Indian has redesigned its Chief line-up for the 2022 model year. The new bikes look simpler … more elemental, with more of a bobber feel. Here are some photos, along with all of the details in the following press release from Indian:
MINNEAPOLIS (February 9, 2021) – In 1921 Indian Motorcycle unveiled the iconic Indian Chief, one of the most historic and influential motorcycles of all time. Now, in celebration of 100 years, America’s First Motorcycle Company is unleashing three new, totally reimagined Indian Chief models for its 2022 lineup. Combining iconic, American V-twin style with modern performance and technology, Indian Motorcycle designed the new Chief with a simplistic and mechanical aesthetic that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling.
All based on a timeless, simplistic steel-tube frame and powered by Indian Motorcycle’s powerful Thunderstroke motor, the new Indian Chief, Indian Chief Bobber and Indian Super Chief offer three unique takes on the classic American V-twin, each appealing to a slightly different rider.
The new Chief provides a stripped-down riding experience where power, minimalism and attitude lead the way. It reaches back to the glory days of American V-twins when hitting the road to nowhere, with good friends and only the essentials, was the stuff of legends. Then there’s the new Chief Bobber. With bulky tires wrapped around spoke wheels, a muscled-up front end and a solo bobber seat, the Chief Bobber pays stylistic homage to the classic post-war era V-twins, bobbed and chopped by military veterans and blue-collar rebels, intent on breaking the mold. And finally, Indian Motorcycle offers the Super Chief, with saddlebags and a windshield, it offers a bit more versatility and begs riders for longer miles and even bolder escapes.
“The Indian Chief is a truly iconic motorcycle and what better way to celebrate its 100th birthday than unleashing an entirely new Indian Chief lineup,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Motorcycles. “These bikes capture the mechanical simplicity and attitude of classic American V-twins, yet bring it all forward with modern sophistication and features. We could not be more thrilled to bring this new platform into our lineup.”
The new Indian Chief lineup marks the intersection of simplicity and power. Mechanical and simple, Chief models are based on a classic steel welded tube frame. The lineup features a four-gallon fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual outboard preload-adjustable rear shocks, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Pirelli Night Dragon tires. Along with cruise control, Chief riders can adjust throttle response by selecting one of three ride modes: sport, standard or tour.
Featuring a short wheelbase of 64-inches, a low seat height of 26-inches and a wet weight as low as 670 pounds, the Indian Chief lineup inspires confidence and is approachable for any rider. The Chief’s conventional 46mm front forks with 5.2-inches of travel, 28.5-degree lean angle, and comfortable ergonomics, create a capable machine for even the most technical of ride routes.
“We wanted to capture a timeless look that never goes out of style, and looks beautiful whether naked or fully dressed,” said Ola Stenegard, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle. “We also wanted to keep it simple enough to allow riders’ imaginations to take flight with personalization 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.”
Offering base and premium models, the Indian Chief trim levels are detailed as follows:
Chief, Chief Bobber, Super Chief
Powered by Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke 111 powertrain with 108 ft-lbs of torque. Each model features an analog gauge, chrome and matte black finishes, and is available with or without ABS.
Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Super Chief Limited
Powering all premium Chief models is Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke 116 engine with 120 ft-lbs of torque. ABS is standard, while premium finishes set these bikes apart and further showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each Chief and Chief Bobber Dark Horse model packs further attitude with premium gloss black finishes, while the Super Chief Limited touts premium chrome finishes.
Additionally, each model delivers a premium experience with Indian Motorcycle’s industry-first ‘4 Inch Round Display with RIDE COMMAND.’ Riders can operate the RIDE COMMAND system through grip controls or via the digital IPS touchscreen display. Riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected services featuring weather and traffic overlays. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
With three styles, riders can select the Chief model and trim to their preference, including:
Chief & Chief Dark Horse
The Indian Chief and Chief Dark Horse feature stripped-down, mechanical styling highlighted by drag handlebars, 19-inch cast wheels, mid-mount foot controls, a slim headlight bucket and a solo bobber seat. The Indian Chief starts at $14,499 and is available in Black Metallic, White Smoke and Ruby Smoke, while the Chief Dark Horse starts at $16,999 and is offered in Black Smoke, Alumina Jade Smoke and Stealth Gray.
Chief Bobber & Chief Bobber Dark Horse
Mini-ape hanger handlebars paired with forward foot controls provide a more upright and commanding riding position. The Chief Bobber and Chief Bobber Dark Horse sit on 16-inch wire wheels, add fork and shock covers, and features a large headlight bucket wrapped in a nacelle. The Indian Chief Bobber, starting at $15,999, is available in two paint options, Black Metallic and Ruby Metallic. The Chief Bobber Dark Horse starts at $ $18,999 and is available in Black Smoke, Titanium Smoke, and Sagebrush Smoke.
Super Chief & Super Chief Limited
Designed for comfort, the Super Chief and Super Chief Limited stand apart with a quick release windscreen, black leather saddlebags, touring seat with passenger pad, floorboards and traditional cruiser handlebars. The Indian Super Chief and Super Chief Limited feature 16-inch wire wheels, large headlight bucket with nacelle, fork covers, and a full chrome exhaust that delivers a premium fit and finish. Starting at $18,499, the Super Chief is available in Black Metallic and Pearl White, while the Super Chief Limited begins at $20,999 and is available in Black Metallic, Blue Slate Metallic, and Maroon Metallic.
Chief riders will have access to over 80 accessories, including parts specifically designed for Chief models, as well as several existing pieces available for Scout and Thunderstroke models. Indian Motorcycle’s accessory line has been designed to enhance performance, personalize style and add rider comfort. Among the accessories available, include:
Performance
Indian Motorcycle’s performance offerings are built to improve throttle response and increase horsepower and torque for quicker, snap-on acceleration. Riders can purchase a front-facing air intake, Stage 1 slip-on muffler, as well as slash cut and fish tail exhaust tips. Chief riders packing a Thunderstroke 111 can add Indian Motorcycle’s Stage 3 116 Big Bore kit to their Stage 1 exhaust and performance air intake to gain approximately 20% more horsepower and improve throttle response.
Style
Riders can complete their desired custom look by personalizing with a variety of parts, including solo racks and rack bag, low and mid windshields, and a high flow air intake. Riders also have five handlebar options, including eight-inch mini-ape hangers, five-inch mid-rise, reduced reach, cruiser and drag handlebars.
Comfort
To continue offering accessories for all personal and riding styles, Indian Motorcycle’s comfort package includes mid and tall windshields, passenger backrests, highway bars, and Pathfinder S LED driving lights.
In addition to parts, Indian Motorcycle is debuting a new Chief apparel collection, with three unique lines to choose from. From the lean, mean attitude of the Chief, the old-school muscle of Chief Bobber or the road-warrior glory of Super Chief, three unique lines of shirts and hats coincide with each model.
The 2022 Chief lineup will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in April 2021. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com.
Let me preface this by saying I worked for Polaris under Victory and Indian motorcycles for 13 years 2007-2020. The last models I knew of before hand were the FTR and the Challenger. This caught me by surprise for good and somewhat bad reasons IMO. Not a fan of a steel frame use. I know the FTR uses the trellis frame but the use of the sectional aluminum frame of the main family gave each bike better handling from all the testing I did. I do like the in between size (Scout to full size) of the new bike with the power of the TS111 or 116. I’m not sure who they’re going after with this model though. I’m a Scout and Challenger owner and love them both because of the liquid cooling rather than air only. If it’s a scout owner going up I don’t know if they’ll really like the change. I don’t know, maybe I’ve spent too many years obsessing over theses bikes for a living. I do know that if Indian wants to do an in between aluminum frame / power plus 108 hotrod model next year they can sign me up now👍
Upon further consideration… the front fender looks like it used to be larger but was shrunk by some % in a graphics program.
They look like Honda Rebels with Harley tanks. If, Polaris had any link to Indians heritage it was the styling.That is gone now.Just drop the Indian name and call them Polaris.
Good point Murf
Without the big fenders, if someone stuck Harley Davidson stickers on the tank 99% of people wouldn’t know the difference from 30 feet away..
I doubt most people would know the difference from 3 feet away. Put a name on the tank, and that’s what it is.
Yes, they look JUST LIKE Honda Rebels – except for big, air-cooled V-twins vs smaller, liquid-cooled parallel twins, with exposed plumbing.
That pic of the standard Chief (second pic inline) – stunning. (And I’m not a cruiser guy.)
Those mufflers look like an afterthought. Straight out of a defunct JC Whitney catalog.
Guess it doesn’t matter what the stock pipes look like because most likely the buyer is gonna stick some loud ass straight pipes on it after the first service (If not before it leaves the show room)
That’s a classic Indian styling element.
What I would have preferred to have seen, if you are leaving valenced fenders, is: Instead of going with the srripped down fenders as Indian did, do a 1938-39 fender approach!
I Had a 2005 Honda ACE 1100, and spent nearly as much time cleaning road splash as riding when rain was encountered…. I got around this with a rarely sold HONDA fender extension and flare option set, which gave my 2005 ACE the appearance of 38-39 Indian fenders…
$.02
I agree, the new Chief look is less distinctive and closer to other brands cruisers, but it’s OK until classic models like Vintage and Springfield with deep front fender and majestic, huge lamp cover remains in lineup. It’s good to have choice and not stick to only one available option.
I’ll give ’em an overall thumbs-up; heck I give it a firm B-. But (there’s always a but – I basically can’t be pleased), 1. I don’t like the fake fins on the valve covers, 2. I would prefer a simpler non-octopussed staggered dual exhaust, and 3. for crying out loud nix that “sawed off with a hacksaw” fender treatment stuff.
Exactly. The look is incongruous to me. Anyone who takes a hacksaw to a rear fender doesn’t stop at the exhaust that clearly extends well beyond it!
I doubt I’ll ever be willing to spend the price of entry for what these offer but FWIW I think they look great and, at first glance, are preferable to the equivalent HD Street Bob and Heritage Classic. Indian prices their bikes like they agree with me.
Why do people who clearly don’t like this type of motorcycle insist on posting ‘I don’t like it’ every time a cruiser is mentioned?
We get it. Your ideal motorcycle is 285 pounds, a capable long distance tourer also able to compete in observed trials while 2-up, makes no more than 57hp but is super smooth at 80mph, has 400 liters of luggage capacity that is all removable leaving no trace whatsoever that it exists, has a full suite of modern electronic rider aids and also has no electronics whatsoever, and gets 135mpg.
If I promise to stay off your lawn will you stop waving your fist at the clouds?
Just tribalism, however some really see an improvement possible in this type of bike. The 400 liters of luggage will be difficult.
I like all of the discussion on motorcycledaily whether or not I agree or disagree with the different points of view. What I see is there are motorcycles that can do most everything (like UJM’s and ADV’s)) and others (GSX-R’s, cruisers, dual sports) that tend to focus on a much narrower range of riding. It’s why most of us here tend to own more than one motorcycle.
Cruisers to me are for mostly “profiling” so a cruiser has never taken a place in my garage as I actually like to go places rather than just rumble up to the local bar or Starbucks and hang out with other profilers. But to each his own and more power to you if that’s your thing.
You were doing well until your bias got the better of you.
“Why do people who clearly don’t like this type of motorcycle insist on posting…”
—————-
You’ve got to accept the fact that in spite of some differences, we are all riders or at least people interested in motorcycle technology. Otherwise we would not be here. This is not (unless editor reminds me otherwise) a page for a specific kind of fans.
I personally consider cruiser riders kind of pretentious lot, but they can say same thing about me (I lean toward adventure types, although this is somewhat skewed term). Am I because of that “getting my balls into uproar”, as English say? Absolutely not. Rivalry sharpens senses and taste 🙂
you forgot “beak” and “tank seam”.
Probably because if only people that liked the motorcycle posted, each review would have maybe 1/2 dozen posts and there would be very little to read here.
Some people just like discussing motorcycles and since we are all different and like different things you get different opinions. This makes for interesting reading.
Perfect way to put it. Much better than I did.
I think you both put it well.
I’ve been coming here for years because:
1) Dirck’s excellent articles, and great pictures!
2) The highly entertaining comment section. It usually manages to stay respectful and I think that’s awesome.
Further, I’ve a very narrow motorcycle background. Just dirt/race bikes (1970-2015), and then 600 cc sport bikes (1991 – now). So I really enjoy learning about the different bikes others have and their passion for them. “Interesting reading” indeed 🙂 .
I think DaveA has a point. some of the replies also seem to read well, but Dave’s point is well taken. I too see 98% of the posts here comment negatively, it aint got this, it aint got dat, I hate it when, blah blah… and I still think you should post the last time you bought a new bike, and what you ride now, when commenting negatively. it would give us a reference. I like it when some say, “compared to my blah blah bike”, it gives credence. (2012 VFR1200DCT, my main ride)
Give me 285 pounds and about 80hp and you can keep all the rest of that rubbish.
But nobody makes something like that do they?
Yet their are whole companies devoted to making nothing but anachronistic things like those above.
I wish there was a sane planet somewhere that I could go live on. This one is hopeless.
So either everyone ride what you prefer or they are insane and ride rubbish? You’re right, you need to live somewhere else.
A Victory by another name….I’ll stick with my 22 year old Valkyrie and Magna.
I like Indian, I don’t like the Victory influence. I can see Victory in this bike and if you put a HD logo on the tank, people would think it came out of Milwaukee. Indian use to stand on their own, but they seem to be disappearing into the clone of the past and its competitor.
They’re both Polaris brands. With the Victory brand closing down it should be expected that Polaris would leverage the assets from that venture and capture some of the market that the Victory brand competed in via the Indian brand.
That void in frame next to steering head looks odd. My guess is they stretched it forward to create favorable trail distance. Then, they got stuck with “flying tank” motto to add to it. It could have been done differently. Ditto for exhaust – outright stodgy.
But I don’t really care, I am not cruiser rider. Just an observation. Important thing is that riders are looking MEAN and that is the name of the game.
VICTORY is back.
The ugliness of VICTORY is back.
Look like great bikes and great prices. Not much to complain about but we will anyway… 🙂
Ok, had to look this up. The first production motorcycle in the US was not an Indian, it was an Orient-Aster, manufactured in 1898 in Massachusetts.
That’s a fact todd, but history doesn’t really matter any more
I suppose if someone came out with a new Orient-Astor, they could claim a heritage of 123 years of making motorcycles.
Go Indian!! Many of us have been waiting for this “Short Frame” Chief for a while now. As a very happy Scout 60 owner I am looking forward to taking one of these for a test. They also managed to hold the MSRP down. Beautifully done!!
the little GPS in the speedo is interesting.
I wonder if they put in a system that is easy, and free, to update the maps.
Just try to update the maps on my 2012 pickup.
I like them but will wait until they graft the Challenger forks/brakes on one.
The rear fender looks bulbs and crude.
Nice looking bikes but I can’t get passed the math. Oldest MC company? 100 years? I had an 03 100 year anniversary model HD. Isn’t this more like 120 year?
Got it! 100 years of the Chief. Still like most of models. These are interesting
Got it! 100 years of the Chief not Indian. Still like most of models. These are interesting
The new Chiefs look fantastic and all the right combinations. If main complaint is Polaris owning the Indian badge you might want to think they have done justice to the brand. Triumph died in the 80’s only to be resurrected in the good old UK, only to see vast quantities of units produced in 3rd world countries. We could volley back and forth nitpicking but the truth is these motorcycles are great and big torque air cooled V-Twins have a cadence unlike any other motorcycle. Spending time rolling down the road drinking in the scenery and the connection between rider, machine, and road. Tooling along going someplace or no place. Life doesn’t get better than your own patch of freedom.
“Spending time rolling down the road drinking in the scenery and the connection between rider, machine, and road. Tooling along going someplace or no place. Life doesn’t get better than your own patch of freedom.”
Well spoken words. Even though I am a racetrack junkie, I spend more time riding on the street and this statement really connected with me. Expect it is the same for most riders. Thanks My2cents
You guys are too harsh. Indian seems to be the only one other than Honda and maybe Triumph who are doing interesting things in this segment. I’m not a cruiser guy but I’d rock a scout and definitely and FTR. Anyway givin credit where it’s due. Nice looking bikes and honestly not stupid expensive compared to the competition.
Sorry Wes, but these bikes are far removed from being “interesting”. More “intredasting”, really.
You think these Chiefains are “nicke looking”? You buy ’em. 😉
Better than what Harley is doing…I do dig that red Chieftan. Wow tough crowd. If it has 2 wheels it’s better than a cage as far as I am concerned.
All good except for spoke wheels. Don’t like them. They’re good for off-road only.
Just goes to show that if you have enough money, and desire, you can resurrect any old bankrupt brand and sell it to the public as a continuation of something great. They had Victory, but just couldn’t make a go of it, so they breathed new life into a dead horse, and VOILA, instant name recognition and success.
Nearly as useless to me as the Rebel 1100. Oh but so many here just “love” that bike… Unlike some of the children here that play at being an adult, I don’t give an airborne intercourse if you like something I don’t care for.
Indian has taken a page from Harley by offering less for more thatn what it is worth. I’m not buying it but if some here are that doesn’t butthurt my feeeeewing.
So many “minds” here are nothing more than a diaper that I refuse to even try to change. Think about that. Dirck, you can like what like and often aree with your assements. Big Guzzi fan if the bike fits my wants and needs. Same with Hondas and other brands. It must fit what I want and need in a motorcycle.
These Indians fail to do so. BFD. You buy ’em. 😉
Reading some of the thoughts here is nothing but reading puppy love.
Oh Kermit, you’re just envious that Polaris didn’t finish a model in lily pad green just for you. As your Kermit namesake would say…Always be yourself!
Do you think that people care about your opinion? Call your mom, she’ll listen.
So now you’re demeaning the people who comment here not just the bikes? Guess you must be the adult acting like a child then, right?
You get what you deserve Kermie.
Man, you have issues.
“children here that play at being an adult”…..A lot of people would say that about anyone over 21 that still plays with motorcycles. Especially a useless Sportster Low…
I am watching Kermit. Reminder – this is a motorcycle site where we discuss motorcycles. Insulting other readers will not be tolerated. In addition, political discussions/disagreements belong somewhere else unless relevant to something in the article, such as EV regulation, emissions regulations, etc. Again, disagreements and discussions must remain civil and respectful.
Hey Kermit Lighten up! !
Tell us your riding history-all the bikes you have owned-your age so we know your era. Design your perfect bike and let us know: should get lot of reaction
Super Chief??
How much of a royalty do they owe BNSF for that one? (It’s been a while but some will get it)
Lol the BNSF super chief carried more passengers
Indian will sell plenty of these
I’m beginning to detect a trend …
Hmmm the dark horse looks like a Victory Gunner.
Thought “Dark Horse” was a Comic Book brand.
(Wonder if they’re still around?)
Did they assemble the front fender backwards on all those bikes? Looks like maybe they designed it with the thin end forward but some VP decided to turn it around. 😆
Agree-not the only bike with that weird look. Also i dont like the chopped rear fender
What’s rear suspension travel? Who cares about the front, when your tailbone and lower back are locked in firmly between your entire bodyweight and the rear axle?
I think a floating seat with springs (like they used to be) would be a good option for legroom and bump absorption. Pretty sure that will come from someone if not Indian.
FWIW, which ain’t much, I’d take these over their H-D equivalents. Wouldn’t have to think twice.
Depends what you consider an equivalent. They have two different shocks for the Softail models. The longer one in the Fat Bob/Heritage is actually quite nice. The short one in the Fat Boy didn’t feel bad either. The short one in the Slim was way overdamped or oversprung though. That one was pretty harsh.
I’d probably just go with the Honda.
Me too.
I’d definitely just go wth something else but NOT the equally stupid Rebel 1200 or the uselessly grotesque Indian Scout. Ido NOT like their looks at all.
If I stick with a weakazz single rotor up front, then the 2021 V7 Guzzi. I already have a Sportster 1200 Low (with FLH air shocks out back) that’s paid for so I’ve no need for something this similar in looks and range/power.
Otherwise, a 2021 V85TT.
While I would get the Rebel before one of these, I don’t ever see myself getting a cruiser. Just not my kind of bike. The V7 is a really nice looking machine, but a test ride on the previous V7 was so unremarkable and disappointing that I can’t believe Guzzi has come far enough with the new one to repent fully for their previous sin. Better bikes out there for my money, but to each his own.
I like that V85 too. I think I like the new, blue V7 even better though.