On certain motorcycles, the rear axles are made of a material with a lower than desirable yield strength.
Suspension
Indian Chief Suspension problems by year
19 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Indian Chief's suspension. Broken springs, struts, control arms, ball joints, noises and alignment that won't hold.
Suspension complaints by model year
Suspension recalls
On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break.
Latest Chief suspension complaints
Consumer states that there is a recall for the shock absorber, dealer is charging for recall. Mr
Consumer received recall 02v124000 for shock absorbers. When he took it in on or about july 2, 2002, was told by mechanic that they did not have the part to repair recall. Then left, and returned again for the second time on or about aug 16, 02, and was also told that they did not have the part to repair the recall. Also, was told by mechanic that he did not know when would be receiving the part. Dealer, indian motor of portland on 13844 s.E mcloughlin blvd. Milwaukee, or 97222 (503) 654 1017.*Ak
Motorcycle rear wheel locked up at 40 mph went into a skid and I was almost hit by the vehicle behind me. Transmission failed. Indian motorcycle replaced trans to correct problem. New trans installed and does not shift properly....Front suspension dives when braking and wobbles left to right at 65-70 mph in gradual turns unstable and I have to slow down to regain control of the motorcycle. This problem has been in for repair 5 times and has not been corrected. Vehicle is unsafe to drive.Kickstand has been replaced...
Read the full complaint
4 times.Kick stand and floorboards are mounted too low on this motorcycle kickstand hits pavement on shallow left turns causing the bike to jump upright and control of the turn is lost. Floorboard is too low on right side of bike causing the same problem as described for kickstand in right turns.I would like these control and transmission designs investigated the geometry of this bike is wrong and indian authorized dealers have not been able to correct these problems.
Motorcycle rear wheel locked up at 40 mph went into a skid almost hit by vehicle behind me transmission replaced to correct problem. New trans installed and does not shift properly indian motorcycle company replaced trans under warranty with a different type of transmission -------- front suspension dives when braking has been repaired 5 times.Still has this problem even worse is that the front end wobbles left to right at 65-70mph in gradual turns unstable have to slow down to regain control of motorcycle. *Ak
The motorcycle "wobbles" so bad it goes out of control.*Ak
Consumer first contacted dealer in may of 2002, concerning recall o2v124000. Manufacturer has not sent parts to dealer. Consumer has called indian co. Numerous times, will not return his calls. *Ak
Indian is aware of these problems but fails to react to them. No safety defect listed. *Ak
Front end wobbles to the point of loss of control. Fast speed, or curves make it worse.*Ak
Front fork seals were leaking, repaired under warranty.*Ak
The swing arm shock mount broke at 65mph and I nearly went down.*Ak
At 75 and 80 mph motorcycle will begin to wobble. Here was no control, and consumer had to slow it down to stop shaking. Please provide any further information.*Ak
When driving 60 mph rear suspension steel plate broke and snapped in half, which damaged tire. Also, fender got so hot that the heat damaged motorcycle seat. Consumer has contacted dealer. Consumer states motor blew both head gaskets and burnt both jugs, consumer checked that there was a fire. *Slc
Shocks tear out of frame when going over a bump, rear swing arm pivot shaft wants to pull it further than the shock will allow it. *Ak *slc
Fork seals were leaking. Shock absorbers for front end of motorcycle. Contact dealer. *Ak
Rear shock bolts are shearing off the top. Dealer was notified and replaced shocks on eight occasions. Problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further details.*Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data