2021 Indian Chieftain

The all-American V-twin tourer from Indian Motorcycle.

The 2021 Indian Chieftain encompasses the all-American V-twin tourer persona, but is taking it a step further with modern-day upgrades. The base model and up-spec models are powered by Indian’s proven Thunderstroke 114 and Thunderstroke 116 powerplants for the true V-twin experience.

The Indian Chieftain Limited and Dark Horse models receive a small number of changes, mostly to the infotainment package and various features on the up-spec models. The upgrades include remote-locking saddlebags, tire pressure monitoring, full LED lighting, and Ride Command as standard equipment.

The Indian Chieftain is available in four variants, from the base-model Chieftain ($21,999) to the up-spec Chieftain Dark Horse ($27,999) and Chieftain Limited ($27,999) models to the limited-run Chieftain Elite ($34,999), which celebrates the 120-year history of Indian Motorcycle.

The base-model Chieftain is powered by the smaller air-cooled Thunderstroke 114 powerplant, and lacks luxuries like the tire pressure monitoring system and Apple CarPlay that come standard with the up-spec models. The Chieftain Dark Horse, Limited, and Elite models use the larger and more powerful Thunderstroke 116 engine. To separate the latter models further, the Dark Horse is dressed in blacked-out finishes and accents, while the Limited boasts chrome touches.

Indian released the Chieftain Elite as a limited-production model, with only 120 being available worldwide. It is painted in a unique Thunder Black/Vivid Crystal colorway, gets 400-watt speakers in the saddlebags and fairing, and comes equipped with premium finishes.

The Indian Chieftain in all variants is a capable and proven American touring V-twin, but it lives in a competitive space. Within its own manufacturer’s lineup is the space-abundant Roadmaster. The Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide are also stiff competition.

As mentioned, the base-model Indian Chieftain is powered by the proven Thunderstroke 114 engine. The up-spec machines utilize the larger Thunderstroke 116 powerplant, which previously recorded 81.1 hp at 4,300 rpm and 117.2 pound-feet of torque at 2,700 rpm on the Cycle World in an Indian Springfield Dark Horse model.

The Indian Chieftain rides on a 46mm telescopic fork and single rear shock with air adjustment. Claimed wet weight of the base model is 823 pounds.

The Indian Chieftain is brought to a halt via a pair of axially mounted four-piston calipers clamping to 300mm discs up front and a single two-piston caliper and 300mm disc at the back. ABS is standard equipment.

Fuel economy figures are currently unrecorded.

The claimed seat height of the Indian Chieftain is 25.6 inches. The handlebar-mounted switch for the electronically operated windscreen offers on-the-fly adjustment.

Indian’s use of its 7-inch Ride Command display (with Apple CarPlay on premium models) is a seriously nice touch on an American V-twin, and home to the Chieftain’s infotainment and settings. All models come equipped with ABS, cruise control, rear-cylinder deactivation, a 100-watt audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, an adjustable power windshield, a keyless ignition system, and a 12V charging port.

The up-spec models are fitted standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, selectable ride modes, and full LED lighting.

All 2021 Indian Chieftain models come with a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty as standard.

Continuous small improvements to the proven and tidy Indian Chieftain platform continue to keep it attractive.