This isn't an attempt at a professional review. I'm just giving some basic feedback on my experience for those interested. I haven't done any test rides in a long time, so I thought with these wholesale changes in American motorcycles, I'd give them a try.

2017 Harley Road Glide & Street Glide

Road each bike about 10 miles on access roads and interstate. I wanted to hit a couple twisties, but didn't have the time.

The Good:

- Lots of power. Every bit as good as advertised. No need to downshift in higher gears. They did their homework.
- Suspension is awesome. I noticed a huge difference when I got back on my 13 FLHRC.
- Shifting is seamless - not "clunky."
- Fantastic handling.
- Infotainment systems are great. Really like both the navigation and music options.
- I preferred the ergonomics of the Road Glide, as the fairing sits more forward. Made me feel like I had more room. I felt a bit claustrophobic with the Street Glide fairing. This was probably my biggest surprise.
- Stock seating is pretty comfortable. I'm a big guy, and the seats are much better than my stock seat.
- Brakes are fantastic. First time trying linked ABS. I hammered them a couple times and they respond.

The Bad:

- The sound of the motor isn't great. I won't say it sucks, but it's close to sucking. I even rode one with the Stage 1 slip ons, and it's still nowhere near any older Stage 1 set up. This is a huge disappointment to me. I like the Harley sound, and it's not there with this bike.
- The prices. I know, "thanks, Captain Obvious."
- Trade in values are down due to the glut of inventory, so don't expect much if you're looking to upgrade to a 2017. I saw a ton of older bikes at the dealership.

Overall: Performance, ergonomics and style are definitely there. The gap will be wide if you're looking to trade in, and don't expect good sound until after your 2 year warranty expires. If you do anything aftermarket before that expiration, your warranty is voided. While it's tempting to upgrade, I can't see doing it right now due to inventory issues. They just won't give much on a trade in for an older bike at the moment.

2017 Indian Chieftain:

Same kind of riding - access roads and interstate. This is the first time I had ever ridden an Indian, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's a fine machine. Much better than I expected.

The Good:

- The 111 is no slouch on power. All through the gears I had plenty of power. Sounded pretty good as well. Not Harley good, but not bad.
- Not much of a difference between my 103 shifting and this bike. Pretty good, but nowhere close to the new Harleys.
- For a big, heavy bike, this thing handles great. I could feel the difference of that extra 4-5 inches in length when cornering. I think the lower center of gravity helps as well.
- Ergonimics are a lot different. The foot rests are more forward, which makes you sit more "in" the bike as opposed to upright. Not sure if I explained that right, but as a tall guy 6'3", my knees tend to be at right angles most of the time. On this bike, the angle lessened due to the forward foot rest position. I preferred this seating to my bike. It just felt more comfortable.
- Infotainment system is easily as good as Harleys - maybe a bit better. The screen is larger, and it's closer to the rider.
- Controls are mostly on the left side for turn signals, infotainment, etc.. It wasn't much of an adjustment while riding.
- Comfortable stock seat.
- ABS brakes are good, but they're not linked ABS.

The Bad:

- The brand has returned, but it's only been around now for 4 years. Polaris is pumping money into it, but big corporations cut their losses fairly quickly when they start to bleed. I haven't seen how they're doing, but it makes me wonder.
- Not may dealership options.
- This probably sounds picky, but I'm not a fan of the front fender. That low flair design is kind of cheesy. I guess it's personal preference.
- The motor sound is average, but better than the new Harleys.
- Not many color options, and the colors they have aren't great. I did not see the red and black Chieftain though, and that's probably the best color option.
- Didn't see a lot of add on chrome options like we're used to with Harley. I can't imagine there's much in the way of aftermarket stuff either.

Overall:I walked away impressed with this motorcycle. It's not a Harley, but it's not too far off, and it's one hell of a nice ride. Frankly I'm glad Harley has some competition. I hope Indian and Victory continue to innovate and press Harley to make better products for the marketplace. Would I buy one? Maybe in a few years after they've proven themselves, but I would recommend taking a ride. It's an interesting contrast.

Thanks for reading.

 

Thanks for the review and comparison

 

"and don't expect good sound until after your 2 year warranty expires. If you do anything aftermarket before that expiration, your warranty is voided. "

Are you sure about that?

 

You bet. Thanks for reading!

 

I read it in a review of the Milwaukee 8, and confirmed it at the dealership with the sales guy as well. The story is they were pressured by the EPA.

 

That is a fantasy in fact. I bought a 2017 new Road Glide Special today at a local dealership. They had installed cams, new breather and new pipes. They made a point of telling me that the newly installed parts would be warrantied for the full 2 years of the "normal" warranty. Was that not true, I wouldn't have bought the bike.

 

Must be some sort of dealer waiver, or you simply have a stage 1 with a catalytic converter. It's not a fantasy at all. It's real and it's being implemented in many places.

Found this on the EPA website:

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/har...ys-motorcycles

 

There's PLENTY of threads discussing HD warranties and voided claims, speculations, and conspiracies. Let's not turn this thread into another 1...........

 

Well, I asked the question and got the answer so take it for what it's worth. It's not speculation when a dealership tells you warranties will be voided if aftermarket pipes are installed. Again, maybe it's dealer by dealer but it's out there.

See EPA statement as well:

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/har...ys-motorcycles

 

The bike has more than stage I. It came with a dyno sheet that tells the tale of the mods. It also has a EPA compliant tuner installed.