Harley-Davidson vs. Indian Motorcycle Questions and Answers

As with anything in life both manufacturers make a quality product, but it’s more than quality that calls out to the motorcycle enthusiast. Please consider the following when making the decision on your next motorcycle purchase.

1.  Who owns Harley-Davidson and who owns Indian?

Answer: Harley-Davidson is a publicly traded company.  The shareholders own the company.  Indian’s majority shareholder is now a Private Equity Group Carolwood LP with Polaris owning a small portion of the company.  After the deal closes in 2026 Indian will be a standalone private company.  Many have criticized this change, as private equity often dilutes a brand.

2.  Do these 2 brands have an owners group?

Answer: Yes Harley-Davidson has a national HOG (Harley Owners Group) with local chapters in every state that has a Harley-Davidson dealership.  There are over 1,400 HOG chapters worldwide.  Indian has a fledgling owners group the IMRG (Indian Motorcycle Riders Group).  Although there is no official number of chapters there are estimated to be over 100 in Europe.  Both groups organize group rides, have special events, and give members exclusive access to brand related perks.

3.  What are the warranty terms on Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles?

Answer:  They both come with a 2 year unlimited mileage limited warranty.  The terms of which vary by manufacturer and are subject to certain terms laid out in their owners manuals.  The warranty begins with the sale date of each motorcycle, and is transferable at their respective dealerships.

4.  Do Indian Motorcycle Company And Harley-Davidson Motor Company have a loyalty credit card program?

Answer:  Indian Motorcycle does not have a credit card loyalty program.  Harley-Davidson has 2 loyalty credit cards.  One is administered by US Bank and is named the HD Visa.  The other is administered by Comenity Capital Bank and is the Harley-Davidson Experience Credit Card.  Both have loyalty point programs and can be used for everything Harley-Davidson.

5.  How many Harley-Davidson dealerships are there, and how many Indian dealerships are there?

Answer:  There are over 1,400 independently owned Harley-Davidson dealerships worldwide, located in nearly 100 countries. In the United States, there are over 650 dealerships give or take a few.  Indian on the other hand only has 204 dealerships in 47 states and territories.  There is no known number of how many there are outside the US.

6.  Is a Harley-Davidson’s resale value greater than an Indian Motorcycle’s?

Answer: Yes, generally a Harley-Davidson's resale value is higher than an Indian motorcycle's, due to a larger, more established brand following and community. While Indian motorcycles are competitive and hold their value well, Harley-Davidson has a stronger resale market, particularly for bikes that have been taken care of lovingly, which most Harley enthusiasts practice.

7.  Do Indian motorcycles have more plastic components than Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?

Answer:  Yes Indian Motorcycles do use more plastic parts than Harley-Davidson.  Indian is known for covering up mechanical parts with plastic coverings, while Harley-Davidson usually leaves mechanicals out and not covered.  This difference is while many motorcycle purists prefer the aesthetic of Harley-Davidson motorcycles more than Indian Motorcycles.

8.  Do Indian Motorcycles require more maintenance than Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?

Answer: No, Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles do not require significantly different amounts of maintenance, and both are considered reliable when properly cared for. However, a key difference is the dealership network: Harley-Davidson has a much larger network of dealers, which can make it easier to find service and parts, especially for long-distance riders

9.  Do both motorcycles have an aftermarket parts following?

Answer:  While both brands have aftermarket parts available from a variety of manufacturers.  Harley-Davidson boasts both the most extensive factory and aftermarket parts availability of all brands of motorcycles.  Letting you customize your “blank palette” of a motorcycle in unlimited ways.

10.  Does Indian Motorcycle produce an Adventure Touring Motorcycle?

Answer: No, Indian Motorcycle currently does not produce an Adventure Touring Motorcycle.  Harley-Davidson on the other hand does produce an Adventure Touring motorcycle, The Pan America.  And it is available in multiple trims with advanced features, and both in a street tire and off road tire configuration with corresponding suspensions.

Some comparisons of standard features of Harley-Davidson VS. Indian Motorcycle For the value minded buyer.

2025 Nightster Special vs. 2025 Scout Sixty Bobber

When making head-to-head comparisons, the advanced technology found on the 2025 Nightster® offers a competitive advantage over the Scout Sixty Bobber given the MSRP is the same. The Nightster® stands out with standard features including VVT, hydraulic lash adjusters, ride modes and traction control - features not found on the Scout Sixty Bobber.

2025 Touring Models:

While 2025 Indian Touring Motorcycles come with some standard features such as seen on their Chieftain Model: ABS,  Electronically Linked Braking, and Traction control.  Harley-Davidson 2025 Grand American Touring Motorcycles Street Glide, Street Glide Ultra, and Road Glide come with Drag-Touque Slip Control, Cornering Enhancements, Vehicle Hold Control, and TPMS standard, as well as ABS,  Electronically Linked Braking, and Traction control.

2025 Sportster S vs. 2025 101 Scout

The Indian Scout comes standard with ABS and Traction control.  The Harley-Davidson Sportster S comes standard with ABS, Traction Control, Drag-Touque Slip Control, Cornering Enhancements, and TPMS.

Throughout the Entire 2025 Harley-Davidson Cruiser line ABS, Electronically Linked Braking, Traction Control Dreg Torque Slip Control, Cornering Enhancements, and TPMS are standard.  Indian on the other hand, offers ABS as an option on some models, and does not currently off anything like Traction Control, Drag-Touque Slip Control, Cornering Enhancements, and TPMS on their 2025 Cruiser Model line.