COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

OUTFITTING OUR LONG-TERM 2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN CLASSIC

Baggers were created for one reason: functional motorcycle travel. Straight from the factory you get a bike equipped with the chops for hauling extendedstay gear on a trip. The Indian Chieftain is a top-notch touring bike that is pretty stellar from the factory. But we all have our own idiosyncrasies, and personalizing our bikes to fit us just right is what makes owning a bike more fun.

When we received our long-term 2018 Indian Chieftain Classic for doing some projects over the course of this year, we were eager to log some miles and wanted to start with the comfort and convenience departments.

The stock Indian seat is extremely comfortable and definitely works well, but not being huge fans of fringe, we’re going with a different styling direction, with a more progressive overall look, and wanted to add some style and comfort options that would stand up to the factory seat. That said, we were sold on the Mustang Wide Tripper one-piece seat, with diamond stitching and a driver backrest, for 2014–’18 Indian Chieftain models ($479.99). The Mustang Wide Tripper twoup seat offers a sportier look, is cut low and streamlined, and the 13-inch-wide driver’s seat puts riders in a slightly lower position that feels like they are sitting in the motorcycle rather than on it. The 11-inch rear width provides ample comfort for passengers too. The durable vinyl cover features a distinctive diamond-stitched design that sets your bike apart from the rest. But the best feature has to be the removable rider backrest, which keeps lower-back fatigue at bay when long-hauling across the country.

Next, we needed something in the wind-deflection department with a little more height and tint. The Klock Werks Flare for Chieftain models ($209.95) was perfect. Klock’s innovative Flare design features “hips” at the outer edge of the shield that reroute the air to add downforce to the front of the bike, improving stability versus riding with a stock shield. The “flip” at the top of the Flare is designed to kick the air up and back as less turbulent air for the rider and passenger. Made from hard-coated polycarbonate material for added durability, and available in 10 or 12 inches in tint or dark smoke (we opted for the 12-inch dark smoke), the Klock Werks Flare fits 2014–’18 Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster models.

Last but not least, we’re gluttons for iPhone accessibility. Unfortunately, we rely on it more than we should, but Rokform’s iPhone 8/7 Pro series motorcycle handlebar mount ($149.99) makes it easy to use when on the road. Featuring a dual-retention lock system and universal fit, this handlebar mount keeps your device in clear view as you ride on pretty much any size handlebar. You can easily adjust the mount angle so you always have a good view of your screen. The handlebar phone mount comes with Rokform’s mountable sport case to safeguard your phone on and off the bike, as well as a water-resistant skin to protect against water, mud, dust, dirt, and oil. With its sleek, black anodized aluminum finish, the mount blends seamlessly into your bike’s original design. HB

SOURCES: INDIAN MOTORCYCLE indianmotorcycle.com

KLOCK WERKS getklocked.com

MUSTANG mustangseats.com

ROKFORM rokform.com