Picking mine up tomorrow, Ruby Smoke, so STOKED! The FTR needed a driveway companion ;) Got the stage 2, Freedom 2-1 exhaust, forward controls, premium passenger seat & pegs. Should be able to enjoy some longer rides in comfort compared to my sporty FTR, I'm in Utah & we have all the mountain twisties anyone could ask for. I can ride my standard FTR all day but it does eventually cause the knees & back to squeak out in pain like the Tin Man, not exactly the kind of bike to do any traveling on. Indian is making sweet machines, they've earned my business with their aesthetics & performance & affordability. I guess everything seems more affordable after owning Ducatis lol.
And a slipper clutch! I think all 2023 Chiefs variants come with this, and not just the Sport. About saddlebags: I'm glad they don't come with them. Until Indian makes locking bags that come in classic leather, new style leather, and hard, then I don't want to extra cost on the price tag. Also, Indian bags (big brown leathers) will cost you nearly $1,100 before taxes). Ends Cuoio (premium Italian) with locks will cost less!
The ride modes will change when you let off the throttle. You don’t have to come to a stop. Haven’t ridden this version of the Chief but I’ve rented the chief Bobber multiple times and this is the same bike with changes to the suspension, handlebars, fairing and a slightly shorter rake. Everything else is identical. Great bikes, I love ‘em.
I test rode this bike at a local demo days this weekend. I’m a 5’3” female and I found this bike to be very fun to ride. I could touch the ground with no problem. I did test ride 2 versions of these. The first one had the 6 inch riser and smaller windscreen. I really liked how it handled on the curves. It is very easy to handle and lean. It has a really nice balanced feeling that makes it fun to ride. I did not enjoy the leaning forward that also made my small back start to hurt. I would like if it had a few more inches in the handle bars that could be rotated back so that I was not as hunched over. I also had my right leg touch the heat guard, but I don’t have the longer legs to make my stance wider. And lastly, the standard air filter has a bolt that hit the inside of my left knee every time I shifted. It quickly became painful on the 30 min demo ride. When I got home later that day, I had a nice bruise from it. The next day I went back and rode the same bike but this one had the 10 riser, taller windscreen, and an after-market air filter. I loved the taller riser but I was still hunched over. I didn’t notice much difference in the windscreen. It had the same buffeting and didn’t deflect much air. I didn’t have any issues with the air filter because the aftermarket air filter didn’t touch my knee at all. I did experience the same twitchiness and vibration on the second ride. I think that was because it was in sport mode. All in all, I really enjoyed the ride but I would need to make a few modifications to make it even more enjoyable. I loved the power, smooth ride, and great breaking ability. I really loved the touch screen digital display. It was easy to see in the bright sunlight. I wish it had bags and I didn’t mind the seat. It was very pretty in the red. I also think this might not be the best for long distance touring. Thanks for your review and video. I enjoyed watching!
I don’t know what bike you were riding but the sport chief I rode went down the road like a Cadillac with factory fox shocks. The seat was slightly stiff but not that bad.
Picking mine up tomorrow, Ruby Smoke, so STOKED! The FTR needed a driveway companion ;) Got the stage 2, Freedom 2-1 exhaust, forward controls, premium passenger seat & pegs. Should be able to enjoy some longer rides in comfort compared to my sporty FTR, I'm in Utah & we have all the mountain twisties anyone could ask for. I can ride my standard FTR all day but it does eventually cause the knees & back to squeak out in pain like the Tin Man, not exactly the kind of bike to do any traveling on. Indian is making sweet machines, they've earned my business with their aesthetics & performance & affordability. I guess everything seems more affordable after owning Ducatis lol.
You could go with the 10-inch risers to straighten your back out a bit more.
And a slipper clutch! I think all 2023 Chiefs variants come with this, and not just the Sport. About saddlebags: I'm glad they don't come with them. Until Indian makes locking bags that come in classic leather, new style leather, and hard, then I don't want to extra cost on the price tag. Also, Indian bags (big brown leathers) will cost you nearly $1,100 before taxes). Ends Cuoio (premium Italian) with locks will cost less!
Yeah wow, love the look of this bike man. This looks awesome
The ride modes will change when you let off the throttle. You don’t have to come to a stop. Haven’t ridden this version of the Chief but I’ve rented the chief Bobber multiple times and this is the same bike with changes to the suspension, handlebars, fairing and a slightly shorter rake. Everything else is identical. Great bikes, I love ‘em.
Excellent motorcycle, really love this Amazing Machine!!, Indeed Indian is manufacturing spectacular bikes!!!
Is just owesome that engine hits the spot.
They make 10 & 12” risers. Thanks for the video. Take care
Love this bike.
I test rode this bike at a local demo days this weekend. I’m a 5’3” female and I found this bike to be very fun to ride. I could touch the ground with no problem. I did test ride 2 versions of these. The first one had the 6 inch riser and smaller windscreen. I really liked how it handled on the curves. It is very easy to handle and lean. It has a really nice balanced feeling that makes it fun to ride. I did not enjoy the leaning forward that also made my small back start to hurt. I would like if it had a few more inches in the handle bars that could be rotated back so that I was not as hunched over. I also had my right leg touch the heat guard, but I don’t have the longer legs to make my stance wider. And lastly, the standard air filter has a bolt that hit the inside of my left knee every time I shifted. It quickly became painful on the 30 min demo ride. When I got home later that day, I had a nice bruise from it. The next day I went back and rode the same bike but this one had the 10 riser, taller windscreen, and an after-market air filter. I loved the taller riser but I was still hunched over. I didn’t notice much difference in the windscreen. It had the same buffeting and didn’t deflect much air. I didn’t have any issues with the air filter because the aftermarket air filter didn’t touch my knee at all. I did experience the same twitchiness and vibration on the second ride. I think that was because it was in sport mode. All in all, I really enjoyed the ride but I would need to make a few modifications to make it even more enjoyable. I loved the power, smooth ride, and great breaking ability. I really loved the touch screen digital display. It was easy to see in the bright sunlight. I wish it had bags and I didn’t mind the seat. It was very pretty in the red. I also think this might not be the best for long distance touring. Thanks for your review and video. I enjoyed watching!
My dream bike right now.
I don’t know what bike you were riding but the sport chief I rode went down the road like a Cadillac with factory fox shocks. The seat was slightly stiff but not that bad.
💯💯 would like to see them expand the range to smaller engine capacity. Cool bike
Was thinking if they used a 200-60-16 rear and a 150-80-16 front , would give it a nicer stance and still and not loose it's edge
Beautiful
What type of helmet are you wearing? I am digging the camo!
How is the rebound on those inverted forks ?
If I had known back in October ’22 before I got my Chief Darkhorse I would’ve definitely bought this one
wonder if I paid full in cash, would I get denied by the dealer?🤣
Would reduced reach handlebars help with an more up right position?