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The Chieftain Limited retains the Chieftain’s great low-speed agility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Photo: Romero Garcia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
One glance at the Chieftain Elite and your visual senses will go into overload as its Fireglow Red Candy coat will make your pupils dance as the light reverberates off the amazing finish. Each of the limited-edition (only 350 produced) Elites are hand-painted in a process that takes more than 25 hours for each bike. Indian is serious about its future offerings in custom paint, enough so that it purchased a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Spearfish, South Dakota. The Elite is the first fruit of labor for the very talented team in that facility. Since the paint scheme is so labor-intensive, each bike will be just a little bit different, making for a truly custom piece of rolling art.<\/p>\n
Okay, Indian has the “show” part down for these new Chieftain models, but how do they “go”?<\/p>\n
The Chieftain platform is known for its stable handing and torquey engines that are great for all-around riding. These models adhere to those traits with a little twist. The new 19-inch wheel and low-profile tire are basically the same height and width of its 16-inch predecessors, but steering felt noticeably lighter to me. This was apparent at low-speed, around-town riding and on initial turn-in on twisty back roads at spirited speeds. Very cool, great looks and an improved handling feel.
\nThe overall handling of both machines was typical Chieftain. They are a lot more maneuverable than they look and weigh. Low-speed flickability and solid-as-a-rock high-speed steadiness create a perfect balance for a go-anywhere, do-it-all bagger.<\/p>\n
The Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin engine featuring 119 pound-feet of torque is unchanged for integration into these new models, which is not a bad thing. The Thunder Stroke is a great powerplant that is equally as comfortable chugging along as it is hard on the throttle with plenty of pull in all situations. In short, it’s an ideal touring engine.<\/p>\n
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The Chieftain Elite is quite the looker with its Fireglow Red Candy paint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Barry Hathaway<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
We had the chance to hop on an Elite with some Indian-branded hop-up items available through Indian dealers.
\nThese parts were composed of a Stage 1 Exhaust, Thunder Stroke High Flow Air Cleaner, and Stage 2 Performance Cams. Indian claims a 10-percent horsepower increase and a 7-percent torque increase. I felt these numbers were very conservative as both felt like they were quite a bit more as I opened up the throttle and let it rip. These items were a blast to try and I was saddened to get off the bike. I was giggling like a child as I repeatedly whacked the throttle to hear the authoritative hearty roar of the 111 engine. I couldn’t get enough of it. Although throttle action was not quite as crispy as stock, I felt the benefits far outweighed this slight glitch.<\/p>\n
I also tried an Elite with some Indian Motorcycle accessory Mid-Rise handlebars. The rise and bed were of the mini-ape type of bars. They were great around town and and I felt like the king of the streets. It was a different story after some extend highway runs. My arms felt a bit more tired and sore than the stock offerings. I preferred the stock setup for all-around riding as they were more comfortable for my body.<\/p>\n
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The Indian Chieftain Limited<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Photo: Indian Motorcycle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Staying with ergonomics on the Limited and Elite, I thought both were actually a bit more comfortable than the basic Chieftain. This was mainly due to the sleeker saddle. A lower profile and being trimmed down gave me a little bit more room while still offering plenty of padding for all-day highway comfort.<\/p>\n
Both bikes are lacking something in the foot control department that I actually think is a benefit. The absence of a heel-toe shifter unit is a saving grace for my size 12 feet. With just a traditional toe shifter, my boat-size boots have plenty of room to move around on the floorboards. With a heel-toe unit found on most touring bikes, my left foot is basically trapped into one wedged-in position on the floorboard. Not so with this setup. I think it would also benefit those with less Yeti-esque feet as they will have a plethora of ways to take advantage of the gracious space of the floorboards.<\/p>\n
The Elite model offers a 200-watt audio system that feature 100-watt speakers integrated into the saddlebags and fairing with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone-compatible input.<\/p>\n
This system does nothing short of rock. After a quick and painless syncing to my smartphone, I cranked up some Ted Nugent and jammed down the highway. Most sound systems are barely audible at speeds about 60-ish mph. Not so with this system; I could swear that Uncle Ted was sitting on my back fender strumming out the thundering guitar riffs to the song “Great While Buffalo” as I hovered near illegal speeds. Thanks Indian!<\/p>\n
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Here’s the “little bit that goes a long way.” Trimmed-down valance fender, 10-spoke contrast-cut 19-inch wheel, and dual 300mm rotors with four-piston calipers.
\nThis changes the entire look of the Chieftain into a much more custom, contemporary, and aggressive demeanor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Photo: Indian Motorcycle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Both the Limited and Elite are outfitted with premium touring amenities such as antilock brakes, remote locking saddlebags, power-adjustable windshield, chrome highway bars, and Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system. This system features an easy-to-view 7-inch monitor, AM\/FM stereo, GPS, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, and is all easily controlled while wearing gloves.
\nThe Elite gets an upgraded Pathfinder LED headlight and driving lights, flare windshield, the previously mentioned 200-watt sound system, and billet floorboards.<\/p>\n
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Indian Chieftain Limited<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Photo: Romero Garcia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
So what does this all mean? Besides the obvious jab at the vast Harley-Davidson Street Glide market, it shows that this is just the beginning for a re-focused Polaris and Indian Motorcycle company. The Chieftain Limited and Chieftain Elite raise the bar in the premium touring bike wars and is a bold evolution for Indian motorcycles in general. We can’t wait to see what the Massachusetts company has coming out next.<\/p>\n
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The Chieftain limited in Thunder Black paint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Photo: Indian Motorcycle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\nSpecifications<\/th>\n |
\n\nPrice<\/td>\n |
\nColors<\/td>\n |
\nEngine<\/td>\n |
\nTransmission<\/td>\n |
\nClaimed Torque<\/td>\n |
\nFrame<\/td>\n |
\nFront Suspension<\/td>\n |
\nRear Suspension<\/td>\n |
\nFront Brake<\/td>\n |
\nRear Brake<\/td>\n |
\nWheelbase<\/td>\n |
\nSeat Height<\/td>\n |
\nFuel Capacity<\/td>\n |
\nClaimed Weight<\/td>\n |