2009 Indian Chief Roadmaster problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure (1)
Safety recalls (3)
Wheels:rim 2013-08-30 · campaign 13V391000 · 861 vehicles
Defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2009 Deluxe and Standard, 2009-2011 Roadmaster, 2009-2013 Vintage, 2010 Bomber, 2010-2013 Classic and Dark Horse, 2011 Blackhawk Dark and Blackhawk motorcycles. The rear rim may crack and cause a loss of air pressure.
Risk: The cracked rim can lead to a flat rear tire, which could cause the rider to lose control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear rim, free of charge. Indian mailed an interim letter to owners in September 2013. Parts are now available. A second notice was sent to owners during April 2014. Owners may contact Indian at 1-888-704-5290.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch 2011-06-27 · campaign 11V343000 · 699 vehicles
Defect: POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 INDIAN MOTORCYCLES FOR THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) WHICH CAN CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT TO TURN OFF IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES. IF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS SLOWLY MOVED FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER (HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM OR LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM), BOTH BEAMS MAY BE ON MOMENTARILY AND THE BCM INTERPRETS THIS AS AN OVERLOAD CONDITION.
Risk: THE BCM TURNS OFF THE HEADLIGHT UNTIL THE NEXT TIME THAT THE KEY IS TURNED ON. THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLARIS AT 1-651-408-7579.
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/Center Stand 2011-06-27 · campaign 11V344000 · 699 vehicles
Defect: POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 INDIAN MOTORCYCLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 123, "MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE SIDE STAND MAY NOT FOLD REARWARD AND UPWARD IF IT CONTACTS THE GROUND WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS MOVING FORWARD.
Risk: IF THE STAND DOES NOT FOLD REARWARD AND UPWARD WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE MOVES FORWARD, THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE MOTORCYCLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE STAND FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INDIAN AT 651-408-7579.
Service bulletins (7)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2022-02-14 · IND-02-14-2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. the version has been translated into french.
Equipment 2021-03-15 · IDH-HOLD · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
effective immediately: stop sale on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
Wheels 2014-03-27 · I-14-02/A/B/C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
models between 2008-2012 may have defective rear wheel. 06/19/14*lj
Wheels 2014-03-27 · TSB-I-14-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle: see document search button for owner letter. at time of production, some motorcycles were assembled using rear defective wheel, where the rim is cracked and a loss of premature air may occur and lose control. model 2009-2013. *pe
Power Train:manual Transmission:lubricant 2009-07-22 · TSB-040902 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. model and model years not listed. *pe
Suspension:rear:shock Absorber 2009-07-22 · TSB-040903 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle: the rear shock absorber on the motorcycle can be adjusted for the weight the motorcycle is carrying. to adjust the shock absorber spring, you will need an appropriate spanner wrench. no model or model years listed. *pe
Showing the 6 most recent of 7 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2009-09-18 · Structure · 8,700 mi · 💥 crash“weld failure on the fork stops on a 2009 indian motorcycle. caused the motorcycle to lose control on numerous occasions and resulted in a rider losing control and crashing the motorcycle. the weld on the fork down tube that prevents the handle bars from turning too far broke off and caused a rider to crash. upon inspection of the weld after th…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.