Ok, here's my update on the test rides. I know we have a couple of members who've purchased Chiefs and this is strictly my opinion and not meant as a dig to anyone.
In 2014 I road the Chief Vintage at a new dealership in Carolina. I thought the bike was underpowered. I attributed this to new guys and the bike not properly setup/tuned, I thought.
I vowed to give the brand another go as I think they look magnificent in all their retro style.
Fast forward, today I managed to get in the last to demo rides of the day at my dealership. First up the Chieftain. I've been drooling about this bike for two years. Black with a tan leather saddle. Stunning.
So off we go on our 15 min ride. Same results, underpowered, snatchy throttle etc. Rolling in 1st and 2nd up to 3500-4000 rpm's the engine felt like it would explode. The front end felt "odd" when turning, could have been a tire issue.
Lot's of heat emanating from those jugs. The windshield seemed useless. Fully down, I guess about the 7" height I got a lot of buffeting on top of my full face helmet. In the up position looking through the shield it was better but I believe at 80mph it would still be an issue.
While this bike would look great sitting in my driveway it's not for me. My 1700 Thunderbird will out preform the Chief in handling, acceleration and top end. I don't care what the 0-60/ 1/4 mile statisticians say.
FYI, This bike had the Stage One, exhaust upgrade.
Next up the Scout, this is an entirely different machine. I literally almost threw the bike over to the right lifting it off the stand. It feels like a 375 lb machine, it is small, I mean small. The seat height seems to be 20", I know it's not but You feel like you sitting on the road. However the bike is butter smooth, can you say a Japanese feel! Handling was very good and roll on power is sweet. 1000 cc, 100 horsepower, small bike.. fun times.
I believe Indian / Polaris will sell a lot of these. It's direct competitor to the Sportster and will out class it in every aspect. Ladies will love it, young men looking for their first V-Twin will love it. The people that want an Indian but cant pony up 18K to 29K for a Chief will love it. I see this bike as a cool little run around town bike, parked in front of a lot of coffee shops/ bars.
I'm glad I got the Indian bug out of my system. Just too much money for the Chiefs. For that kind of cabbage the bike should feel butter smooth, can you say a Japanese feel
Last note, I believe the dealer sold several Chiefs this weekend, good for them.
