FEATURE - 2022 Indian Chief range
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Indian Motorcycle
This year marks the 120th Anniversary for Indian Motorcycle, which is a big deal. In addition, 2021 marks 100 years since the debut of the Chief, one of Indian’s most important and historic models.
While released in 1921, the original Chief was a 1922 model, officially, but Indian are getting in on the Chief’s centenary a little early, having already released an all-new Chief range.
Same Name, New Look
In the past few years, Indian Motorcycle’s parent company Polaris has been evolving Indian from a purely retro brand to take up some of the modern cruiser market previously catered for by the Victory brand that was axed in 2017. The Challenger bagger has been the best example of this, but the Roadmaster and Chieftain have been modernised, too.
Now, it’s the Chief’s turn to get the modernisation treatment ahead of its 100th Anniversary in 2022.
“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, Polaris's President of Motorcycles, in announcing the all-new Chief lineup back in February.
“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 three-model Chief lineup for 2022 consists of the Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse and Super Chief Limited. For now, these are being sold alongside the existing Chief Vintage and Chief Dark Horse in the Indian Motorcycle lineup, but don’t expect the “old” Chiefs to be available beyond this year.
Bigger, Better. . . Simpler
The all-new Chief family for 2022 are definitely modern machines in terms of engineering and tech features. Against Harley’s Softail family (the new Chiefs’ most obvious competitor), the Indians have the advantage in a few areas, notably the engine, as the Thunderstroke 111 in the old Chiefs has been replaced with the Thunderstroke 116 with rear cylinder deactivation technology.
In cubic inches alone, that engine trumps the Milwaukee-Eight 114 fitted to the majority of the 2021 Softail lineup.
The “simplicity” referenced in Dougherty’s statement on the new Chiefs concerns the shedding of extraneous chrome and garnish, along with a modernised (but arguably not modern) appearance for the tinware and trim.
All three new Chiefs share the same “classic” tube steel frame, the same fuel tank and mudguards, the same six-speed gearbox, the same tele fork front suspension, dual shock rear suspension (with adjustable preload), the same ABS brakes, instrumentation and lighting.
Each Chief features cruise control as standard, as well as a USB and 12V charge port, keyless ignition and three riding modes – Sport, Standard and Tour.
Differences start with the wheels. Where the Chief Dark Horse (the entry-level model in the new range), runs a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear cast alloy wheel combination, the Chief Bobber Dark Horse and Super Chief Limited run 16-inch wire spoke wheels at each end.
Seat height is no more than 665mm, which is actually a little higher than the old Chiefs, while weight varies from 304kg wet to 335kg wet, which is a 13kg reduction compared to the old Chief Dark Horse and more than 30kg lighter than the Chief Vintage.
Handlebars vary across the three variants, as do standard features, which explains a ride away price range varying from $25,995 to $29,995.
New Look
With the new Chiefs sharing so much in terms of frame, engine and cycle parts, the use of specific colours and badging help give each new Chief its own identity, with at least one exclusive colour per variant.
According to Indian, the styling and features on each new Chief will appeal to a different rider, with the Chief Dark Horse offering “power, minimalism and attitude,” the Chief Bobber Dark Horse paying “stylistic homage to muscular, classic post-war v-twins," while the Super Chief Limited “begs riders for a bolder escape” with its standard pillion pad, windshield and panniers.
“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 of the new Chief styling. “We also wanted to keep it simple enough to allow riders’ imaginations to take flight with personalisation 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.”
New Instrumentation
The modernisation of the Chief continues with the instrumentation, which moves from the tank to a handlebar-mounted pod.
Measuring 101mm (4 inches) in diameter, this pod includes Indian’s Ride Command system that can be operated through the switchgear or the pod’s IPS touchscreen.
Multiple interfaces include two different gauge configurations for bike and ride information, as well as turn-by-turn navigation. Via a wireless helmet communicator, riders can also control their music within Ride Command once their smartphone is paired via Bluetooth or USB.
Phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history, can also be accessed via the IPS touchscreen. When connected, incoming calls can be accepted or declined directly through Ride Command, too.
2022 Chief Dark Horse
Defined by its drag bars and blackout engine treatment, the new Dark Horse is the starter model in the 2022 Chief range.
The black cast alloy wheels feature machined detailing that’s echoed on the engine’s cooling fins, while those wheels are shod with Pirelli Night Dragon tyres.
Mid-mount pegs, a solo seat and black headlight shell are all standard, with the 15.1-litre fuel tank carrying a Scout-style Indian decal.
Like all new Chiefs, a range of accessories are available on the Dark Horse, so riders can personalise their bike to suit their own taste.
Engine: Thunderstroke 116
Transmission: Six-speed
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 132mm travel
Rear Suspension: Twin coilover shocks w/adjustable preload, 75mm travel
Front Wheel: 19x3.5-inch cast alloy
Rear Wheel: 16x5-inch cast alloy
Front Brake: 300mm disc w/4-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 300mm disc w/2-piston caliper
Seat Height: 662mm
Wet Weight: 304kg
Colours: Black Smoke, Stealth Grey and Alumina Jade Smoke
Price: From $25,995 ride away
2022 Chief Bobber Dark Horse
Broadly similar to the Chief Dark Horse, the Chief Bobber Dark Horse swaps the drag bars for mini ape hangers and adds blackout shrouds to the suspension as its main visual point of difference.
Instead of cast alloy wheels, the Chief Bobber Dark Horse runs wire spoke rims and wider profile tyres for that classic bobber aesthetic.
Forward pegs and a classic Indian tank graphic are other defining features, while the solo seat and black headlight shell carry over from the Chief Dark Horse.
Seat height is unchanged, but adding the fork shrouds also adds weight.
Engine: Thunderstroke 116
Transmission: Six-speed
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 132mm travel
Rear Suspension: Twin coilover shocks w/adjustable preload, 75mm travel
Front Wheel: 16x3-inch spoke
Rear Wheel: 16x5-inch spoke
Front Brake: 300mm disc w/4-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 300mm disc w/2-piston caliper
Seat Height: 662mm
Wet Weight: 315kg
Colours: Black Smoke, Titanium Smoke and Sagebrush Smoke
Price: From $27,495 ride away
2022 Super Chief Limited
The touring model within the new Chief range, the Super Chief Limited adds leather panniers and a quick-release windshield, as well as wide handlebars, a plusher touring saddle, footboards and pillion pad, so it’s ready to eat up highway miles right out of the crate.
Of course, strip all these parts off and you’ve got yourself a stylish roadster.
Aside from its touring-ready features, the other point of difference on this model is the all-chrome engine and exhaust treatment, with chrome extending to the mirrors and classic Indian script tank badge, while the fork shrouds and headlight nacelle remain in black.
Engine: Thunderstroke 116
Transmission: Six-speed
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 132mm travel
Rear Suspension: Twin coilover shocks w/adjustable preload, 75mm travel
Front Wheel: 16x3-inch spoke
Rear Wheel: 16x5-inch spoke
Front Brake: 300mm disc w/4-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 300mm disc w/2-piston caliper
Seat Height: 665mm
Wet Weight: 335kg
Colours: Black metallic, Blue Slate metallic and Maroon metallic
Price: From $29,995 ride away
Now in Store
Roll out of the 2022 Indian Chief started early – real early, actually, with the first units reaching Australian dealerships in April. The full 2022 Chief range is now in Indian dealerships Australia-wide.
See your Indian dealer for more details, or go to: indianmotorcycle.com.au
