DO NOT BUY AN INDIAN MOTORCYCLE / Here's Why

Unreliable, riddled with problems and recalls, these flashy bikes will grab your attention and drain your wallet, all while stealing your sanity along the way. Literally go and buy any other brand of motorcycle, don't be a sucker and victim like I was. Polaris is the parent company of Indian Motorcycle co, and possibly the only reason they haven't gone under. I initially praised this motorcycle for it's performance and feel, but the looks and power aren't enough to overcome the highly potential nightmare called ownership. Comment with any questions, enjoy!

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Chief scout challenger sport chief ftr 1200 chieftain roadster Springfield pursuit bobber dark horse limited 101

[papertrail]

Harley owner here. Did demo the last 4 years with various Indian models. Always left impressed. Didn't see any issues that you mentioned.

[Walrus]

This is the first Indian bash video I’ve seen. I’ve seen some guys talk about things they would change but every other video I’ve seen the bikes and company are praised. I own a 2016 Scout 60 and it is a phenomenal bike. Never had one problem with it. Smooth while idling, smooth at 90 mph. Can’t ask for a better bike.

[bruceprashaw]

I have just over 30, 000 on a Springfield and have had absolutely no issues. I just love it and can’t ride enough.

[I-Libertine]

Love my 2015 Scout! Owned at least 20 bikes (Harleys, Triumphs, Hondas, the lot): my Scout is the best bike I've ever had. Will never let it go.

[mkoehler]

Some people just shouldn't have a motorcycle!?!?

[cmontuori]

My 24 Chief wasn't recalled. Where do you get your facts? CNN?

[biglou]

Here’s a list of major motorcycle manufacturers and some key issues that have been reported with certain models. Keep in mind that not every motorcycle from these brands will experience these problems.

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### **1. Harley-Davidson**
**Key Issues:**
- **Electrical problems**: Issues with starters, charging systems, and battery drains.
- **Heat management**: Excessive heat on Touring models, especially near the rider's legs.
- **Transmission clunk**: Stiff or noisy shifting, especially on larger models.
- **Oil leaks**: Common in older models or poorly maintained bikes.

---

### **2. Indian Motorcycle**
**Key Issues:**
- **Starter motor failure**: Reported in some Challenger and Scout models.
- **Ride Command system glitches**: Display freezes or malfunctions.
- **Electrical gremlins**: Battery drainage and inconsistent power delivery in some models.
- **Suspension complaints**: Premature wear on suspension components in certain models.

---

### **3. Honda**
**Key Issues:**
- **DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)**: Complaints of lag or jerky shifting in models like the Gold Wing.
- **Stator failure**: Especially common in older CBR and VFR models.
- **Fuel pump issues**: Some recent models experienced fuel pump recalls.
- **Plastic body parts**: Prone to cracking or breaking on sportbike models.

---

### **4. Yamaha**
**Key Issues:**
- **Cam chain tensioner failure**: Noted in models like the R6 and FZ series.
- **Fuel injector clogging**: A common problem in bikes stored for long periods.
- **Throttle snatchiness**: Reported in MT-09 and FZ-09 models due to abrupt fuel injection.
- **Weak suspension**: Stock suspension can wear out quickly under heavy loads.

---

### **5. Kawasaki**
**Key Issues:**
- **Regulator/rectifier failure**: Common on Ninja and older Z series bikes.
- **ABS issues**: Faulty sensors leading to inconsistent braking on newer models.
- **Excessive vibrations**: Felt in handlebars and footpegs, particularly in high-revving engines.
- **Coolant leaks**: Notable in older Ninja models.

---

### **6. Suzuki**
**Key Issues:**
- **Stator and rectifier issues**: Common in GSX-R models and other sport bikes.
- **Fuel pump problems**: Issues with fuel delivery leading to stalling.
- **Clutch wear**: Premature clutch wear in high-performance bikes.
- **Poor stock brakes**: Brake fade reported in certain models.

---

### **7. BMW Motorrad**
**Key Issues:**
- **Final drive failure**: Notable on R-series shaft-driven models.
- **Electrical system faults**: Issues with CAN bus systems and sensors.
- **Water pump leaks**: Common in some S1000RR and GS models.
- **Fragile plastics**: Prone to damage in some adventure bikes.

---

### **8. KTM**
**Key Issues:**
- **Overheating**: Especially in EXC and adventure models.
- **Electrical failures**: Dashboard and headlight problems in Duke and ADV models.
- **Fuel pump issues**: Clogging and failure in certain adventure bikes.
- **Vibration complaints**: Excessive vibration in single-cylinder models.

---

### **9. Ducati**
**Key Issues:**
- **Desmo valve maintenance**: High maintenance costs and frequency.
- **Electrical failures**: Dashboard glitches and battery drains.
- **Exhaust valve problems**: Common in Multistrada models.
- **Clutch wear**: Dry clutch systems in older models require frequent service.

---

### **10. Triumph**
**Key Issues:**
- **Cam chain tensioner issues**: Common in Street Triple and Tiger models.
- **Electrical problems**: Faulty switches and battery drainage.
- **Oil leaks**: Seen in some Bonneville and older Tiger models.
- **Throttle response issues**: Noted in newer ride-by-wire systems.

---

### **11. Royal Enfield**
**Key Issues:**
- **Engine vibration**: Excessive vibrations in older Bullet and Classic models.
- **Oil leakage**: Not uncommon in air-cooled models.
- **Rusting**: Prone to corrosion in humid climates.
- **Clutch issues**: Premature wear reported in Himalayan and 650 Twins.

---

### **12. Aprilia**
**Key Issues:**
- **Electrical failures**: Particularly with RSV4 and Tuono models.
- **Valve clearance maintenance**: High cost and labor-intensive service.
- **Fueling issues**: Poor low-end response on some sport bikes.
- **Overheating**: Especially in stop-and-go traffic.

---

### **13. Moto Guzzi**
**Key Issues:**
- **Drivetrain issues**: Shaft drive systems prone to wear.
- **Electrical faults**: Issues with switches and dashboards.
- **Oil leaks**: More frequent in older models.
- **Limited parts availability**: Can result in long repair times.

---

### **14. Can-Am (Spyder and Ryker)**
**Key Issues:**
- **Transmission problems**: Automatic transmission issues on some models.
- **Electronic stability system glitches**: Unintended engagement or errors.
- **Heat buildup**: Felt by riders, especially on older Spyders.
- **Brake wear**: Premature wear of stock braking systems.

---

### **15. Husqvarna**
**Key Issues:**
- **Electrical failures**: Mainly in off-road models.
- **Fuel pump issues**: Clogging and failure in 701 and Svartpilen models.
- **Overheating**: Common in single-cylinder off-road bikes.
- **Fragile components**: Prone to damage under hard riding.

---

### Conclusion:
While no motorcycle brand is perfect, many issues arise from specific model designs. Case in point—no brand is completely free from defects, not even Honda. My 1995 Honda Magna was a total lemon, and you know what? I still love Honda. Things happen; it’s the price we pay for wanting modern technology.

[jesuschrist-alphaomega]

You are a paid schill. I am 60 years old an been riding. Since I was 16. I've owned and been a sales person for Harley an Indian. I am a master mechanic. 😎 Indian by leaps n bounds is a far superior designed and built motorcycle. I own several bikes of both makes. I ride my chief more then any other bike. Logged almost 20k not one problem. Can't say that about my hardlys

[Jerry-ek]

I’ve had an Indian Springfield now for two years and I have not had any problems with it at all. I absolutely love the motorcycle!

[TSMotorcyclist]

Well done mate, you have the voice and persona of a natural whinger. Great stuff

[krismerchant]

“Me thinks you doth protest too much”. I thought this was a Saturday Night live skit. This is so over the top. I love how you have an FTR and in your universe it applies to ALL models. I have a Chieftain and started it at 32 degrees in my garage. None of this has been my experience. I wonder why you no longer work for the dealership. I’m glad that you are happy with my experience. Stick with the Hondas.

[LastCall]

It's my understanding that the new Harley's are plagued with wiring harness and electronic issues as well. That's unacceptable in this day and time. I'll stick with Japanese manufacturers all the way.

[AlbertHammock-vv]

I own a 2023 Chieftain Limited and have never experienced any of the issues that he is talking about. It has 16, 000 miles and I've ridden it on plenty of 25 degree days with no issues. In fact, my bike has never failed to start. Push the power switch and push and release the start switch and it fires up every time. You don't hold the start switch on any Indian model. I had my bike serviced at the 50 mile break in and every 5, 000 miles after. Have never heard any noise from the engine, that he is describing.

[JaridLacroix]

Dude, crank it over a little bit when starting. Not 0.5 sec on the start button and then question why it’s not starting. If u’d show a good few seconds of crank with no start then I’d say you might have a problem.

[BuellXBSDucati]

Currently, I still ride my 2018 Indian Scout Bobber and love it. No issues.

[tombstone]

My brother has one the bagger and has never had a problem with it its a really great looking bike and a smooth ride !

[jiml]

Wow... I traded my ultra for a 2023 Indian Pursuit. I haven't seen anything like he's talking about. Several trips, not one problem. I think he's just got ahold of a defective unit. It's still under warranty. Take it in for a fix and trade it for a metric.

[gregbean]

Just went over 40, 000 miles on my 2019 Springfield. Love it, zero issues, zero regrets!

[randomstuffwithjoe]

Tell me you have a boyfriend.. without telling me you have a boyfriend. Go go boi... 🤣

[DinoHarley]

In life there are always lemons. I myself have bought a few and attempted to fix what was broken or a design flaw by the manufacturers. Back in the early 70s the Japanese manufacturers were a breath of fresh air when it came to providing a bike that won’t leave ya walking. As time move on these Japanese manufacturers seem to be more interested in producing than fixing the issues that was overlooked at the factory. This is the same issues that plagued the British bike market that took them out of business by the late 70s. Pure junk bikes. Unreliable at any ride. Harleys I’ve owned a few in its early times bleed oil out of the engine cases an primary. The EVO seems to solve the leaks. Most of the early Harleys had poor quality when it came to solving the leaky engines. This all could be fixed by having the engine and cases machined to fit correctly with good gasket stuff plus understand the bikes. All this was the joy of riding before the new bikes are pledged with electronic crap. Anti traction, heated hand grips, seat warmer, low tire light, low fuel light, plug for the phone, intercom’s, a sound system ya can’t hear at 70 mph, windshields that go up and down and so on. What is the bike world coming to? Most of this ya don’t really need and you should be checking the bike over before ya fire it up. Two things the rider should be checking, tire pressure and the oils before any ride. Idiot lights are what they are. And if ya need an ass or hand warmer, then stay home or buy a convertible. I’m an older rider, been tossing a leg over a seat over 60 years, longer than most of ya been a live.Ride the bike for what it is.Freedom, wind in your face and the pleasures a ride can provide and learn how to work on your bike! As I heard you’ll never see a bike parked in front of a physics office. My old Harley cured me when I came home from hell a place called Vietnam. Thank you Harley Davidson for being there for me back in the day. Just an older experience guys opinion. Opinions are like asses, we all got one. See ya down the road.