For the first time since the 1950s there is an Indian dealership in downtown Sturgis once again! This gives Mustang Seats the perfect backdrop to show off their new Vintage Wide Touring seats made specifically for the 2014 Indian Chief/Chieftain motorcycles. Fans of the new Indians can get their first look at these saddles at the Mustang display at the J&P Cycles Store on Lazelle during the Sturgis Rally.

“We have always had an affinity for Indian motorcycles,” notes Mustang’s Marketing Director Marilyn Simmons. “The original Indian factory in Springfield is just 17 miles away from Mustang’s historic factory in Three Rivers, Massachusetts. The monumental effort to bring the Indian brand back is not lost on us, so our R&D team took extra care in creating our replacement seats for the Indian Chief.”

Riders in Sturgis will be among the first in the nation to sample the two versions of Mustang’s popular Vintage Wide Touring style seat configured to match the all-new Indians. Although both styles offer 16.5″ solo seats that position the rider 1.5″ back from stock, the key difference is cosmetic. “We have seen a real difference in the type of seat Indian owners want… some prefer the studs, conches and decorative braid of our Studded Wide Touring seat, while others are the polar opposite, preferring the Vintage Wide Touring seat without any bells, whistles or conchos.”

Regardless of the level of trim, both versions start with Mustang’s proprietary marine-grade fiberglass baseplate and controlled-density foam. “No matter how much foam you layer on, the key to comfort is to start with a proper base,” says Simmons. Mustang’s combination makes for ample support and all-day riding comfort. Passenger comfort wasn’t forgotten either. Matching 13″ passenger seats get the controlled-density foam for ample support and all-day riding comfort, but the biggest deal is the option of a built-in passenger backrest (sold separately) that eliminates the need for a sissy bar pad. “We did not want to compromise on Mustang’s reputation for making the world’s most comfortable motorcycle seats, however we wanted the seats to look authentic to match the Indian’s classic styling cues… connecting to this sense of history was very important to us.”

Speaking of history, Sturgis marks an important milestone for the new American-made motorcycle. According to Indian, “The opening of the new Indian Motorcycle Sturgis marks the first time that the brand has had a dedicated retail presence in Sturgis for decades.” This is only fitting given that the very first Sturgis Rally was started by local Indian dealer J.C. “Pappy” Hoel back in 1938. The new Indian Motorcycle Sturgis dealership is located at 2106 Lazelle St., just across the street from the J&P Cycles store where Mustang will be on display. As in years past, Mustang will have two displays during the rally, the second being their famous big rig located at Black Hills Harley-Davidson.

If you can’t make it to Sturgis to see the new Vintage Solo seats for Indian in person, get a sneak peak here: