By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Triumph Thunderbird Commander (MY2014) vs Indian Chief (MY2014)
Triumph Thunderbird Commander vs Indian Chief: buy with your heart, but read this first.
Half a twist of throttle in top gear and the Triumph Thunderbird Commander's parallel twin rolls on hard with an even pulse that doesn't throb like a V-twin. The Indian Chief pulls clean off idle without a shiver.
So which one do you buy?
The Chief has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
By a nose: Chief
The Chief has a bit more presence and character. Put it down to more retro style and a purer look. This one still comes down to taste.
Keeping running costs low
Inches ahead: Chief
Day to day, the Chief works out slightly cheaper to own. The saving is small.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear advantage
The Thunderbird Commander costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike stands out as the smarter spend at these used prices.
What makes each one tick
Thunderbird Commander
The Thunderbird Commander's steel frame carries its engine as part of the structure, and all that heft settles calmly into long open sweepers. The front end tips in neutrally at corner entry and doesn't wander off its arc. The floorboards scrape early. There's a deep rumble from that liquid-cooled engine.
Chief
There's a lot of bike in the Chief, yet its stiff cast aluminum frame swings it from one bend into the next and keeps it settled. Each gear snaps in with a precise click. The clutch takes a light pull. A bump's gone into the suspension before the frame notices.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Chief has the lower seat: 26.0 in (660 mm) vs 27.6 in (700 mm).
- The Thunderbird Commander has the lower wet weight: 767 lb (348 kg) vs 831 lb (377 kg).
- The Thunderbird Commander makes more peak power: 93 hp (69 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not their thing
Neither of these is a natural commuter. For daily traffic duty, look at something lighter and simpler.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Both fall short
A string of bends won't flatter either of these. They're built around other priorities.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Thunderbird Commander
What owners say
Strengths
- Monster torque with unique parallel-twin character
- Stable, predictable handling for its size
- Supremely comfortable saddle
- Top-notch build quality and finish
Trade-offs
- Floorboards too short and scrape easily
- Massive weight can be intimidating
Chief
What owners say
Strengths
- Mighty Thunder Stroke 111 engine
- Surprisingly agile handling
- Outstanding fit and finish
- Smooth, positive transmission
Known problems to check before you buy
Thunderbird Commander
- Fuel injector unintended activation recall Recall 14V694000 NHTSA recall 14V-694: unintended activation of fuel injector by the ECU could cause engine stall, increasing crash risk. Affected 2014-2015 Thunderbird models need ECU reprogramming.
- Engine knocking / piston noise (thunderbird knock) A harmonic chatter or vibration from the engine, often traced to piston skirt or cylinder liner issues. Triumph has reportedly addressed this with a replacement kit. Some owners report the problem requiring engine removal and piston/cylinder replacement under warranty.
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.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 9-year-old Thunderbird Commander with a 9-year-old Chief.
- Thunderbird Commander
- about $8,100
- Chief
- about $11,500
At nine years old, the Thunderbird Commander sits around $8,100 while the Chief runs about $11,500. That's a $3,400 gap in the Thunderbird Commander's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Thunderbird Commander | Chief | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 27.6 in (700 mm) | 26.0 in (660 mm) |
| Wet weight | 767 lb (348 kg) | 831 lb (377 kg) |
| Thunderbird Commander | Chief | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1699 cc | 1811 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | 49° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 93 hp (69 kW) | 73 hp (54 kW) |
| Torque | 111 lb-ft (150 Nm) | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) |
| Thunderbird Commander | Chief | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.8 US gal (22 L) | 5.5 US gal (20.8 L) |
| Thunderbird Commander | Chief | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 310 mm | 300 mm |
| Front tire | 140/75-17 | 130/90-16 |
| Rear tire | 200/50-17 | 180/65-16 |
| Wheelbase | 65.5 in (1664 mm) | 68.1 in (1730 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thunderbird Commander | Chief | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
