Ups
- Artfully designed with minimalist look and customization in mind
- Responsive and neutral handling
- Superb suspension performance
- Larger variety of trim levels to choose from
Downs
- Single front brake disc is not very performance oriented
Verdict
A sophisticated and classic V-twin that comes in a variety of trims that are ready for customization. In our tests, the Chief has responsive handling and suspension performance as well as modern technology in big twin format.
Overview
The original Indian Chief was introduced in 1921 and today we see the Chief’s lineup has expanded with additional trim levels that suit a wide variety of riders looking for a V-twin cruiser with artful and customizable design. Depending on the trim, it can be equipped with either the Thunder Stroke 111 (1,811cc) or Thunder Stroke 116 (1,890cc) engine configurations. Modern tech like ride modes, cruise control, rear cylinder deactivation, and LED lighting are seen on every model and a very modern full-color TFT display shows bike and ride information as well as turn by turn navigation, for pricier variants.
Updates for 2022
As covered in our First Look, the base Chief now has mid-mount controls and drag bars. The wheelbase is shortened to 64 inches, the new tank helps shave off some weight, and the new 46mm fork now leaves the risers exposed for a raw look.
The Dark Horse model gets the larger-bore and higher-compression Thunder Stroke 116 engine as well as the new 4-inch round display. The Bobber sees noticeable tweaks to the ergonomics (mini-ape handlebars and forward controls).
The Super Chief and Limited models are new for 2021 and offer a more relaxed, touring focus.
For more information on all of these models, be sure to read the First Look coverage here.
Pricing and Variants
In celebration of 100 years of the Chief, Indian announced a larger Chief lineup, so there’s the Chief ($14,499–$15,799), Chief Dark Horse ($16,999–$17,499), Chief Bobber ($15,999–$16,499), Chief Bobber Dark Horse ($18,999–$19,499), Super Chief ($18,499–$19,799), and finally Super Chief Limited ($20,999–$21,499).
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
From our First Ride of the Indian Chief Dark Horse: “The 1,890cc, two-valve-per-cylinder, pushrod twin has been slightly modified for the entire air-cooled Indian line, adding frame mounts to the front cylinder to increase the chassis’ torsional rigidity, and slimming down the primary cover to make a little more room near the rider’s left foot. New throttle maps, Rain, Sport, and Standard, were also designed for the Chief application, specifically to meet Euro 5 emissions standards and work with the new intake and exhaust setups.”
While the engine provides the essential connected feel of a cruiser, the throttle and clutch feel is vague.
Handling
The suspension is superb. When Gales rode it he reported that the fork is plush, but it stays tight and consistent with minimal brake dive and smooth rebound. Travel for the rear shocks is only 3 inches, but provides smooth and consistent compression and rebound feedback. Overall handling is responsive and neutral.
Brakes
The front single disc is not performance oriented, but it does function more than adequately, Gales stated. Thanks to the good lever feel and praiseworthy suspension, brake application is precise.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Real-world miles-per-gallon figures are currently unavailable.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
We reported that the seat is a little on the small side, but its comfort factor left our test rider happy and without soreness; only soreness on the hip flexors came into play on longer stints of freeway riding.
Electronics
The base model, Bobber, and Super Chief versions feature LED lighting, an analog speedometer with digital tach, as well as cruise control, ride modes, and keyless ignition with ABS as an option. The Dark Horse, Bobber Dark Horse, and Super Chief Limited step it up with a 4-inch round display with Ride Command, featuring turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Cruise control, standard ABS, ride modes, keyless ignition, LED lighting, and a USB charge port are also standard features.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Chiefs have a two-year limited warranty.
Quality
With the design expertise of Ola Stenegärd and Rich Christoph, the 2022 Indian Chief represents an artfully crafted, customizable cruiser that “take[s] away the clutter but not the spirit.”
2022 Indian Chief Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $14,499–$15,799 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1,811cc, air-cooled, 49-degree V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 101.0 x 113.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Fuel Delivery: | Closed loop w/ 54mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | N/A |
| Frame: | Steel tube weldment w/ cast aluminum rear subframe |
| Front Suspension: | 46mm telescopic fork; 5.2 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Dual gas-charged monotube shocks, preload adjustable; 3.0 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston caliper, semi-floating 300mm discs w/ optional ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston caliper, floating 300mm disc w/ optional ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast rims; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Night Dragon; 130/60-19 / 180/65-16 |
| Rake/Trail: | 29.0°/5.2 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 64.0 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.9 in. |
| Seat Height: | 26.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.0 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 670 lb. |
| Contact: | indianmotorcycle.com |
Cycle World Tested Specifications (Dark Horse)
| Seat Height: | 27.26 in. |
|---|---|
| Wet Weight: | 672 lb. |
| Horsepower: | 80.22 hp @ 4,690 rpm |
| Torque: | 107.43 lb.-ft. @ 2,890 rpm |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com