For the first time ever on Two-Wheeled Tourist, I have a guest post! Enjoy some insight into the new
2014 Indian Chieftain (made by
Polaris Industries).
If you're a motorcycle enthusiast and are interested in becoming a guest blogger on here, fill out the inquiry form on the right side of the page and I'll get back to you.
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed within this blog post are those of the author and not necessarily held by Two-Wheeled Tourist.
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My Indian Chieftain is without a doubt my favorite motorcycle that I have ever owned. As one of the most popular models of all time, I can't help but think that there are plenty of people out there who feel exactly like me. The bike has been with me for over a decade, and even today I still get a rush when the weather starts to change and I can start making preparations for my first trips of the year. I am constantly evaluating new gear that I should purchase, making small customizations and upgrades to the bike, and generally nerding-out over purchases that I am
planning on making in the future. There are many things that I love about my bike. I find it particularly suited for long term road trips. Some of the biggest reasons why I love it include;
Smooth Riding
The Indian Chieftain provides an almost unbelievably smooth ride. The purr of the engine is almost symphonic in nature, providing a ride that is smoother than almost any other contemporary motorcycle that I have ridden on. At an idle, the exhaust has a very easy resonance and even when traveling at high speeds the engine has a sound to it that is rarely replicated. The rides are always smooth, handling even the most violent of potholes with relative ease.
Plenty of Torque
Of course a smooth ride with a quality engine purr doesn't mean anything if there isn't some serious power to go along with it. The vehicle features a big 111ci counterbalanced V-twin engine. This means that the bike has a ton of effortless torque. This makes maneuvering and accelerating easy around large amounts of traffic. This helps me to feel safer when I am on the road, particularly in conditions that I am not 100% comfortable in. The torque and ease of acceleration in spite of the overall weight of the Indian Chieftain have been one of the biggest draws to the vehicle for me personally. I love the smooth riding, but there needs to be some serious power in order for me to feel as if I am truly in control.
Riding Position
The riding position of the Indian Chieftain is absolutely excellent as well. The bike features a wider set of handlebars, and the seat bolster keeps you sitting a few inches closer to the tank than you would on other, similar bikes. The saddle of the bike is extremely comfortable, and was obviously made for long term expeditions. I rarely experience any serious soreness when riding over the long term, and the riding position is comfortable for men of all sizes.
Great All-Season Electric Windshield
The all-season electric windshield is where the bike truly shines. The
windshield completely protects the arms, chest and torso from the wind and is high enough to put the face behind if needing be. The adjustable windscreen is an excellent addition to the bike, and makes it so individuals of different sizes can make sure that they are getting the protection that they want. With the screen up, you can utilize the windscreen as a full face shield.
Weight
If I had one gripe about the Indian Chieftain,
it's that it is a bit heavier than it needs to be. They could easily have cut
back 50 lbs from the 800 lbs frame, without losing too much as a result.
About the Author:
Dewayne Jasper
has been riding for over 6 years; He wants to describe Road trips on his favorite
Indian Chieftain.
