Indian Chief SPECIFICATIONS, PRICE & IMAGES
Chief: A front end I would follow anywhere. There is a ridge running down the
center which distinguishes it from, say, an FLH. The view from the front of
the motorcycle reveals the distinctive teardrop shape of this same nacelle. It
is truly a work of dynamic sculpture.
first to dub it: “The Jarhead Motor”. I mean, look at those valve covers… It
appears as though you could just grab hold and twist them off like the lid of
an old mason jar. In the tradition of the flathead, knucklehead, panhead, and
shovelhead progression, I think it’s a natural! Of course, any affiliation
with the U.S. Marine Corps is purely coincidental.
spirited riding through mild curves revealed another common cruiser flaw: ground clearance. Maintaining the 55-60 mph speed limit through curves posted
at 30-35 mph caused me to grind the footboards into the pavement in order to
hold my line. Since these are rigidly mounted to the frame by anodized billet
brackets, there was no “give” except for the sacrificial abrasion of these
nice, chromed footboards. It might be better to mount these on hinges,
although I suppose that would expose more vital and expensive components to
the voracious pavement. I suppose the intended solution is to slow down in the
twisties, or avoid them altogether. I HATE that!
like this: finish the development process. Unfortunately, I think that is
exactly what the new Indian Motorcycle Company has failed to do. It will be
interesting to see how they fare in the marketplace with this unrefined
offering.
But I have formed an opinion of the new Indian Chief: An absolutely gorgeous
prototype, waiting for the buying public to finish the development cycle.
Bike Features
Make Model:
Indian Chief
Year:
1999 – 01
Engine:
Four stroke, V-twin, 2 valve per cylinder.
Capacity:
1442 cc / 88 cu-in
Bore x Stroke:
92.3 x 103 mm
Cooling System:
Air cooled
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1
Induction:
S&S Super E, 1 7/8″ venturi
Ignition :
Electronic, computer-controlled
Starting:
Electric
Max Power :
75 hp / 54.7 kW @ 5200 rpm
Transmission :
5 Speed
Final Drive:
Belt
Front Suspension:
Telescopic
Rear Suspension:
Single shock
Front Brakes:
Single disc
Rear Brakes:
Single disc
Front Tyre:
130/90-16
Rear Tyre:
130/90-16
Seat Height:
600 mm / 23.6 in
Dry Weight :
295 kg / 650 lbs
Fuel Capacity :
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal