Indian Chief Classic 2018 — Specifications

Pioneering a lineage now firmly established, the Chief Classic continues its adventure with all the serenity it deserves. Majestic, incomparable, forged from the heart of America, this machine boasts captivating metalwork, ample muscularity, and a generous silhouette. It is now accompanied by a Chief, distinguished primarily by its spoked wheels.

The Indian Chief Classic seems to have come from a film, redolent of grand Hollywood. It didn’t know them, but appears to have mingled with Bogart, Grant, Cooper, and Brando. History is etched onto its curves, which it displays without restraint. Its large, characteristic fenders, its 60-spoke wheels shod with whitewall tires, chrome enough to cover an avenue: the Chief is both classic and seductive. There are its details, subtle or striking, that transport you into its universe: the Native American cowl atop the front fender, the saddle with studded edges, the headlight fairing, and the row of triple optics, the leather strap on the fuel tank culminating in an atypical dashboard console. Embedded in the enormous chrome plate, the large graduated speedometer, marked up to 200, seems to halt its effort at 120, the fuel gauge evolves over almost a full revolution, and to bring the custom to life, a large push button awaits a thumb to awaken it.

Because the Chief Classic can do without a key. Simply have the key fob in your pocket, mount up, and start. Touches of modernity are scattered here and there, such as ABS and cruise control as standard, the digital screen at the bottom of the tachometer, LED turn signals, the aluminum frame, ride-by-wire throttle, and injection... But that’s not what will make you glance at this Indian. No; it also tempts you, especially, by its large engine: the Thunder Stroke 111.

111 cubic inches; that is 1811 cm3. It is enormous, and it is magnificent. This 49° open engine, air-cooled, is a true pleasure to look at. A sculpture, designed for generous torque, sensations, and incidentally to tackle the Twin Cam of the neighbor’s Harley. As it should be, it’s a long stroke; an architecture conducive to torque and low-end fill but not inclined to take high RPMs. That’s fine, because we completely don’t care about high RPMs on a custom of this caliber. Purists will be delighted with its innards. Distribution is provided by pushrods, only 2 valves per cylinder are counted, and when the pistons fire, enormous scoops of oil are sent into the 6-speed box. The Minnesota twin delivers no less than 15.3 mkg at its peak muscular exertion. All of this in a sound that evokes the Great Plains of Kansas, the immense cornfields of Illinois, a baseball game under the heat of Texas.

Arms spread wide by the wide handlebar, hips welcomed by large footpegs, straight back and legs at the brace, the rider is installed in cruising mode. While the chassis can inspire a certain confidence with an aluminum-framed chassis, a 46 mm thick fork, 3 brake discs of 300 mm backed by 4-piston calipers at the front and 2 pistons at the rear, the pleasure of riding must coexist with restraint. The Indian Chief Classic is 2.63 meters long, almost 1/2 meter longer than a Triumph 675 Street Triple, its wheelbase announces 1730 mm and its weight is 370 kgs. We are far from a toy that likes to be jostled.

The Chief Classic is the most accessible model in the 111 ci range. A rather relative notion, as all models are intended to be in the premium category. At almost 23,000 euros, the Indian makes the wallet cough before erupting with its metallic gurgles. But don’t be fooled: it’s not a banal custom, it’s refinement struck with authenticity.

M.B - Constructeur photos