Well, I spent a good deal of the day at the NJ Indian demo event and I didn't hear anyone say anything bad about them. In fact, the response I heard was unanimously positive. The worst thing I could say about the Chief was, it's not a Vision. But it's not trying to be.
If you're planning on going, the route sucks. The dealer is in a congested area on Route 22, aka hell. They had a VERY well organized police escort that mad you feel like you were riding a motorcycle in a presidential motorcade, but without anyone on the grassy knoll. It was as safe and fun as you can get in that part of NJ.
Also, if you don't have an appointment to ride, you may be out of luck. Even in you THINK you may have an appointment, don't be surprised if you don't. Other than that, the folks at the dealer are great and it was a good time. Free food, what’s not to like.
There were a lot of Harley and Victory riders there, but most brands and styles of motorcycle were represented at the demo.
Regarding the Indians, they are rolling works of art. Fit & finish is excellent. The motor is seriously torquey. We got to wind it out getting onto the Parkway, and it gets up and goes.
Ergonomics are very good. Plenty of leg room without sitting in the "praying mantis" position. The Chief seems to fit everyone in every size and shape imaginable. The leather saddle was very comfortable. I even put my big butt on the passenger seat, and it was pretty good. My biggest complaint is that the top of the windshield is in my line of sight. Other windshields are available, or you could have this one cut to size.
The suspension is very good. I kept looking for pot holes and uneven pavement to test it out, and the bike handled it all well.
You won’t think this bike weighs 800 pounds or more. It’s a big machine, but at no time did I feel like it was heavy. The Indian handles well for a heavy cruiser. I tried to drag a floorboard or 4 at various times, with no luck. YMMV.
I’ll be returning tomorrow to do a 2-up ride with my bride. I’ll give you her 2 cents after that.
