Chief Vintage stands as the true expression of the American cruiser. Born from the lines of the original Chief it carries forward the design that defined an era and still defines a category. From the flowing valanced fenders to the commanding Thunderstroke motor Chief Vintage is built with purpose, precision, and pride. A continuation of what we started 125 years ago. Not a copy of it.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Indian Chief Vintage: TIMELESS CONSERVATIVE TRADITION.
Reviewing 2026 Indian Chief Vintage…
A striking tribute to an American classic from the heart of the golden age of motorcycling, the new Chief Vintage fuses classic design with power, precision, and innovation that has defined the brand for 125 years. More than a motorcycle, the 2026 Chief Vintage is a legend reborn for the road ahead.
In the wake of kicking off its year-long 125th anniversary celebration, Indian Motorcycle today unveiled the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage – honoring its heritage by reimagining a timeless classic into a new icon for today’s riders. Inspired by the 1940s Chief, its flowing valanced fenders and unmistakable silhouette pay tribute to Indian Motorcycle’s roots, while the Thunderstroke motor delivers the power and presence that set today’s standard. Built with thoughtful, American craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail, Chief Vintage reflects Indian Motorcycle’s Never Finished spirit, defined by fearlessness, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to provide riders the choice they’ve always deserved in American motorcycling.
“Indian Chiefs from the 1940s remain one of the most recognizable and celebrated motorcycles in American history,” said Ola Stenegärd, Design Director for Indian Motorcycle. “With its iconic V-Twin engine, valanced fenders, and unparalleled reliability, the Chief set a standard for performance and design that resonates today. It represents the spirit of Indian Motorcycle – bold, timeless, and always pushing forward.”
Honoring its iconic lineage, the Chief Vintage seamlessly blends a timeless design with modern performance and technology. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Chief Vintage stands as a statement: The legacy of Indian Motorcycle isn’t a finish line, it’s a launchpad.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
ENGINE
116 CU-IN
SEAT HEIGHT
27 IN
TORQUE
120 FT-LBS
WEIGHT
721 LBS
PEAK TORQUE
2900 rpm
4” Display
GPS Navigation
Bluetooth®
LED Headlight
3 Ride Modes: Tour, Standard, or Sport
Air-Cooled Thunderstroke 116
Vintage Handlebars
Vintage Floating Solo Seat
Valanced Fenders
Vintage Badging
AMERICAN / ORIGINAL / TIMELESS
Chief Vintage stands as the true expression of the American cruiser. Born from the original Chief, it carries forward the design that defined an era.
From the flowing valanced fenders to the commanding Thunderstroke motor, Chief Vintage is built with purpose, precision, and pride.
The Thunderstroke engine’s black cylinders and silver-painted heads reflect the manufacturing process of the 1940s.
The Vintage Solo Seat bridges eras of design. Its silhouette could have rolled off the line eighty years ago, yet its ergonomics are entirely modern.
The illuminated headdress shines from the valanced fender—a hallmark of Indian Motorcycle design and a detail that still turns heads at every stoplight.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, and Rear Cylinder Deactivation
RIDER CENTRIC TECHNOLOGY
Design detail meets modern function with the 4” Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND. Experience effortless cruising with GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride-enhancing features. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND® connected technology, offering Account Sync and more.
Timeless Design
With sculpted lines that pay homage to post-war classics, Chief Vintage looks as though it rolled straight off the original Springfield, Mass., production line in the 1940s. Its unmistakable Indian Motorcycle valanced front fender is complemented by the iconic lit headdress ornament, while a narrow rear subframe and Vintage Handlebars reference the era’s timeless designs. The bike’s Vintage Solo Seat is reimagined for superior comfort and ergonomic support, while wire-spoke wheels complete the timeless American design.
Featuring heritage in every detail, the finish on the Chief Vintage’s Thunderstroke engine captures the spirit of 1940s craftsmanship with non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes. These painted components and non-machined fins pay tribute to the raw aluminum finishes found on the original Chief models.
Collectively, the valanced fenders, Vintage Solo Seat, Vintage Handlebars, engine details and wire wheels are not just retro touches: they’re the design cues that defined an era.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
A LEGEND REBORN FOR THE ROAD AHEAD
Chief Vintage stands as the true expression of the American cruiser. Born from the lines of the original Chief it carries forward the design that defined an era and still defines a category. From the flowing valanced fenders to the commanding Thunderstroke motor Chief Vintage is built with purpose, precision, and pride. A continuation of what we started 125 years ago. Not a copy of it.
HERITAGE INSPIRED DESIGN
Wire wheels and valanced fenders made Indian Motorcycles unmistakable in the 1940s—and they still do. The Chief Vintage carries that same signature look, now paired with the handling and balance that riders of the past could only imagine. Wider tires, refined suspension, and blacked-out finishes give it a stance that’s both purposeful and poised.
THUNDERSTROKE ENGINE FINISHES
The Thunderstroke engine’s black cylinders and silver-painted heads reflect the manufacturing process of the 1940s, echoing a legacy of precision that still drives every build today. Classic character. Modern refinement. 120 ft-lbs of power to move you.
VINTAGE SOLO SEAT
The Vintage Solo Seat bridges eras of design. Its silhouette could have rolled off the line eighty years ago, yet its ergonomics are entirely modern—upright, relaxed, and built for long rides that go well past a full tank.
ICONIC LIT HEADDRESS
Up front, the illuminated headdress shines from the valanced fender—a hallmark of Indian Motorcycle since 1947 and a detail that still turns heads at every stoplight.
VINTAGE HANDLEBARS
Vintage Handlebars place your hands exactly where they belong, while floorboards let you shift your stance for all-day comfort.
RIDER CENTRIC FEATURES
Chief Vintage comes with three ride modes, Tour, Standard, or Sport, and modern features that include full LED lighting, keyless ignition, cruise control, rear cylinder deactivation, ABS, and Metzeler CruiseTec® tires that offer supreme traction.
RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
Classic design detail meets modern function with the 4″ Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. Experience effortless cruising with GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride-enhancing features. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology, offering Account Sync and more.
MAKE CHIEF VINTAGE YOUR OWN
For 125 years, every detail has mattered. Our innovative motorcycles deserve accessories that reflect their spirit. Thoughtfully designed for performance, style, and comfort you can rely on. Make your Chief Vintage uniquely yours.
Modern Performance & Technology
Chief Vintage delivers modern performance and technology wrapped in heritage. Powering the Chief Vintage is Indian Motorcycle’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine, delivering 120 ft-lbs of torque for effortless passing power in every gear. Three selectable ride modes (Tour, Standard, and Sport) allow riders to tailor throttle response to their preference for a personalized experience.
Delivering industry-leading technology, Chief Vintage is equipped with Indian Motorcycle’s 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. The 2026 system features an all-new software, improving startup time and loading times by approximately 25 percent. The new software, now available for all Scout and Chief models with the 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND, introduces Indian Motorcycle’s App Enhanced Navigation, delivering seamless integration between a rider’s mobile phone and their on-bike display. With App Enhanced Navigation, riders can intuitively search for destinations on their phone via platforms like Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps and send them directly via Bluetooth® LE to their bike’s display.
Riders can operate Indian Motorcycle’s 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND via hand controls or the full-color IPS touchscreen. The display offers multiple interface options, including two gauge configurations, detailed bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected services, such as live weather and traffic overlays. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
Authentic Accessories
Comfort & Style
Launching with Chief Vintage is a curated selection of premium accessories designed to elevate every ride. Riders can equip front Highway Bars for low-speed tip-over protection and add Highway Bar Lower Closeouts to reduce wind buffeting and shield against road debris. The 17.8-inch Quick Release Low Windshield delivers added wind protection while maintaining a sleek, low-profile aesthetic. Prioritizing practicality and comfort, Indian Motorcycle’s durable, weather-resistant Vinyl Saddlebags provide more than five gallons of storage per bag. Complementing the collection, select Premium Handle Grips elevate both style and tactile feel, while available rider floorboards offer a wider, more stable platform for increased comfort and control.
For two-up riding and all-day comfort, riders can pair the Classic Solo Seat with a matching Passenger Pillion. A Passenger Touring Backrest Pad can also be added, enhancing comfort and making two-up riding more accessible—all without compromising the bike’s classic styling.
Performance & Technology
Chief Vintage includes a range of premium accessories designed to elevate both performance and rider safety. The Pathfinder 5¾-inch Adaptive LED headlight delivers exceptional illumination, automatically adjusting for turns and providing an added layer of safety during night riding. The precision-engineered Chief Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust produces a deep, powerful tone while improving acceleration and throttle response. Complementing the exhaust, the slash cut tips add bold visual flair and enhance the exhaust growl, with the Thunderstroke Stage 1 High-Flow Air Intake improving engine breathing for smoother, more responsive power delivery.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $19,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $25,574 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £18,995 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Bore x Stroke
4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
Compression Ratio
11.0 : 1
Displacement
116 cu in (1,890 cc)
Drive/Driven Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Electronic Fuel Injection System
Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
Engine Type
Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
Exhaust
Dual exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst
Gear Ratio (1st)
9.403 : 1
Gear Ratio (2nd)
6.411 : 1
Gear Ratio (3rd)
4.763 : 1
Gear Ratio (4th)
3.796 : 1
Gear Ratio (5th)
3.243 : 1
Gear Ratio (6th)
2.789 : 1
Peak Torque
120 ft-lbs
Peak Torque RPM
2,900 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive
2.2 : 1
Transmission/Primary Drive
Gear Drive Wet Clutch
DIMENSIONS
Fuel Capacity
4.0 Gallons (15.1 L)
Ground Clearance
4.9 in (125 mm)
GVWR
1,160 lbs (526 kg)
Lean Angle
28.5°
Overall Height
48.5 in (1232 mm)
Overall Length
96.1 in (2,441 mm)
Overall Width
40.5 in (1029 mm)
Rake/Trail
29° / 5.2 in (131.5 mm)
Seat Height
27 in (686 mm)
Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)
698 lbs (317 kg) / 721 lbs (327 kg)
Wheelbase
64 in (1,626 mm)
BRAKES
Front Brakes
Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes
Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
TIRES / WHEELS
Front Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/90 B16 73H
Front Wheel
Wire Wheel 16 in x 3.0 in
Rear Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec® 150/80B16
Rear Wheel
Wire Wheel 16 in x 3.5 in
SUSPENSION
Front Fork Tube Diameter
46 mm
Front Suspension
Telescopic Fork
Front Travel
5.2 in (132 mm)
Rear Suspension
Dual Shocks
Rear Travel
3.0 in (75 mm)
FEATURES
Color / Graphics
Indian Motorcycle Red, Black Metallic
Factory Warranty
2 Years, Unlimited Miles
Lights
LED Headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, license plate light and indicator lights
Passenger Accommodations
Solo Seat, 2-up Accessory Options
Standard Equipment
ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB Charge Port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation
Storage
N/A, Optional Storage Accessories
TECHNOLOGY
Audio
N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available
Gauge
Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator
RIDE COMMAND
4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More
RIDE COMMAND+
Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More
STYLE
Design
Valanced Fenders with Lit Headdress, Turbo Silver Engine Finishes, Vintage Floating Seat, Vintage Handlebars, Wire Wheels, and Floorboards.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Bore x Stroke
4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
Compression Ratio
11.0 : 1
Displacement
116 cu in (1,890 cc)
Drive/Driven Clutch
Wet, multi-plate
Electronic Fuel Injection System
Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
Engine Type
Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
Exhaust
Dual exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst
Gear Ratio (1st)
9.403 : 1
Gear Ratio (2nd)
6.411 : 1
Gear Ratio (3rd)
4.763 : 1
Gear Ratio (4th)
3.796 : 1
Gear Ratio (5th)
3.243 : 1
Gear Ratio (6th)
2.789 : 1
Peak Torque
120 ft-lbs
Peak Torque RPM
2,900 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive
2.2 : 1
Transmission/Primary Drive
Gear Drive Wet Clutch
DIMENSIONS
Fuel Capacity
4.0 Gallons (15.1 L)
Ground Clearance
4.9 in (125 mm)
GVWR
1,160 lbs (526 kg)
Lean Angle
28.5°
Overall Height
46.3 in (1,175 mm)
Overall Length
96.1 in (2,441 mm)
Overall Width
34.9 in (887 mm)
Rake/Trail
29° / 5.2 in (131.5 mm)
Seat Height (Laden)
27 in (686 mm)
Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)
698 lbs (317 kg) / 721 lbs (327 kg)
Wheelbase
64 in (1,626 mm)
BRAKES
Front Brakes
Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper
Rear Brakes
Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper
TIRES / WHEELS
Front Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/90 B16 73H
Front Wheel
Wire Wheel 16 in x 3.0 in
Rear Tires
Metzeler Cruisetec® 150/80B16
Rear Wheel
Wire Wheel 16 in x 3.5 in
SUSPENSION
Front Fork Tube Diameter
46 mm
Front Suspension
Telescopic Fork
Front Travel
5.2 in (132 mm)
Rear Suspension
Dual Shocks
Rear Travel
3.0 in (75 mm)
FEATURES
Color / Graphics
Indian Motorcycle Red, Black Metallic
Factory Warranty
2 Years, Unlimited Miles
Lights
Adaptive LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals
Passenger Accommodations
Solo Seat, 2-up Accessory Options
Standard Equipment
ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB Charge Port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation
Storage
N/A, Optional Storage Accessories
TECHNOLOGY
Audio
N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available
Gauge
Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator
RIDE COMMAND
4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More
RIDE COMMAND+
Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More
STYLE
Design
Valanced Fenders with Lit Headdress, Turbo Silver Engine Finishes, Vintage Floating Seat, Vintage Handlebars, Wire Wheels, and Floorboards.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
Engine
| Engine Type | Air-Cooled Thunderstroke 116 |
| Displacement | 1890 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 103.2mm x 113mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Electronic Fuel Injection System | Closed loop fuel injection / 54mm bore |
Performance
| Peak Torque RPM | 3300 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 156 Nm |
Drivetrain
| Primary Drive | Gear Drive Wet Clutch |
| Clutch | Wet, Multi-Plate |
Gear Ratio (Overall)
| 1st | 9.403:1 |
| 2nd | 6.411:1 |
| 3rd | 4.763:1 |
| 4th | 3.796:1 |
| 5th | 3.243:1 |
| 6th | 2.789:1 |
| Final Drive | 2.2:1 |
Suspension
| Suspension: Front – Type/Travel | Telescopic Fork – 132 mm |
| Suspension: Rear – Type/Travel | Dual Shocks – 75 mm |
Chassis
| Brakes/Front | Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Calliper |
| Brakes/Rear | Single / 298 mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Calliper |
| Tyres/Front | Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/90 B16 73H |
| Tyres/Rear | Metzeler Cruisetec® 150/80B16 |
| Wheels | Wire Wheel 16″ x 3.0″ – Wire Wheel 16″ x 3.5″ |
| Exhaust | Dual Exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 1626 mm |
| Seat Height | 686 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 125 mm |
| Overall Length | 2441 mm |
| Overall Width | 887 mm |
| Overall Height | 686 mm |
| Lean Angle | 28.5° |
| Rake | 29° |
| Trail | 131.5 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.1 L |
| GVWR | 526 kg |
| Weight (Empty tank / full of fuel) | 317 kg / 327 kg |
Features
| Colour / Graphics | Indian Motorcycle Red, Black Metallic |
| Factory Warranty | 2 Years, Unlimited Kilometres |
Standard
| Standard Equipment | ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB Charge Port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation |
| Passenger Accommodations | Vintage Floating Solo Seat, 2-Up Accessory Options |
| Lights | LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals |
Electrical
| Gauges | Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, Fuel Gauge, Compass, Ambient Temperature, Gear Indicator |
| audio | N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available |
| Ride Command® | 4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More |
| Ride Command+® | Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data. |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
