By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLDE (MY2018)
Roll on the Indian Chief's throttle and it's heaving forward right off idle, with barely a tremor in the grips. The Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLDE's Milwaukee-Eight snaps awake as soon as you've cracked it open and tugs hard from low revs. Its counterbalancers wipe the buzz out of every surge.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Deluxe FLDE has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Softail Deluxe FLDE
The Softail Deluxe FLDE nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. That comes from lighter steering and a sportier chassis. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The Chief costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike wins on value alone.
What makes each one tick
Chief
Low-rpm torque from the Chief's Thunder Stroke 111 hauls all 831 lb (377 kg) up to highway pace, and the engine doesn't shake the bars getting there. A bump in mid-corner doesn't upset the bike: the compliant suspension soaks it up while the stiff aluminum frame keeps it planted. The clutch pulls light. The gearbox clicks each shift home cleanly.
Softail Deluxe FLDE
On Iron Mountain Road, the Softail Deluxe FLDE's stiffer frame and monoshock keep it composed through every bend, and there's lean angle on tap. The brake lever won't unsettle it. The bars sit at a relaxed reach that won't cramp a long day. The plush solo seat cushions the last hour like the first.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Chief has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 26.8 in (681 mm).
- The Softail Deluxe FLDE has the lower wet weight: 697 lb (316 kg) vs 831 lb (377 kg).
- The Softail Deluxe FLDE makes more peak power: 85 hp (63 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
No verdict: Chief
There's no daily-ride verdict for the Chief. Getting to work isn't its job.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
They come out level on character and running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
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
Softail Deluxe FLDE
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth, torque-rich Milwaukee-Eight engine
- Classic styling with modern LED execution
- Significantly improved handling and cornering clearance
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.
Softail Deluxe FLDE
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 6-year-old Chief with a 6-year-old Softail Deluxe FLDE.
- Chief
- about $10,900
- Softail Deluxe FLDE
- about $15,200
At six years old, the Indian Chief sits around $10,900 while the Softail Deluxe FLDE runs about $15,200. That's a $4,300 gap in the Chief's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 3,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 26.8 in (681 mm) |
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 697 lb (316 kg) |
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1811 cc | 1745 cc |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 85 hp (63 kW) |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) |
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | MT90-16 |
| Rear tire | 180/65-16 | MU85-16 |
| Wheelbase | 68.1 in (1730 mm) | 64.2 in (1630 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
