Rule The Road

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special and Indian Chieftain Roadmaster Classic are two of the beefiest bikes you'll ever lay your eyes on. But which is the true king of the road?

- Jared Solomon

For a long time now, the Indian two-wheeler space hasn’t witnessed the entry of a new touring motorcycle. It seems like the focus has shifted elsewhere – big ADVs and mid-segment naked bikes appear to be generating storms of hype nowadays. However, touring is still one of the most popular, if not the most popular, forms of recreational riding. True, you can tour on any motorcycle, but if you can afford an ultraluxurious touring motorcycle, then there’s no better way to travel cross-country.

Indian Motorcycle, no doubt, is the most niche motorcycle maker in the touring segment. The Chieftain line-up is full of big beautiful motorcycles that allow you to travel in style and comfort. However, Harley-Davidson continues to be the most popular big-cruiser motorcycle maker in India, and they’ve sold thousands of bikes since they entered the Indian market 10 years ago. And H-D has just added a new model to its touring line-up – the Street Glide Special. So, how does it stack up against the mighty Indian Roadmaster? Well, we found a nice open stretch of highway and set out to discover just that.

Devil is in the details

In terms of design, both these motorcycles, more or less, have the same layout – big wheels, massive front fairings and fenders, wide leather seats, high handlebars and saddle bags (hence the term baggers). However, as they say, ‘the devil is in the details.’ Only, in this case, it’s the difference and not the devil!