cruiser motorcycles

Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic vs Indian Chief Vintage

Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic vs Indian Chief Vintage

1. HARLEY SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC VS INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE

HARLEY SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC
Photo Credit: @cycleworld
INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE
Photo Credit: @cycleworld

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.

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

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

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).

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.

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.

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