From its iconic design to state-of-the-art technology, Indian Chief Vintage is a well-loved motorcycle. With neo-retro components and an old-fashioned appearance, this touring cruiser is reminiscent of the classic style in the 1950s.
The Indian Chief Vintage has a heritage-inspired look that packs a plethora of innovative features. It has nostalgic graceful curves, chrome wire wheels, a detachable windshield, keyless ignition, spacious saddlebags, and a genuine leather seat.
Below is a summary of Indian Chief Vintage specs:
Engine
Thunder Stroke 111
Torque
119 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM
Displacement
111 cu. In. / 1,811 cc
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Transmission
6-speed, manual
Suspension
Telescopic fork, single shock with air adjust
Ignition
Keyless
Exhaust
Split Dual with Crossover
Tires
Dunlop American Elite
Wheels
Chrome Wire
Wheelbase
67 inches
Fuel Capacity
5.5. gallons
Warranty
24 months
Price
$20,499
Dimensions
56.8 x 101.7 x 39.4 inches
Read on to learn more about the Indian Chief Vintage, including its features and specifications.
About the Indian Chief Vintage
Many companies use the word “vintage” in marketing their motorcycles. Nonetheless, when Indian Motorcycle uses it on their products, they have every right to do so. It is not just any gimmick.
The Chief family has been a part of the Indian lineup of motorcycles since 1922. It has skirted fenders, which are reminiscent of the company’s motorcycles in the 1940s. The following gives the Indian Chief village a vintage appearance:
Fat front forks,
Large fuel tank,
Over-sized windshield, and
Rigid rear end
This motorcycle offers more. It packs plenty of innovations to guarantee safety and comfort. From the powerful engine to the cushy chassis, it promises an exceptional ride in different conditions. However, it is more suitable for highways instead of city rides.
Indian Chief Vintage Features and Specs
While it has a vintage appearance, this motorcycle has modern technologies. Here is a rundown of some of its most notable features and specifications:
1. Engine
It comes with Thunderstroke 111 engine. The V-Twin has overhead valves, which are crucial for improving durability and power. At the same time, it also minimizes emissions to generate cleaner power on the road.
2. Torque
Torque is one of the vital technical specifications to understand in motorcycles. It is a rotational or twisting force. It directly impacts the overall performance. The Indian Chief Vintage has massive torque at 119 lb-ft at a maximum of 3,000 RPM.
3. Displacement
The displacement in a motorcycle refers to the volume that a piston displaces in a cylinder while moving up and down a crankshaft. This model has a displacement of 111 cubic inches or 1,811 cc.
4. Compression Ratio
In motorcycles, the compression ratio measures the amount of fuel and air that squeeze in an engine. The Indian Chief Vintage’s compression ratio is 9.5:1.
5. Transmission
The Indian Chief Vintage has a six-speed manual transmission. It offers an interactive riding experience for those who want to do away with automatic transmission. It is easy to change gears on the moto depending on what a specific environment requires.
6. Suspension
The front suspension’s a telescopic fork, while the rear has a single shock with air adjust. Both these suspension systems provide effective shock absorption. In turn, they promise optimal comfort in different conditions.
7. Ignition
Another notable feature of the Indian Chief Vintage is its keyless ignition. It makes the motorcycle convenient and secure. When there is no fob, you can enter the pre-programmed security code to start the engine.
8. Exhaust
The true split dual exhaust helps add more character to this motorcycle. The latter is the one that is responsible for the elimination of high-pitched noise. Instead, it has a richer thunder that is a trademark of Indian motorcycles.
9. Tires
It has Dunlop American Elite Tires but with different types. The front tire is 130/90B16 67H, while the rear is 180/65B16 81H. The tires have an excellent tread pattern, which will promote even wear regardless of the environmental conditions. It also has a belted design for generous load capacity.
10. Wheels
The Chrome Wire wheels perfectly complement the tires of the motorcycle, giving it a more vintage appearance. The front wheel is 16 x 3.5 inches, while the rear wheel is 16 x 5 inches.
11. Wheelbase
The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels. It affects the overall handling. This model has a wheelbase of 67 inches. As a cruiser, it is quite longer than the wheelbase that you can see in other types of motorcycles.
12. Fuel Capacity
The tank holds up to 5.5 gallons of fuel, roughly equivalent to 20.8 liters with this motorcycle.
13. Warranty
For your peace of mind, it is also good to know that the manufacturer offers a comprehensive warranty. The 24-month warranty assures that it is free of defects or problems in artistry. Otherwise, let the manufacturer know, and they will do what it takes to fix the problem within the warranty period.
14. Price
As of writing this review, the manufacturer is selling the Indian Chief Vintage for $20,499 on their website.
15. Dimensions
This is a large cruiser with a height of 56.8 inches, length of 101.7 inches, and width of 39.4 inches.
Indian Chief Vintage Pros and Cons
Indian Chief Vintage Pros
Need more compelling reasons to buy Indian Chief Vintage? Below are some benefits that are worth highlighting:
1. Comfortable
It has tons of features that will guarantee your comfort. For instance, it has a large seat that accommodates riders of all sizes. In slow-moving traffic, it has rear cylinder deactivation. As the bike stops, the rear cylinder shuts off to minimize discomfort.
2. Spacious Leather Saddlebags
If you have to bring a lot of things with you during a ride, you will appreciate the generous size of the saddlebag. Plus, it is made of genuine leather. It is sure to be a statement piece on the motorcycle.
3. Smart and User-Friendly Console
The large console is tank-mounted. With its strategic position, it is easy to see. It has an analog speedometer and a digital display that shows ride data, including fuel level.
4. Iconic Valenced Fenders
The design of the fenders is one thing that gives the motorcycle an iconic appearance. They do not only make it more stylish, but the fenders also protect against road spray.
5. Comes with a Quick Release Windshield
With quick-release technology, putting the windshield on and off is a breeze. It takes only a few minutes to install and detach the windshield when necessary.
6. Cruise Control
We also like how this motorcycle comes with a cruise control feature. This will enhance your highway riding experience. You can set the riding speed, making it easy to drive the motorcycle.
7. Warranty Has Unlimited Mileage
Aside from having a 24-month warranty, it is also a good thing that there are no mileage limitations.
Indian Chief Vintage Cons
While it is generally an excellent product, there are also some drawbacks:
1. Prone to Valve Train Noise
A common complaint about this motorcycle is the clacking noise of the valve train. This isn’t very pleasant to some riders. It isn’t easy to enjoy a ride when there is a loud sound.
2. Chrome Quality Can Be Better
The chrome components of this motorcycle can be a pit, especially in tough conditions. It can also easily discolor, so make sure to pay attention to proper care and maintenance.
3. Leather Seat Easily Discolors
Especially if you use the bike often in a hot environment, the leather seat color fades easily. The good news is that there are affordable products that you can use for quick restoration.
4. Expensive
The price of this motorcycle can be a drawback to many people. It is expensive, but the cost is justifiable. From its design to its performance, it is worth every dollar for people who can afford its price.
Again, what does Indian Chief Vintage offer? Aside from innovative features, the Indian Chief Vintage boasts its heritage-inspired look. It is also popular for its nostalgic graceful curves, genuine leather seat, spacious saddlebags, chrome wire wheels, detachable windshield, and keyless ignition.
Alternatives to the Indian Chief Vintage
Looking for an alternative from other brands? Below are some of the top models that you might want to consider:
1. Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
When it comes to old-school cruisers, Harley-Davidson is one name that is hard to beat. The Heritage Classic has a show-stopping design that is reflective of pure rock and roll. It has a 114 V-Twin engine with a crisp response and a displacement of 1,868 cc. It is a stripped-down but competent version of Indian Chief Vintage.
2. Suzuki Boulevard C50T
A light-duty touring motorcycle with bare necessities, this is another classic cruiser that rivals the styling and features of Indian Chief Vintage. It has a fuel-injected V-twin engine and a 4.1-gallon fuel tank.
For your comfort while riding, it has buckhorn-style handlebars, and forwards mounts floorboards. Meanwhile, for optimal performance, it has Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve and Auto Fast Idle System.
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Stylish and powerful, this traditional cruiser is sure to be a head-turner on the highway. It has elegant curves and a sophisticated design. More than its appearance, it also delivers an incredible performance. It comes with a 903cc V-twin engine. The best thing is that it is cheaper than the Indian Chief Vintage, making it a great alternative for people on a budget.
4. Indian Springfield Dark Horse
For an alternative model that is also from the same manufacturer, look at Springfield Dark Horse. It has an iconic appearance that is made elegant by its blackout treatment. This motorcycle has a Thunder Stroke 116 engine, which is more powerful than what you will find in Indian Chief Vintage.
Conclusion – Indian Chief Vintage Review and Specs
With a timeless style, the Indian Chief Vintage is a classic motorcycle. A plethora of state-of-the-art technologies complement the nostalgic old-school design. It might look like one of the cruisers from the 1950s, but it has the power and performance of modern-day motorcycles.
There are many reasons to love this motorcycle. For instance, it has the following:
An aesthetically pleasing vintage-inspired design,
Spacious leather saddlebags, and
Promotes a comfortable ride.
Nonetheless, there are also a few drawbacks, such as the valve train noise and seat discoloration.
Here is a quick recap of the specifications of the Indian Chief Vintage motorcycle:
