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Harley-Davidson vs. Indian Motorcycles: A Tightly Run Race
When it comes down to the epic motorcycle showdown between Harley-Davidson and Indian, it feels like everyone’s got a horse in this race—or should we say, a bike in this run? While Streeter played it coy, not favoring one over the other, Mark Vaughn from Autoweek didn’t hold back. He took the Harley’s Road Glide Limited and the Indian Dark Horse Pursuit out for a spin, delivering us a verdict dripping with insights.
The Heat is On: Harley’s Road Glide vs. Indian’s Dark Horse
Sure, the Road Glide had Vaughn cruising in comfort with plenty of torque at his disposal, but there was a catch—a literal hot seat. The Harley’s V-twin engine didn’t just purr; it roared with heat, cranking out temperatures nearly 200 degrees hotter than the Indian’s exhaust. Picture this: you’re enjoying the breeze, the freedom, but oh, that thigh-toastiness is more than just the sun’s doing!
Twist and Shout: Performance on the Pavement
Now, before you think it’s all about the heat, Vaughn highlighted how the Indian Dark Horse Pursuit responded to the throttle with the eagerness of a kid on Christmas morning—zippy and immediate. The Road Glide, though, presented a slightly more appealing posture for the long haul. Yes, you’re leaning a touch more forward on the Indian, teetering on the brink of adventure. Yet, both bikes promise a seat that says, ‘stay awhile.’
In the home stretch, Vaughn crowned the Dark Horse the champ of this duel, tipping his hat to its brisk performance and significantly cooler pipes. Yet, it’s not to say it left the Road Glide in the dust; the two titans of the tarmac are more neck-and-neck than you’d think.
Picking Your Rider’s Delight: It’s All Personal
Choosing between an Indian or a Harley-Davidson for your garage is less about making a ‘right’ choice and more about listening to your heart—and maybe your rear end, considering that heat factor. Both brands boast a storied past, firm dealer support, and a plethora of choices for every rider’s taste. Sure, Harley’s history might run a bit smoother than Indian’s, which has seen its share of ups and downs before finding a home with Polaris. But don’t let that sway you too much. Whether it’s the relentless spirit of the Indian or the steadfast legacy of Harley-Davidson that calls to you, it’s clear you’ll be riding off into the sunset with a slice of American history.
So, what’s it gonna be? Are you swayed by the cool performance of the Indian or the time-tested posture of the Harley? Whatever you lean towards, remember: it’s about the journey, the feel of the ride, and the stories you’ll tell. Let the road decide.
