Indian Debuts Redesigned 2022 Chief

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Indian has unveiled three new redesigned Chief variants for 2022. Here is the base model. (Indian Motorcycle/)

It’s been eight years since we last peeped a new Indian Chief, when the Polaris-acquired and  -resurrected Indian Motorcycle company launched three varieties of its all-new flagship at the 2013 Sturgis Rally. The Chief Classic, Vintage, and Chieftain bikes represented an outstanding first-year brand effort; at the time we called them “world-class cruisers at a competitive price” following our initial ride. The platform’s design paid meticulous homage to the art deco styling of the original, and ride quality was more than up to the task. But to some, the bike’s slavish devotion to period forms hadn’t aged well, suggesting it might be time for a fresh start. Understandable, especially since the original Chief made its debut in 1922, and it doesn’t take much marketing savvy to tell that a 100-year anniversary is the perfect time to launch a redesign.

And so it is that Indian is again unveiling three “new” models for 2022; the Indian Chief, the Indian Chief Bobber, and the Indian Super Chief, all built on the same platform but each aimed at a slightly different rider.

New look with less weight, but the base-model 2022 Indian Chief still rolls with the Thunder Stroke 111 engine. (Indian Motorcycle/)

In Indian Motorcycle-speak the new Chiefs are “totally reimagined”; in other words, not at all how you might remember them. Underpinning all three main models is a simple new steel-tube frame with a cast-aluminum rear subframe in a more exposed, open arrangement. There are different suspension combinations and control placements for some models, unique tire and wheel sizes for others. Indian didn’t just give the Chief a few nips and tucks. It revamped the platform’s entire personality, giving us a total of six models if you count the different trims, with separate Thunder Stroke engine and riding component variations to distinguish each.

The result is a more minimal, visually lighter bike that looks nothing like the original(s). “We wanted to capture a timeless look that never goes out of style and looks beautiful whether naked or fully dressed,” said Ola Stenegard, Indian Motorcycle’s director of industrial design. “Ultimately, this is a bike that evokes emotion with simple mechanical styling and raw American muscle.” If you’re thinking that sounds a lot like a shot across Harley’s bow, we’d have to agree.

The 2022 Indian Chief Dark Horse is the more premium model, packing the higher-compression Thunder Stroke 116 engine and the Ride Command system as standard. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian Chief

First up is the new 2022 Indian Chief, the bike from whence spring all the others. Riffing off earlier variations of the model wasn’t in the cards for this version; the new Chief purposefully swerves away from the chrome and valanced fenders of its predecessors, going instead for a modern minimalism. The wide solo saddle remains low, at 26 inches off the tarmac, but mid-mount controls and drag bars replace the splayed-out ergos of the original to provide a more sporty riding position. The wheelbase has been trimmed to 64 inches and weight dropped dramatically (compared to the Chief Classic, which fell from the lineup in 2018), thanks to a new fuel tank and the elimination of all that sheet metal. Other component choices also signify a major split from the chunkier deco model, with a cast 19-inch wheel and a seriously slimmed headlight bucket leading the way, and a pair of exposed preload-adjustable rear shocks giving a more stripped-down performance style and the opportunity for more modifications. The covers are gone from the 46mm conventional fork, leaving the risers exposed, and a more open rear end allows for the kinds of customization options the original bike could never accommodate.

On the standard base model you’ll get an analog gauge, cruise control, and the option to tweak throttle response with three ride modes: Sport, Standard, or Tour. Keyless ignition is also standard, but this year’s Chief has only a single front disc clamped by a four-piston caliper, and ABS is an $800 option. If you want an Indian headdress riding along, you’ll have to turn to Indian’s bigger bagger or touring models. The other constant here is the Chief’s air-cooled Thunder Stroke 111 engine, which was good for 74.19 hp and 106 pound-feet at 2,410 rpm when we ran it on the Cycle World dyno. Combined with the lighter weight, shorter wheelbase, and claimed 28.5-degree lean angle, we’re betting this latest Chief will have much sharper handling as well. The 2022 Chief is available in Black Metallic, Ruby Smoke, and White Smoke, and will start at $14,499.

Indian says this 4-inch Round Display with Ride Command is an industry first. You’ll find it on Dark Horse and Limited models as standard. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian Chief Dark Horse

For a little over $2K more you can move up to the Dark Horse, which gets you all of the above plus the extra hustle bestowed by the larger-bore and higher-compression Thunder Stroke 116 engine (Indian claims a torque peak of 120 pound-feet). All the 116-equipped models also have throttle-by-wire, cruise control, ABS, and rear-cylinder deactivation as standard, while their higher-level finishes and details are meant to sell the more premium feel. Indian’s Ride Command system is also included, on what the firm is touting as an “industry-first ‘4 Inch Round Display,’” which shows bike and ride information and turn-by-turn navigation with operation through grip controls or via the digital IPS touchscreen. The Chief Dark Horse has an MSRP of $16,999 and will come in Black Smoke, Alumina Jade Smoke, and Stealth Gray.

The Chief Bobber piles on the mini-apes and forward controls, and sits on 16-inch fat tires and spoke wheels. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian Chief Bobber

With the same frame geometry and Thunder Stroke powertrain as the base model, the new Chief Bobber gets a few subtle changes for a completely different look and feel. A 64-inch wheelbase? Check. A 29-degree rake? Check. A 26-inch seat height? Yessir. The most noticeable tweaks are to the ergonomics, with mini-ape handlebars and forward controls delivering a more upright riding position, but you can’t miss the 16-inch spoked wheels either, covered as they are in chunky 130/90 Pirelli Night Dragon rubber. The Bobber adds a bit of presence in the form of fork and shock covers and also sports a larger headlight bucket wrapped in a more commanding nacelle. As on the Chief, it rides with the 1,811cc Thunder Stroke 111 powertrain and is available with ABS as an $800 option. The customization-ready Chief Bobber will set you back $15,999, with a choice of Black Metallic and Ruby Metallic paint options.

The Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse Bobber adds a bigger engine, premium finishes, and Ride Command to the mix. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse

No surprise here. The Bobber Dark Horse adds gallons of the black stuff to set it apart from its more chromatic brethren. It doesn’t merely gain a paint job; the Bobber Dark Horse, like the other Dark Horses (and Limited) mentioned here, also runs with the bigger Thunder Stroke 116 engine, as well as new technology like the all new 4-Inch Round Display with the Ride Command system, ABS, and a USB charge port. The murdered-out look somehow manages to give the Chief Bobber Dark Horse a premium look, at least in these photos. It’s up to you to decide whether that’s $18,999 worth of tasty visuals.

Saddlebags, touring shield, and two-up seat on the Super Chief make it ready for the open road. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian Super Chief and Super Chief Limited

While it rolls on the same platform as the aforementioned bikes, the Super Chief is a new nameplate for the Indian brand. Unlike the others, it’s more relaxed in its presence, with a focus on rider comfort and touring add-ons for the long(er) haul. We’re seeing a Road King-like vibe in the light touring intent, which is backed up by an equipment list featuring a quick release windscreen, leather saddlebags, a two-up touring seat, floorboards, and traditional wide cruiser handlebars. It might sound repetitive by now, but down below is your basic air-cooled 49-degree Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin hung on a steel tube frame, with two wire-spoked 16-inch tires set 64 inches apart (à la the Bobber models), a big headlight bucket and cover, fork covers, and a staggered chrome  exhaust. The bags will give you 9.7 gallons worth of room for your stuff, and while the 4-gallon capacity doesn’t sound like much, we’ll wait and see what the fuel economy turns out to be. You’ll plunk down $18,499 to claim the Super Chief in either Black Metallic or Pearl White, while the premium up-spec Super Chief Limited (no Dark Horse model here) with the Thunder Stroke 116, ABS, and Ride Command will run you $20,999 in a choice of Black Metallic, Blue Slate Metallic, and Maroon Metallic.

Upgrading to a Super Chief Limited gets you a fancier color selection as well as the coveted Ride Command system. (Indian Motorcycle/)

As you’d expect with a multi-model launch like this, Indian is backing up the machines with a full complement of accessories in both the performance department as well as more practical comfort-focussed parts. Add-ons include accessory exhausts like Stage 1 Slip-On Mufflers and a new Stage 1 Forward Air Intake, along with Stage 2 Performance Cams and the Stage 3 Big-Bore Kit for the Thunder Stroke 111. There’s also a wide assortment of windshields, luggage, and passenger accessories to fit all six models.

Leather saddlebags hold 9.7 gallons of cargo; if that’s not enough, other accessories are available to persuade a passenger to join you. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Much like the adjustment to its FTR series Indian announced last week, it looks as if the company is refocusing its cruiser lineup, where we assume these new bikes will live. The last of the big-fendered, bodywork-heavy previous-gen bikes in Indian’s 2020 cruiser line, namely the super-retro Vintage and Vintage Dark Horse models, may very well be gone as a result. This would leave only the hard-bag models in the bagger division and the fairing-equipped touring bikes to soldier on with the Indian headdress.

Related Content: 2022 Indian FTR First Look

Whether or not the Chief line’s new look is a calculated grab for a chunk of Harley’s performance and customization market is open to speculation. What can’t be denied is that Indian’s foundational series was overdue for a fresh take, even if that meant stepping away from its signature look and looking toward the future.

We have a feeling the new Chief logo will be polarizing. (Indian Motorcycle/)
Mini-ape handlebars on the Bobber models. (Indian Motorcycle/)
New, more open frame opens the door to increased custom options. (Indian Motorcycles/)
The Chief Bobber Dark Horse comes in Black Smoke, Titanium Smoke, and Sagebrush Smoke. (Indian Motorcycle/)

2022 Indian Chief/Chief Dark Horse Specifications

MSRP:	$14,999–$15,799/$16,999–$17,499
Engine:	1,811cc, air-cooled, 49-degree V-twin/1,890cc, air-cooled V-twin
Bore x Stroke:	101.0 x 113.0mm/103.0 x 113.0mm
Fuel System:	Closed-loop EFI w/ 56mm single throttle body
Transmission:	6-speed
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Claimed Torque:	108 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm/120 lb.-ft. @ 2,900rpm
Frame:	Steel tube w/ cast-aluminum subframe
Front Suspension:	46mm telescopic fork; 5.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Dual gas-charged monoshocks w/ adjustable preload; 3.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS option/standard ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS option/standard ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast alloy; 19 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.
Rake/Trail:	29.0°/ .2 in.
Wheelbase:	64.0 in.
Seat Height:	26.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	670 lb.
Availability:	April 2021
Contact:	indianmotorcycle.com

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