Indian’s released a redesigned Chief for 2022. Base model is in foreground with the Super Chief in the background. (Indian Motorcycle/)One hundred years. That’s how old the Indian Chief nameplate is, and as you might expect, Indian Motorcycle is celebrating the big centenary with a major redesign—or as the company calls it, a “reimagining”—of its foundational platform. So we’re getting not just the Chief, but the Chief Bobber and the Super Chief, plus premium trim versions of those, with all-new models riding on essentially the same base for the 2022 model year.
The new design is a drastic departure from the flourish of the preceding Chiefs (whether Polaris-designed or not), and the simpler, more mechanical aesthetic shows Indian moving more toward the performance and custom end of the V-twin spectrum.
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When your director of design is Ola Stenegärd, that sort of makes sense, and you can see his custom-inspired influences in new open frame and gooseneck design (now steel tube), while the motivation for all three bikes remains the reliable air-cooled Thunder Stroke engine in either 111ci or 116ci varieties (depending on the trim).
The Thunder Stroke engine (in 111 or 116 sizes) lives in all versions of the new Chief. (Indian Motorcycle/)With the new frame comes new packaging, and dimensions are abbreviated compared to bulkier past models; we’re talking a wheelbase of 64 inches, a low seat height of 26 inches, and a drastic weight reduction; the new Chief is a claimed 670 pounds wet, comparable to our just-weighed Softail Slim at a measured 671 pounds versus 812 for the original Chief Classic. Conventional 46mm forks with 5.2 inches of travel take up the front, and Indian even touts a 28.5-degree lean angle for the models as well.
New steel frame design emphasizes open space and gooseneck. (Indian Motorcycles/)Marking a big shift from the heavily covered and bodywork-laden Chiefs of yore, the new bikes show a lot more of their foundation, with open necks, uncovered risers and fork tubes, and even exposed shocks, all of which will make the home customizer pretty happy. The steel-tube frame underpinning them all carries the same base feature set, with a 4-gallon fuel tank, dual preload-adjustable rear shocks, a dual staggered exhaust, LED lighting, three ride modes, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tires. The brake system for all models features single 300mm discs front and rear, clamped by a four-piston caliper up front and a two-piston unit out back; the higher-trim bikes get ABS as standard. Between the models, Indian also swaps in different seats, handlebars, wheel sizes, and controls to give a different stance and intent to each model, but their core is essentially the same.
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The new Chief looks almost nothing like the original(s), which will probably generate some controversy. But Stenegärd is ready with an answer: “Ultimately, this is a bike that evokes emotion with simple mechanical styling and raw American muscle.” Are you listening, Harley-Davidson?
The 2022 Indian Chief in White Smoke with a front 19-inch cast wheel. (Indian Motorcycle/)Indian Chief
The base-model 2022 Chief brings a low seat height, solo saddle, mid-mount foot controls, and drag bars, along with a cast 19-inch front wheel, minimal headlight, and exposed rear shocks. Thrust is provided by the Thunder Stroke 111 powertrain with 108 pound-feet of torque (claimed), with other standard features including an analog gauge, chrome and matte black finishes, along with LED headlights and taillights, an analog speedometer, cruise control, three ride modes, and keyless ignition—but ABS is an $800 option. The lighter weight, shorter wheelbase, and claimed 28.5-degree lean angle will likely make for a more spirited ride, so we’re looking forward to nabbing a test unit soon.
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The Chief is available in Black Metallic, Ruby Smoke, and White Smoke. A mere $14,499 is the price for Black Metallic; $14,999 for White Smoke; and $15,799 for Ruby Smoke.
The highest price for a base Chief is $15,799 in Ruby Smoke. (Indian Motorcycle/)Indian Chief Dark Horse
The premium trim models like the Chief Dark Horse get the bigger and higher-compression Thunder Stroke 116 engine, and add the Ride Command system on Indian’s industry-first “4-inch Round Display” gauge. Ride Command can be operated through grip controls or via the digital IPS touchscreen display to cycle through multiple interfaces, like gauge configurations, ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation. The Chief Dark Horse also gets ABS, a USB charge port, and fancier finishes as standard. A check for $16,999 will get you the Black Smoke color, while the price goes to $17,499 for Alumina Jade Smoke or Stealth Gray.
The Chief Dark Horse is the more premium model adding the more powerful Thunder Stroke 116 engine, ABS, and Ride Command. This is the Black Smoke color. (Indian Motorcycle/)
The Chief Bobber rolls on 16-inch fat tires and spoked wheels and adds a mini-ape handlebar and forward controls. (Indian Motorcycle/)Indian Chief Bobber
The new Chief Bobber brings the now-familiar stripped-down formula to the Chief line. De rigueur fat tires are wrapped around 16-inch spoked wheels, the rear fender is brief and the saddle is solo, all in a stylistic nod to classic postwar-era V-twins. The Bobber also adds mini-ape hanger bars and forward foot controls for a more upright riding position, while the addition of fork and shock covers and a large headlight bucket with nacelle give it a throwback vibe as well. The Thunder Stroke 111 engine at the center also receives a dash of chrome and black to further set it off.
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The Indian Chief Bobber costs $15,999 in Black Metallic; $16,499 is the price for Ruby Metallic.
Minimal muscularity. The Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse showcases the exposed frame and Thunder Stroke 116 engine, and looks good doing it. (Indian Motorcycle/)Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse
In addition to gobs of black paint, the higher-spec Chief Bobber Dark Horse also adds the Thunder Stroke 116 engine (good for a claimed 120 pound-feet of torque), and ABS is standard, while premium finishes and Ride Command (with Round Display) further class up this higher-spec version.
The tab for the Black Smoke color is $18,999, while Titanium Smoke or Sagebrush Smoke lists for $19,499.
The new Super Chief makes a good case for classic-style light touring with a detachable windshield and leather bags and pops of chrome to set the engine bay apart. (Indian Motorcycle/)Indian Super Chief
If light touring is your jam, the Super Chief looks up to the task. Another new badge for the Indian brand, the Super Chief adds a quick-release windscreen, leather saddlebags, a touring seat with passenger pad, floorboards, and wide handlebars, all of which are crying out for a comparison test versus the Road King (stay tuned). As with the Bobber models, the Super Chief rolls on 16-inch wire wheels and carries a large headlight bucket with nacelle, fork covers, and a full chrome exhaust as well as other shiny accents for a high end feel. As on all the base Chief models, you get LED headlights and taillights, an analog speedo with digital tach and cruise control, three ride modes, and keyless ignition standard. The Super Chief will list at $18,499 in Black Metallic, with the Pearl White color costing $19,799.
The Super Chief Limited in Maroon Metallic will set you back $21,499. (Indian Motorcycle/)Indian Super Chief Limited
The higher-spec Super Chief Limited packs on the Thunder Stroke 116 motor, ABS, Ride Command with Round Display, ABS, and all the other goodies available at this trim level, and lists at $20,999 in Black Metallic.
Maroon Metallic or Blue Slate Metallic will hit you up for $21,499.
The premium models all get the 4-inch Round Display featuring Indian’s Ride Command system. Here it is on the Chief Dark Horse model. (Indian Motorcycle/)A full complement of new accessories will be joining the bikes as well, with performance add-ons including slip-on mufflers as well as a new Stage 1 Forward Air Intake, along with Stage 2 Performance Cams and the Stage 3 Big-Bore Kit for the Thunder Stroke 111. There’s also a nice mix of touring and comfort bolt-ons like windshields, luggage, and passenger accessories to fit all the models.
The Super Chief comes with leather saddlebags standard, but Indian has rolled out more aftermarket cargo options as well. (Indian Motorcycle/)However you feel about the Chief line’s latest reinvention, it’s probably a good move for Indian if the company wants to make a play for a slice of the V-twin aftermarket space Harley so totally dominates. Leaving an iconic look behind is a tough choice to make, but Indian’s more classical style can still be found in the brand’s touring and bagger lines. Some even still have the war bonnet on the fender.
The 2022 Chief lineup will begin shipping to dealers throughout the US and Canada in April 2021.
Performance accessories include mufflers and freer-flowing air intakes. (Indian Motorcycle/)
The Chief Bobber in Black Metallic. (Indian Motorcycle/)
The Chief Dark Horse in Black Smoke. (Indian Motorcycle/)Source link
