Harley-Davidson Versus Indian; Which Brand is Better?
Harley-Davidson Versus Indian; Which Brand is Better?
Harley-Davidson and Indian American motorcycle manufacturers have ruled the streets for years with an endless war of who takes the crown. While both are high-performance brands in America, like the Indian FTR and the Harley-Davidson Sportster, the Canadian motorcycle market is also experiencing the impact of these companies’ major and dynamic shifts in specs and other unique and robust features, like the V-Twin models that make bikers cruise in confidence.
Under these brand names, the sweet rivalry has seen them advance their brand’s power and other upgrades like air-cooled engines, ABS braking, and keyless ignition, with outstanding performance and horsepower. Still, the silent battle wages on, shifting into a different motorcycle world away from other top-known designs and racer bikes, including the BMW, Honda, Ducati, Yamaha, and Ford.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
From the days of the 1936 EL Knucklehead classics to the CVO Street Glide and the CVO Road Glide, the distinctive Harley-Davidson branding has established it as a successful motorcycle brand. While Harley bikes have dominated the motorcycle market for decades, new models from the company have experienced steep competition from rival manufacturers and a shift in generational taste and preference. The company’s efforts to make a name in the high-performance brands are pegged mainly on the LiveWire model and the Harley Bronx.
Indian Motorcycles
This Polaris-owned and American motorcycle company has stood the test of time despite going out of business after World War II. This Harley’s stripped-down tourer has risen after decades of inactivity to its distinctive place, battling for the roadmaster crown with its competitor. Initially, it was conceived as a bicycle company called Hendee Manufacturing Company before rebranding and taking over the Indian motorcycles under Polaris Industries. Common brands include the Indian Scout Bobber, FTR 1200 sportbike, Chieftain Elite, Indian Challenger, Indian Chief Bobber, and more.
So, Who is the Roadmaster?
In Canada, you will find an established dealership like the Redline Harley-Davidson and a ready market for new and aftermarket Harley-Davidson parts and accessories. One of its most modern designs comes with the liquid-cooled and overhead-cam design and engine infotainment system, cruise controls, multiple ride models, and more. On the other hand, Indian motorcycles are similar in premium cruiser design and performance models but with its MSRPs taking a more modern technology-based approach to their features. However, the silent rivalry is still easily noticeable. In most cases, the Sturgis Rally events are the only places you will find both models parked closely.
Since the early 20th century, both companies made significant inroads in the motorcycle industry. After the Indian motorcycle manufacturer restarted, it gained considerable market share from its rival, Harley-Davidson. Indian motorcycles achieved this by focusing mainly on speed performance in their race or sportbike models common in flat track events. In contrast, Harley-Davidson concentrates on comfort and longer-distance rides.
Harley may hold more cultural significance, including sending more cruisers for the World War troops, but the Indian brands have more speed records. Both bikes are deeply and well entrenched in the cruiser segment, with the Scout models standing out as the touring motorcycle. Still, as the Indian cruiser stands out in being faster, the two rivals have powerful output and road performance with similarities, mainly in Harley-Davidson Road King and the Indian Super Chief.
With some of the best motorcycles, it’s difficult to bypass any Harley-Davidson and Indian models, mainly the cruiser, trike, street, baggers, touring motorcycle, and sportbike, with a big fairing design, handlebars, and saddlebags propelled by robust horsepower, like the Harley-Davidson in its 121-cubic inch Milwaukee-eight V-Twin engine and the Indian FTR1200. These are also mainly showcased in the flat track racing events, where both companies have spent massive resources.