Motorcycle specifications Indian1811 Vintage 2021 From America's future to its past

Don't call it Chief Vintage any more, just Vintage. Indian has decided to do away with the name Chief for this family of custom bikes... of which only this representative remains. The Dark Horse, Classic and Standard have left the catalog. The name changes, but the spirit remains.

The Indian Chief Vintage rides through history. A touch of imagination takes you to the plains of Arizona, where warriors and horses still gallop in the memories of the land. With its large tan leather saddlebags, stout engine and cavalry-style styling, could the Chief Vintage be imbued with the spirit of the apaches of yesteryear?

Before we think about yesteryear, let's take a look at what today's technology has to offer, and look to the future. Unimaginable only yesterday on an American custom bike, here comes electronics to dictate the character of a Massachusetts mechanic. Three maps! Yes, three injection maps modulate the temperament of the Thunderstroke twin-cylinder. Supple, habitual or taut, the character becomes à la carte.
As with any big engine, there are times when you feel the heat. In front of a red light in the heat of the day, does that sound familiar? Since 2019, the Thunderstroke 111 ci can cut its rear cylinder to calm the calorific effluvia. With the throttle back on, the two connecting rods are once again in unison, taking the Chief gently back into the air.

It's no longer horse steps but the pulsating belch of the twin that drives this great rider. Based on the Chief Classic, the Vintage is more extensively equipped to blend in with an old school episode. The hips are weighted with the aforementioned saddlebags, a large removable windshield sits on top of the headlight tribe, and what can we say about that magnificent leather upholstery. A true western motorcycle.

before leaving the handlebars to Cole Younger or Jack Mc Call, let's let ourselves be transported to the West to the rhythm of the big 1811 cm3 twin-cylinder. It can use 15.3 mkg to lift the Indian's 379 kilos. The cast aluminum frame smells of buffalo; from the Springfield since 2020. With revised geometry and a shorter wheelbase, this Great Plains Indian will gain in maneuverability. The rear benefits from adjustable shock absorbers. However, this doesn't take our eyes away from the empire, from the grip of its enormous mechanics. The 4-piston calipers around the 300 mm discs are easy to forget (especially as they're well hidden). The rear brake has the same disc diameter, but a 2-piston caliper; all backed up by standard ABS. The Indian Chief Vintage, like the rest of the range, features a 20.8-liter fuel tank, 6-speed gearbox with belt drive, 46 mm forks, cruise control and keyless start.

We like the spoked wheels, the whitewall tires, the Native American headdress on the front fender, the wide instrument console with its large needle-type speedometer, its gleaming chrome and its typical long skirts. What we don't like is the hefty price tag... which has to be put into perspective. The previous edition of Chief Vintage, equipped with the PowerPlus 105 engine, demanded almost 40,000 euros. Today, the price has dropped below 28,000. At that price, there's no room for the Winchester, but a hell of a lot of passion and a true American icon.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

engine mapping:

- Tour" mode offers progressive acceleration for optimum driving smoothness.
- Standard" mode features responsive throttle control and balanced, progressive power delivery.
- Finally, "Sport" mode offers instant throttle response and aggressive power delivery for even more pronounced acceleration.