I think HD having some serious competition is a good thing and Indian seems to give you a bit more for the money. But, although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, eugh that Indian! I think there isn't a singly stylistic choice I like on that bike...

 

I think its hilarious watching Indian copy every design Harley puts out, and no one ever calls them out on it. I demoed a couple models at bike week and although I like some of the features like the keyless bags and adjustable windshield I just couldn't get over how much cheaper the fit and finish felt. Controls and body pieces just felt cheap and plastic. Not usually a 1 manufacture fanboy but when it comes to classic cruiser motorcycles, Harley does it best, period.

 

I looked at Indian in June, and considered them. Then I did my research on Moto Guzzi, Indian, and Harley's. I've dealth with the Guzzi "creative parts sourcing" for 30+ years, and figured I have to do the same with Indian. But the computerization makes parts substitution difficult, if not impossible.

I bought a 2019 FLHTP that suit me just fine. I think I got a cheap "Revival"! except I have tubeless wheels!

 

Harley made snowmobiles at one time.

 

That's interesting. I didnt know that. It doesn't change my opinion, but it IS interesting. Did they actually make them or were they manufactured by someone else and then their name was slapped on the side?

Edit: AMF using Italian 2 stroke engines. I should have known.

 

and golf carts along with all types of bowling equipment! lol...

 

When I was looking at purchasing a bike this spring it was down to the Street Glide versus the Chieftain. I didn't want to spend the extra $6,000 for the Street Glide Special or the upgraded Chieftain model. I looked at the pro's and con's of both. The Chieftains adjustable windshield is cool, but I am 100% certain that the novelty would wear off, I'd find the height I liked and that is where it would stay. The auto locking saddlebag feature is nice feature for sure, never forget to lock your saddlebags again. Those were the only pro's i found over the Street Glide. It's con's? No navigation. Gotta spend the extra $6,000 if you want that. The chrome on the heads make them look like they are made of plastic. Those two killed it for me.

The base Street Glide comes with navigation and only the plastic parts look plastic. You can not beat the look of Harley's chrome. Dealer network and aftermarket support is huge compared to Indian. Con's? Other than not having locking bags, none that I have found yet. SOLD!

Competition is great. It keeps companies on it's toes. But honestly Indian has a way to go to catch up with Harley. Give them a few years and I think they will though. I am seeing more and more of them on the road.

 

Indian has, under their current ownership, the resources to match or exceed HD bikes in any metric you choose, and they choose not to.

If something seems to be "cheap" it is a decision based on profit or cost.

HD is not without blame here, they have been cheapening their bikes for as long as I can remember, with bearing choices, deleting parts from std equipment and forcing us to buy them out of the P&A catalog, removing the heel shifter, only 1 key fob, etc etc etc.