When Polaris introduced that it was promoting a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to the personal fairness agency Carolwood LP, the web buzzed with the same old chatter that accompanies such bulletins. However regardless of the naysayers, the American marque hasn’t skipped a beat.
This 12 months marks Indian’s a hundred and twenty fifth anniversary, they usually’ve kicked off their celebrations with one heck of a gap salvo. Meet the brand new Indian Chief Classic—a totally fashionable homage to the golden age of American bikes.
The primary Indian Chief hit the streets in 1922, however it was the elegant, Artwork Deco Nineteen Forties Chief that impressed the 2026 Chief Classic. “The Indian Chief from the Nineteen Forties stays one of the recognizable and celebrated bikes in American historical past,” says our good good friend and Indian’s design director, Ola Stenegärd.
“With its iconic V-Twin engine, valanced fenders, and unparalleled reliability, the Chief set a normal for efficiency and design that resonates in the present day. It represents the spirit of Indian Motorbike—daring, timeless, and all the time pushing ahead.”
The parallels between the Indian Chief Classic and its ancestor are clear as day. The trendy Chief chassis works nicely right here, creating the right classic cruiser silhouette. The usual situation Chief gas tank is an effective match too, whereas the Chief Classic’s broad handlebars and low-slung bobber seat supply the type of ergonomics that swimsuit a motorbike of this ilk.
After all, it is the Chief Classic’s gigantic valanced fenders that actually stand out. In keeping with Ola, Indian’s design staff 3D-scanned the fenders from a 1948 Indian Chief, to get each floor excellent. And though they have been tailored to swimsuit the trendy Chief platform’s proportions, they’re pitch-perfect.
The opposite throwback particulars are subtler, however no much less impactful. Indian coated the V-twin motor’s cylinders in black and its heads in silver, as a nod to the black and uncooked aluminum finishes on the older engine. The marginally-forward-mounted floorboards have a classic vibe, and the entrance fender’s iconic headdress adornment mimics that on the Nineteen Forties Chief (besides now it lights up).
One function that provides the Chief Classic a decidedly fashionable vibe is its intensive use of black. Gone are the chrome strips that run alongside the unique bike’s fenders, and most elements that will historically be completed in uncooked metallic or chrome are actually blacked out. It establishes the bike as a recent interpretation relatively than a duplicate, and it really works.
The Indian Chief Classic additionally borrows quite a lot of elements from its stablemate, the Chief Bobber. It makes use of the identical enclosed forks and rear shocks, providing 132 mm journey up entrance and 75 mm out again, and the identical LED headlight and nacelle. It additionally will get comparable 16” laced wheels to the Bobber, though the rear hoop is narrower to raised swimsuit the classic aesthetic.
The bike’s burly twin exhausts and spherical digital dashboard are jarring when set towards the myriad retro particulars. Whereas we will dwell with the exhaust, the Chief Classic deserves a stealthier speedo that covers simply the naked necessities. That stated, the standard-issue Chief sprint packs in a ton of data, entry to connectivity and navigation options, and software program that the bike more than likely cannot run with out—so it is a crucial evil.
Beneath the hood, the Chief Classic will get Indian’s air-cooled 116 ci Thunderstroke engine. There’s 156 Nm on faucet, a six-speed transmission with a moist multi-plate clutch, and three switchable driving modes. It suggestions the scales at 327 kilos [721 pounds] moist, with a modest seat top of 686 mm.
The general package deal speaks to a really particular rider; one who needs a bare-bones bobber with seems that reference a selected period, but additionally needs a V-twin with chunks of torque and is keen to pay a premium for it. It is a massive swing from Indian, however they’ve knocked it out the park. The Indian Chief Classic is attractive in each colours it is available in (pink and black), whereas completely nailing the neo-retro steadiness.
It even seems good with Indian’s manufacturing facility equipment, which vary from fake leather-based panniers and a windscreen to passenger lodging, crash bars, and extra. Even with a few of these fitted, the Chief Classic’s driving place would possibly restrict what number of hours you may spend within the saddle—however we would be keen to check that restrict.
Supply: Indian Motorcycle
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