Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128148
~~WBikes 2002 Indian Chief Assembly Solutions in Livonia, Michigan. ENGINE The new Powerplus 100-cubic-inch (1638cc) motor is the largest-displacement motor developed by an American OEM motorcycle company. The air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin features 98 x 108mm bore and stroke dimensions, with two valves per cylinder. Carburetion is handled by a single 42mm Mikuni flat-slide unit mounted on the left side of the engine, reminiscent of Indians from years past. The engine was designed to easily accept fuel injection, so we're sure we can expect to see that in the future. It was designed as a platform for future models as well, and even though the Scout and Spirit still feature the old S&S-built motors for 2002, we bet they won't for long. Lubrication is handled by a gerotor-type oil pump - instead of a spurgear design - which is more efficient and isn't as prone to wear. The transmission is a five-speed with a wet clutch, and it feeds the power to the rear wheel via a belt final drive. From an aesthetic point of view, Indian wanted the Powerplus 100 engine to look unique as well. Its signature features are the serrated billet rocker boxes and its unique roundcylinder look. CHASSIS AND STYLING By BLAKE CONNER ~ fter nearly 50 years, Indian ~ Motorcycle is back in the business of building motorcycles, (the last original Indian Chief rolled off the assembly line in 1953) - complete motorcycles, engine and all. Three years after the Indian marque was resurrected, the company has launched the 2002 Indian Chief, which is powered by its own, all-new, 100 cubic-inch, 45-degree V-twin motor, designed by Indian and assembled by Performance The chassis has been redesigned in every detail, from the frame to the new swingarm. The frame is now said to be 60-percent more rigid than the previous model, while weighing 14percent less. The new cantilever swingarm is all-new and features a new rising-rate single shock, which has provisions for preload adjustability. The front end features 41 mm dualdamping forks, which feature new triple clamps and new geometry numbers. The rake was changed from 36 degrees to 34 in an effort to improve handling. A Brembo four-piston caliper and an 11.5-inch rotor handle braking up front, with the same setup on the rear. Wheels front and rear are 3.5x16inch 60-spokers with MT /90-16 black-wall tires on both ends on the standard Chief. The Chief comes with sculpted full-valance fenders and an all-new 5.8-gallon teardrop fuel tank. The Standard Chief has a hand-stitched solo seat and is available in three monochromatic color schemes: black, red-metallic and silver. The suggested retail price for the standard Chief is $20,495. INDIAN CHIEF DELUXE 30 APRIL 3, 2002' cue I _ n __ Thl. I. the Indian Chief Deluxe, the middle bike In the Chl.f ..nge. Note that the carburetor I. on the left side of the bike Just Ilk. the Indians from years PIlat. is The Deluxe is the same basic bike but with a few additional goodies such as a fringed dual seat, and it's available in a lot more color options.