A throwback to the 1940s and postwar American motorcycles is the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage. Classically styled, the Chief Vintage with its flowing valanced fenders and silhouette pay tribute to Indian Motorcycle’s roots in Springfield, Massachusetts, where the brand originated.
Harking back to what is sometimes referred to as the “Golden Age” of American motorcycles, the Chief Vintage also celebrates 125 years of Indian Motorcycles. The heritage looks of the Chief Vintage is found in details such as the non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes.
Done deliberately, this reflects the engineering processes in use in the US at the time. The painted components and non-machined engine fins pay tribute to the raw aluminium finishes found on the original Chief models.
This is combined with a vintage-style solo seat, handlebars and wire spoked wheels to present a classic Indian Motorcycle with modern day riding requirements. There are two colour options available for the Chief Vintage – Indian Motorcycle Red and Black Metallic.
This can be matched with black handlebars and headlight, or chromed versions thereof. Coming standard with a classic solo seat, a passenger pillion seat and backrest pad can be installed as an optional accessory, along with a full-sized saddle seat if desired.
Also optional are front highway bars for low-speed tip-over protection and bar lower closeouts to reduce wind buffeting and shield against road debris. There is also a 450 mm tall quick-release windshield for added wind protection.
Power for the Chief Vintage comes from Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, displacing 1,890 cc, and producing 156 Nm of torque at 2,900 rpm. The Chief Vintage weighs in at 327 kg wet, with 15-litres of fuel in the tank, while seat height is set at 686 mm.
Why would we want to ride an American bike right now, considering their attitude to the state of the world? Its hypocritical to protest against the wars they dabble in while simultaneously embracing American lifestyle brands like Harley Davidson and Indian especially since these brands were popularized in the post WWII era specifically for returning soldiers
ask PH and DSAI since they signed the lopsided trade agreement with usa last month