5ft 4in Indian Rider here, had a 17 Roadmaster, a 20 Challenger Ltd and now a 22 Pursuit Premium Darkhorse Icon... All have been very manageable for me! Nice to see a review from a similarly sized rider. It is kind of sad that most manufacturers do not offer a lower profile bike. Before test driving an Indian I really thought my only option for a full dresser was an HD Ultra Ltd Low, so glad I found Indian. They are not perfect for my height but they are definately manageable. I also suggest or recommend Motorcycle drop guards in addition to engine and bag guards. Enjoyed the video.
Always great to hear from a fellow shorty! I thought about drop guards…but so far I’ve only scratched the undersides of my crash bars. 🤣 I’m curious - what are your thoughts on the Roadmaster vs Pursuit? When I demo’d the Roadmaster it felt pretty heavy to me, and the Pursuit felt no different than my challenger - didn’t feel the tourpack or lowers at all. 🤷♂️
I really enjoyed your review on the Challenger!! Your review was very through and I have found the same points across the board! Im making the switch from my 2018 HD Ultra Limited! Ride on Brother!👏👏💪💥
My brother really enjoys his HD. That being said, he was a hard sell for the 2021 Chieftain DH that I own. Then he rode it. I wanted air cooling. So the chieftain dark horse was easy for me to go to.
You can’t go wrong with a Chieftain/Thunderstroke. Great bike and engine, and nobody should let liquid cooling dissuade them. I just don’t fine that it makes much of a difference in any of the ways that matter. 🤷♂️
Thanks for your vids! I grew up in MoCo and now moved to WV. I'm 5'6" and this past year finally bought an Indian Scout which I've loved so far. Plan on having it a few years then am considering one of the bigger bikes, so these vids are really helpful to me. Oh and I'm definitely familiar with that speed trap near the National Harbour lol
Haha if only that was the only one in the DMV! Glad my vids are helpful! Enjoy the hell out of that Scout - Baggers aren’t going anywhere, and I still miss mine! ✌️
I had no interest in watching an hour long review, that said, great job. Appreciate all the honest information. Waiting for my 2021 Challenger to ship from the factory on the 29th.
Thanks! And that’s what the chapters are for - I tried to make it as accessible as possible! I don’t think I’ve ever watched a 1 hour bike review myself! 😂😂
@@KindredGh0st I’ve had 19;000 trouble free miles. No issues mechanically. The ride command can be quirky or has been but always seems to correct with a restart.
Hahaha 👍 Before you rush out to get a tour pack, check my bike out on IG and get a good look at my monster Ginz Choppers sissy bar! You can probably strap 10 helmets on that thing, and still have a duffel in front and back! 🤣
@@DMVSoloRider have a 15 y/o, she’s my riding partner and likes being able to lean back on the tourpak. If everything I’ve seen so far, I think I can just move the one on my Chieftain back and forth until she gets her own bike
Great review. Thanks for your efforts. I just purchased a 2021 Challenger. I traded in my Triumph 2016 Rocket III Roadster and my BMW 2013 K1600 GTL. My local Indian dealer is adding equipment that I ordered for the Challenger, including the Stage 2 cam kit. My Challenger has a top case with a quick release mount. I look forward to my new Challenger.
Thanks Robert, I appreciate that! You’re in for a real treat, and I know you’re going to love the Challenger! And I say that just having ridden a Rocket 3 for the first time! ✌️
Great review brother looking to ditch the scout bobber. Too small for me at 5'6" 😂😂 want to get into the bagger scene to go one weekend runs. Still have a speed triple for some spirited runs
Hahaha what in the world are you doing with both a bobber and a speed triple?! You should already have a Pursuit alongside that awesome Triumph! Thanks - glad you liked the review. The Challenger (or Pursuit) is just a good time! I think coming from a bobber/speed triple you’d be really happy with it! Comfy, but you can still get on it! ✌️
Great review, and VERY detailed, my friend. I'm also in the DMV riding the 2020 Challenger. Love the bike. I'm 5' 7' and just ordered some KST Comanche bars for better reach and comfortability. Maybe I'll see you in the DMV sometime.
Thanks man, glad you thought so! Let me know how those Comanches are, and how far back you can pivot them! I’m considering the barnstorm dash relocation kit and some custom T-bars they say they can make for me, or even having some bars in the same shape as stock custom made with more pullback. What color are you riding - we may pas each other on the mean streets of the DMV! 😂
@@DMVSoloRider I've got the base model--so metallic gray. The bars raise the hands 6-10 inches above the stock bars, so I"m thinking 6 will work well for me. I'll update when I get them in a couple weeks!
Nice review. I'm a shorter rider 5-8 on an ultra limited. I looked at the low model but felt better on the full size. This was a big step up from my previous bike's. But I do alot of two up touring and this bike is great for that. Added highway pegs a Memphis shade windscreen. I did drop it a few times till I got used to the weight of it. Lucky it comes standard with front and rear crash bars. It is Closer to the roadmaster.
You can get all of those things though. Well, soft close outs, not really lowers. But you can add a tour pack for the “reasonable” price of like $3000. 😂 I’m sure they’ll come out with a touring version eventually, and my hope would be it’s priced the way a Roadmaster is priced compared to a Chieftain. Ultimately, I still think Indian could do better on the pricing of all of their bikes. Indian isn’t Harley, and as I’ve mentioned in past videos, it probably isn’t enough for their bikes to just be better. They need to be considerably less expensive and have superior service as well. 🤷♂️ And their tech needs to always work. I’m just starting to edit one of my rants to follow up on my review, because all of a sudden my ride command has turned to complete trash and I’m just not a happy camper. 🤦♂️ Ok, vent over. Lol
I’m just a bit over half way through break-in on my 2021 challenger. I too though the throttle was ‘off’ for the 1st couple of ride. Then it seemed to get better - I figured I just ‘got the hang of it’ , a learning cycle makes more sense.
It gets better for sure, and it’s a treat! You may find that standard mode is a little more reliable for low speed maneuvering when you’re doing your Jerry Palladino, but I think it’s less about the throttle and more the idle. I find in Sport mode the idle sometimes bounces up and down about 500 RPMs which can make low speed drills a chore. But for regular riding, sport mode is King! 👍
I also suspect at least part of the improvement in feel at low speed is the clutch bedding in. For the 1st 100 or so miles it was very grabby now it seems to have a bit more engagement range. I also have a ‘14 Chieftain and your comparisons are spot on to my observations.
Awesome, I really appreciate that! It can be hard to talk about my experience on a bike given that I still have less than two years riding, so it’s nice to get validation! 👍 Now, if only Ride Command would stop sucking the bike would be perfect! 😂
Hey brother another great information, just pick up my chieftain from hibernation here in New england and must say I save alot of money buying a 2020 chieftain late August than purchasing a 2021 challenger by the way challenger is a great bike but I prefer the chieftain, my opinion 😉, to the buffering situation I bought a new helmet and resolved the problem well till you hit 88 mph and you get a little on top 😀, let me know when you're coming up to Massachusetts brother and thanks,, Jose.
Thanks Jose! I’m hoping to head north over the summer - need to map out a coastal ride! I may also be paying a visit to Barnstorm in MA for some custom work, but that remains to be seen! You can’t go wrong with a Chieftain, and I’m always happy for anyone that saves a lot of cash on an awesome motorcycle! 😂👍
@@JoseReyes-dv4hg Just sold my '02 Ultra and the urge to go buy now is very strong(I understand the can't wait syndrome LOL), but I am going to try and wait until fall. Bagger for sure, but not sure which one Indian has I will get yet.
Thanks Pat! I haven’t ridden the K1600. When I first decided to move to a bagger I had it on my list. I think it’s beautiful, and it seems like an amazing bike! But I sat on one at the dealer, and it was so wide and my legs so short, I actually couldn’t get it off the stand to see how it felt. Lol Now, a year later, I’m confident I would just do the one leg thing and be fine, but at the time my priority was not knocking over a $25k bike in a row of expensive beemers. 😂 And when I got the challenger part of the equation was incentive $ I was getting from Indian, so the $ part of the equation nixed the K1600 at that time too. But I really want to ride one - always keeping my eye out for a demo day or something. 🤷♂️
I owned a K1600 Bagger 2019 (the GA without the tourpack/topcase) and a RoadGlide Special 2018. I loved them both. Great machines. My legs were a bit too short for the RoadGlide and the Bagger, but the latter has electric Reverse. So it was way easier and provided much more confidence when parking. However, I traded each at a tiem for a lighter more compact bike. I went from a RiadGlide to a FatBoy, and from the Bagger to a R1250R. Very different beasts. Now, based on your review, the Challenger limited is on my list :)
@@mauriciohzamora4105 Awwwesome!! I still haven’t had a crack at a K1600, but it’s on my list for sure! I think you’ll be really impressed by the Challenger compared to the RG, especially with a short inseam! I can’t underscore enough how much lighter the Indian baggers feel to me than the HDs!
I recently traded it in, but over 30500 or so miles my engine was a dream. Never had a drop of oil anywhere, no weird noises - just great performance. 🤷♂️
Thank you for a very comprehensive review, lots of food for thought for people deciding to purchase, bang for buck and other rider specific info. One thing to mention about rider height. I am 1,87m tall. My in seam is 94cm. You get another person same 1,87m but in seam is 85cm or 90cm. Some people have a taller bust and neck area but shorter legs. So for the riders that are short, it would be interesting to mention in seam length needed to ride this bike. Incidentally it’s the same story with arms, same height people do not have the same arm lengths. This is less of a problem with bar risers and or different bars that give you more reach/flexibility.
Thanks for the thoughts - much appreciated, and I agree! In later videos, test rides in particular, I started including my 28” inseam along with my height. I started watching other videos by shorties - shorter than me - riding tall bikes and once I realized their legs were actually longer it started to make sense. 😂
PS same for arm length. I really need to measure! That’s quite an issue with the Challenger, because you can’t use available handlebar risers due to the fairing taking up free space. There’s really only one custom option available so far, and that’s $ thousands!
Everyone complains about the throttle. I rode all 3 (base, DH, lmtd), was able to do a u turn, full lock, no issue. I ordered one, still waiting unfortunately. I don't believe all the complaining. Seems like it's riders that THINK they know what they're doing but don't. Edit: didn't realize you're a new rider. Really good to hear such a good review and thoughts from a newer rider!
Awesome - you’ll be really happy! Throttle definitely doesn’t prevent low speed maneuvering. I do think the RPMs bouncing around at low power might be a bit unhelpful, but like I always say - when in doubt just add throttle (and know how to use the clutch!)! 😂
Im a year late to this review…but do you still have it? And if you do….has the bike been reliable? I hear mixed opinions about it…some people have nothing but good experiences, some have trade it for other bikes. What’s your experience with the reliability of the Challenger. Thank you
Still have it, and up to 25k. My electric windshield has broken/been warranty replaced 2x. Engine has been 100% reliable. I posted a 20k update you might find interesting, and after my first 10k review I posted a video destroying ride command - it’s been better after software updates, but it’s still not awesome. But as far as the important parts go, rock solid!
Absolutely! Now, keep in mind that when I dropped it I immediately knew it was going over, so I was able to focus my effort on bracing it so it went down gently. The bars come out far enough that the bike isn’t nearly as much on its side as it is just kinda leaned over a bit - I’m confident the bars would do the job if the bike just fell over on its own. 🤷♂️
Unfortunately, I’ve dropped my challenger 3 times now, the crash bars work great, in keeping the bike from getting damaged, but , I would add the rear bag crash bars, they really add to the protection, I added these after I dropped my challenger the first time.
Here’s the comment that wasn’t showing up. This is a real good point for anyone looking at a Challenger, and something I didn’t think to address in my review. Rear crash bars are definitely a good idea! They’re on my list for sure…along with new bars, a new windshield, Lloyds tune. The list is growing! 🤦♂️
I have a 2019 Indian Springfield with the TS 111, and yes the transmission is a little clunky when cold, especially 2nd gear required a little more oomph, but once it was warmed up, pure buttah. I have the ride modes as well, but find Standard mode to be the sweet spot for me, especially for parking lot maneuvers. I get incredible gas mileage 48 - 52 MPG cruising 40 - 60 MPH on the backroads with stage I intake and exhaust. Probably also why I avoid Sport mode, I'm already having enough fun while saving gas. At 5'6" I'm also challenged with the kickstand, but I'm managing it okay, so I feel no need for the kickstand extension at this time. I haven't noticed any extra engine noise during cylinder deactivation with the TS 111. I think all the Indian models are great, and now with the new Chief line, there's something for everyone.
Im looking forward to trying out the new Chief at the next demo day, and I’m making a point to try a Springfield too. I’ve somehow never tried. 🤷♂️ Glad you can manage your kickstand. It’s just awful to have to buy a special kickstand so you can reach it! 😂 I’m getting 41 mpg on my Challenger, but my Chieftain was more in-line with your Springfield. I could do an experiment and ride in standard mode for an extended period of time and see how it does, but that would be hard. 😂
@@DMVSoloRider , Good gas mileage is all in the wrist, or lack thereof. I used to have a big V8 with a four barrel carb, that I just loved to hear open up, back in the day. The paycheck had a hard time keeping up though.
I don't think you can add the hard lowers Indian makes for the Chieftain to the Challenger - I could be wrong, but I don't think so. Indian makes soft lowers though, and they are absolutely on my list for next winter. When I took my road trip to Florida this past January, I missed having some foot protection from the cold wind for sure!
As for the top case, it’s not really on my list at the moment. I think a bigger priority is a sissy bar and a great sissy bar bag. Plus, after riding the Roadmaster (video to come) I think the case may add a bit of awkward weight. I could be wrong where the challenger is concerned, but the case/hard lowers on the Roadmaster definitely weighed the bike down to me. Never felt that on my Chieftain.
I enjoyed this review. I also have a 2019 Chieftain, which I will never sell because it's a custom paint job from Hollister. It's also a better looking bike, IMO, than a Challenger. But if I had the money, I'd add a Challenger to my stable in a heartbeat. Particularly that red color.
Thanks, I appreciate it! I think they all look great really. I prefer the Challenger fairing, but that beautiful tank on the Chieftain can’t be beat! And the Thunderstroke is pure artwork! If I had space for more than one I’d probably still have my Scout - it would be chopped into a bobber by now! And Red is the way! 😂
Great review on the challenger. Currently considering trading I my 2017 Chieftain Darkhorse for a 2021challenger. My chieftain has the 116 upgrade but lacks the ride modes and infotainment screen which i think i would enjoy having. I am renting the challenger this coming weekend. I do have a question about handlebar vibrations. Is there a noticeable difference between the two bikes?
Thanks, and welcome to the channel! I can’t say I noticed any real difference in handlebar vibration between my 2019 Chieftain (111) and my Challenger. The exception is when rear cylinder deactivation kicks in on the Challenger - you definitely feel kind of a rolling/lumpy vibration that I never experienced on the Chieftain. But that’s nothing significant, just something I’ve noticed. You should check out the video I put up right after the review - had some further/negative experiences with Ride Command, and lots of people are having them. Something to think about if the infotainment system is a big motivating factor in making the switch! Let us know what you think after you rent one - you’re going to love the Power Plus, I guarantee it! ✌️
Do NOT buy the challenger based on the infotainment system! It sucks! Great handling and performance, but the RideCommand system is the Achilles of the bike.
@@motoGPness Ride Command has its issues for sure. But I wouldn’t go that far. A lot of motorcyclists don’t care about infotainment systems. They might use it if they have it, but if it doesn’t work well they couldn’t care less. All of them should ride a Challenger!
@@DMVSoloRider Ride a Challenger sure, but If the infotainment system is a big selling point not so sure I would move from a ‘17 Chieftain to a Challenger unless it was a base model Challenger. I would do it IF the infotainment wasn’t important to me.
@@motoGPness We’re on the same page. 👍 I ultimately don’t regret buying the Challenger, because the motorcycle parts are amazing. But Ride Command remains a sticking point. Have a new video coming on the subject this week!
Yeah, I’ve heard from a number of Victory enthusiasts! I’m proud to ride a bike with so much heritage - Victory badassness and Indian class! 😉 And thanks - glad you liked it!
I enjoyed this video very much because of how much info you shared. If I may offer some info to you, your LIQUID cooled ENGINE will stay "healthier" / cooler in stop and go traffic, stand-still traffic jams, and the like. THAT is the benefit over an air cooled engine. It has nothing to do with the heat you feel as the human operator or passenger.
Thanks, glad you liked it! Understood. I just get asked a lot/see videos where people seem to think liquid cooling means you feel less heat and wanted to address it. 👍
I don't know man, I owned the air cooled roadmaster for 4 years. Always cooked my thigh. I rode 3 challengers, during demo days, that had been operating with less than five minutes between riders, and after even 20 minutes I felt no cooked thighs. Definitely seems like it helps.
I’m sure when it comes to scientific measurement liquid cooled engines run “cooler.” But when it comes to practical application I personally haven’t noticed all that much difference on my Challenger compared to my Chieftain. Could just be me. 🤷♂️ Meanwhile, my liquid cooled Scout was my pants-melter! Lol
Add the driving lights which are now available, you have a shadowed area just in front of the bike when riding at night, I didn’t. Have this issue with my 2015 chieftain , but it makes a big difference on the challenger adding them
Thanks for the tip Scott! I saw a comment about the rear crash bars, but it's not showing up, so maybe you deleted it? All good points. Admittedly, I don't ride when it's pitch black out if I can avoid it to be honest. I had a real uncomfortable experience on my Chieftain where I was riding later at night through mountain roads in WV, and it kinda struck me that I was a sitting duck for a deer jumping into the road, or if there was a piece of truck tire in the middle of the road that I missed. I find on the Challenger the first thing you need to do is reposition the headlight. Out of the box, it's pointed way to high up and you don't get enough light shining down the road. But those additional fog lights would make a big difference. The Challenger's headlight is good, but more is always better if you ride at night on unlit roads! As for the rear crash bars, I totally agree. When the bike goes over it's like 2/3rds upright due to how the crash bars hit. But the lower end of the saddlebags can make contact with the ground if it goes down fast/hard enough, so those rear bars are really a good idea! 👍
Another lighting issue is that most dealers don’t properly adjust the headlights prior to delivery. I thought the challenger headlight sucked until I did a proper adjustment. They were way low from the factory.
Very informative. But can you finish trimming that row of shrubbery! Im 5’4” and will compare the challenger and Goldwing. I owned a ‘18 bobber….. now a comfortable bike is next.
✂️ My work is never done! Glad you liked it! I already know you’ll love the Challenger, but I’m really curious to see what you think about the Goldwing! I just rode it (manual & DCT) for the first time. I felt like it had my 28” inseam spread pretty far apart on that Cadillac seat!
Nope, I have Indian’s “reduced reach” bars on my bike - they bring the controls about 2” farther back. If you skim through the video I have a segment on that! Highly recommended!
lol the triumph dealers near me tend not to let you test ride just for the hell of it. Sometimes there’s an exception (my Trident ride), but not often. One of my dealers is actually doing a brief like 4 hour Triumph demo day today, but I’m working. 😭 One day I’ll get on one. Would be nice if Triumph started doing demo days like Indian!
Had my challenger 2months now and 3000+ miles/5000 km. Satisfied. Great ride. Brakes, handling etc definitely a step up. Question with the GPS: it is supposed to display weather radar overplayed on the map and I have it selected on…but never got it to display. Has anyone else had it working? Maybe it doesn’t work in Canada?
Congrats, thrilled you love it! The GPS has a weather overlay, but you have to zoom pretty far out to see the weather pattern. You also have to toggle it on every time you start the bike - it’s default is set to off.
@@Kevin_Ho70 If you get an Indian bagger with Ride Command/nav you get that free for the first two years. After that you have to pay. And that includes CarPlay - apparently CarPlay stops working if you don’t subscribe. 🤦♂️
All good! 😂 I posted an update in the general comments section of my channel, but don’t think most people see it (think it’s only visible from a full fledged computer). The 4/27/21 ride command update fixed my CarPlay/wireless dongle disconnection issues. Ride command is still sluggish and buggy as hell (syncing your ride command account/ride maps is a pain), but at least I have my wireless CarPlay back. Will film an update when I have a chance! 👍
Hello Ici en France, le ride command possède un GPS qui ne fonctionne pas du tout, c'est une vraie calamité. Il est pratiquement impossible de se rendre où que ce soit avec ce GPS. Si aux Etats Unis, ça marche, je peux vous dire que chez nous, sur ce point le Challenger ne vaut rien !
Google Translate: Salut! Vous en avez déjà parlé, mais je ne savais pas que c'était si grave! Certaines personnes aux États-Unis trouvent également leur GPS inutilisable. Lorsque j'utilise le mien, cela fonctionne bien - occasionnellement, il affichera votre emplacement comme sur une route parallèle ou quelque chose du genre. Mais étant donné que ma priorité est d'utiliser CarPlay et Waze, je suis assez mécontent de la rupture de mon téléphone et maintenant le dongle sans fil que j'utilise se déconnecte fréquemment comme mon téléphone le faisait sur mon Chieftain. Tout cela est frustrant et rien de tout cela ne devrait se produire. J'ai parlé avec Indian, et ils ont dit qu'ils publieraient cet été une mise à jour logicielle qui devrait résoudre le problème de la déconnexion. Je ne sais pas si cela aidera nos amis en France avec leurs unités GPS, mais je vais croiser les doigts pour vous!
Oops, here's the exchange for everyone else. Original comment: Hello. Here in France, the ride command has a GPS which does not work at all, it is a real calamity. It is practically impossible to go anywhere with this GPS. If in the United States, it works, I can tell you that with us, on this point the Challenger is worth nothing! Response:Hi! You've talked about it before, but I didn't know it was that bad! Some people in the United States also find their GPS unusable. When I use mine it works fine - occasionally it will show your location as on a parallel road or something. But given that my priority is to use CarPlay and Waze, I am quite unhappy with my phone breaking and now the wireless dongle I use frequently disconnects like my phone did on my Chieftain. This is all frustrating and none of this should be happening. I spoke with Indian, and they said they'll be releasing a software update this summer that should fix the disconnect issue. I'm not sure if this will help our friends in France with their GPS units, but I'll cross my fingers for you!
OOOOORRRR, since I didn’t have an experience like this on my Chieftain (pretty sure that was also a 2 cylinder engine that ran on 1 cylinder at low idle when rear cylinder deactivation was on) AND my service dept said it was a software flaw awaiting a fix, me thinks it isn’t working as-expected. But hey, I could be wrong. 😉
I’m in a similar position with a 2019 chieftain limited wondering if I should get a 2021 challenger. Like you I got a great deal on the chieftain and it’ll be list for the challenger…..which will be the base model ($$) as I’m retired….. I appreciate your thoughts.
Honestly, my thoughts are still what I addressed in my conclusion. If I could do it all over again, I’d still have my Chieftain. The Challenger’s a better bike all around, but in no one area is it so much better than a Chieftain that it’s worth the additional $8k it represented to me based on the amazing deal I got on the Chieftain. But if I was choosing between the two at full MSRP, I pick the Challenger every time. 🤷♂️ And for me in particular, my riding posture on my Chieftain was just perfect, and I have yet to find a way to replicate it on the Challenger. I’m even talking to fabricators about making custom handlebars for me that might do the trick, and not having much luck. So there’s that too. lol
@@DMVSoloRider I’ve got my chieftain optioned up perfectly for me an it simply fits me……5’9”, 30” inseam. On the whole an excellent machine. It’ll get down to what the dealer decides he wants for difference. I’m a couple years from turning 70 so this may be my final large bike……I enjoy the Challenger’s ride, handling, engine, brakes etc but like you question if it is worth spending the money.
Nope! My latest video is a test ride of a Vintage, and I mentioned how much I loved the brake pedal! 😂 I don’t get why they can’t make one for the other bikes. 🤷♂️
@@DMVSoloRider I actually called Indian about this they acted stupid like they did not know I was talking about so I basically had to spell it out for them...There’s nothing aftermarket anywhere so I might have to pay someone to do something so that I have a nice big flat pedal almost like the roadmaster or any Harley tour bike
@@cowboy29406 Maybe you can buy the entire piece from the Vintage or Roadmaster and just take the pedal off and replace the peg on yours? 🤷♂️ I’m pretty sure the pegs unscrew, so maybe…
5ft 4in Indian Rider here, had a 17 Roadmaster, a 20 Challenger Ltd and now a 22 Pursuit Premium Darkhorse Icon... All have been very manageable for me! Nice to see a review from a similarly sized rider. It is kind of sad that most manufacturers do not offer a lower profile bike. Before test driving an Indian I really thought my only option for a full dresser was an HD Ultra Ltd Low, so glad I found Indian. They are not perfect for my height but they are definately manageable. I also suggest or recommend Motorcycle drop guards in addition to engine and bag guards. Enjoyed the video.
Always great to hear from a fellow shorty! I thought about drop guards…but so far I’ve only scratched the undersides of my crash bars. 🤣 I’m curious - what are your thoughts on the Roadmaster vs Pursuit? When I demo’d the Roadmaster it felt pretty heavy to me, and the Pursuit felt no different than my challenger - didn’t feel the tourpack or lowers at all. 🤷♂️
I really enjoyed your review on the Challenger!! Your review was very through and I have found the same points across the board! Im making the switch from my 2018 HD Ultra Limited! Ride on Brother!👏👏💪💥
Thanks, I appreciate it!!! Be sure to check out my follow-up complaining about ride command if that sort of thing matters to you!
@@DMVSoloRider For sure!! The ride command was a huge factor in changing over from HD to Indian..should be better!!
It will be - I have faith! 👍
My brother really enjoys his HD. That being said, he was a hard sell for the 2021 Chieftain DH that I own. Then he rode it. I wanted air cooling. So the chieftain dark horse was easy for me to go to.
You can’t go wrong with a Chieftain/Thunderstroke. Great bike and engine, and nobody should let liquid cooling dissuade them. I just don’t fine that it makes much of a difference in any of the ways that matter. 🤷♂️
Thanks for your vids! I grew up in MoCo and now moved to WV. I'm 5'6" and this past year finally bought an Indian Scout which I've loved so far. Plan on having it a few years then am considering one of the bigger bikes, so these vids are really helpful to me. Oh and I'm definitely familiar with that speed trap near the National Harbour lol
Haha if only that was the only one in the DMV! Glad my vids are helpful! Enjoy the hell out of that Scout - Baggers aren’t going anywhere, and I still miss mine! ✌️
I had no interest in watching an hour long review, that said, great job. Appreciate all the honest information. Waiting for my 2021 Challenger to ship from the factory on the 29th.
Thanks! And that’s what the chapters are for - I tried to make it as accessible as possible! I don’t think I’ve ever watched a 1 hour bike review myself! 😂😂
Hey Guy! I know i'm a year late to this post, but I gotta ask how you're liking your challenger? Any problems with it?
@@KindredGh0st I’ve had 19;000 trouble free miles. No issues mechanically. The ride command can be quirky or has been but always seems to correct with a restart.
Awesome video! Thanks! I've owned Harleys for years and now researching these newer Indians. I must say I like what I've been learning!
Thanks, glad you liked it! Harleys are great bikes - I just happened to fall in love with Indians right off the bat! 🤣
Great video - short guys unite 😂 - Went from a CVO Ultra to Chieftain with tourpak and hopefully to a Challenger with tourpak. Love big baggers.
Hahaha 👍 Before you rush out to get a tour pack, check my bike out on IG and get a good look at my monster Ginz Choppers sissy bar! You can probably strap 10 helmets on that thing, and still have a duffel in front and back! 🤣
@@DMVSoloRider have a 15 y/o, she’s my riding partner and likes being able to lean back on the tourpak. If everything I’ve seen so far, I think I can just move the one on my Chieftain back and forth until she gets her own bike
@@jderrico06 well, I didn’t pick “solorider” for nothin. 🤣 And I’m pretty sure the pack is the same for both bikes. 👍
Recommended video for people who are interested in how this motorcycle works. Well worth listening to.
Thanks! ✌️
Very well articulated, thank you very much Sir.
Thanks, much appreciated!
Great review. Thanks for your efforts. I just purchased a 2021 Challenger. I traded in my Triumph 2016 Rocket III Roadster and my BMW 2013 K1600 GTL. My local Indian dealer is adding equipment that I ordered for the Challenger, including the Stage 2 cam kit. My Challenger has a top case with a quick release mount. I look forward to my new Challenger.
Thanks Robert, I appreciate that! You’re in for a real treat, and I know you’re going to love the Challenger! And I say that just having ridden a Rocket 3 for the first time! ✌️
soooo... a year later and? Just picked up my 23 challenger DH a month ago, between rain and work I only have 1300 miles on it
2 years later, a 20k review update, a 30k update to film…and a new FTR! 🤣
Love those Indian motorcycles!
They just keep getting better and better!!👍
They really do! 👍
Great review brother looking to ditch the scout bobber. Too small for me at 5'6" 😂😂 want to get into the bagger scene to go one weekend runs.
Still have a speed triple for some spirited runs
Hahaha what in the world are you doing with both a bobber and a speed triple?! You should already have a Pursuit alongside that awesome Triumph! Thanks - glad you liked the review. The Challenger (or Pursuit) is just a good time! I think coming from a bobber/speed triple you’d be really happy with it! Comfy, but you can still get on it! ✌️
Great video really helpful 👍
Thanks!
Great review, and VERY detailed, my friend. I'm also in the DMV riding the 2020 Challenger. Love the bike. I'm 5' 7' and just ordered some KST Comanche bars for better reach and comfortability. Maybe I'll see you in the DMV sometime.
Thanks man, glad you thought so! Let me know how those Comanches are, and how far back you can pivot them! I’m considering the barnstorm dash relocation kit and some custom T-bars they say they can make for me, or even having some bars in the same shape as stock custom made with more pullback. What color are you riding - we may pas each other on the mean streets of the DMV! 😂
@@DMVSoloRider I've got the base model--so metallic gray. The bars raise the hands 6-10 inches above the stock bars, so I"m thinking 6 will work well for me. I'll update when I get them in a couple weeks!
Sounds good and enjoy - they look great in every color, and I’ll keep an eye out! 👍
@@dreamstate6871 I too am looking forward to your review of the Camanche bars.
Some balls man. One day I’m going to ride thru the DMV too
Nice review. I'm a shorter rider 5-8 on an ultra limited. I looked at the low model but felt better on the full size. This was a big step up from my previous bike's. But I do alot of two up touring and this bike is great for that. Added highway pegs a Memphis shade windscreen. I did drop it a few times till I got used to the weight of it. Lucky it comes standard with front and rear crash bars. It is Closer to the roadmaster.
Thanks Harry! I need to start doing some 2-up riding myself to see what that rear suspension can really handle! And yeah - crash bars are key! 😂
@@DMVSoloRider that's my biggest problem with the challenger. It is a single rider type bike. No tourpack, lowers. Etc
You can get all of those things though. Well, soft close outs, not really lowers. But you can add a tour pack for the “reasonable” price of like $3000. 😂 I’m sure they’ll come out with a touring version eventually, and my hope would be it’s priced the way a Roadmaster is priced compared to a Chieftain. Ultimately, I still think Indian could do better on the pricing of all of their bikes. Indian isn’t Harley, and as I’ve mentioned in past videos, it probably isn’t enough for their bikes to just be better. They need to be considerably less expensive and have superior service as well. 🤷♂️ And their tech needs to always work. I’m just starting to edit one of my rants to follow up on my review, because all of a sudden my ride command has turned to complete trash and I’m just not a happy camper. 🤦♂️ Ok, vent over. Lol
I’m just a bit over half way through break-in on my 2021 challenger. I too though the throttle was ‘off’ for the 1st couple of ride. Then it seemed to get better - I figured I just ‘got the hang of it’ , a learning cycle makes more sense.
It gets better for sure, and it’s a treat! You may find that standard mode is a little more reliable for low speed maneuvering when you’re doing your Jerry Palladino, but I think it’s less about the throttle and more the idle. I find in Sport mode the idle sometimes bounces up and down about 500 RPMs which can make low speed drills a chore. But for regular riding, sport mode is King! 👍
I also suspect at least part of the improvement in feel at low speed is the clutch bedding in. For the 1st 100 or so miles it was very grabby now it seems to have a bit more engagement range. I also have a ‘14 Chieftain and your comparisons are spot on to my observations.
Awesome, I really appreciate that! It can be hard to talk about my experience on a bike given that I still have less than two years riding, so it’s nice to get validation! 👍 Now, if only Ride Command would stop sucking the bike would be perfect! 😂
Hey brother another great information, just pick up my chieftain from hibernation here in New england and must say I save alot of money buying a 2020 chieftain late August than purchasing a 2021 challenger by the way challenger is a great bike but I prefer the chieftain, my opinion 😉, to the buffering situation I bought a new helmet and resolved the problem well till you hit 88 mph and you get a little on top 😀, let me know when you're coming up to Massachusetts brother and thanks,, Jose.
Thanks Jose! I’m hoping to head north over the summer - need to map out a coastal ride! I may also be paying a visit to Barnstorm in MA for some custom work, but that remains to be seen! You can’t go wrong with a Chieftain, and I’m always happy for anyone that saves a lot of cash on an awesome motorcycle! 😂👍
Jose, did you see the price of your bike drop anymore later in the fall if you had waited?
@@PJMCG19 hi Patrick did drop a bit more but I couldn't wait 😄
@@JoseReyes-dv4hg Just sold my '02 Ultra and the urge to go buy now is very strong(I understand the can't wait syndrome LOL), but I am going to try and wait until fall. Bagger for sure, but not sure which one Indian has I will get yet.
@@PJMCG19 awesome, Patrick you can't go wrong with the chieftain or challenger, I suggest take both for a ride, keep us posted 😁
Very Good review !!.. Have you rode the BMW K1600 Grand America ?? Would like to hear the comparison
Thanks Pat! I haven’t ridden the K1600. When I first decided to move to a bagger I had it on my list. I think it’s beautiful, and it seems like an amazing bike! But I sat on one at the dealer, and it was so wide and my legs so short, I actually couldn’t get it off the stand to see how it felt. Lol Now, a year later, I’m confident I would just do the one leg thing and be fine, but at the time my priority was not knocking over a $25k bike in a row of expensive beemers. 😂 And when I got the challenger part of the equation was incentive $ I was getting from Indian, so the $ part of the equation nixed the K1600 at that time too. But I really want to ride one - always keeping my eye out for a demo day or something. 🤷♂️
I owned a K1600 Bagger 2019 (the GA without the tourpack/topcase) and a RoadGlide Special 2018.
I loved them both. Great machines. My legs were a bit too short for the RoadGlide and the Bagger, but the latter has electric Reverse. So it was way easier and provided much more confidence when parking.
However, I traded each at a tiem for a lighter more compact bike. I went from a RiadGlide to a FatBoy, and from the Bagger to a R1250R. Very different beasts.
Now, based on your review, the Challenger limited is on my list :)
@@mauriciohzamora4105 Awwwesome!! I still haven’t had a crack at a K1600, but it’s on my list for sure! I think you’ll be really impressed by the Challenger compared to the RG, especially with a short inseam! I can’t underscore enough how much lighter the Indian baggers feel to me than the HDs!
Hey man how is your motor on your Challenger. A lot of us are having noises on the top end
I recently traded it in, but over 30500 or so miles my engine was a dream. Never had a drop of oil anywhere, no weird noises - just great performance. 🤷♂️
Thank you for a very comprehensive review, lots of food for thought for people deciding to purchase, bang for buck and other rider specific info. One thing to mention about rider height. I am 1,87m tall. My in seam is 94cm. You get another person same 1,87m but in seam is 85cm or 90cm. Some people have a taller bust and neck area but shorter legs. So for the riders that are short, it would be interesting to mention in seam length needed to ride this bike. Incidentally it’s the same story with arms, same height people do not have the same arm lengths. This is less of a problem with bar risers and or different bars that give you more reach/flexibility.
Thanks for the thoughts - much appreciated, and I agree! In later videos, test rides in particular, I started including my 28” inseam along with my height. I started watching other videos by shorties - shorter than me - riding tall bikes and once I realized their legs were actually longer it started to make sense. 😂
PS same for arm length. I really need to measure! That’s quite an issue with the Challenger, because you can’t use available handlebar risers due to the fairing taking up free space. There’s really only one custom option available so far, and that’s $ thousands!
Everyone complains about the throttle. I rode all 3 (base, DH, lmtd), was able to do a u turn, full lock, no issue. I ordered one, still waiting unfortunately. I don't believe all the complaining. Seems like it's riders that THINK they know what they're doing but don't.
Edit: didn't realize you're a new rider. Really good to hear such a good review and thoughts from a newer rider!
Awesome - you’ll be really happy! Throttle definitely doesn’t prevent low speed maneuvering. I do think the RPMs bouncing around at low power might be a bit unhelpful, but like I always say - when in doubt just add throttle (and know how to use the clutch!)! 😂
@@DMVSoloRider I just edited my comment. I didn't realize you were such a new rider, excellent review!
@@DarkHorseParatrooper Thanks! Always curious to know what long-time riders think. I’m still just learning how to talk about bikes to be honest! ✌️
Im a year late to this review…but do you still have it? And if you do….has the bike been reliable? I hear mixed opinions about it…some people have nothing but good experiences, some have trade it for other bikes. What’s your experience with the reliability of the Challenger. Thank you
Still have it, and up to 25k. My electric windshield has broken/been warranty replaced 2x. Engine has been 100% reliable. I posted a 20k update you might find interesting, and after my first 10k review I posted a video destroying ride command - it’s been better after software updates, but it’s still not awesome. But as far as the important parts go, rock solid!
@@DMVSoloRider thanks for the info….i love the Chieftain, but the Challenger in my opinion is, the future in present time. Thanks again.
I have a chieftain review too! 🤣 They’re both great bikes, but I give the edge to the Challenger!
Excellent review man. 👍👍
Thanks Dave, I really appreciate it!
When you dropped your challenger did the crash bars support the bike to prevent damage?
Absolutely! Now, keep in mind that when I dropped it I immediately knew it was going over, so I was able to focus my effort on bracing it so it went down gently. The bars come out far enough that the bike isn’t nearly as much on its side as it is just kinda leaned over a bit - I’m confident the bars would do the job if the bike just fell over on its own. 🤷♂️
Unfortunately, I’ve dropped my challenger 3 times now, the crash bars work great, in keeping the bike from getting damaged, but , I would add the rear bag crash bars, they really add to the protection, I added these after I dropped my challenger the first time.
Here’s the comment that wasn’t showing up. This is a real good point for anyone looking at a Challenger, and something I didn’t think to address in my review. Rear crash bars are definitely a good idea! They’re on my list for sure…along with new bars, a new windshield, Lloyds tune. The list is growing! 🤦♂️
I have a 2019 Indian Springfield with the TS 111, and yes the transmission is a little clunky when cold, especially 2nd gear required a little more oomph, but once it was warmed up, pure buttah. I have the ride modes as well, but find Standard mode to be the sweet spot for me, especially for parking lot maneuvers. I get incredible gas mileage 48 - 52 MPG cruising 40 - 60 MPH on the backroads with stage I intake and exhaust. Probably also why I avoid Sport mode, I'm already having enough fun while saving gas. At 5'6" I'm also challenged with the kickstand, but I'm managing it okay, so I feel no need for the kickstand extension at this time. I haven't noticed any extra engine noise during cylinder deactivation with the TS 111. I think all the Indian models are great, and now with the new Chief line, there's something for everyone.
Im looking forward to trying out the new Chief at the next demo day, and I’m making a point to try a Springfield too. I’ve somehow never tried. 🤷♂️ Glad you can manage your kickstand. It’s just awful to have to buy a special kickstand so you can reach it! 😂 I’m getting 41 mpg on my Challenger, but my Chieftain was more in-line with your Springfield. I could do an experiment and ride in standard mode for an extended period of time and see how it does, but that would be hard. 😂
@@DMVSoloRider , Good gas mileage is all in the wrist, or lack thereof. I used to have a big V8 with a four barrel carb, that I just loved to hear open up, back in the day. The paycheck had a hard time keeping up though.
👍
Best review ever!
Wow, thanks! 👍
Have you thought about having the fairing lowers installed ? Or the Top Trunk ?
I don't think you can add the hard lowers Indian makes for the Chieftain to the Challenger - I could be wrong, but I don't think so. Indian makes soft lowers though, and they are absolutely on my list for next winter. When I took my road trip to Florida this past January, I missed having some foot protection from the cold wind for sure!
As for the top case, it’s not really on my list at the moment. I think a bigger priority is a sissy bar and a great sissy bar bag. Plus, after riding the Roadmaster (video to come) I think the case may add a bit of awkward weight. I could be wrong where the challenger is concerned, but the case/hard lowers on the Roadmaster definitely weighed the bike down to me. Never felt that on my Chieftain.
Excellent review, thanks.
Thanks, much appreciated!
I enjoyed this review. I also have a 2019 Chieftain, which I will never sell because it's a custom paint job from Hollister. It's also a better looking bike, IMO, than a Challenger. But if I had the money, I'd add a Challenger to my stable in a heartbeat. Particularly that red color.
Thanks, I appreciate it! I think they all look great really. I prefer the Challenger fairing, but that beautiful tank on the Chieftain can’t be beat! And the Thunderstroke is pure artwork! If I had space for more than one I’d probably still have my Scout - it would be chopped into a bobber by now! And Red is the way! 😂
Great review on the challenger. Currently considering trading I my 2017 Chieftain Darkhorse for a 2021challenger. My chieftain has the 116 upgrade but lacks the ride modes and infotainment screen which i think i would enjoy having. I am renting the challenger this coming weekend. I do have a question about handlebar vibrations. Is there a noticeable difference between the two bikes?
Thanks, and welcome to the channel! I can’t say I noticed any real difference in handlebar vibration between my 2019 Chieftain (111) and my Challenger. The exception is when rear cylinder deactivation kicks in on the Challenger - you definitely feel kind of a rolling/lumpy vibration that I never experienced on the Chieftain. But that’s nothing significant, just something I’ve noticed. You should check out the video I put up right after the review - had some further/negative experiences with Ride Command, and lots of people are having them. Something to think about if the infotainment system is a big motivating factor in making the switch! Let us know what you think after you rent one - you’re going to love the Power Plus, I guarantee it! ✌️
Do NOT buy the challenger based on the infotainment system! It sucks! Great handling and performance, but the RideCommand system is the Achilles of the bike.
@@motoGPness Ride Command has its issues for sure. But I wouldn’t go that far. A lot of motorcyclists don’t care about infotainment systems. They might use it if they have it, but if it doesn’t work well they couldn’t care less. All of them should ride a Challenger!
@@DMVSoloRider Ride a Challenger sure, but If the infotainment system is a big selling point not so sure I would move from a ‘17 Chieftain to a Challenger unless it was a base model Challenger. I would do it IF the infotainment wasn’t important to me.
@@motoGPness We’re on the same page. 👍 I ultimately don’t regret buying the Challenger, because the motorcycle parts are amazing. But Ride Command remains a sticking point. Have a new video coming on the subject this week!
Really good honest and fair review! You challenger was originally designed to be a Victory.
Yeah, I’ve heard from a number of Victory enthusiasts! I’m proud to ride a bike with so much heritage - Victory badassness and Indian class! 😉 And thanks - glad you liked it!
Very thorough review.
Appreciated!
I’m undecided about buying a challenger or a roadmaster, I really don’t know. I enjoy technology and I love comfort. Don’t really know which to buy
They’re both amazing bikes. Best I can say is you just have to ride them and pick! lol I promise you won’t be disappointed either way!
I enjoyed this video very much because of how much info you shared. If I may offer some info to you, your LIQUID cooled ENGINE will stay "healthier" / cooler in stop and go traffic, stand-still traffic jams, and the like. THAT is the benefit over an air cooled engine. It has nothing to do with the heat you feel as the human operator or passenger.
Thanks, glad you liked it! Understood. I just get asked a lot/see videos where people seem to think liquid cooling means you feel less heat and wanted to address it. 👍
I don't know man, I owned the air cooled roadmaster for 4 years. Always cooked my thigh. I rode 3 challengers, during demo days, that had been operating with less than five minutes between riders, and after even 20 minutes I felt no cooked thighs. Definitely seems like it helps.
I’m sure when it comes to scientific measurement liquid cooled engines run “cooler.” But when it comes to practical application I personally haven’t noticed all that much difference on my Challenger compared to my Chieftain. Could just be me. 🤷♂️ Meanwhile, my liquid cooled Scout was my pants-melter! Lol
From what I saw of the review. You did a fine job. An hour long review is simply too long.
Thanks, and definitely too long! Lol But that’s what the chapters are for - people can skip to the parts they care about. 👍
Add the driving lights which are now available, you have a shadowed area just in front of the bike when riding at night, I didn’t. Have this issue with my 2015 chieftain , but it makes a big difference on the challenger adding them
Thanks for the tip Scott! I saw a comment about the rear crash bars, but it's not showing up, so maybe you deleted it? All good points. Admittedly, I don't ride when it's pitch black out if I can avoid it to be honest. I had a real uncomfortable experience on my Chieftain where I was riding later at night through mountain roads in WV, and it kinda struck me that I was a sitting duck for a deer jumping into the road, or if there was a piece of truck tire in the middle of the road that I missed. I find on the Challenger the first thing you need to do is reposition the headlight. Out of the box, it's pointed way to high up and you don't get enough light shining down the road. But those additional fog lights would make a big difference. The Challenger's headlight is good, but more is always better if you ride at night on unlit roads! As for the rear crash bars, I totally agree. When the bike goes over it's like 2/3rds upright due to how the crash bars hit. But the lower end of the saddlebags can make contact with the ground if it goes down fast/hard enough, so those rear bars are really a good idea! 👍
Another lighting issue is that most dealers don’t properly adjust the headlights prior to delivery. I thought the challenger headlight sucked until I did a proper adjustment. They were way low from the factory.
@@motoGPness Mine was high. I think it’s set for a European standard out of the factory. 🤷♂️
Very informative. But can you finish trimming that row of shrubbery! Im 5’4” and will compare the challenger and Goldwing. I owned a ‘18 bobber….. now a comfortable bike is next.
✂️ My work is never done! Glad you liked it! I already know you’ll love the Challenger, but I’m really curious to see what you think about the Goldwing! I just rode it (manual & DCT) for the first time. I felt like it had my 28” inseam spread pretty far apart on that Cadillac seat!
i coulnd even get close to the end of this vid, not all of us are into star wars... thanks for tryin
🤷♂️🤓🖖
Actually accurate torque measurement on an engine is done at the crank. Accurate horse power is also measured there.
Well there you go - I can’t keep it all straight. I just know it feels amazing regardless where it’s measured! 😂
@@DMVSoloRider I agree. I only point it out because all of the Harley Fanboys make an issue out of it.
😂😂😂
Use the rain mode for over 50 mpg trade secret!!
I’d rather buy gas! 😂✌️
Are those stock handlebars? I am considering a Challenger, but I feel pulled forward too much. Just looking for the solution for my short arms.
Nope, I have Indian’s “reduced reach” bars on my bike - they bring the controls about 2” farther back. If you skim through the video I have a segment on that! Highly recommended!
@@DMVSoloRider Thanks for the reviews. Great help in deciding which one.
Glad it was helpful! Be sure to let us know what you pick!
Excellent video.👍
Thanks Bob!
Now go and ride a Triumph Rocket 3 for a real torque experience
Where?! Please tell me! 😂👍
@@DMVSoloRider i guess your local Triumph dealer, wherever that is.
lol the triumph dealers near me tend not to let you test ride just for the hell of it. Sometimes there’s an exception (my Trident ride), but not often. One of my dealers is actually doing a brief like 4 hour Triumph demo day today, but I’m working. 😭 One day I’ll get on one. Would be nice if Triumph started doing demo days like Indian!
Had my challenger 2months now and 3000+ miles/5000 km. Satisfied. Great ride. Brakes, handling etc definitely a step up. Question with the GPS: it is supposed to display weather radar overplayed on the map and I have it selected on…but never got it to display. Has anyone else had it working? Maybe it doesn’t work in Canada?
Congrats, thrilled you love it! The GPS has a weather overlay, but you have to zoom pretty far out to see the weather pattern. You also have to toggle it on every time you start the bike - it’s default is set to off.
I thought traffic and weather were extras you have to pay for monthly subscription?
@@Kevin_Ho70 If you get an Indian bagger with Ride Command/nav you get that free for the first two years. After that you have to pay. And that includes CarPlay - apparently CarPlay stops working if you don’t subscribe. 🤦♂️
@@DMVSoloRider Great info! Thank you!
@@Kevin_Ho70 ✌️
What is the camera on the left grip?
Is it just a loop camera if there is accident?
If so what vendor / solution?
It’s just a GoPro on a mount. Sometimes I shoot from 2 angles - one from my chin/looking at the road, and the one on my bars looks at me. 😉
@@DMVSoloRider watching another video today (I’m pissed about ride command) I figured out what 2nd camera was about.
All good! 😂 I posted an update in the general comments section of my channel, but don’t think most people see it (think it’s only visible from a full fledged computer). The 4/27/21 ride command update fixed my CarPlay/wireless dongle disconnection issues. Ride command is still sluggish and buggy as hell (syncing your ride command account/ride maps is a pain), but at least I have my wireless CarPlay back. Will film an update when I have a chance! 👍
Hello
Ici en France, le ride command possède un GPS qui ne fonctionne pas du tout, c'est une vraie calamité. Il est pratiquement impossible de se rendre où que ce soit avec ce GPS.
Si aux Etats Unis, ça marche, je peux vous dire que chez nous, sur ce point le Challenger ne vaut rien !
Google Translate: Salut! Vous en avez déjà parlé, mais je ne savais pas que c'était si grave! Certaines personnes aux États-Unis trouvent également leur GPS inutilisable. Lorsque j'utilise le mien, cela fonctionne bien - occasionnellement, il affichera votre emplacement comme sur une route parallèle ou quelque chose du genre. Mais étant donné que ma priorité est d'utiliser CarPlay et Waze, je suis assez mécontent de la rupture de mon téléphone et maintenant le dongle sans fil que j'utilise se déconnecte fréquemment comme mon téléphone le faisait sur mon Chieftain. Tout cela est frustrant et rien de tout cela ne devrait se produire. J'ai parlé avec Indian, et ils ont dit qu'ils publieraient cet été une mise à jour logicielle qui devrait résoudre le problème de la déconnexion. Je ne sais pas si cela aidera nos amis en France avec leurs unités GPS, mais je vais croiser les doigts pour vous!
Oops, here's the exchange for everyone else.
Original comment:
Hello. Here in France, the ride command has a GPS which does not work at all, it is a real calamity. It is practically impossible to go anywhere with this GPS. If in the United States, it works, I can tell you that with us, on this point the Challenger is worth nothing!
Response:Hi! You've talked about it before, but I didn't know it was that bad! Some people in the United States also find their GPS unusable. When I use mine it works fine - occasionally it will show your location as on a parallel road or something. But given that my priority is to use CarPlay and Waze, I am quite unhappy with my phone breaking and now the wireless dongle I use frequently disconnects like my phone did on my Chieftain. This is all frustrating and none of this should be happening. I spoke with Indian, and they said they'll be releasing a software update this summer that should fix the disconnect issue. I'm not sure if this will help our friends in France with their GPS units, but I'll cross my fingers for you!
11:25 OOOOORRRR, it's the fact that you have a 2 cylinder engine running on 1 cylinder at low idle!
OOOOORRRR, since I didn’t have an experience like this on my Chieftain (pretty sure that was also a 2 cylinder engine that ran on 1 cylinder at low idle when rear cylinder deactivation was on) AND my service dept said it was a software flaw awaiting a fix, me thinks it isn’t working as-expected. But hey, I could be wrong. 😉
I’m in a similar position with a 2019 chieftain limited wondering if I should get a 2021 challenger. Like you I got a great deal on the chieftain and it’ll be list for the challenger…..which will be the base model ($$) as I’m retired….. I appreciate your thoughts.
Honestly, my thoughts are still what I addressed in my conclusion. If I could do it all over again, I’d still have my Chieftain. The Challenger’s a better bike all around, but in no one area is it so much better than a Chieftain that it’s worth the additional $8k it represented to me based on the amazing deal I got on the Chieftain. But if I was choosing between the two at full MSRP, I pick the Challenger every time. 🤷♂️ And for me in particular, my riding posture on my Chieftain was just perfect, and I have yet to find a way to replicate it on the Challenger. I’m even talking to fabricators about making custom handlebars for me that might do the trick, and not having much luck. So there’s that too. lol
@@DMVSoloRider I’ve got my chieftain optioned up perfectly for me an it simply fits me……5’9”, 30” inseam. On the whole an excellent machine. It’ll get down to what the dealer decides he wants for difference. I’m a couple years from turning 70 so this may be my final large bike……I enjoy the Challenger’s ride, handling, engine, brakes etc but like you question if it is worth spending the money.
@@davewilton3101 I will 🙏 that the motorcycle god leads to the right decision for you!
Bought the challenger.
@@davewilton3101 🍻Congrats! What color?
Am I the only one that hates the foot peg for the rear brake instead of a brake pedal????
Nope! My latest video is a test ride of a Vintage, and I mentioned how much I loved the brake pedal! 😂 I don’t get why they can’t make one for the other bikes. 🤷♂️
@@DMVSoloRider I actually called Indian about this they acted stupid like they did not know I was talking about so I basically had to spell it out for them...There’s nothing aftermarket anywhere so I might have to pay someone to do something so that I have a nice big flat pedal almost like the roadmaster or any Harley tour bike
@@cowboy29406 Maybe you can buy the entire piece from the Vintage or Roadmaster and just take the pedal off and replace the peg on yours? 🤷♂️ I’m pretty sure the pegs unscrew, so maybe…
How tall are you?
5’6” - 5’7” with the 1” soles on my boots. I have a 28” inseam.
Wish it was shorter
You mean lower seat height? It’s pretty low for a bagger. 🤷♂️ I don’t have any issues in that respect, and I have a 28” inseam. 👍
U would lock up the back tire if you downshifting to far
Right, and I’d never do it consciously. The slipper clutch is supposed to prevent that anyway. 🤷♂️
Babble to much
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