Indian's new Chief line of bikes hark back to the golden age of the brand, but are still packed with ... [+]
Back in 1921, Indian was already 20 years old and a power player in the rapidly maturing American motorcycle industry. World War I had ended in 1918 and America was roaring into the Roaring ‘20s on hopes of peace and mounting prosperity. The country was becoming more urban and cities were modernizing in many ways. That meant more modern roads as well, including cross-country routes like the Lincoln Highway. It was a good time to be riding (and driving).
In its ongoing competition with major rival Harley-Davidson and many other marques that were active in 1921, Indian introduced the Chief, a large-displacement, V-Twin powered machine that would be their new top-of-the-line bike - and become an early motorcycling icon. When Indian originally closed up shop in 1953, the Chief, then an 80-cubic inch V-Twin, was still in the lineup, 32 years later.
Just as with the automobile industry, motorcycles in the early 1920s had progressed well past the early rattle-trap stage and had matured into (for the time) reliable, even luxurious machines with ever more power and advanced features including multi-speed transmissions, electric lights and even early suspension bits. Rather than being something owned just by hobbyists and enthusiasts, motorcycles were being used more and more as everyday transportation and even for long-distance adventures.
Now, 100 years later, the (once again) reborn Indian, operating under the umbrella of Minneapolis-based Polaris, has brought the Chief back with a pronounced vintage vibe, and several trim options. The new 2022 Chief lineup features the company’s most up-to-date version of the prominent and retro-styled pushrod air/oil-cooled 111-cubic inch Thunderstroke motor, which was first revealed with the initial slate of new Chief bikes back in 2013. Each model also has an upgrade option with the newer 116-inch Thunderstroke V-Twin. For the Chief line of bikes, the motor now sits more out in the breeze in a steel-tube frame more reminiscent of its forebearers, and the bike overall is more stripped down, elemental and packed with retro appeal. It essentially marks a fourth arrow in Indian’s quiver while being a subset of their cruiser/bagger lineup. Here’s a quick overview of the new trims being offered.
Indian Chief
The base Chief features a cast 19-inch front wheel and blacked out pipes.
This is the most basic Chief variant in the lineup, and starts at $14,499 in basic Black Metallic. It features a 19-inch cast front wheel unique to this model and the related Dark Horse version, and the 111-inch Thunderstroke motor with 108 pound-feet of torque provides forward motion. The teardrop tank holds 4 gallons of juice plus reserve, and ABS is an $800 option. Six speeds flow through the quiet belt drive system and a single analog-style clock shows speed with a small LCD panel for RPMs, fuel and other data. Three ride modes and keyless ignition are standard across all Chief models, as is LED lighting and the six-speed gearbox.
The Chief Dark Horse gets the bigger motor, ABS standard, fancy speedo and matte finish.
The “Dark Horse” version of the basic Chief (above) bumps the cubes up to 116 and torque to 120, and adds in an innovative twist on the speedo. It remains retro round but instead houses a clever 4-inch LCD touch screen and Indian’s excellent Ride
That's a 4-inch touchscreen and it can also show navigation and other info. Slick.
Command tech, which includes navigation, multiple informative “clock faces” with tach and even email/msg notifications. It also has cruise control, a USB port and ABS as standard for a buck under $17,000. Two non-glossy paint options add $500.
Indian Chief Bobber
The red finish is a $500 option on the Bobber, but we like the mix of black and bright on those ... [+]
For fat tire bobber fans, the apropo Chief Bobber trades the cast front wheel for a phat and black 16-inch spoked rim holding a 130/90 Pirelli Night Dragon tire, taller handlebars and a price bump to $15,999 in glossy Black Metallic. Ruby red paint is $500 more and ABS adds $800.
Bobber Dark Horse version gets the bigger motor, fancy speedo and tall bars
The Chief Bobber Dark Horse trim trades the shine for matte and dark surfaces, and bumps the motor to the Thunderstroke 116. The high-tech speedo, ABS and other Dark Horse upgrades are included for $18,999, with two $500 matte paint options available.
Indian Super Chief
Ready for adventure? The base Super Chief certainly is, just add some accessories from Indian's ... [+]
I was happy to see that Indian included a touring variant, the $18,499 Super Chief, in the mix as these long-legged Thunderstoke motors and six-speed boxes are great for rolling up the miles. The base Super Chief utilizes the 111-inch motor and brings a shine to the bike with bright pipes and engine finish.
Roll deep with the Super Chief Limited, shown in optional Blue Slate Metallic ($500) but with ... [+]
The Super Chief Limited bumps up to $20,999 and adds the 116 cubic-inch plant, the Ride Command speedo, other trim bits and a cool blue or maroon paint option for $500. It includes a wind screen and saddle bags and would likely be the best choice for those wanting to do actual miles right out of the box.
While the Super Chief models are definitely pointed at touring riders, all of the Chief models are ready to accept a wide range of accessories including multiple options for quick-release windscreens, passenger seat, backrests, saddle bags, Pathfinder S LED riding lights and more.
An Indian representative told Forbes.com the bikes should be heading to dealers in April.
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