By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN (MY2012)
Out of a stoplight on a fat roll of throttle, the Indian Chief heaves forward right off the bottom with a shove that doesn't let up. On the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN, the counter-balanced engine barely hums through the bars as the throttle opens. It gathers speed in a swell that's never hurried.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Chief
At highway pace the Chief's Thunder Stroke twin loafs along, and there's no buzz in the grips. The six-speed box clicks home cleanly. A stiff cast aluminum frame keeps the bike planted as the brake lever slows it for a bend. Deep paint and chrome say it's built to last.
Softail Deluxe FLSTN
Both feet plant flat from the Softail Deluxe FLSTN's 24.5 in (622 mm) seat because the saddle's nose stays narrow. There's no jolt at corner entry, since the hidden rear suspension keeps the ride soft. Whitewalls spin under full fenders.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Deluxe FLSTN has the lower seat: 24.5 in (622 mm) vs 26.0 in (660 mm).
- The Softail Deluxe FLSTN has the lower wet weight: 724 lb (328 kg) vs 831 lb (377 kg).
- The Softail Deluxe FLSTN makes more peak power: 78 hp (58 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Neither is a natural fit
Commuting isn't the strong suit of either bike. If it's your main use, that matters more than which of these wins.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Not their thing
Neither of these lives for a twisty road. If that's your thing, there are better tools for it.
Nothing splits them on character and running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
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 FLSTN
What owners say
Strengths
- Classic retro styling with modern touches
- Low seat inspires confidence for shorter riders
- Smooth, torquey Twin Cam 103B engine
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 FLSTN
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 9-year-old Chief with a 9-year-old Softail Deluxe FLSTN.
- Chief
- about $11,500
- Softail Deluxe FLSTN
- about $11,900
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 3,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLSTN | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 24.5 in (622 mm) |
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 724 lb (328 kg) |
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLSTN | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1811 cc | 1690 cc |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 78 hp (58 kW) |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 99 lb-ft (134 Nm) |
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLSTN | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLSTN | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | MT90-16 |
| Rear tire | 180/65-16 | MU85-16 |
| Wheelbase | 68.1 in (1730 mm) | 64.5 in (1638 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Chief | Softail Deluxe FLSTN | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
