Harley Davidson vs. Indian

Attribute	Harley Davidson	Indian
Founded	1903	1901
Headquarters	Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA	Medina, Minnesota, USA
Popular Models	Street Glide, Iron 883, Fat Boy	Chief, Scout, Chieftain
Ownership	Public	Subsidiary of Polaris Industries
Market Presence	Global	Global

History

Harley Davidson and Indian are two of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the United States, with a rich history that dates back over a century. Harley Davidson was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and quickly became known for its heavyweight motorcycles with a distinctive V-twin engine. Indian, on the other hand, was established in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was a major competitor to Harley Davidson in the early 20th century. Both brands have faced ups and downs over the years, with Indian going through several ownership changes before being revived by Polaris Industries in 2011.

Design

When it comes to design, Harley Davidson and Indian have distinct styles that appeal to different riders. Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their classic, retro look with a lot of chrome and a deep, rumbling exhaust note. The brand's iconic models like the Sportster, Softail, and Touring bikes have a timeless appeal that has made them popular with riders of all ages. Indian, on the other hand, has a more modern design aesthetic with sleek lines and a more aggressive stance. The brand's Chief, Scout, and Roadmaster models feature a blend of classic and contemporary styling that sets them apart from Harley Davidson.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both Harley Davidson and Indian offer powerful motorcycles that deliver a thrilling riding experience. Harley Davidson's lineup includes a range of engines, from the air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight V-twin to the liquid-cooled Revolution Max V-twin, that provide plenty of torque and horsepower for cruising on the highway. Indian, on the other hand, offers a similar range of engines, including the Thunder Stroke V-twin and PowerPlus V-twin, that deliver impressive performance and smooth power delivery. Both brands also offer a variety of suspension and braking options to enhance handling and control.

Technology

When it comes to technology, Indian has a slight edge over Harley Davidson with its more advanced features and electronics. Indian motorcycles come equipped with ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes, traction control, ABS, and tire pressure monitoring systems as standard on many models. Harley Davidson, on the other hand, has been slower to adopt modern technology, but has made strides in recent years with the introduction of features like touchscreen infotainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and electronic rider aids on some of its models. Both brands continue to innovate and improve their technology offerings to meet the demands of today's riders.

Customization

One of the key appeals of owning a Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycle is the ability to customize and personalize your ride to suit your individual style. Harley Davidson has a long history of offering a wide range of accessories, parts, and customization options through its extensive dealer network and aftermarket suppliers. Riders can choose from a variety of paint colors, handlebars, seats, exhaust systems, and more to create a one-of-a-kind bike that reflects their personality. Indian, on the other hand, has also embraced the customization trend with its Scout Bobber and FTR 1200 models, which come with a range of factory-installed accessories and performance upgrades to make them stand out on the road.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles are both premium brands that come with a higher price tag compared to other motorcycle manufacturers. Harley Davidson's lineup ranges from the more affordable Street models starting around $7,000 to the top-of-the-line CVO models that can cost upwards of $40,000. Indian, on the other hand, offers a similar pricing structure with its Scout and Chief models starting around $9,000 and its Roadmaster and Chieftain models reaching prices over $30,000. Both brands also offer limited edition and special edition models that can command even higher prices for collectors and enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harley Davidson and Indian are two legendary motorcycle brands that have a lot to offer riders in terms of history, design, performance, technology, customization, and pricing. While Harley Davidson has a more classic and retro appeal with a wide range of models to choose from, Indian offers a more modern and aggressive design with advanced features and electronics. Both brands have a loyal following and continue to push the boundaries of motorcycle innovation to meet the demands of today's riders. Whether you prefer the iconic look of a Harley Davidson or the cutting-edge technology of an Indian, both brands have something unique to offer for riders looking for a premium motorcycle experience.