Indian Chief 1922-1953, 1999-2021.
When Indian resumed civilian production after World War II, they revived only the Chief line. Production of Indian motorcycles ended with the last Chief made in 1953.
The Chief was introduced for 1922 to replace the Powerplus, although the Powerplus was continued under the “Standard” name until 1923. Designed by Charles B. Franklin, the Chief had design features similar to Franklin’s earlier Scout, including the gearbox bolted to the engine casings and primary drive by gear train. The Chief had a bore of 3 1⁄8 inches (79 mm) and a stroke of 3 31⁄32 inches (101 mm), giving a displacement of 61 cubic inches, as the Powerplus/Standard had. Unlike the Powerplus/Standard, the Chief was not offered with rear suspension.
The Big Chief was introduced for 1923. The engine of the Big Chief was bored to 3 1⁄4 inches (83 mm) and stroked to 4 7⁄16 inches (113 mm), giving a displacement of 74 cubic inches. The Big Chief had mainly been offered for sidecar use, but was popular with solo riders as well. The smaller-engined Chief was discontinued in 1928, partly to accommodate increased production of the Model 101 Scout.
Americans: 1948 Indian Chief
At the front of the bike was a girder front end, which proved sturdy enough to be used by the U.S. Army in the Sahara Desert during World War II. A 74ci, 1200cc model called the Big Chief debuted in 1923. It became a best-selling model, and rounded out Indian’s lineup that also included the Scout and the Chief.
In 1947, the iconic Indian-head front fender light was introduced. The Indian Chief received new telescopic front forks in 1950, and engine displacement increased to 80 cubic-inches (1300cc).
General information specifications
Model:
Indian Chief
Year:
1950
Category:
Custom / cruiser
Engine and transmission
Displacement:
1300.0 ccm (79.33 cubic inches)
Engine type:
V2, four-stroke
Bore x stroke:
83.0 x 122.0 mm (3.3 x 4.8 inches)
Fuel system:
Carburettor. Linkert
Transmission type,
final drive:
Chain
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels
Front suspension:
Telescopic
Rear suspension:
Plungertype with coil springs
Front brakes:
Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes:
Expanding brake (drum brake)
Physical measures and capacities
Dry weight:
258.6 kg (570.0 pounds)
Wheelbase:
1540 mm (60.6 inches)
Other specifications
Further information
Ask questions
Join the 50 Indian Chief discussion group or the general Indian discussion group.
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In 2021 name Chief models look complete different, who knows why, and the only bike that looks like a Chief they’re calling it just vintage.!!!
Indian Vintage $20.499
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The standard Chief Classic has the valanced fenders and the lighted “war bonnet” on the front fender. Cruise control, antilock braking system, keyless starting, and electronic fuel injection are standard on this and all other models. It has a six-speed transmission and manually-adjustable single-shock swingarm.
The Springfield was introduced in March 2016 during Daytona Bike week. It is named after the birthplace of Indian Motorcycles, Springfield, Massachusetts. The Springfield is a bit of a hybrid bike, sharing steering geometry and hardbags with the Chieftain and RoadMaster models but is equipped with a quick detach windshield like the Vintage. It also boasts an adjustable rear air shock like the other touring models.
Chieftain (2014– )
The Indian Chieftain touring motorcycle is the first Indian model with front fairing and hard saddlebags. It has a stereo with speakers in the fairing, Bluetooth media players, tire pressure sensors, air-adjustable rear shock, and motorized windshield adjustment. Initial reports from the press were favorable for styling, performance, and handling.
Mike Tomas started making Indian parts back in New Zealand, hence “Kiwi,” and after moving to Riverside, California, picked up the pace and started making all kinds of reproduction Indian parts. He builds a complete reproduction engine that looks exactly like an original but has some newer parts and technology inside to improve on the old engine. Like some other reproduction parts companies, Mike kept expanding his catalog until finally he figured, “Why not make the whole bike?”
Right now, you can buy a retro Kiwi Indian that looks like an old Chief, foot clutch, hand shift, the whole nine yards, but brand new 🙂