By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser vs Tourer
Indian Chief (MY2014) vs Springfield (MY2016)
Indian Chief vs Springfield: different classes, one choice. Here's how to make it.
Through a long fast bend, the Indian Chief's stiff aluminum frame doesn't wallow, and it still turns in at a light push on the bars. The Indian Springfield holds its line there and keeps reporting grip.
What makes each one tick
Chief
Down at idle, the Chief's Thunder Stroke twin already pulls hard, and there's no buzz coming up through the grips or the pegs. Mid-corner, the suspension doesn't fuss. As the brake lever and ABS haul the bike down for a stop, each downshift through the six-speed box clicks home cleanly. Out back, the quiet belt drive just hums.
Springfield
On the tightest switchbacks of Iron Mountain Road, the Springfield's chassis tips into each corner without a fight, and there's real clearance left under it. Its twin doesn't jolt at low revs and answers a throttle roll or a downshift with the same calm. Over long miles, the seat keeps its comfort. The exhaust note lands hard.
Nils rode the Springfield in 2019 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Chief has the lower wet weight: 831 lb (377 kg) vs 855 lb (388 kg).
- USB Charging Port: standard on the Springfield, not offered on the Chief.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS): standard on the Springfield, not offered on the Chief.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not built for this
Neither of these is a natural commuter. For daily traffic duty, look at something lighter and simpler.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong tool: Chief
There's no comfort verdict for the Chief here. Its job is somewhere else.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Neither is a natural fit
Neither of these is a sensible first motorcycle. Learn on something smaller and lighter, then come back.
On running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
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
Springfield
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Thunder Worth Hearing
- Torque Without the Kick
- Rock-Steady at Speed
- More Lean Than It Looks
- A Seat Built for Miles
Trade-offs
- Buffeting Above Cruising Pace
- Narrow Saddlebag Openings
- Hot-Day Engine Cut-Outs
- Three Recalls to Verify
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.
- Recall 19V776000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Recall 19V776000 Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
- Recall 18V228000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Recall 18V228000 Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.
- Rear wheel speed sensor failure The rear wheel speed sensor fails and requires replacement.
Springfield
- Fuel rail abrasion may cause fuel leak (recall 16V877) Recall 16V877000 Insufficient clearance between the fuel rail and engine can cause abrasion, leading to a potential fuel leak. Dealers will install a bracket to limit movement.
- Gear position switch false neutral indication (NHTSA Recall 19V-776) Recall 19V776000 Oxidation on gear position switch contacts may cause incorrect gear display, potentially indicating neutral when in gear, increasing risk of unintended movement. Recall/stop-sale issued (I-19-02).
- Loss of forward lighting due to VCM connector failure (recall 22V635) Recall 22V635000 The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, cutting forward lighting. The high beam indicator will flash if this occurs. Dealers will inspect the connector and update software.
- Recall 19V776000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Recall 19V776000 Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
- Recall 18V228000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Recall 18V228000 Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 5-year-old Chief with a 5-year-old Springfield.
- Chief
- about $12,400
- Springfield
- about $15,300
At five years old, the Indian Chief sits around $12,400 while the Indian Springfield runs about $15,300. That's a $2,900 gap in the Chief's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Seat height
- 26.0 in (660 mm)
- Displacement
- 1811 cc
- Engine
- 49° V-twin
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 3,000 rpm
- Fuel capacity
- 5.5 US gal (20.8 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
- Front tire
- 130/90-16
Where the spec sheets split
| Chief | Springfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 831 lb (377 kg) | 855 lb (388 kg) |
| Chief | Springfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 73 hp (55 kW) |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 119 lb-ft (162 Nm) |
| Chief | Springfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 180/65-16 | 180/60-16 |
| Wheelbase | 68.1 in (1730 mm) | 67.0 in (1701 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Chief | Springfield | |
|---|---|---|
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Not offered | Standard |
| 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.
