By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC (MY2007)
Crack open the Indian Chief's throttle just off idle and it's already pulling hard, with no buzz coming through the bars. The Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC's twin lugs tall gears.
What makes each one tick
Chief
There's no strain in the Chief as its Thunder Stroke heaves toward highway speed while the aluminum chassis stays settled beneath it. The clutch lever's light, and the six-speed snaps home cleanly. Corner entry isn't a wrestling match. The fork turns in and the frame holds its line.
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
You'll spend long hours in the low saddle of the Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC, with the windscreen breaking the air and room for a passenger behind. The counterbalanced Twin Cam's happy to loaf along. A bump goes to horizontal rear shocks you don't see, tucked under the Softail frame. The helical-cut six-speed clicks through with a hush.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Chief has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 27.4 in (696 mm).
- The Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC has the lower wet weight: 743 lb (337 kg) vs 831 lb (377 kg).
- The Chief makes more peak torque: 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) vs 92 lb-ft (125 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Look elsewhere
Neither one is built around the commute. If that's the bike's main job, keep shopping.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not suited: Chief
There's no comfort verdict for the Chief here. Its job is somewhere else.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Wrong job for both
If corners are your thing, keep looking. Neither one comes alive when the road gets tight.
For character and running costs, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
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 FLSTC
What owners say
Strengths
- Classic retro styling with modern updates
- Comfortable long-distance cruising
- Light clutch and smooth-shifting 6-speed
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 FLSTC
- Positive battery cable chafing (Recall 07V173000) Recall 07V173000 Battery positive cable may contact oil tank weld bead, causing chafing and risk of electrical short. Addressed by NHTSA safety recall 07V173000 with installation of a battery caddy kit.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 27.4 in (696 mm) |
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 743 lb (337 kg) |
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1811 cc | 1584 cc |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 92 lb-ft (125 Nm) |
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | MT90-16 |
| Rear tire | 180/65-16 | MU85-16 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Chief | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Not offered |
| Cruise Control | 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.
