BACKROADS • AUGUST 2021
Page 31
ALL IN THE FAMILY
2022 INDIAN MOTORCYCLE FAMILY MEMBERS RECEIVE MAKEOVERS AND UPGRADES Words: Pamela Collins • Test Riders: Pam and Tim Collins Like seeing family members at an annual reunion, where Uncle Bob shows off a sleeker physique (he runs everyday!) or cousin Marjorie wears the trendiest red-hued hairstyle, the Indian Motorcycle family returned for 2021 with some of its members boasting new looks, new technology, or a complete makeover.
The Indian Chief Returns After A Full-Fledged Makeover Indian Motorcycle debuted the original, iconic Chief model in 1921, and reintroduced that nameplate when the company resurrected last decade. Now, one hundred years since it first appeared, the centenarian Chief has aged in reverse, showing off sporty contemporary technology and styling. Considered a model year 2022, the Chief lineup consists of three styles, and Indian says each suits a different sort of rider: the standard Chief, with drag handlebars, mid-mount controls, and solo seat; a Chief Bobber sporting mini-ape hanger handlebars and forward foot controls; and a Super Chief that offers a quick-release windscreen, black leather saddlebags, touring seat with a passenger pillion, floorboards and a more traditional cruiser-style handlebar. In a nod to styling more modern-day than retro, the Chief doesn’t wear its famous flared fenders and instead dons cleanly styled sheet metal.
Each of those styles comes in a “base” model, featuring Indian’s Thunderstroke 111 powertrain with 108 ftlbs. of torque, an analog gauge, chrome and matte black finishes, and is available with or without ABS. But riders also can upgrade to premium trim in these styles, called the Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and the Super Chief Limited. This swaps the engine to the larger Thunderstroke 116 engine boasting 120-ft lbs. of torque and includes ABS on all models. It also adds premium gloss black finishes to both Dark Horse models and chrome finishes to the Super Chief Limited.
The Premium trim also includes Indian Motorcycle’s industry-first 4-inch round display with Ride Command, essentially an old-fashioned shaped speedo with newfashioned functions. From a distance, it looks like the ubiquitous circular speedometer seen on motorcycles for
decades. But rather than a static analog or digital display showing an odometer, trip meter, turn signals, or possibly a gas gauge, Ride Command looks more like a cellphone or tablet screen. Multi-functional, this update brings things into the 21st century. The new Chief slots into a previously unfilled niche in Indian’s lineup, fall-
