Indian’s Big V-Twin Goes Apex Hunting With New Sport Chief

Indian Motorcycle has announced a new model based on their big Thunderstroke 116-cubic inch air-cooled V-Twin that plays a bit against the grain. Called the Sport Chief, the new motorcycle is a slimmed-down, stripped back, more urban-focused cruiser that’s not really a cruiser at all.

With triple disc Brembo brakes, pumped-up adjustable suspension, solo seat, bikini fairing and a standard if not sporting riding position, the Sport Chief looks more like something that a custom shop would imagine and build rather than an OEM bike maker. Yet here it is.

But since being revived by Minneapolis-based Polaris over a decade ago, Indian has never shied away from performance-oriented motorcycles, including their liquid-cooled Scout lineup and flat-track inspired FTR series. But to orient the big, loping V-Twin usually found in their heavyweight cruisers towards a sport riding experience is taking things to another level – or at least another dimension of sorts.

The big, long-stroke 80-odd horsepower (according to numerous tests) V-twin does seem an odd choice for sportification, but with a massive 120 pound-feet of torque on tap and a six-speed box spinning the back wheel, the Sport Chief may prove irresistible to a segment of riders who like their engines finned and their bikes heavy, but still athletic.

Indian says the 665-pound Sport Chief has improved ground clearance and lean angle thanks to front “upside down” (USD) KYB 43mm forks cribbed from the sport-touring Challenger model and twin pre-load adjustable remote-reservoir “piggyback” Fox rear shocks. A triplet of Brembo disc brakes with radial- mounted four-piston semi-floating calipers up front grip big 320mm discs. ABS is standard, thankfully. Pirelli Night Dragon tires roll on 16 and 19-inch cast wheels.

Semi-flat bars sit behind a small quarter fairing that holds a new adaptive LED headlight with auto high beam detection and corner gazing. A single instrument sits behind the short bug screen, a round 4-inch touchscreen hosting Indian’s Ride Command tech package, which includes GPS, three ride modes, keyless ignition and full smartphone connectivity. Since the power plant is fuel injected and Indian uses a ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control is standard as well. There’s even a charge port for gassing up your mobile tech.

The Sport Chief may remind older riders of a similar model from Indian’s chief rival, Harley-Davidson. Back in the late 1970s, Harley produced a 1,000cc Sportster-based “cafe racer” called the XLCR that had similar attributes, including a small bikini fairing and sporting ergos. It did not sell well at the time but has since gone on to become a sought-after cult classic.

Same fate for the Sport Chief? Unlikely. Packed with modern tech and with a large audience always looking for a sportier big-bore V-Twin, the Sport Chief could be a versatile choice; an ultimate city prowler with long enough legs and ergos for some sport touring as well. Indian will offer a range of accessories including windscreen options, uprated rear Fox shocks, bar risers, racks and soft bags. Expect the aftermarket to get creative with it as well.

Pricing starts at $18,999 in basic Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke and Stealth Gray are $500 options while Spirit Blue Smoke paint adds $1,000. Indian says the bikes will hit North American showrooms in the coming weeks.