Indian Chieftain Thunder Black vs.Harley Davidson Street Glide

Both these motorcycles have a long heritage to celebrate. When comparing two iconic, classic, yet modern style motorcycles, it’s important to look at various different elements. Comfort, aesthetics, handling, as well as the modern elements in technology, and finally, personal preferences.

Indian

The first Indian Chief was made in 1923. The company was started in 1901. By 1913 over 3200 motorcycles were produced annually. Indian most definitely wanted to make a bold statement with their Chieftain Classic Thunder Black. A valiant front vendor with an illuminated headdress leads the way on the mudguard. The attention to detail in chrome from front to back, top to bottom is vigorous. Lady riders will agree that no mirrors are needed when you have this much chrome.

The Chieftain premium features are keyless ignition, remote-locking hard saddlebags and a push-button power windshield that can easily be adjusted while riding, to ensure that your vision is clear and wind resistance minimal. A 100-watt premium audio system allows a rider to enjoy various radio stations or personalised music via Bluetooth on your phone.  The all 111 V-twin engine is powerful and comfortable when riding, but unfortunately extremely heavy when coming to a standstill. Smooth gear changing with comfortable low and high rpm riding can be enjoyed, with some accessories as well.

Premium concert saddle bag kit: Boost the volume and audio quality of your open-road playlists with a set of premium speakers, amp and factory painted saddlebag lids. Each speaker has 100 Watts max power rating and each amplifier has a 50W x 2 RMS, mounts in each saddlebag.

Slip-on exhaust: Add chrome Stage 1 Slip On Exhaust, Exhaust Shields and Tips for a complete look.

Mid-rise handlebars: These bars rise over 4” higher than stock bars, and provide the rider with a comfortable reach to the controls.

Indian Chieftain

Model:	Indian Chieftain
Year:	2017
Category:	Touring
Price:	Approximately R359 900

Harley Davidson

The Harley Street Glide was introduced in 2006. In 2008, Harley added anti-lock braking systems and cruise control as a factory installed option on all touring models.  Although some riders consider it more than just a touring bike, for some it’s a great daily commuter, although commuting in town may be challenging because of its heavy weight. Yet, the Street Glide remains a highly popular bike for a number of reasons.

The Street Glide seat height is low with the foot pedals in a comfortable position. The cruise control is easy to use and adds to some great touring once you’ve come to understand every aspect of the upgraded infotainment system. The all-new Milwaukee-Eight 107 ride is unmatched, thanks to the all-new suspension and Reflex Linked Brembo brakes and standard ABS. The Street Glide can also be enjoyed with some special parts:

Two-piece muffler end cap kit: Shaped to provide a complete finishing touch to the rear of your bike, these slash cut end caps feature a reverse cone rolled edge for a massive solid billet look.

Screaming eagle street cannon: Dialed in to enhance the performance of the Milwaukee-Eight engine, these slip-on mufflers feature a large inlet for improved airflow.

Screaming eagle heavy breather billet aluminum filter cover: Manufactured from forged aluminum and precision machined to tightly wrap the element, this stylish cover exposes a majority of the filter to maximize airflow.

Colour options to choose from: Black Denim, Charcoal Denim, Crushed Ice Pearl, Custom Colour Laguna Orange, Black Gold Flake, Hot Rod Red Flake, Mystic Purple Flake, Superior Blue, Velocity Red Sunglo, Vivid Black

Harley Davidson Street Glide

Model:	Harley-Davidson Street Glide
Year:	2017
Category:	Touring
Price:	Approximately R335 800

 

Specification Type	Indian Chieftan	Harley Davidson Street Glide
Engine
Engine Type	4 Stroke, V-twin thunder stroke	V2, four-stroke
Displacement	1811 cc	1753 cc
Electronic Fuel Injection System	Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore	Injection ESPFI
Performance
Horsepower	75 - 80 hp on the rear wheel	85.83 hp
Peak Torque RPM	2800 rpm	3250 rpm
Suspension
Suspension: Front - Type/Travel	Telescopic Fork / 119 mm	Telescopic Fork
Suspension: Rear - Type/Travel	Single Shocks / 104 mm	Twin Shocks
Chassis
Brakes/Front	2 floating Rotors / 4 Piston Calipers	Double disc. Optional ABS. 4-piston
Brakes/Rear	Single floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper	Single disc. Optional ABS. 4- piston
Wheels/Front Tyre	130 / 90 / 16	130 / 60 / 19
Wheels/Rear Tyre	180 / 65 / 16	180/ 65 / 16
Dimensions
Seat Height	660 mm	715 mm
Ground Clearance	140 mm	135 mm
Overall Length	2571 mm	2450 mm
Rake	29°	26°
Fuel Capacity	20.8 litres	22.71 litres
Weight (Empty Tank / Full of Fuel)	376 kg / 385 kg	353 kg / 371 kg