All Duels – Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards – Page 1 – Static: Harley bends in eight to counter Indian

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Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards

All Duels - Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards - Page 1 - Static: Harley bends in 8 to counter Indian

Harley-Davidson strikes twice in 2017 with its new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine: meeting Euro4 standards and the competition, Indian and its Thunder Stroke 111 in the lead ! MNC faces off against these two air-cooled big twins in a duel between the Road Glide Special and the Chieftain Dark Horse. 

Page 1 – Static: Harley bends in 8 to counter Indian

It is not so often that a new generation of engine leaves the Harley-Davidson chains: the unprecedented (for 107 cubic inches, or 1745cc) unveiled on the only opens the ninth mechanical chapter of the brand since its creation in 1903. More specifically, the previous 1690cc Twin Cam 103 to which this 1745cc (+ 55cc) V-twin succeeds dates back to… 1999. You said conservatism. ?!

All Duels - Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards - Page 1 - Static: Harley bends in 8 to counter Indian

The entry into force of Euro4 on January 1, 2017 is of course at the center of this necessary (r) evolution which is difficult to manage. Managing to meet the new standards while maintaining the aesthetic, technical and sensory codes specific to Harley mechanics is indeed a real challenge. In particular by renewing the air-oil cooling on the major part of the range, like here the Road Glide Special (read also our). Recall that like the Twin Cam 103, the Milwaukee-Eight 107 adopts partially liquid cooling on the "Ultra" high-end, like the Electra Ultra Limited. Same thing for the luxurious CVOs but in displacement boosted to 114 ci (1868cc).

Whatever the variation, this "107" multiplies by two certain characteristics compared to the old "103": its larger diameter cylinders (98.4 to 100 mm) are now surmounted by two spark plugs, four valves (i.e. eight in all, hence the mention "Eight") and supplied by two injectors! All these modifications associated with the grafting of a ride-by-wire benefit performance (from 138 Nm of torque at 150) and consumption ("-11%", according to HD), in addition to reducing pollutant emissions via better catalytic treatment – also prepared for Euro5 scheduled for 2020. In addition to its mandatory improvements, this "107" is also Harley-Davidson’s response to its competitors like Indian, which casts a shadow over the chrome with its powerful Thunder Stroke 111 …

Two baggers licked in every detail

With its 1811cc, the Indian V-twin was developed in record time thanks to the firepower of its new owner since 2011, the imposing Poloris group. This mechanical cathedral with superb ribbed cylinder heads takes over certain custom features specific to Harley-Davidson, such as a V open at 49 ° (45 on the HD), a tumbled timing, air-oil cooling and a final belt transmission. . Thanks to its more modern design, it offered until now a better performance than its model and rival, in addition to being predisposed to the latest standards thanks to its electronic accelerator.

All Duels - Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards - Page 1 - Static: Harley bends in 8 to counter Indian

Consequently, the Chieftain Dark Horse chosen by MNC to face the Road Glide Special and its Milwaukee-Eight 107 is already Euro4, as is the rest of the Indian 2017 range. Other points in common between these two Bagger: a unique style, a bit "badass" in these dark colors, coupled with an exacerbated attention to detail. Everything is perfectly assembled and the materials are extremely qualitative. The thick chrome casing that covers their long silencers is an example, as is the discreet integration of the oil cooler and the electrical network. Indian takes a small advantage thanks to the black covers placed behind its rear cylinder: in this way, only the "noble" part of the mechanics is visible when the Harley leaves it exposed – by looking at it very closely! – a few lugs near the starter and its four suppressor cables (double ignition requires).

Each exudes solidity, a feeling reinforced by their intimidating measurements: 1668 mm of wheelbase and 380 kg for the Indian against 1625 mm and 388 kg for the Harley. It is heavy ! Too much, given their common lack of reverse gear… Their similarities also extend to the price: € 27,390 for the Road Glide Special and € 27,000 for the Chieftain Dark Horse, similar in design to the Roadmaster. To balance the situation, the Indian’s addition must however be increased by 658 €, ie the price excluding the installation of its saddle and passenger footrest assembly. Two-seater approved, the American “other” is indeed delivered in a solo configuration to reinforce its dark and refined image. The best for single "bad boys" … who intend to stay that way !

More expensive for the same transport capacity, the Chieftain, on the other hand, offers a higher endowment, to be controlled by its remote control allowing the rigid luggage to be locked from a distance. The Road Glide Special’s suitcases of similar capacity (motorcycle boots and gloves fit in, but not a helmet) are locked with the key supplied with the transponder. A bad point in this price range, to which is added a more tedious disassembly system to unscrew … The Chieftain Dark Horse is also distinguished by the perfect integration of its cases, more aerodynamic and above all slightly curved above the exits of exhausts. Classroom.

All Duels - Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards - Page 1 - Static: Harley bends in eight to counter Indian

Better: its right suitcase contains a second 12V socket (only one on the Harley, on the left of the cockpit), very practical for recharging electrical equipment during the trip! On the other hand, disconnecting the power supply from this socket and from the central locking system is essential to remove the cases. Fortunately, everything is grouped together on a single spindle accessible without tools behind the side panels. We also appreciate the presence of elbow valves on the rims of the Indian (straight, therefore less accessible on the H-D), also equipped as standard with a tire pressure indicator (all practical aspects on page 4).

Its instrumentation more classic than that of the Harley-Davidson also provides information on the average and instantaneous fuel consumption as well as the interval before the next service (expressed in hours). So many parameters neglected on the Road Glide Special, yet equipped with a color display screen with tactile feedback above its needle dials! This real "tablet" allows, among other things, access to the GPS supplied as standard (to come on the next generations of Indian), but also to the famous "Boom Box" audio installation. Once again, this exceptional sound system completely outclasses that of its competitor, both in ease of use and in listening quality. Not to mention its voice recognition function allowing, among other things, to dictate and send a text message after pairing with your phone (preferably off).

All Duels - Duel Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Vs Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 107: riders on the standards - Page 1 - Static: Harley bends in eight to counter Indian

On the Harley, savoring a title from its play-list is possible up to 130 km / h with a sound reproduction of astonishing clarity and power. A real two-wheeled disco! On the Chieftain, the tone of the sound is more garish, the nuances less rich and saturation quickly reached: the system admits its limits from 100/110 km / h, in addition to making the upper part of the control station unpleasantly resonate. piloting. In addition, storage compartments are lacking in the cockpit of the Indian: a small space is certainly provided under the front right fairing, but it is inaccessible while driving. In reality, its goal is just to accommodate a smartphone or an MP3 that is connected to the sound system via a USB cable. The Road Glide Special offers two accessible storage compartments, also with a USB / sound cable on the right. Note that the two audio systems also work via Bluetooth link. 

But is the queen of PA also brilliant handlebars in hand? What is the famous Milwaukee-Eight 107 worth? Does he show himself to the measure of the "111" of Indian? And what about cycle parts, does the Harley benefit from the improvements announced on its Showa suspensions? So many questions to which the dynamic part of our duel answers on the next page !

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