Blacktop Brawler: A Custom Indian Chieftain for a UFC Fighter

Area of interest because it is, the efficiency bagger scene is having its second within the highlight—thanks largely to the wildly entertaining King of the Baggers racing sequence. Baggers are quick evolving from grandad tourers into adrenaline-fueled machines with miles of perspective. The entire idea is barely unhinged, however we’re right here for it.

Indian Motorcycle’s newest {custom} construct initiative is a full-throttle tribute to efficiency bagger tradition. As a part of the American marque’s ‘Solid’ sequence, three Indian Chieftain PowerPlus tourers had been handed to {custom} builders to do with as they happy. The menacing instance you’re taking a look at right here was constructed by the V-twin specialist store and elements maker Kraus Motor Co.

It’s no fluke that Kraus Motor Co. ended up on the Solid roster. Based mostly in Utah, USA, the corporate has deep roots within the efficiency V-twin scene and boasts a burgeoning catalog of Indian-specific elements. (Working example; the opposite two bikes within the Solid sequence each sport a number of Kraus elements.)

Kraus kicked the undertaking off with a bone-stock 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus 112. As per its title, it’s powered by Indian’s 112 ci PowerPlus engine, which pumps out 126 hp and 180 Nm of torque. It additionally comes with all of the tech and trimmings that you simply’d count on from a premium bagger.

To the uninitiated, it would seem that Kraus has simply evenly fettled the Chieftain. However its understated matte black paint job belies the quantity of labor that went into it. Behind the fairing and circumstances lurks a gnarly elements spec.

“This bike is a straight road ripper,” says store founder Satya Kraus. “There’s no bullsh*t. No shiny paint. There’s no fancy ‘this or that.’ It’s elegant, but it surely’s imply and it’s all about enterprise.”

The modifications begin up entrance, the place Kraus fitted their KR8 front-end package. The package matches inverted Öhlins forks to Kraus yokes, radial brake mounts, and fork guards. An Öhlins shock hides away on the again; its preload adjustment wheel is accessible on the left-hand aspect of the bike, because of a machined bracket.

The Chieftain now rolls on a set of luxe cast carbon wheels from BST, shod with Metzeler Cruisetec rubber. The braking system options Kraus billet aluminum calipers, mounts, pads, and {hardware}, with OEM rotors and Spiegler strains all through.

Shifting to the cockpit, the crew put in a set of chrome steel moto bars, completed in a fetching champagne gold hue. They’re held in place by Kraus mounts, and set nearer to the rider by the use of an offset Kraus x Hart-Luck riser base. Different upgrades embody ODI x Hart-Luck elements, Kraus controls, and Rizoma mirrors.

You’ll discover extra Kraus elements decrease down—from the floorboards and broad passenger pegs to the brake and shift levers. The Chieftain’s additionally been transformed from a belt to a sequence drive, with a modified entrance sprocket cowl. A chrome steel exhaust system from Fab28 Industries provides an acceptable soundtrack.

Kraus’s modifications to the Chieftain’s bodywork are delicate, but efficient. The OEM fairing is kitted with a full complement of Denali LED lights, and a tinted Klock Werks windscreen. The carbon fiber fenders and dashboard trim come from DTF Efficiency.

Not content material to easily match the rear fender as-is, Kraus trimmed it and handled it to a CNC-machined edge. In addition they modified the bike’s inventory aspect panels, and completed the tank off with custom-made Indian badges. The seat is from Kraus’s catalog, made to spec by Saddlemen.

As a crowning glory, Kraus narrowed the inventory panniers by means of a intelligent technique of chopping out the sections they needed to slim down, 3D-scanning the case, and 3D-printing new panels. In addition they added case-mounted LED taillights from Ciro3D, plus Kraus bag mounts and hinge covers.

Kraus’s fine-tuned Indian Chieftain PowerPlus cuts an imposing determine, its black finishes punctuated solely by selective carbon fiber and gold particulars. A handful of polished highlights, together with the swingarm, add simply the correct amount of distinction.

There’s yet another notable element—a {custom} derby cowl inscribed with “No Love.” That’s the nickname of the bike’s new proprietor and seasoned UFC fighter, Cody Garbrandt. Constructing a hard-hitting bagger for knowledgeable brawler feels slightly on the nostril, however we’ll let it slide.