Indian Chieftain
The Indian Chieftain was reintroduced in 2014 as part of Polaris Industries' revival of the Indian Motorcycle brand, serving as a full-dresser touring flagship alongside the Chief Classic. It introduced the Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin engine and was notable for being one of the first cruiser-tourers to offer a power-operated hard saddlebag locking system and a large fairing with integrated infotainment. Over the years it received updates including the larger Thunder Stroke 116 engine option (2019+), cementing its status as a direct competitor to Harley-Davidson's Road Glide and Street Glide.
78 hp
Power
139 Nm
Torque
379 kg
Weight
185 km/h
Top Speed
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
What Buyers Should Know
Thunderstroke Engine Reliability
The 116ci Thunderstroke engine is widely praised for its durability and low maintenance needs, often running strong past 100,000 miles with regular oil changes. It's considered one of the more dependable big V-twins on the market.
Watch the Fuel System
Early models (2014–2016) had known issues with fuel pump failures and stalling, so always check service history on used bikes from those years. Indian issued fixes, but unresolved units can be costly to repair.
Strong Resale Value
Indian Chieftains hold their value notably well compared to many competitors, often retaining 70–80% of their value after three years. Limited editions and well-optioned trims command an even stronger premium on the used market.
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Indian Chieftain
