Indian Motorcycles Unveils 2022 Chief Lineup

Celebrating 100 years of Indian's Chief lineup.

Indian has unveiled the new Chief Dark Horse, the Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and the Super Chief Limited for 2022. All models use the Euro 5-compliant 1890cc motor. A 4-inch round instrument cluster with modern electronics is standard across all models.

Recently, Indian unveiled the updated FTR1200 lineup. Now, it has introduced three new models: the Chief Dark Horse, the Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and the Super Chief Limited. These new offerings are part of the Indian Chief’s centenary celebrations. 

Indian’s basic idea for the new lineup was to revamp the old one, resulting in a minimalistic yet more appealing product. We’ll talk about them one by one, and tell you what makes them different from each other.

First, we have the Indian Chief Dark Horse. Unlike the previous model, the new Chief bids adieu to its old-school appeal and gets into modern attire, thanks to a new slim headlight bucket, exposed rear shockers, and the absence of a front fork sleeve. The Chief sits on 19/16-inch wheels with cast alloys and gets straight handlebars and middle-set footpegs along with a solo bobber seat. It comes in three colour options: Black Smoke, Alumina Jade Smoke, and Stealth Gray.

Next up is the Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse that wears a dark appeal and gets several blacked-out components. Unlike the Chief, this one gets a mini-ape hanger, 16-inch spoke wheels, and forward-set foot controls. Additionally, it gets front and rear suspension covers for a chunky appeal and a bigger headlight bucket than that of the Chief. The Chief Bobber Dark Horse is available in Black Smoke, Titanium Smoke, and Sagebrush Smoke.

And finally, we have the Indian Super Chief Limited. At first glance, one can easily make out that the Super Chief is a comfort-oriented machine with its cruiser handlebar and broad footboards. Unlike the other two, the Super Chief also gets a pillion seat. Some other standard features include a quick-release windscreen, leather saddlebags, 16-inch spoke wheels, fork covers, and a premium chrome exhaust system. Indian is offering the Super Chief Limited in Black Metallic, Blue Slate Metallic, and Maroon Metallic colour options.

All the three models get a premium electronics package that includes a round 4-inch touchscreen instrument cluster with rider modes, cruise control, Indian’s Ride Command system, turn-by-turn navigation, multiple interfaces, and two gauge configurations. Besides, an LED headlamp, LED taillight, ABS, a USB port, and keyless ignition come as standard. 

As for underpinnings, all bikes come with a new steel-tube frame with a cast-aluminium rear subframe, Pirelli Night Dragon tyres, and single disc brakes at both ends. 

All models are powered by Indian’s Thunder 116, 1890cc V-Twin Euro 5-compliant motor which makes 160Nm of torque. The power is transmitted by a belt-drive system, and much like the FTR1200, these models also feature Indian’s rear-cylinder deactivation.

We expect Indian to launch these motorcycles in India this year itself. New prices start from $16,999 (Rs 12.38 lakh) in America, but we expect the prices to be much higher in India as the bikes will arrive via the CBU route. Also, when Indian finally launches these bikes in India, there will be a host of performance, comfort, and styling-related accessories to choose from. 

Speaking of launches, Triumph recently launched its Tiger 850 Sport in India.