Well my ongoing search for a solution to the Scout saw an extended Demo ride over this weekend with a Chieftain courtesy of the Sydney Shop & Loic (yes I will add appropriately to that thread).
I've been keeping my eye out for a special to upgrade to and I've been thinking more and more about what my future riding plans are compared to what my usual riding is. Not being willing to offer the left testicle up to get a Roadmaster that leads me to the Chieftain.
First impressions....
All the bells and whistles looked mighty impressive, windshield up and down, radio all that jazz fantastic. Although I was a little troubled by all the controls - my stumpy thumbs just can't reach all the buttons
I took it out on my usual demo ride routes - Mona Vale Rd down to Cottage Point as well as the Old Pacific Highway up to My White and coffee at the Old Road Cafe. Done those routes on a Scout, Vintage & Chieftain now.
Which one did it best... probably the Vintage but I digress. I didn't get as much of a chance with the bike as I would've liked
The loaner was original pipes so I was shocked with how quiet it was so Stage 1 upgrade is a must straight out of the blocks. The Minister for War & Finance didn't even know I was home after I had ridden it into the garage - the Kids heard the radio and came for a look.
I gave it a good run in city traffic and feeling a little bold I was hitting some good gaps for filtering. Probably just a matter of getting used to it but it felt like if you wanted to cut away into a lane for a quick gap you had to be thinking a bit ahead - I didn't get to a point where it was spur of the moment and go.
I was impressed with the handling and the suspension (really made me realise how spartan the Scout really is) but for such a big bike I found I was really able to throw it into the turns. I'm not one to get the pegs scraping but I got well over and found my lines pretty quickly and comfortably.
Sitting on the bike I felt different to the Vintage in that I felt up higher on the bike whereas with the Vintage I felt like I was down a bit lower in it. I will be looking into a backrest for certain with the seating position I found myself in.
All in all it was a great way to spend a day, very enjoyable very nice bike.
So if the Chieftain in my calculations? Hell Yes, lot of fun and just what I am looking for now it's just the price...
Houso Joel
SYDNEY NORTH
Harley Davidson Traitor
![[wink]](/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif "Wink - ;)")
Started with an Indian - stayed for the conversation
2017 HD Road King Black(Anita)
Previous 2015 Scout Red (Geena)
