By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser vs Tourer
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Harley-Davidson Road King Classic FLHRC (MY2009)
Across a broken patch of pavement, the Indian Chief's well-sorted suspension keeps it planted, and it doesn't get knocked off its line. The Harley-Davidson Road King Classic FLHRC's plush suspension swallows the hit.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Chief if…
Keeping running costs low
Hands down: Chief
If you'd rather spend your money on gas and gear than at the shop, the Chief makes far more sense.
What makes each one tick
Chief
The Chief's Thunder Stroke 111 pulls hard from idle and doesn't send a tingle through the bars at highway speed. For all its heft, it turns into a corner without a fight, and the stiff aluminum frame doesn't flex once it's leaned over. Each shift clicks home clean.
Road King Classic FLHRC
Down the Florida Atlantic Coast, the Road King Classic's deep bucket seat and relaxed reach don't let fatigue build. The stiffer frame and swingarm keep the long bike composed through a corner. First gear engages with a clunk. Loaded two-up, the Twin Cam answers the throttle hard.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Chief has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 27.4 in (695 mm).
- The Chief makes more peak torque: 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) vs 102 lb-ft (138 Nm).
- The Chief has the larger engine: 1811 cc vs 1584 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Wrong job for both
Daily traffic duty isn't a fit for these two. Keep them for the weekend and commute on something easier.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not its job: Chief
The Chief gets left out of the long-distance question. It's built for a different kind of day.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Look elsewhere
Neither one is where you should learn. Get a season on something gentler first.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Chief
What owners say
Strengths
- Mighty Thunder Stroke 111 engine
- Surprisingly agile handling
- Outstanding fit and finish
- Smooth, positive transmission
Road King Classic FLHRC
What owners say
Strengths
- Supremely comfortable all-day ride
- Much improved handling over old frame
- Timeless classic style
Trade-offs
- Agricultural six-speed gearbox
- Underwhelming brake performance
Known problems to check before you buy
Chief
- VCM connector failure causing loss of forward lighting Recall 22V635000 The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module may fail, which can cause loss of forward lighting. The high beam indicator will flash if this occurs. A recall (22V635) was issued for 2014-2020 models to inspect the VCM connector and update software.
Road King Classic FLHRC
- ABS recall: brake fluid flush needed Recall 18V076000 A safety recall (NHTSA 18V-076) was issued for 2008-2011 Touring models with ABS. Brake fluid may crystallize and block the ABS module, reducing braking ability. A one-time fluid flush with H-D Platinum Label fluid was offered free.
- Stator and voltage regulator failures Stators can fail, usually above 30,000 miles, leading to charging problems. The voltage regulator is also a known weak point. Aftermarket upgraded charging systems are a common retrofit.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front tire
- 130/90-16
- Rear tire
- 180/65-16
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Road King Classic FLHRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 27.4 in (695 mm) |
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 818 lb (371 kg) |
| Chief | Road King Classic FLHRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1811 cc | 1584 cc |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 102 lb-ft (138 Nm) |
| Chief | Road King Classic FLHRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) | 6.0 US gal (22.7 L) |
| Chief | Road King Classic FLHRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 300 mm | 292 mm |
| Wheelbase | 68.1 in (1730 mm) | 64.2 in (1630 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Chief | Road King Classic FLHRC | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Keyless System | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
