By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Harley-Davidson Softail Slim FLS (MY2012)
You'll feel the Indian Chief's V-twin pull smooth and strong from idle, with no shake coming up through the seat. Crawl the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim FLS through slow traffic and its engine won't leave your leg alone. Rear-cylinder heat cooks your right thigh.
So which one do you buy?
The Chief has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Slight edge: Chief
The Chief has a bit more presence and character. It's down to more distinctive styling. This one still comes down to taste.
Which one's the smarter buy
Nothing in it on value
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Chief
For all its 831 lb (377 kg), the Chief doesn't wallow in a bend, because its stiff aluminum frame holds the line and still answers the bar. There's a heap of torque behind the throttle from just above tickover, and the bike lopes along at highway pace without strain. The clutch lever's light. Every shift clicks home without a fumble.
Softail Slim FLS
Behind wide Hollywood bars, the Softail Slim FLS parks you just 23.8 in (604 mm) off the pavement. Its hidden rear shock keeps the hardtail look but doesn't beat you up. Corner entry doesn't take much muscle, since the front turns in readily at parking-lot pace. The exhaust thuds out Harley rumble.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Slim FLS has the lower seat: 23.8 in (604 mm) vs 26.0 in (660 mm).
- The Softail Slim FLS has the lower wet weight: 701 lb (318 kg) vs 831 lb (377 kg).
- The Softail Slim FLS makes more peak power: 78 hp (58 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not its job: Chief
Weekday traffic isn't the Chief's world, so it isn't rated here.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Not their thing
Canyon roads don't bring out the best in either bike. Cruise them, don't race them.
These two run dead level on running costs. Sit on both in the showroom and trust what your body says.
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 Slim FLS
What owners say
Trade-offs
- Excessive engine heat
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 Slim FLS
- Oil tank heat discomfort The underseat oil tank and rear cylinder radiate significant heat to the rider's right thigh, especially at idle. Aftermarket heat shields or a richer fuel mixture can reduce the problem.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 9-year-old Chief with a 9-year-old Softail Slim FLS.
- Chief
- about $11,500
- Softail Slim FLS
- about $11,300
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Softail Slim FLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.0 in (660 mm) | 23.8 in (604 mm) |
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 701 lb (318 kg) |
| Chief | Softail Slim FLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1811 cc | 1690 cc |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 78 hp (58 kW) |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 97 lb-ft (132 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,000 rpm | 3,200 rpm |
| Chief | Softail Slim FLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Chief | Softail Slim FLS | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Slim FLS | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
