2019 Indian Chief Roadmaster Owner Complaints

I was almost killed when my gear indicator switch suddenly went from 6th gear to neutral, therefore disengaging the cruise control. This caused a sudden decrease in speed due to engine braking which almost resulted in me getting rear ended. I could hear tires chirping behind me but luckily, I was able to regain my speed. This issue happens without warning and I have previously tried to get this fixed 3 times. All they do for the "fix" is clean the switch. This only lasts for about 8k miles. This is the same switch that was previously recalled due to a potential startup in 2nd gear. It is still "oxidizing" as stated in the original recall. IMO, they have made the issue even worse where the issue now occurs at speed. It also causes the bike to indicate 2nd gear when you are indeed, in neutral. Indian knows about this and has come up with a fix for mid 2019 models and subsequent. The crankcase and gear shift part numbers were changed and the gear indicator switch is clearly different. But it is apparently, not retrofittable to 2014 through early 2019 bikes. This is gross misconduct, IMO, and Indian is knowingly putting riders at risk. I am including an Indian forum thread to show that I am not the only one with this problem, https://www.indianmotorcycles.net/threads/gear-indicator-issue.338723/ There are many more threads on this issue besides this one. Please investigate this matter. I don't think I should have to call Indian or let them call this a maintenance item I have to pay for every 8k miles. This amounts to twice a year for me. That is very excessive. It is also rewarding them for their defective part. The "maintenance" is not easy or cheap. Multiple parts have to come off the bike to even get to the switch. It also takes me two months to get an appointment at my dealer so it is not getting fixed promptly. Mine, and others, safety is at risk. Please help. Thanks - [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11522014

Incident

May 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Indian Chief Roadmaster Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the cruise control erroneously deactivated causing the motorcycle to suddenly decelerate. During the failure another vehicle nearly crashed into the rear of the motorcycle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure started after the motorcycle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V776000 (Electrical System, Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,000.

NHTSA ID

11521350

Incident

Dec 1, 2020

Mileage

9,000 mi

The gear position sensor will go from 6th gear to neutral causing you to either drop out of cruise control (if engaged) or a momentary loss of power, if the cruise is not engaged. This can create a dangerous condition due to a sudden decrease in speed, if anybody is behind you. This is a motorcycle so there is nothing between you and any other vehicle. This was already supposed to have been fixed based on a recall I believe initiated here. That was for people accidentally starting their motorcycles in gear. As alleged on the internet, all Indian did was switch resistance values so now the issue I am reporting here is occurring. People are living (I hope!) with this condition as they were either told by Indian they are out of warranty or they are out of warranty and don't think anything can be done. Since there is no word of Indian supplying a new, improved gear position sensor to those afflicted, I can only assume that Indian is still producing thousands of new bikes that will have this problem. Looking at the additional details below. This occurs every time I ride my bike. The speed it occurs at 50+ mph as that is when you would be in 6th gear. This started occurring at about 11k miles. Thank you - George

NHTSA ID

11419512

Incident

Jun 3, 2021