- Table of Contents
- 1. HARLEY SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC VS INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE
- 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
- 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
- 4. DESIGN: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
- 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC VS INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE
- 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
- 6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Softail Heritage Classic
- 6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Indian Chief Vintage
- 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
- 8. PROS & CONS: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9.1 Which is a good entry-level motorcycle: the Harley Heritage Classic or the Indian Chief Vintage?
- 9.2 Which motorcycle is better for long rides: the Heritage Classic or the Indian Chief Vintage?
- 9.3 How long does the Indian Chief Vintage last?
- 9.4 Why is the Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic expensive?
- 10. TAKEAWAY
1. HARLEY 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.
Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING VS HARLEY HERITAGE CLASSIC
2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
| Harley Davidson | Indian | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC INFORMATION | ||
| Year | 2022 | 2021 |
| Model | Heritage Classic | Chief Vintage |
| Motorcycle Type | Cruiser | Cruiser |
| Base Price | $20,799 | $20,499 |
| Colors | Vivid Black, Midnight Crimson, Reef Blue/Vivid Black, White Sand Pearl, and Redline Red/Vivid Black | Crimson Metallic and Deep Water/Dirt Track Tan |
| ENGINE & SYSTEMS | ||
| Displacement | 114 cu in (1,868 cc) | 111 cu in (1,811 cc) |
| Engine Type | Four Stroke, V-Twin | Thunderstroke 111 |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Stroke | 114.3 mm (4.5 in) | 113m (4.449 in) |
| Bore | 102 mm (4.016 in) | 101 mm (3.976 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Belt | Belt |
| Transmission | Six-Speed | Six-Speed |
| Clutch | Mechanical, 10-Plate wet | Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-Two | Split Dual Exhaust with Cross-Over |
| Fuel Delivery System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) | Closed-Loop Fuel Injection |
| PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY | ||
| Horsepower | 94 hp | 79 hp |
| Torque | 119 ft-lbs (161.3 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm | 119 ft-lbs (161.6 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Five gal (18.9 L) | 5.5 gal (20.8 L) |
| Mileage | 47 MPG (19.9 km/l) | 34 MPG (14.45 km/l) |
| Oil Capacity | 5 quarts (4.7 L) | 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Trail | 139.7 mm (5.5 in) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Rake | 30o | 25o |
| Seat Height | 668 mm (26.3 in) | 662 mm (26 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,630.6 mm (64.2 in) | 1,701 mm (67 in) |
| Weight | 728 lbs (330.2 kg) | 836 lbs (379 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Length | 2,415 mm (95.1 in) | 2,588 mm (101.7 in) |
| Width | 930 mm (36.6 in) | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
| Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Both have three headlights: a large one in the center and two smaller ones at the sides | The Chief Vintage has pre-installed crash bars |
| Both have forward-mounted floorboards | The Chief Vintage has a slightly smaller engine than the Heritage Classic |
| Both have pre-installed saddlebags | The Heritage Classic has two-into-exhaust, while the Chief Vintage has split cross-over exhaust |
| Both have passenger seats with standard footpegs | The Heritage Classic has a license plate above the tail light, while the Chief Vintage has its license plate below the tail light |
| Both have a windshield | The Chief Vintage has pre-installed crash bars, while the Heritage Classic does not |
| Both have similar handlebar positions | Both have different fenders, tail lights, and FAIRINGS |
| Both have a mono-shock at the rear | The Chief Vintage has two caps on the fuel tank, while the Heritage Classic has only one fuel cap on the fuel tank |
4. DESIGN: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic
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.
4.2 Design: Indian Chief Vintage
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).
5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC VS INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE
5.1 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Heritage Classic
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).
5.2 Engine & Performance: Indian Chief Vintage
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).
6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Softail Heritage Classic
Photo Credit: @visordown
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.
6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Indian Chief Vintage
Photo Credit: @webbikeworld
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).
Also Read: HOW TO IMPROVE CORNERING ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE
7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
| FEATURES | HERITAGE CLASSIC | INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Instrument Cluster | Fuel Tank-Mounted | Fuel Tank-Mounted |
| Clock | ✔ | ✔ |
| Engine Kill Switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speedometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Odometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tachometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gear Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel Gauge | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel Warning Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low Battery Indicator | X | X |
| Low Oil Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Slip & Assist Clutch | ✔ | ✔ |
8. PROS & CONS: HERITAGE CLASSIC VS CHIEF VINTAGE
8.1 Pros & Cons: Heritage Classic
| HERITAGE CLASSIC PROS | HERITAGE CLASSIC CONS |
|---|---|
| ABS is standard | Hard gear shifting |
| Good torque at low rpm | Engine vibrates at higher rpm |
| Two-year warranty | Less reliable braking |
| Require less maintenance | Expensive |
| Good fuel economy | No riding modes |
| Weighs less than competitors | Not suitable for city travel |
| Cruise control included |
8.2 Pros & Cons: Indian Chief Vintage
| INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE PROS | INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE CONS |
|---|---|
| ABS is standard | Not an entry-level motorcycle |
| Cruise control included | Expensive |
| Soft clutch | No riding modes |
| Great sound | Heavyweight |
| Suitable for tall and heavyweight riders | |
| Powerful engine | |
| Two-year warranty | |
| Smooth transmission |
9. FAQ
9.1 Which is a good entry-level motorcycle: the Harley Heritage Classic or the Indian Chief Vintage?
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.
9.2 Which motorcycle is better for long rides: the Heritage Classic or the Indian Chief Vintage?
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.
Also Read: 20 TIPS FOR LONG DISTANCE RIDING
9.3 How long does the Indian Chief Vintage last?
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.
9.4 Why is the Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic expensive?
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.
10. TAKEAWAY
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.
Featured Products
Softail Saddlebags
Chief Vintage Saddlebags
Softail Handle Bars
Harley saddlebags
Indian Saddlebags
Harley Motorcycle Parts
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.