Indian Motorcycle adds a new cruiser to its Chief family in 2023 with the new Sport Chief, a performance cruiser with loads of style and plenty of ways to personalize. The bike will be available in authorized Indian dealerships starting March 2023, starting at $18,999 for the Black Smoke colorway. Ruby Smoke and Stealth Gray colorways will start at $19,499 while the Spirit Blue Smoke option will start at $19,999.
“Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world,” said Mike Dougherty, president of Indian Motorcycle, in a company press release. “With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever—offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”
The Sport Chief packs the blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 engine which offers up 120 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s the same mill you’ll find in models like the Chief Bobber Dark Horse, the Super Chief Limited, the Chieftain Dark Horse, and others. The mill is housed in a steel tube frame and comes suspended on a 43mm KYB inverted fork out front and preload-adjustable piggyback Fox shocks at the back. The suspension configuration provides a lean angle of up to 29.5 degrees, making it more suitable for spirited riding. Brembo kit provides stopping power, front and rear, and cast black tires are shod in Pirelli Night Dragon rubber.
The Sport Chief comes with a 4-inch touchscreen instrument panel powered by Ride Command, which offers multiple gauge configurations, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone, among a handful of other features.
It will feature three different ride modes, cruise control, keyless ignition, ABS, and a USB charging port. Styling highlights include the quarter fairing out front and 6-inch risers on the moto-style handlebars as standard.
“With Sport Chief, we wanted to maintain the same care-free attitude and American muscle but elevate it even further with componentry that not only delivers a style and attitude that exudes performance but raises the bar entirely for performance cruisers,” said Ola Stenegärd, director, industrial design for Indian Motorcycle.
Riders who want to add some personal touches to the Sport Chief can choose from among numerous upgrades, including 10-inch risers, a low or tall windscreen, variety of seat options, and improved rear Fox suspension.
2023 Indian Motorcycle Sport Chief Technical Specifications and Price
| Price: | $18,999–$19,999 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1,890cc, air-cooled, 49° V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 103.2 x 113mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Delivery: | Closed loop w/ 54mm single throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multi-disc |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Frame: | Steel tube |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm KYB USD fork, 5.1 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Fox piggyback shocks, adjustable preload, 4.0 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Brembo 4-piston calipers, semi-floating 320mm discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | Brembo 2-piston caliper, 300mm floating disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Sport Cast Black; 19 x 3.5 / 16 x 5 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Night Dragon, 130/60-19 / 180/65-16 |
| Rake/Trail: | 28.0°/4.4 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 64.6 in. |
| Seat Height: | 27.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.0 gal. |
| Claimed Weight: | 665 lb. (as shipped) |
| Available: | March 2023 |
| Contact: | indianmotorcycle.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com