Indian Motorcycles is on the proverbial warpath of late, rolling out a handful of new 2017 models in the aftermath of parent company Polaris Industries’ recent announcement of plans to “wind down” its Victory Motorcycles products. First came the Roadmaster Classic, a leather-bagged addition to Indian’s popular touring line followed with the Chieftain platform getting a pair of upscale additions, making it a family of four.
The Chieftain Elite is a limited-edition bike featuring custom Fireglow Red Candy with Marble Accents paint, all completed entirely by hand at Indian Motorcycle’s custom paint facility located in Spearfish, South Dakota. A small, specialized team spends over 25 hours to hand paint each bike. No two Chieftain Elites look exactly the same.Indian Motorcycle
Joining the base model Chieftain Dark Horse ($21,999) and Chieftain ($23,999), the Chieftain Limited ($24,499) fronts a fresh look with an “open” front fender in place of the latter’s iconic valance unit we have all come to know. The restyled flare-tail fender provides added exposer and emphasis of an attractive new 19-inch-diameter 10-spoke contrast-cut cast alloy wheel (replacing the original’s 16-inch hoop) and clean view of the dual 300mm floating brake rotors and Indian-branded four-pot calipers.
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2017 Indian Chieftain Elite $31,499 and Thunder Black Chieftain Limited $24,499.Indian Motorcycle
A color-matched headlight bezel and two-piece contrast stitched leather saddle (sans studs and conchos) complete the more sleek, aggressive new look. The Chieftain Elite ($31,499) lends a factory custom treatment with gorgeous Fireglow Red Candy finish that appears oceans in depth. The hand-painted marble accents and black pinstriping add stunning custom detail unique to each and every machine. Color-matched accents applied to the tank console, horn, airbox, primary and cam covers along with billet rider and passenger floorboards attract the eye like moths to a flame.
2017 Indian Chieftain LimitedIndian Motorcycle
I spent a day aboard both new models riding the urban streets, freeways, and back roads of San Diego, California. Sharing a chassis and Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin powertrain in common with the Roadmaster models results in crisp ride-by-wire engine response and a mountain of torque doled out in ultra-linear fashion from off idle to the 5,000-rpm rev ceiling. The trio of bikes I rode had minimal break-in miles, two of which needed minor clutch play adjustment (tools required) to eliminate notchy shift action and difficulty finding neutral at stops.
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Aside from that easily solved nit, both of the new Chieftain models earn feathers in the cap with a host of standard touring amenities including the 7-inch touchscreen Ride Command info/audio/navigation system, keyless ignition and remote locking sidebags, motorized windscreen, and absolutely superb cruise control operation. Overall comfort is tops with relaxed ergos, supportive dished saddle, and plush yet controlled ride quality. Rake and trail dimensions have remained unchanged despite the change of front wheel, offering a sweet blend of light, neutral steering feel and exceptional stability whether flipping a tight U-turn, carving an onramp, or storming the superslab.
Buyer's Guide
Indian is on fire with a promise of even more exciting new road- and racing-related projects in the near future. From what I’ve heard, seen, and ridden thus far, the current caretakers of one of America’s most stoic brands would appear to be on the right path.
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Adding to the Fireglow Red Candy livery of the Chieftain Elite are its unique tank console, horn, airbox, primary and cam covers with color matched pinstripes. Additional accents include a color-matched headlight bezel and flared, tinted power windscreen. Contrast-stitched driver and passenger seats lend a custom touch.Indian Motorcycle
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Along with the superb Ride Command seven-inch infotainment system and 100-watt audio system, the Chieftain Limited has a key-less ignition, anti-lock brakes, chrome front highway bar, power adjustable windshield, remote locking hard bags and a dash of chrome in all the right places.Indian Motorcycle
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine type
Thunder Stroke 111
Displacement
111ci (1,811cc)
Seat Height
26.0 in.
Fuel Capacity
5.5 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight
860 lb.
Base Price
$24,499
MORE PHOTOS OF THE INDIAN CHIEFTAIN ELITE:
2017 Indian Chieftain EliteIndian Motorcycle
2017 Indian Chieftain EliteIndian Motorcycle
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2017 Indian Chieftain EliteIndian Motorcycle
The new flared sawed-off open front fender offers a subtle nod to Indian’s “open” fenders of the 1920s and 1930s. The 19" front wheel features a 10-spoke contrast-cut design that is said to make the wheel look even bigger than it already is.Indian Motorcycle
Both models are powered by the Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine. This beast makes a claimed 119 ft-lbs of torque that comes on strong very early in the rev range.Indian Motorcycle
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2017 Indian Chieftain EliteIndian Motorcycle
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2017 Indian Chieftain EliteIndian Motorcycle
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Hand painted ya know.Indian Motorcycle
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The Chieftain Elite adds a pair of 100-watt speakers in the saddlebags (along with the 100-watt dash speakers) for those about to rock.Indian Motorcycle
2017 Indian Chieftain EliteIndian Motorcycle
MORE PHOTOS OF THE INDIAN CHIEFTAIN LIMITED:
2017 Indian Chieftain LimitedIndian Motorcycle
Accessorized Chieftain Limited with black Mid Rise Handlebar Kit. It also had a Stage 1 Exhaust, Thunder Stroke High Flow Air Cleaner and Stage 2 Performance Cams which equated to a nice throaty exhaust note a bit more passing power.Indian Motorcycle
2017 Indian Chieftain LimitedIndian Motorcycle
Accessorized Chieftain Limited.Indian Motorcycle
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2017 Indian Chieftain LimitedIndian Motorcycle
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Ride Command is the industry’s largest and most customizable infotainment system. The seven-inch touch screen works with any gloves and allows you to get turn-by-turn directions, navigate to points of interest, play Bluetooth audio, check vehicle information and status and more. You can also customize three rider screens to display the information you prefer.Indian Motorcycle
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2017 Indian Chieftain LimitedIndian Motorcycle
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Dished leather saddle offers good support for an all-day cruise.Indian Motorcycle