Motorcycle specifications Indian 1811 CHIEF CLASSIC 2018 Road rider

the pioneer of a now perfectly established lineage, the Chief Classic continues its adventure with all the serenity it deserves. Majestic, incomparable, carved from the depths of America, this machine has charming metal, fat muscle and a lush silhouette. It is now backed up by a Chief, distinguished mainly by its spoked rims.

the Indian Chief Classic looks like something out of a movie, with a whiff of Hollywood. She didn't know them, but seems to have played with Bogart, Grant, Cooper and Brando. The story rests on her curves, which she flaunts without restraint. The Chief's characteristic large skirts, 60-spoke rims with whitewall tires and avenue-covering chrome are both classic and seductive. And then there are the details, discreet or striking, that draw you into its world: the Native American headdress on the front fender, the studded-edged saddle, the headlamp cowling and row of triple headlamps, the leather tongue on the fuel tank ending in an atypical dashboard console. Inlaid into the enormous chrome plate, the large speedometer graduated up to 200 seems to stop its effort at 120, the fuel gauge evolves on an almost complete revolution, and to bring the custom to life, a large push-button awaits the waking thumb.

because the Chief Classic doesn't need a key. Just carry the key fob in your pocket, hop on and go. Modern touches run here and there, such as ABS and cruise control as standard, digital display at the bottom of the rev counter, LED indicators, aluminum frame, ride-by-wire throttle, fuel injection... But that's not what's going to turn you on to this Indian. No, you'll also be tempted (especially) by its big engine: the Thunder Stroke 111.

111 cubic inches; that's 1811 cm3. It's big, and it's beautiful. This open 49° air-cooled engine is a real pleasure to look at. A sculpture, designed for generous torque, sensations, and incidentally to tackle the Twin Cam of Harley's neighbor.
As it should be, it's a long-stroke engine, an architecture that favors torque and filling at low revs, but is reluctant to rev. That's just as well, because we don't give a damn about high revs on a custom bike of this calibre. Purists will be delighted with its innards. Valve timing is by rocker arms, there are only 2 valves per cylinder, and when the bowls explode, huge ladles of fat are sent through the 6-speed gearbox. The twin-cylinder Minnesota weighs in at no less than 15.3 mkg at its muscular peak. All this in a sound reminiscent of the great plains of Kansas, the vast cornfields of Illinois and a baseball game in the Texas heat.

with his arms spread wide by the wide handlebars, his back straight and his legs square, the rider is in cruising mode. While the chassis may inspire a degree of confidence, with its aluminum frame, thick 46 mm forks and 3 x 300 mm brake discs backed up by 4-piston calipers at the front and 2-piston calipers at the rear, the pleasure of riding must coexist with restraint. The Indian Chief Classic is 2.63 m long, almost 1/2 m longer than a Triumph 675 Street Triple, with a wheelbase of 1,730 mm and a weight of 370 kg. A far cry from a toy that likes to be pushed around.

the Chief Classic is the most affordable model in the 111 ci range. A relative notion, since all models are in the premium category. At almost 23,000 euros, the Indian makes your wallet cough before belching its metallic borborygms. But make no mistake: this is no ordinary custom, this is refinement struck with authenticity.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos