By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS (MY2018)
A frost heave at a steady pace, and the Indian Chief's suspension soaks up the hit while the stiff frame doesn't budge. Under the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS, there's a monoshock and Showa fork working the bump. Its steering doesn't lose its bite.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
A touch ahead: Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS
On sound and soul, the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS comes out a touch ahead. What tips it: more retro style and more chopper style. Your own eyes and ears outrank this verdict.
Which one's the smarter buy
Depends what you want it for
The Chief costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy for the money. Neither bike wins on value alone.
What makes each one tick
Chief
The Chief's Thunder Stroke 111 pulls hard from idle and doesn't shake the bars while it does it. On Iron Mountain Road's switchbacks, the bike carries all 831 lb (377 kg) into a corner and still turns in eagerly, then sits planted once it's leaned over. The clutch lever comes in light. Each shift clicks cleanly into place.
Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS
The Heritage Classic's Milwaukee-Eight 114 surges from just above idle, and passing a truck takes only a roll of the throttle. Off the brake lever, all 721 lb (327 kg) of the Harley tips into a bend sharply and holds its line. The 114 hauls clear of each bend on low revs.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Chief has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 26.8 in (680 mm).
- The Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS has the lower wet weight: 721 lb (327 kg) vs 831 lb (377 kg).
- The Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS makes more peak power: 93 hp (69 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Neither is a natural fit
For the daily grind, both of these are hard work. A smaller, simpler bike will make your weekdays easier.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for it: Chief
No long-distance verdict for the Chief. It's made for something else entirely.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Both miss here
Neither of these lives for a twisty road. If that's your thing, there are better tools for it.
Nothing splits them on 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 Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS
What owners say
Strengths
- Surprisingly agile and responsive handling
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 Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS
- Rear shock preload adjuster tab fracture (safety recall) Recall 25V375000 The shock absorber spring-preload adjuster mounting tab can fracture, causing the adjuster to contact the rear tire and potentially deflate it. Recall NHTSA 25V375 / H-D 0188. Dealers install a repair kit free of charge.
- Rattling/buzzing gas cap The fuel cap rattles or buzzes at certain engine speeds, often noticeable at idle. Usually resolved by replacing the cap seal or the entire cap assembly under warranty.
- Condensation inside speedometer Moisture accumulates inside the speedometer glass, causing fogging and potential visibility issues. Reported by multiple owners across model years.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 5-year-old Chief with a 5-year-old Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS.
- Chief
- about $12,400
- Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS
- about $16,200
At five years old, the Indian Chief sits around $12,400 while the Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS runs about $16,200. That's a $3,800 gap in the Chief's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Torque
- 119 lb-ft (161 Nm)
- Peak torque at
- 3,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front tire
- 130/90-16
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 26.8 in (680 mm) |
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 721 lb (327 kg) |
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1811 cc | 1868 cc |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 93 hp (69 kW) |
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 180/65-16 | 150/80-16 |
| Wheelbase | 68.1 in (1730 mm) | 64.2 in (1630 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic 114 FLHCS | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
