Motorcycle specifications Indian1890 Chieftain Limited 2023 Symbolic bow

You don't ride, cruise or travel with an Indian Chieftain Limited - it's a vehicle of all-American nobility. In this latest dress, she gains a surprising dynamism. We'd become so accustomed to its curves, its skirts, its history... that seeing it retouched brings a touch of acidity that erases its nostalgic side. The new headlamp is so bold that you don't even notice it - and rightly so, as it has been slightly redesigned for 2023.

Illustrating the premium nature of the range, the Limited rightly benefited from the 2019 improvements. They will mark the engine with a very special evolution, in addition to further enriched equipment.

The twin-cylinder had had the good fortune of a spectacular power increase in 2018, allowing it to more proudly display 84 horsepower against the hearty Milwaukee Eight. Indian followed this up with the introduction of three riding modes - Tour, Standard, Sport - and deactivation of the rear cylinder to limit heat diffusion when stationary. In 2020, the engine is revitalized, with displacement increased to 1890 cm3, watts approaching 90 hp, torque up to 17.3 mkg, new cylinder heads and more compression in the cylinders.

The sound system will delight heavy riders. The 100 watts of audio are managed by an equalizer that adapts to external conditions to best compensate for outside noise and deliver good sound whatever the speed.

next up is the Thunderstoke 116 twin. An ode to metal and American power, this huge block pulses to the rhythm of its 945 cm3 bowls... each. A little zest on the right-hand throttle, just enough to bring it down to just under 2,000 rpm, and let it express its torque full of bits of America. The power delivery is everywhere, like a steel-hardened buffalo.
But this doesn't prevent a few moments of suppleness, notably with the revised clutch for all Thunderstroke and Powerplus blocks with 2023 badges. Less effort is required, for greater relaxation when shifting gears.

At the higher end of the range, the Limited differs from the standard Chieftain by the addition of numerous chrome parts, wheels with machined spokes, and more attractive paintwork. It was most famous when it was first released, when it introduced a large 19" wheel and a more conventional front mudguard, making it(along with the Elite) a model in a class of its own. Since then, most models equipped with the big twin have adopted this front end.

But the Indian Chieftain Limited isn't just a muscular, dark and classy bagger. It's also a machine with a nose for road entertainment, with the Ride Command infotainment system(upgraded in 2020, then equipped with Apple CarPlay in 2021), keyless ignition, an electrically adjustable windscreen, cruise control... and all this will soon be anecdotal once this liner is vibrating on the long roads, transmitting its emotion to the crew.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos