Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe

• Table of Contents
• 1. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison between the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
• 3. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Design
• 3.1 2018 Indian Chief Classic Design
• 3.2 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Design
• 4. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Engine and Performance
• 4.1 2018 Indian Chief Classic Engine and Performance
• 4.2 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Engine and Performance
• 5. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Comfort and Ergonomics
• 5.1 Indian Chief Classic Comfort and Ergonomics
• 5.2 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Comfort and Ergonomics
• 6. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Technology and Features
• 7. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Pros and Cons
• 7.1 Indian Chief Classic Pros and Cons
• 7.2 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Pros and Cons
• 8. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Which Is Better?
• 9. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Colors and Cost
• 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10.1 Which Is Better, Harley Davidson or Indian Motorbikes?
• 10.2 Do Indian Motorcycles Hold their Value?
• 10.3 What Are the Harley Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine Problems?
• 11. Takeaway

1. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe

The Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe are classic and iconic vintage-style cruisers. The 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe shares a close resemblance to the Indian Scout Sixty. The 2018 Indian Chief Classic is a bulky and wider motorcycle built with heavier parts, including a long skirt front and rear fenders, along with a headlight enclosed in a big chrome nacelle.

The 2018 Indian Chief Classic and the 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe are powerful motorcycles suited for expert riders. Both motorcycles are equipped with six-speed transmissions for better-touring capability. However, the 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe is the lighter between the two motorcycles, meaning they have better handling and acceleration. This article provides a detailed comparison between the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe.

2. Detailed Specs Comparison between the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe

2018 Indian Chief Classic		2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
Identification
Indian	Maker	Harley Davidson
Chief Classic	Model	Softail Deluxe
2018	Year Model	2020
Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
$19,499	Base Price	$18,399
Engine and Performance
1,811 cc	Displacement	1753 cc
Thunderstroke 111	Engine Design and Type	Milwaukee-Eight® 107
Air-Cooled	Cooling System	Air-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Two	Valves Per Cylinder	Two
161.6 Nm at 3,000 rpm	Torque	147.78 Nm at 3,000 rpm
N/A	Horsepower	N/A
4.449 in	Stroke	4.374 in
3.976 in	Bore	3.937 in
Closed Loop Fuel Injection / 54 mm Bore	Fuel Injection System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
9.5:1	Compression Ratio	10:1
Six-Speed	Transmission	Six-Speed
Belt	Final Drive	Belt
N/A	Fuel Economy	47 mpg
Split Dual Exhaust with Cross-Over	Muffler	Two-Into-Two Shorty Dual Exhaust with Catalyst in Mufflers
Cast Aluminum Frame	Frame	Steel
Electric	Starter	Electric
Dimensions and Weight
6.1 in	Trail	5.7 in
29°	Rake	30°
5.5 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	5 gal
5.5 in	Ground Clearance	4.5 in
39.4 in	Width	37.6 in
46.3 in	Height	44.3 in
103.5 in	Length	95.1 in
26.0 in	Seat Height	25.9 in
68.1 in	Wheelbase	64.2 in
358 kg	Wet Weight	316.15 kg
344 kg	Dry Weight	303 kg

3. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Design

3.1 2018 Indian Chief Classic Design

The Indian Chief Classic is a powerful and bulky motorcycle. The beefier front and rear fenders, solo vinyl seat, and headlight nacelle give it a vintage look. This motorcycle is for motorcycle enthusiasts who prefer aesthetics over high-speed performance. The Indian Chief Classic’s chrome handlebars, engine, exhaust pipes, mufflers, wheels, and headlight nacelle together with the burgundy metallic color scheme give this motorcycle a lustrous look.

The Indian Chief Classic has wide swept-back handlebars and dual mufflers on each side. The gauges are mounted on a wider teardrop-shaped fuel tank with a fuel capacity of 5.5 gal, ideal for touring and long rides. It is also fitted with extended rider floorboards to ensure comfort on longer rides. The tail light, rear turn signals, and license plate holder are mounted on the rear fender.

3.2 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Design

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe has a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with a fuel capacity of 5 gal with gauges mounted on top of it. It has average front and rear fenders, a solo leather seat, and two parallel chromed mufflers installed. The chrome handlebars, front fork, wheels, battery cover, headlight, cylinder heads, and air breather complement the five different color schemes that enhance the Harley Softail Deluxe’s aesthetics.

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe’s front end has three headlamps, one in the center and two on each side, mounted on the stylish front turn signals. The taillight, rear turn signals, and license plate bracket are mounted on the rear fender.

Overall, the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe has a refined look with a better finish than the Indian Chief Classic.

Both the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe have unique designs but the Softail Deluxe has more color schemes available.

4. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Engine and Performance

4.1 2018 Indian Chief Classic Engine and Performance

The 2018 Indian Chief Classic is fitted with a 1,811 cc air-cooled Thunderstroke 111 engine capable of torque of 161.6 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It comes with a six-speed gearbox that powers the rear wheel via a belt drive. Its engine is fueled using a closed-loop fuel injection, ensuring optimum fuel delivery.

Despite being bigger in size, the Indian Chief Classic is easy to handle even at low speeds due to its low center of gravity. It has good performance and looks, but still could be improved by adding a traction control system and better-performing suspensions.

The Indian Chief Classic’s braking has been upgraded with a 300 mm dual floating rotor with a four-piston caliper towards the front and a 300 mm single floating rotor with a two-piston caliper towards the rear, along with an ABS.

4.2 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Engine and Performance

The 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe is powered by a 1753 cc air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine capable of producing 147.78 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. It also comes with a six-speed transmission. The engine’s vibrations have been greatly reduced by two counterbalancers to help ensure comfortable cruising. The Milwaukee-Eight 45° V-Twin engine produces smooth torque and helps the motorbike accelerate at all gear levels. Like the Indian Chief Classic, this motorcycle also does not come with a traction control system and riding modes.

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe has a hard clutch which requires a little more effort to shift between gears. The massive 1,753 cc engine produces a lot of heat, which the air-cooling system cannot always effectively maintain the engine’s temperature.

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe’s low center of gravity ensures better handling and maneuverability at both low and high speeds. The linear damping of the Showa front fork ensures you can ride at higher speeds.

The 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe is 41.85 kg lighter than the 2018 Indian Chief Classic. Still, it is difficult to ride this vehicle in traffic, especially for beginners. Its wet weight of 316.15 kg makes performing U-turns and stop-and-go maneuvers difficult. However, at highway speeds, this vehicle has been proven to have stable handling.

5. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Comfort and Ergonomics

5.1 Indian Chief Classic Comfort and Ergonomics

Photo Credit: @autoevolution

The Indian Chief Classic has a seat height of 26 inches, about 0.1 inches taller than the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe. It has a substantial ground clearance of 5.5 inches which helps you avoid scraping the lower part of the motorcycle against the ground while riding on damaged or bumpy roads.

The 2018 Indian Chief Classic’s handlebars are wider, low-mounted, and swept-back which gives it relaxed riding ergonomics. The forward foot controls along with the extended rider floorboards provide enough legroom for taller riders. The only aspect that makes it difficult to handle is its overall weight of 358 kg.

The 2018 Indian Chief Classic’s front end is especially heavy which can make even maneuvers at low speeds difficult.

5.2 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Comfort and Ergonomics

Photo Credit: @avalancheharley

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe has a low seat height of 25.9 inches and a low center of gravity, making it easy to handle even at low speeds. It provides enough legroom even for taller riders due to its foot controls being positioned forward. It also comes with extended rider floorboards so you can comfortably rest your feet while riding on highways. The front brake pedal and gear shifter also operate smoothly.

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe’s Showa front forks and adjustable rear mono-shock suspension perform adequately on paved and bumpy roads without negatively affecting the motorcycle’s handling and cornering capability.

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe’s handlebars are a little higher and less swept back than the Indian Chief Classic, but they are still within comfortable reach of the rider from an upright riding position. It has a low ground clearance of 4.5 inches which can cause the metal parts to scrape against the ground while riding on bumpy roads.

6. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Technology and Features

2018 Indian Chief Classic		2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
Technology and Features
Standard	ABS	Standard
Tank-Mounted	Gauges	Tank-Mounted
✓	Speedometer	✓
✓	Odometer	✓
✓	Tripmeter	✓
✓	Tachometer	✓
✓	Fuel Level	✓
✓	Average Fuel Economy	✕
✓	Gear Position Display	✓
✓	Cruise Control	✕
✓	Clock	✓

7. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Pros and Cons

7.1 Indian Chief Classic Pros and Cons

Indian Chief Classic Pros	Indian Chief Classic Cons
ABS is a standard feature Cruise control Lightweight yet strong cast aluminum frame Handles well Rubber-mounted engine Produces less vibrations Classic cruiser design Powerful performance Smooth riding at all gear levels Aestheically pleasing Produces high torque Reliable	Heavyweight Heavy front and rear fenders Expensive Difficult to maneuver and handle at low speeds Available in only one color Difficult to ride in traffic Difficult to make U-turns Difficult stop-and-go No windscreen

7.2 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Pros and Cons

Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Pros	Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Cons
Better looks Good performance Handles well Classic cruiser design Good for touring Powerful engine Reliable Good touring motorcycle Comfortable Ensures smooth ride Comfortable seat Echoing exhaust noise Available in different color schemes	Heavyweight Difficult to maneuver at low speeds Low ground clearance Engine produces heavy vibrations Engine can overheat Difficult to make U-turns No windscreen

8. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Which Is Better?

Both the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe have classic cruiser designs and bulky looks. Both motorcycles have good handling and quick acceleration at all rpms. However, due to being more lightweight, the Harley Softail Deluxe has better maneuverability.

The 2018 Indian Chief Classic comes with heavy front and rear fenders and a headlight nacelle. Meanwhile, the 2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe has reduced weight due to being fitted with average front and rear fenders and no headlight nacelle.

The Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe’s laced and whitewall wheels give it a more attractive look than the Indian Chief Classic. Also, the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe being able to come in more color schemes gives it an edge over the Indian Chief Classic in terms of looks.

9. Indian Chief Classic Vs. Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: Colors and Cost

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10.1 Which Is Better: Harley Davidson or Indian Motorbikes?

Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle are the two biggest competitors in the American motorbike market. Indian motorbikes have a slight edge over Harley Davidson motorbikes when it comes to raw performance. However, Harley Davidson has an edge over Indian Motorcycle when it comes to design and aesthetics. Both motorcycle brands are reshaping their identity and branding based on public perceptions of their motorcycles.

10.2 Do Indian Motorcycles Hold their Value?

Indian motorcycles have good holding and resale value if maintained properly. Indian Motorcycles produces some of the best performing motorbikes in the market with classic designs and high quality. However, Harley Davidson has been dominating the American market since 2009 and Harley motorcycles have better holding and resale value than Indian motorcycles.

10.3 What Are Examples of Harley Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine Problems?

Because of low-quality cam chain tensioners, the Harley Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine sometimes suffers oil sumps. The used oil starts to leak out at various places, including the gear crank and case, which causes an imbalance within the engine’s components that causes it to disrupt the flow of oil to the engine. To prevent deposition and blockages, the cam chain tensioners should be inspected and replaced every once in a while.

11. Takeaway

The Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe are heavyweight cruisers designed for touring and long-distance rides. Both motorcycles have unique aesthetics and good overall performance. However, the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe has a slight edge over the Indian Chief Classic due to its better handling and performance because of its lower weight. Both motorcycles are suited for beginners and smaller riders.

To enhance their comfortability and touring capability, the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe can be modified using aftermarket parts available at Viking Bags. Viking Bags has specially designed saddlebags for the Indian Chief Classic and the Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe to improve their storage capacity. Viking Bags also has rider and passenger backrests for your Indian and Harley Davidson motorcycles to provide back support.