Motorcycle specifications Indian1811 CHIEFTAIN 2014 Troublante cavalcade

crossing the USA is a mixture of dream and legend, an initiation rite for some, the ultimate adventure for others. But it has to be done with the right machine, one that exudes road manners from one end of the chassis to the other. For its rebirth under the Polaris umbrella, Indian has equipped itself with a machine capable of overshadowing the tenors of the genre, Victory Cross Country, Honda F6B, Harley Street Glide or Kawa 1700 Voyager Custom. A majestic machine, where personality and mechanics inspire respect, curiosity and paroxysmal presence: the Chieftain.

the first tourer in the history of Indian, the 1800 Chieftain is as eye-catching as it is mileage-grabbing. Its large, chunky headstock is not just another copy of the Harley "pig nose", but has its own identity. Another nod to the past, with a marked reference to the Streamliner style of the trains of the late '30s. Extensive protection, a large illuminated porthole accompanied by a pair of sidekicks, ample LED turn indicators - what a headdress! What's more, the windscreen is electrically adjustable, with 12 centimetres of travel. Plenty of chrome on top, and you're seduced.
Not yet? Well, the Indian 111 ci Chieftain has what it takes to win you over. Its hard cases are electrically lockable and mounted on quick-release anchors. The leather seat, keyless ignition and pneumatically-adjusted shock absorber are just some of the features you'll find on the best road bikes: ABS, cruise control, Bluetooth-enabled audio system, tire pressure gauge, 12V socket, etc...
The Chieftain also boasts a rich, elegantly designed dashboard. A host of gauges share the display with two needle dials and a digital window as informative as those on German cars.

unusual and passionately Indian, the Chieftain is based on the same chassis-engine assembly as the Chief Classic and Vintage. It features a cast aluminum frame with integrated airbox, brakes with 300 mm discs and 4-piston front calipers (2 at the rear), 46 mm forks and pneumatic monoshock.
A real heart of beef, the Chief's engine is "modestly" called Thunder Stroke 111. A superb metallic ode blending modernism and nostalgia, this 1811 cm3 twin pushes with 14 mkg of muscle and rind. More than an engine, it's one of the things that makes you fall for an Indian. Like, more anecdotally, the Native American headdress on the mudguard, the ample wheel skirts, or that big Indian head logo running down each side of the tank.

whether an exceptional bagger or a tourer with prestige accents, the Indian Chieftain almost hesitates between the two, and its price confirms its premium orientation. At over 26,000 euros, it's considerably more expensive than a competing Harley, much more than the neighboring Victory, and much more than certain Japanese productions. But there's something about the Indian, a thrill that's all its own.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos