Going from a 650 v star to an Indian Chief?

[Blademaker]

What's every bodies opinion on going from 40 cubic inches of the 650 V star to the 105 cubic inches of the 2012 indian? One of the reasons I've been looking at the indian is because of the size, I'm just not comfortable on the Vstar with my long legs and height. Don't get me wrong, I love the bike, it's just a bit small and after an hour or so my knees are killing me. I'm 6'2" tall with a 33" inseam and shoulders a NFL lineman would have.

I know there expensive, and I can't quite afford one yet. But my thoughts are if I do get one it would be one I'd keep from now on.

Pipe dream, or...

Thanks.

[Dodsfall]

I don't think there will be any trouble with making the transition. The Indian will be heavier, of course, but with a little practice on it you should do fine.

[Blademaker]

Thanks, that's one of the reasons I like the Indian, it's nearly 800 pounds. Plus the added wheel base and leg room.

[Goliath616]

for a cheaper alternative, look at the Yamaha Road Stars...I bought one a few months ago and love it....I have an '08 with the 102ci engine....I'm 6'2'' with a 34 inch inseam and fit just fine

[Blademaker]

Thanks, I'll check them out. I did compare them, but the indian has a little more leg room and higher front end.

[ralphlong]

One thing you will like about the Indian is the massive low rpm torque. Torque makes a heavy bike much more manageable.

You will need to show the bike who is boss, however. Especially at low speeds. But like all bikes, technique is more important than strength.

Ralph

[distantThunder]

if you can get an Indian ... get it.
PERIOD !!!

I know so many guys who would do a double back-flip
if they had a chance to own an Indian MC.

dT

[Blademaker]

Thanks, been eye balling Indians for decades. Well, I think I can swing the money, and have to take a ride to the dealership, the closest one is 500 miles away. Of course if I do buy one I'll have to keep it forever, won't be able to afford another!

[racinfan101]

Would be so cool to own one! Hopefully it fits as well as you like. I went from a 750 Shadow to a 1700 Vulcan Nomad and the extra weight does take some getting used to but take it easy until you get used to it and you will be fine!

[Blademaker]

Thanks, first step is to actually find one to sit on and make sure it fits me. Then to see if I can come up with the coin.

[V8Thrasher]

I would love an Indian Chief Darkhorse. Like others have said, if you can afford one, buy one.

[crankbait]

The way I see it you had to leanr to handle the vstar, so what if you have to learn on the Indian. Wish I was in your position but doesn't look like I will be anytime soon. I got an 04 650 v star that I absolutley love just 1 wish I have for it though, I keep trying to grab one more gear on my long cruise to and from work.

[ralphlong]

You will do fine. Its like going to a larger HD. People do it all the time. One thing you will have to get used to is people wanting to talk to you about your new bike. Get ready for a lot of attention.

You will be a celebrity in the biking world, sort of.

[Blademaker]

Thanks. Back on the rig and now sweeting for the dollar makes me re think it, but I know as soon as I get in I'm going to take a ride up to the dealer, who has a 2011 model I'm in love with, and more than likely ride it home. Trouble is he's 640 miles away.

A question on the bigger and heavier bikes with disk rear brakes. Would it be advisable to add some sort of after market ABS? With my Vstar, unless I'm on something really slick, no mater how hard I brake with the rear it won't lock up. Is there a good aftermarket ABS out there?

Thanks

[Blademaker]

Well the Indian dealership kept changing the price, he says it's factory incentives, I don't know. All I know is that I was on the rig and couldn't drop everything to go look at it.

I did find a 2000 Gilroy Indian out in TX that I looked over and bought. It's currently in my shop, fixing some of the issues the gilroy had. Just got the forks back together after changing a seal, and will be putting new risers on tonight. Already replaced the rubber on the right floorboard. Everything else checks out. Rite now I'm looking for a little touch up paint for the front fender, the PO had dinged it up on a curb, I straitened the metal, just need a dab of paint now. I may re paint the hole thing sometime in the future, but while it's warm and I'm off I'd rather be riding.

[goalie]

Wow! That is one sweet bike! That is seriously the style I find irresistible.

[Texas Mike]

Congrats on the purchase, she looks great.

[Blademaker]

Thanks, so far have fixed PO issues that he never fixed.

New fork seals, polished all the chrome while it was down, replaced OEM risers that have a tendency to break, fixed a couple light issues, and fixed and touched up minor paint issues. Eventually I'll probably repaint it, I'm thinking red and cream, but that's a ways down the road.

Rite now, or once I get back stateside and can work on it I need to clean and rebuild the carb, it set up for nearly a year and is full of varnish. Immediately after that I need to put a new rear tire on, it's pretty bald and doesn't inspire confidence in curves, much less rain.

Other than that she's great, nice ride, feels like a cadalac, and has plenty of leg room for my long legs.