Harley-Davidson and Indian offer two different takes on the bagger with a handlebar-mounted batwing-style fairing. Both are heavily laden with curb appeal and the latest tech, but despite their similarities, one rises to the top.
We love a good, old- fashioned rivalry. Army vs. Navy. Ford vs. Chevy. Coke vs. Pepsi. And of course, Harley- Davidson vs. Indian. Two of the oldest American motorcycle brands – Harley- Davidson was founded in 1903 and has operated continuously ever since; Indian was founded in 1901, went bankrupt in 1953, and was resurrected in fits and starts until Polaris Industries took over in 2011 – have been fierce rivals in terms of design and engineering, sales at dealerships, and racing in multiple disciplines.
By GREG DREVENSTEDT Photos by KEVIN WING
KING OF THE BAGGERS Since 2021, Harley and Indian have battled it out in what was once an unthinkable class of racing: King Of The Baggers. Harley- Davidson Road Glides and Indian Challengers weighing more than 620 lb and equipped with stock- looking fairings and saddlebags slice and dice at Daytona, Road America, Laguna Seca, and other racetracks
AMERICANRIDER. COM | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2025 | 11