Motorcycle specifications Indian1720 CHIEF VINTAGE 2011 The imposing rider of the plain

indian is one of the most emblematic brands in motorcycle history, one of the oldest, and today one of the most expensive. More than 50 years after its extinction, the brand is back with a typically American range: big custom with many sauces, and a keen sense of sharing. Engine and chassis are identical on all models. So what argument can the imposing Chief Vintage put forward to justify its hefty price tag, shelling out 10,000 euros more than the most affordable Chief, the Classic? Does a name justify a cheque for 40,000 roros?

top-of-the-range, luxury, hand-built, numbered motorcycles with a whiff of America, that's how Indian wants to charm the customer. And it's true that it looks good, especially as the design essentials are right: the line, and the famous mudguards covering most of the wheels. The engine alone really deserves attention. A superb block of fins, steel and depth. A true metal sculpture, like two biceps frozen in the fruit of the forge. Simply superb. Too bad its performance isn't up to the same standard. The 1720 cm3 may be smooth and responsive, but it lacks the rocky character of a Harley Twin Cam, or the breath of a Victory Freedom.
The Chief Vintage tries to make up for lost time with its finish. The paintwork is beyond reproach, playing on its quality without hiding. Attention to detail has been lavished on the whole machine, but a few false notes mar the picture; whereas you'd expect impeccable workmanship from a machine costing twice the price of an Aprilia RSV4 factory.
Like 99% of custom bikes, the Chief Vintage features a tubular steel cradle chassis. Conventional right down to the spoked wheels, the chassis features a 41 mm fork, a single shock absorber and 3 x 292 mm discs. That's what you need for riding, not twirling. L'indian may be the queen of the ball, but it'll be a mess in the gym. With a third of a ton on its feet and the dynamism of a pachyderm, this cruiser is all about showing off. So don't rush the machine.

so, is this top-of-the-range Spingfield really worth the price? Well, the quality/price ratio is far from established. On the other hand, the 1700 Chief Vintage is a truly beautiful machine. It's a real treat to look at, it smells of the States of yesteryear, and the impression as well as the sensation of owning a machine bordering on the exceptional sets the Indian apart in production.

in a nutshell

eQUIPMENT

- Numbered chassis
- Unlockable passenger backrest in genuine leather
- Customized Vintage bangs
- Single seat with passenger seat insert
- Chrome front and rear footrests
- Short shock absorbers
- White-striped tires
- Chromed INDIAN design on fuel tank
- 1,720cm3 PowerPlus engine
- 6-speed transmission
- Brembo brakes with double floating pistons
- Electronic fuel injection
- Optional panniers and leather bangs
- Optional Vintage custom paint themes
- Tire options

cOLORS - Optional

- 2-tone Thunder Black / Indian Red, chrome lettering
- 2-tone Willow Green / Cream Ivory, chrome lettering
- 2-tone Arizona Turquoise / Winter White, chrome lettering
- 2-tone Maize Yellow / Winter White, chrome lettering
- 2-tone Plains Blue / Cream Ivory, chrome lettering
- 2-tone Indian Red / Cream Ivory

M.B - Manufacturer's photos