can have problems with aride this great !!! Show less

I just purchased my Roadmaster that I have been dreaming of for such a long time. I am extremely pleased with the bike with the exception of the air box which will be replaced when I go in for my 500 mile service. The handling and the power of the bike is just great. I was extremely disappointed with Harley Davidson because they didn't want to strike a deal or budge on their price. Just on a whim, we went to my Indian dealer where they were more than happy to do whatever they had to do to make me a very happy customer. If there is anyone out there who is skeptical about buying one of these bikes, don't be. I would recommend one of these over a Harley any day of the week. Show less

I just purchased a 2000 Indian chief on Jul.4 2003. God I love this bike! Yes it has been in the shop for shocks and fender recall,but its worth every bit because in my humble opinion this is the prettiest bike ever made. I like all bikes but there is not one single bike out there that looks like this. Show less

I love my 2002 Chief and the changes for 2003 only refine it more. I agree the air cleaner is terrible but Gary Stark of Starklite is making an aftermarket setup that will be available this month through him and Indian both. The awesome is a torgue monster...since we all know that HP without torgue is nothing. The ride is good...the handling on the road is good...though it can be a bit of a challenge at parking lot speeds but then again this is a big bike. Fit and finish is awesome and the amount of chrome that comes std is eyepopping compared to my friends on HD bikes. This bike has no more problems than any of the other American counterparts...including the Motor Company and Polaris/Victory... Finally, the naysayers that said it would only last a year or two were wrong...as were the calls of kit bike especially since it now makes its own frame and motor for the Chief. Many feel this bike is going to make it...and continues to grow stronger and better each year...afterall, how manyother companies are putting out a product this nice and refined after only 4 years back in business...? The Chief is a great bike...better than the Fatboy and Roadking in my opinion...and definately has more show and go than competitors. If you like Indian bikes and have wanted a classic ride...then buy one. If you are a fan of the motor company or metric cruisers...then you might be better with one of them..since if you do not get what you want the first time...you will never be happy. Just dont balk when you pay 3k over sticker for the Road King..and then sink 2-3k more in chrome...and another 2k in upgrades just to get your bike equal to the Chief off the showroom floor. Good riding, no matter what you choose...but the Chief is a great bike and will be around for a while and hopefully regain the glory as it knew as AMERICAs FIRST MOTORCYCLE company... Show less

I LOVE THE RAKE AND RIDE ON MY 2000 CHIEF, I TRADED IN A ROAD KING FOR IT. IT WAS A NICE BIKE, BUT SINCE MAYBE IM TALL THAT CHIEF RIDES GREAT I LOVE IT.I BEEN RIDING FOR 18 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER ROAD SO MUCH,WILL SOMETHING GO WRONG, YES WHAT HASENT, ALL MY PAST BIKES HAD PROBLEMS, HARLEY YA REMEMBER AMF, SUZUKI EVEN A GOLD WING, HAVE FUN Show less

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