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/159279
FIRST RIDE P60 2014 INDIAN CHIEF CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND CHIEFTAIN Look closely and you'll notice that the iconic Indian logo no longer faces downward but instead looks up to represent the intended direction of the new Indian Motorcycle Company. height for a bit more protection. The Chiefain's fairing-mounted display is impressive. There is a lot of info to soak in and I really liked the tire-pressure feature. It really does have a way of making you feel a little safer. Toggling through readouts is simple to do via a small trigger on the left handlebar. The stereo controls, located on the left handlebar, weren't as positive as I would have liked, but I was told they will be improved on the production bikes. Sound, however, was quite good, powerful and clear enough to recognize songs at speed, and the cruise control was easy to operate and very smooth in action. The large chrome panels around the tank-mounted instruments on the Vintage and Classic models (as well as the chrome piece on top of the Chieftain's tank) look sweet, but they cast an annoying glare on the windshield that was quite distracting, especially on the Vintage model that had the largest windscreen. The glare is at its worst in the middle of a sunny day, but it's there at all times. The folks from Indian did say they were aware of the issue. I was super impressed with the fringe-fitted leather saddlebags on the Vintage model. They are made of high-quality leather (and they come in your choice of brown or black), are easy to use and connect and disconnect quickly (as do the fringe if that's not your thing). And they even hold a fair amount stuff, as do the Chieftain's hard bags. I thought the remote lock on the Chieftain's bag was pretty slick (not to mention the key fob for the ignition). After all was said and done, I was very impressed with the quality and performance of the new Indian Chief Classic, Vintage and Chieftain cruisers. They are without doubt beautiful machines that keep true to the Indian heritage while at the same time moving forward with progression. For three days I witnessed people breaking their necks just to get a glimpse as we rode past, and the reception we got from the majority of the Sturgis attendees was extremely positive. While I enjoyed all three machines, I couldn't stop myself from admiring the Chieftain the most with its stunning looks and many cool features. What a machine! I'm going to start playing the lottery a lot more now for sure. Yes, the Indian machines aren't cheap by any means, but we guess you'll quickly forget about that big check you just wrote as soon as you cruise down Main Street for the first time - no matter which Indian Chief model you chose. And be prepared to write more checks, as there will be plenty of accessories from Indian coming down the pike for the bikes. Indian says that its full line of Chiefs will be available in all of its 120-140 dealers (they're acquiring new dealers as we speak) by year end and are already taking orders. Demo rides at dealer events will be available starting later this month. Go check them out. You'll be impressed, just like I was. CN