Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic vs Indian Chief Vintage

The first HERITAGE CLASSIC was introduced in 1984, inspired by the 1950s Harley Hydra-Glide. Since then, many significant changes have been made to this model. The major changes include the chain drive train being replaced with a more reliable belt drive train, being fitted with larger tires, and having a Twin-Cam engine installed. In 2018, the older Harley Heritage Classic was launched with a SOFTAIL frame, now including a 114 cu in engine and a hidden mono-shock at the rear.

In 2011, Polaris Industries bought the revived Indian Motorcycles. In 2014, Indian Motorcycles launched the INDIAN CHIEF CLASSIC, CHIEF VINTAGE, and Chieftain lineups. Among these new models, the Chief Vintage got a large fanbase because of its traditional looks, six-speed transmission, and new engine. This motorcycle was covered in chrome and had a beautiful classic Indian design.

The HERITAGE CLASSIC draws inspiration from the classic Harley Davidson motorcycle design but with a modern touch. It has a colored fuel tank and fenders; the remaining parts are covered with a chrome or matte finish. The Heritage Classic has SOFT LEATHER SADDLEBAGS with a hard-inner shell, a detachable windshield, forward-mounted floorboards, and dual exhausts attached to one side. It has an analog speedometer attached to the fuel tank with a small digital screen that shows useful information to the rider. The Heritage Classic has a passenger seat in matte black with standard footrests. At the front, it has a 49 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 5.1 in (130 mm). At the rear, it has an adjustable mono-shock with a wheel travel of 4.4 in (111.7 mm). The Heritage Classic has a single 300 mm disc brake at the front with a tire size of 130/90B16 73H BW and a single 292 mm disc brake at the rear with a tire size of 150/80B16 77H BW.

The INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE is a traditional-looking cruiser with pre-installed saddlebags and crash bars. It has older brown saddlebags different from the HARD SADDLEBAGS on other cruisers and touring motorcycles. The Chief Vintage has classic full-size fenders and three headlights at the front. It has wide HANDLEBARS and front-mounted floorboards. This model was inspired by the old 1948 Indian Chief model, incorporating the same riding style, fenders, and handlebars. For extra accessories, it has a detachable windshield and crash bars. The whole body is covered in chrome, except the fuel tank, fenders, and side panels. The Chief Vintage has an analog speedometer mounted on the fuel tank with a small digital screen that shows useful information. This cruiser also has a pre-installed comfortable passenger seat. The Chief Vintage has a 46 mm telescopic fork at the front with a wheel travel of 4.7 in (119 mm) and a dual 300 mm disc brake with a tire size of 180/65B16 81H. At the rear, it has an air-adjustable mono-shock with a wheel travel of 4.5 in (114 mm).

The Heritage Classic has an air-cooled four-stroke V-Twin engine with an engine displacement size of 1,868 cc (114 cu in). It is capable of horsepower of 94 hp and a torque of 161.3 Nm (119 ft-lbs) @ 3,000 rpm. It has a six-speed transmission system that works on a low-maintenance belt drive train. With a bore size of 4.01 in (102mm) and a stroke size of 4.5 in (114.3 mm), it can reach a top speed of 155 km/h (96.3 MPH).

The Indian Chief Vintage has an air-cooled, Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine with an engine displacement size of 1,811 ccs (111 cu in). It can produce a horsepower of 79 hp and a torque of 161.6 Nm (119 ft-lbs) @ 3,000 rpm. The Chief Vintage operates on a belt drive train and has a six-speed transmission system. With a bore size of 3.976 in (101 mm) and a stroke size of 4.45 in (113 mm), it can reach a top speed of 185 km/h (115 MPH).

With an overall length of 2,415 mm (95.1 in), a width of 930 mm (36.6 in), and a seat height of 668 mm (26.3 in), the Heritage Classic has a comfortable riding position. To provide extra comfort on a long ride, the rider has forward-mounted floorboards, while the passenger has standard footrests. The Heritage Classic has good ergonomics with a rake angle of 30^o and a trail size of 139.7 mm which ensures a comfortable riding position. The windshield at the front helps protect the rider from incoming wind. Having an overall weight of 728 lbs (330.2 kg), the Heritage Classic is classified as a heavyweight cruiser. Its heavy weight ensures a stable ride at higher rpm and speed.

The Indian Chief Vintage has a wheelbase of 1,701 mm (67 in), a width of 1,000 mm (39.4 in), an overall length of 2,588 mm (101.7 in), and a seat height of 662 mm (26 in) that ensures a comfortable riding position. With an overall weight of 836 lbs (379 kg), this Indian model is a bulky heavyweight cruiser. It has wide, upright handlebars with a rake angle of 25^o and a trail size of 133 mm (5.2 in) that ensures a confident riding position. This motorcycle is ideal for heavyweight riders due to having a high ground clearance of 142 mm (5.6 in).

The Harley Heritage Classic and the Indian Chief Vintage are heavyweight cruisers with large engines. Therefore, both are too heavy and powerful to function as entry-level motorcycles.

Both motorcycles have comfortable seating positions, pre-installed saddlebags, front-mounted floorboards, passenger seats, ABS, and cruise control. They only differ in their fuel economy. The Indian Chief Vintage has a fuel mileage of 34 MPG (14.45 km/l), while the Heritage Classic has a fuel economy of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l). Thus, the Heritage Classic has better fuel economy and can travel farther before having to refuel.

If the Indian Chief Vintage e is serviced regularly according to the motorcycle service manual, it can last over 100,000 miles. However, for a heavyweight cruiser, 50,000 miles is considered high mileage.

The Harley Heritage Classic has a mild steel, tubular frame. It has a 114 cu V-Twin engine capable of high torque and horsepower. It has pre-installed saddlebags and can add other features to enhance the riding experience. Including all these features, the Heritage Classic also has a high resale value.

The Harley Heritage Classic and the Indian Chief Vintage possess all the characteristics that any rider could want in a cruiser. Both have saddlebags, wide handlebars, comfortable riding positions, a passenger seat, etc. However, only the Chief Vintage has crash bars and neither of them has pre-installed SISSY BARS. Both are heavyweight cruisers best suited for taller and heavyweight riders, but not for beginners. Both motorcycles are expensive and retain their value for a long time. On longer rides, both of them perform well; however, the Heritage Classic has better fuel mileage than the Indian Chief Vintage.