Indian Chieftain Limited 2022 — Specifications

Who would dare claim that the American bagger is a stagnant genre? The Indian Chieftain Limited has been proving otherwise for several model years. This 373 kg wet-weight vessel has managed to reinvent itself without betraying its roots, and the 2022 model year represents the culmination of a lineage that has steadily progressed since the 2017 Indian Chieftain Limited. Where Harley-Davidson banks on the breadth of its Touring range, Indian plays the card of lavish equipment and mechanical refinement. The result? A premium cruiser that carries its heft with rare elegance.

Beneath that imposing fairing beats the Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, a 1890 cc twin-cylinder that speaks only one language: torque. With 126.0 lb-ft available from just 2900 rpm and 90 horsepower at the crank, this engine isn't chasing benchmark figures. It asserts its authority through a fat, seamless, almost tectonic surge of thrust. Each cylinder displaces 945 cc on its own, and the rider feels every bit of it in the small of their back. The 11.1:1 compression ratio and reworked cylinder heads introduced with the jump to 1890 cc in 2020 brought a vigor that early reviews of the 2018 Chieftain Limited never hinted at. Three ride modes — Tour, Standard, and Sport — let you tailor throttle response, while rear cylinder deactivation at a standstill spares the rider's thighs on scorching days. Up against the Milwaukee Eight in the Road Glide Limited, the Thunderstroke counters with a rougher, more volcanic, less refined character. A matter of taste.

The cast aluminum frame handles the 791 lb dry weight without flinching. The telescopic fork and rear mono-shock with pneumatic adjustment filter out road imperfections adequately, even if the 5.1-inch ground clearance calls for some caution in tight roundabouts. The generous 65.7-inch wheelbase delivers near-sovereign highway stability, and the 19-inch front wheel wrapped in 130/60 rubber brings a hint of turn-in eagerness that older models with their 16-inch wheels never had. This front end, introduced on the Limited from the outset, has since set the standard across the entire Chieftain range.

What sets the Limited apart from the standard Chieftain comes down to the finishes: generous chrome, machined wheels, meticulous paintwork. But above all, it's the onboard technology arsenal. The Ride Command system, refined over the years and Apple CarPlay-compatible since the 2021 Indian Chieftain Limited model year, turns the dashboard into a genuine multimedia hub. The power-adjustable windshield, cruise control, keyless ignition, and 100-watt audio system with adaptive equalizer round out a spec sheet that would put some touring GTs to shame. The 5.5-gallon tank allows for reasonable legs between fuel stops, though a seasoned touring rider might have appreciated a few extra gallons on a machine built for wide-open spaces.

At €30,790 list price, the 2022 Indian Chieftain Limited clearly targets the premium segment. It's expensive, but consistent given the equipment level and perceived quality. Bargain hunters will keep an eye on the used Indian Chieftain Limited market, where 2019 and 2020 model years already deliver the essence of the recipe at more palatable prices. This machine is aimed at committed tourers — those who want to cross France or Europe with sound, comfort, and an engine that tells a story with every turn of the wheel. Track enthusiasts need not apply. Touring riders, on the other hand, already know exactly what this is about.