Indian Chieftain
The Indian Chieftain has a top speed of 185 km/h, produces 78 hp and weighs 379 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
Der Indian Chieftain wurde 2014 im Rahmen der Wiederbelebung der Marke Indian Motorcycle durch Polaris Industries wieder eingeführt und diente neben dem Chief Classic als Aushängeschild für Touren. Sie führte den Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin-Motor ein und zeichnete sich dadurch aus, dass sie einer der ersten Cruiser-Tourer war, der über ein elektrisch betriebenes Feststellsystem für die Satteltasche und eine große Verkleidung mit integriertem Infotainment verfügte. Im Laufe der Jahre erhielt er zahlreiche Updates, darunter den größeren Motor Thunder Stroke 116 (ab 2019), wodurch sein Status als direkter Konkurrent der Harley-Davidson's Road Glide und Street Glide gefestigt wurde.
78 hp
Leistung
139 Nm
Drehmoment
379 kg
Gewicht
185 km/h
Höchstgeschwindigkeit
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average)
Treibstoff
Ausgeleitet
Körper
Video Review
Was Käufer wissen sollten
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.
Generationen und Spezifikationen nach Jahr
Ursprünglicher Chieftain-Name, der bei den Chief-Varianten verwendet wurde; verkleidete Kotflügel, großer V-Zwilling, klassisches indisches Design.
"Amerikas Seele in Eisen, die alles verlangt, was du hast."
Dieser 74 Kubikzoll große Flachkopf zieht von knapp über dem Leerlauf mit einer brustschlagenden, faulen Autorität, die kein moderner Motor wirklich repliziert — du drehst dieses Ding nicht, du stützt dich darauf. Die umrandeten Kotflügel sehen toll aus, bis Sie im Regen einen Reifen am Straßenrand wechseln müssen, und das werden Sie, denn die Innenrohre aus dieser Zeit sind nicht verdrehbar. Das Handling ist eher überlegt als wendig; mit 270 Kilo in der Vorkriegsgeometrie lenkst du einen Lastkahn, der in Kurven besser abbiegt, als es ihm zusteht, vorausgesetzt, du verpflichtest dich früh und vertraust den breiten Lenkern. Mechanisch lohnt es sich, Geduld zu haben — Ventileinstellungen, Ölchecks alle 200 Meilen und ein Kickstart-Ritual, das dich demütigen wird — aber wenn alles auf offener Autobahn synchronisiert ist, kommt nichts, was seitdem gebaut wurde, an ihm vorbei.
Profis
Nachteile
Moderner Relaunch mit Thunderstroke 111 V-Twin, Aluminiumgussrahmen, harten Satteltaschen und zusätzlichen Infotainment-Optionen.
Die Thunderstroke 116-Motoroption wurde eingeführt, erweiterte Fahrmodi, aktualisiertes PowerBand-Audio und farblich abgestimmte Akzente.
Raffiniertes Fahrwerkstuning, aktualisierte technische Funktionen, neue Farbkombinationen, fortgesetzter Thunderstroke 116-Antriebsstrang.
Bewertung von gebrauchten Käufern
"A genuine Harley alternative that rewards buyers who do their homework."
$12,000-$22,000 usedThe Chieftain is Indian's serious answer to the touring bagger market, and used examples represent genuinely strong value right now. The 116ci Thunderstroke motor is bulletproof if maintained properly — check service history obsessively because owners who skipped oil changes at 3,000-mile intervals will haunt you. The fairing and infotainment system on 2019-onwards bikes is genuinely excellent, not just marketing fluff. Ride Triangle is properly sorted too, especially with the semi-active suspension models. Buy 2016 or newer to avoid early electrical gremlins that plagued the launch bikes. The throttle-by-wire models feel noticeably smoother. Watch for cracked lowers on bargain examples — that's crash damage someone's hiding. Frame sliders being fitted sometimes means it's been down. Fuel economy hovers around 38-42mpg which is acceptable for the size. Dealer network has improved massively since 2015 but still thinner than Harley's.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Indian Chieftain — owned, ridden, recommended.
Häufig auftretende Probleme
🔥 1 CRITICALTest throttle response at idle and low speeds
Inspect rocker covers and oil level on cold engine
Cycle through all screen functions during test ride
Check belt tension, cracks, and tensioner condition
✅Checkliste vor dem Kauf
Solid cruiser, minor electronics gremlins, good longevity
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Indian Chieftain
Harley-davidson Heritage Classic
Harley-davidson Heritage Classic 114
Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Indian Spirit
Indian Super Chief
Compare Indian Chieftain Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Indian Chieftain vs Harley-davidson Heritage Classic
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Indian Chieftain vs Harley-davidson Heritage Classic 114
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Indian Chieftain vs Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Indian Chieftain vs Indian Spirit
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Indian Chieftain vs Indian Super Chief
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Indian Chieftain Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Indian Chieftain? +
Throttle-by-wire hesitation and stalling issues: Test throttle response at idle and low speeds (moderate) | Oil consumption and rocker box leaks: Inspect rocker covers and oil level on cold engine (moderate) | Infotainment screen failures and glitches: Cycle through all screen functions during test ride (minor)
Is the Indian Chieftain a good motorcycle? +
A genuine Harley alternative that rewards buyers who do their homework. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Experienced tourers wanting premium American style done properly. Avoid if: You need dense urban dealer support nearby.
What is the horsepower of the Indian Chieftain? +
The Indian Chieftain produces 78 hp @ 4,600 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111; note: Indian rates torque over peak hp), with 139 Nm @ 2,900 rpm (Thunder Stroke 111) of torque. Top speed: 185 km/h.
Is the Indian Chieftain good for beginners? +
Yes — the Indian Chieftain is a reasonable choice for new riders (78 hp is manageable), weighing 379 kg. Experienced tourers wanting premium American style done properly
Is the Indian Chieftain reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Indian Chieftain, notably: Final drive belt wear and tensioner problems (Check belt tension, cracks, and tensioner condition). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Indian Chieftain good for daily use? +
Experienced tourers wanting premium American style done properly Fuel: 6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L, typical real-world average).
How fast is the Indian Chieftain? +
The Indian Chieftain reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, producing 78 hp at 379 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Indian Chieftain? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Indian Chieftain, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/indian/chieftain/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
