G
Guest
·My local dealer had the Vic demo truck over the weekend, and I had the good fortune of riding an XCT, and then two pre-production Indians back to back. Some thoughts:
- I am longtime Vic supporter and enthusiast. My Hammer Premium has been a great bike- and it sold me as a true believer on the brand. I have overlooked some of the nusance probs with my hammer- top end noise, paint that is just OK, and drive line lash at lower RPMs.
- I am in the market to add a tourer or touring cruiser to my bike armada. Currently own some classic bikes and modern triumph. Been riding for 20+ years.
- The XCT:
Good wind protection, lots of gizmos, 2 up comfort, and all of the other high points that others on the Vog always cheer for. Definitely not for me because of twitchy handling, and some styling that is hard for me to embrace. The Hammer, and the upgrades that I have put into the thing, seem to make it more confident for me than the XCT. Did not expect this angle, since so many others love the handling of the bike. Some of the Cycle mags whine about high speed weave--- I felt some it at every speed. Not enough to be dangerous, but combined with the size, mass and carrying a passenger I never felt that I could relax and enjoy the ride. Could be a one off problem with this bike, but it is enough to deter me from buying.
The top box and all of the gear might be making it more top heavy than I am familiar with on my other bikes? Sig Other hates the styling of the fairing equipped Vics, so that pretty much shuts it down.
Indians Chieftain:
Very Wow'd by handling, and the Sig Other loved the seat and ride compared to my Hammer touring seat. Wind protection, power and quality feel are very strong. Lots of low end power, but it would run out of wind after about 4k rpm. Nothing but applause for the engineering and execution. My single QC issue was a very pronounced buzz that came up through the fairing at about 2800 rpm. Only happened in a narrow rpm range- but almost unnerving becasue the bike is so welll sorted otherwise. I was the only person at the demo day that just wasnt sold on the styling of that fairing. In terms of fit, features, meeting my needs, etc--- I am sold on this bike, but I just cant feel good about the looks. That faring/sheild combo is not great to my eyes. Still considering buying it I will try not to look too critically at the styling.
Indian Vintage:
Likely to buy this bike over the winter. Love the styling, the handling, and all of the other points from above. Since the bike will be used for 2 up mid- distance touring ( 150-200 mile day trips), I think that I can do without hard bags, fairing etc. Likely to add a heated seat and grips, lowers on the forks, etc. Will remove the fringe- just dont like it.
'Again, just my angle and reaction. For the record, I have no plans to sell the Hammer. Still will be used for one up riding and blasting around.
Big fan of my local dealer for letting me take these bikes out, and looking forward to supporting them. Great service in the past.
- I am longtime Vic supporter and enthusiast. My Hammer Premium has been a great bike- and it sold me as a true believer on the brand. I have overlooked some of the nusance probs with my hammer- top end noise, paint that is just OK, and drive line lash at lower RPMs.
- I am in the market to add a tourer or touring cruiser to my bike armada. Currently own some classic bikes and modern triumph. Been riding for 20+ years.
- The XCT:
Good wind protection, lots of gizmos, 2 up comfort, and all of the other high points that others on the Vog always cheer for. Definitely not for me because of twitchy handling, and some styling that is hard for me to embrace. The Hammer, and the upgrades that I have put into the thing, seem to make it more confident for me than the XCT. Did not expect this angle, since so many others love the handling of the bike. Some of the Cycle mags whine about high speed weave--- I felt some it at every speed. Not enough to be dangerous, but combined with the size, mass and carrying a passenger I never felt that I could relax and enjoy the ride. Could be a one off problem with this bike, but it is enough to deter me from buying.
The top box and all of the gear might be making it more top heavy than I am familiar with on my other bikes? Sig Other hates the styling of the fairing equipped Vics, so that pretty much shuts it down.
Indians Chieftain:
Very Wow'd by handling, and the Sig Other loved the seat and ride compared to my Hammer touring seat. Wind protection, power and quality feel are very strong. Lots of low end power, but it would run out of wind after about 4k rpm. Nothing but applause for the engineering and execution. My single QC issue was a very pronounced buzz that came up through the fairing at about 2800 rpm. Only happened in a narrow rpm range- but almost unnerving becasue the bike is so welll sorted otherwise. I was the only person at the demo day that just wasnt sold on the styling of that fairing. In terms of fit, features, meeting my needs, etc--- I am sold on this bike, but I just cant feel good about the looks. That faring/sheild combo is not great to my eyes. Still considering buying it I will try not to look too critically at the styling.
Indian Vintage:
Likely to buy this bike over the winter. Love the styling, the handling, and all of the other points from above. Since the bike will be used for 2 up mid- distance touring ( 150-200 mile day trips), I think that I can do without hard bags, fairing etc. Likely to add a heated seat and grips, lowers on the forks, etc. Will remove the fringe- just dont like it.
'Again, just my angle and reaction. For the record, I have no plans to sell the Hammer. Still will be used for one up riding and blasting around.
Big fan of my local dealer for letting me take these bikes out, and looking forward to supporting them. Great service in the past.
Thanks, and best of luck in your search.
