A century is a lifetime in motorcycle manufacturing. In the past 100 years, countless bike builders have been and gone, and with them designs that haven’t lasted the test of time. But America’s premiere motorcycle manufacturer has never fretted over trivial fads and fashions, and in the 100th year of its iconic Chief, Indian has unveiled a trio of tributes, combining its same faithful formula with a healthy dose of modern manufacturing.
Indian celebrates 100 years of the Chief
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The result: lean, mean American machines, with a heaving 1,890cc, 162Nm (120lb ft) Thunderstroke V-twin sat at the heart of a classic steel welded tube frame. Named the Indian Chief Dark Horse, Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse and Indian Super Chief Limited, the three models offer unique takes on the American Vee, paying homage to the original Chief.
As hinted by the name, the Chief Dark Horse and Chief Bobber Dark Horse are finished in gloss black, while the Super Chief Limited boasts an abundance of chrome. The Dark Horse features minimalist mechanical styling with drag handlebars, 19-inch cast wheels, mid foot controls, a slim headlight bucket and a solo bobber seat, with colour options of Black Smoke, Alumina Jade Smoke and Stealth Gray. The Bobber, meanwhile, boasts a more upright riding position, with mini-ape handlebars and forward foot controls. Sixteen-inch wire wheels, trim effects and a variety of smoky shades complete the look. Finally, the comfort-orientated Super Chief Limited boasts cruiser bars, a quick-release windscreen, leather saddlebags, footboards and a two-up touring seat. Alongside the 16-inch wire wheels and metallic paint jobs, its piece de resistance is a full chrome exhaust.
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And no custom motorcycle would be complete without extensive accessories and an accompanying clothing line. Style and Comfort packages will be offered, plus 70 aftermarket components, including various handlebar, windscreen and sissy bar options.
Ola Stenegard, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle, said: “We wanted to capture a timeless look that never goes out of style, and looks beautiful whether naked or fully dressed.
“We also wanted to keep it simple enough to allow riders’ imaginations to take flight with personalisation options and possibilities. Ultimately, this is a bike that evokes emotion with simple mechanical styling and raw American muscle. It’s a pure riding machine.”
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Weighing upwards of 300kg wet, the trio share a 1,626mm wheelbase, 662mm seat height, 15.1-litre fuel tank, preload-adjustable rear shocks, 46mm front forks with 132mm of travel, Ride Command infotainment system and keyless ignition. Along with ABS and cruise control, there are three ride modes of sport, standard and tour, which offer varying throttle responses.
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