2026 Indian Sport Chief RT Review

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT
The Sport Chief RT offering superior handling and ride performance that takes the beloved Indian Sport Chief to an entirely new level with custom-inspired premium components. The Indian Sport Chief RT is packed with premium components, custom-inspired style, and purpose-built performance straight from the factory.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT 2026 Indian Sport Chief RT 2026 Indian Sport Chief RT 2026 Indian Sport Chief RT 2026 Indian Sport Chief RT 2026 Indian Sport Chief RT

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT: COMMAND ATTENTION.

Reviewing 2026 Indian Sport Chief RT…

PURPOSE-BUILT / AGGRESSIVE / PERFORMANCE

A purpose-built V-Twin, loaded with factory-installed accessories and tuned for the open road, the Sport Chief RT takes the Sport Chief to a new level.
• Keep your cargo protected from the elements with the all-new L ocking Rigid Saddlebags providing 10+ gallons of usable space.
• Fits discreetly behind the Sport Chief RT’s fairing, the PowerBand Audio Bluetooth® Speaker delivers crystal-clear audio.
• Dual 2.5-inch mid-range speakers, 1.5-inch tweeters, and a 4.5-inch woofer. 2-Up High Bolster seat comes standard.
• The Indian Sport Chief RT combines performance-enhancing features with a quarter fairing, a 6.5” windscreen for wind protection.

 

The Sport Chief RT offering superior handling and ride performance that takes the beloved Indian Sport Chief to an entirely new level with custom-inspired premium components.

The Indian Sport Chief RT is packed with premium components, custom-inspired style, and purpose-built performance straight from the factory.

 

Custom-Inspired Style

Answering the call from riders, Sport Chief RT delivers custom-inspired style straight from the factory. The all-weather Locking Rigid Saddlebags add sleek style and practical storage. With more than 37 litres of combined storage, each saddlebag’s large lid with forward hinge layout allows for maximum storage, while maintaining convenient accessibility. While standard on Sport Chief RT, the Locking Rigid Saddlebags are compatible and available as accessories across the entire Indian Chief line, offered in color-matched premium paint or a textured black finish.

Sport Chief RT’s custom-inspired styling includes an 2-Up High Bolster Seat, which is fully compatible as an accessory upgrade across the Indian Chief line. With a sleek design and 127 mm of bolster, the 2-Up High Bolster Seat delivers an aggressive look while increasing cushion, maximizing comfort for riders and passengers. The bike’s 152 mm machined risers with moto-style handlebars and machined triples add premium style with sporty ergonomics straight from the factory. Forward controls keep the rider’s legs in a more relaxed and comfortable position, while its Quarter Fairing and 165 mm windscreen provide wind protection and a clean, sporty look. Lastly, the Sport Chief RT features a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear contrast cut lightweight cast alloy wheels, wrapped in Metzeler® Cruisetec® tires.

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Iconic American Style
  • Locking Rigid Saddlebags
  • 3 Ride Modes: Tour / Standard / Sport
  • 4-Inch Round Display
  • Keyless Ignition
  • Cruise Control
  • USB Charging
  • LED Lighting
  • ABS Brakes
  • ENGINE 116 CU-IN
  • WEIGHT 714 LBS
  • SEAT HEIGHT 27 IN PEAK
  • TORQUE 2,900 RPM
  • TORQUE 120 FT-LBS
  • STORAGE 10+ GALLONS

 

 

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ROLLS OUT 2026 LINEUP WITH NEW SPORT SCOUT RT, FRESH PAINT & ALL-NEW ACCESSORIES

  • Sport Scout RT Delivers Aggressive Style and Increased Capability With Factory-Fitted Locking Rigid Saddlebags
  • Rich, Premium Paint Options Elevate Aesthetic Across 2026 Lineup, Including Exciting Color Refreshments to Indian Motorcycle’s Newest PowerPlus Family
  • Authentic Indian Motorcycle Accessories Expand with New Storage, Audio, & Comfort Offerings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its model year 2026 lineup, unveiling the Sport Scout RT, new paint and graphics, and adding new distinctive Indian Motorcycle accessories across its cruiser, bagger and touring lineup.

“Scout is a market-leading, globally recognized icon, and with the debut of the Sport Scout RT, we’re redefining what it means to ride an Indian Scout,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President – Indian Motorcycle. “Through a host of new updates across the lineup, we’re not just holding our ground as the best cruiser on the road — we’re raising the bar by offering riders around the world an unrivaled way to experience the open road.”

 

FRESH PAINT & GRAPHICS
For model year 2026, Indian Motorcycle introduces a range of rich, premium paint options that elevate the visual identity of its iconic lineup. Striking new colorways across its PowerPlus family of baggers and touring models further enhance each bike’s commanding presence on the road.

Headlining the 2026 color palette is the all-new Black Crystal and Super Graphite with Championship Gold accent finish, making a bold statement across multiple models, including the 101 Scout, Chieftain PowerPlus, and Indian Challenger. A new Deep Blue Metallic finish is featured across the Scout Classic, Indian Chief, Chieftain, Chieftain PowerPlus, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Indian Pursuit. Other standout colors include Chalk on the Super Chief, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Indian Pursuit; Indy Red on the Sport Chief; and Cascade Green Metallic with Black Metallic on the Roadmaster PowerPlus and Indian Pursuit. Roadmaster adds a sophisticated Deep Blue Metallic with Silver Quartz Metallic – further enhancing the visual appeal of Indian Motorcycle’s legendary touring model.

Alongside these vibrant new colors, Indian Motorcycle refreshes tank graphics across several Indian Chief models. Updates to the Chief Dark Horse, Sport Chief, Super Chief Limited, and Super Chief Dark Horse add a fresh edge to the legendary lineup while preserving its unmistakable attitude.

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

PURPOSE BUILT TO PERFORM
The Sport Chief RT enhances our next-generation performance cruiser with Locking Rigid Saddlebags, Bluetooth® PowerBand Audio, 2-Up High Bolster seat and adjustable 23-click piggyback shocks.

LOCKING RIGID SADDLEBAGS
Keep your cargo protected from the elements with the Sport Chief RT’s Locking Rigid Saddlebags providing 10+ gallons of usable space – whether cruising around town, commuting to work, or on a weekend getaway, the forward opening design allows you to get the most out of your cargo space.

POWERBAND AUDIO BLUETOOTH® SPEAKER
Standard on Sport Chief RT the PowerBand Audio Bluetooth® Speaker fits discreetly behind the Sport Chief RT’s fairing and delivers crystal-clear audio even at highway speeds, allowing you to hear every beat with the dual 2.5 inch mid-range speakers, 1.5 inch tweeters, and a 4.5 inch woofer.

PACKED WITH PREMIUM COMPONENTRY
Sport Chief is the ultimate performance cruiser in the Indian Motorcycle lineup thanks to proven name brand components like longer Fox® piggyback rear shocks, 43mm KYB® inverted front forks, and dual Brembo® 4 piston calipers with semi-floating 320mm rotors.

THUNDERSTROKE 116
Everything about Sport Chief was purpose-built from the factory to perform. The legendary Air-Cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin produces 120 ft-lbs of torque that dominates in all 6 gears, giving you the power to leave everything in your exhaust.​

CUSTOM STYLE COMMANDS RESPECT
Sport Chief combines performance-enhancing features with a quarter fairing, 6 inch machined risers, moto handlebars, a 6.5 inch windscreen for wind protection, and an aggressive appearance that makes every ride a bold statement.

RIDER CENTRIC FEATURES
There’s nothing standard about the game-changing ride amenities every Sport Chief comes with: 3 ride modes (Sport, Standard, or Tour), cruise control, keyless ignition, Bosch® ABS, LED Lighting, and a USB charging port so that you can enjoy the enhanced safety, convenience, and an exceptional riding experience.

RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
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.

 

Premium Components

Indian Motorcycle’s 101 mm Touchscreen Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND can be used to select music, control audio settings, and access bike and ride information. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation*. With a wireless helmet communicator, riders can access their phone information and accept or reject calls directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.

All the rider-centric features riders want, and need, are standard on the Sport Chief RT. Cruise control, keyless ignition, Bosch® ABS, LED lighting, and a USB charging port provide a premium experience so the rider can focus on the road ahead.

Purpose-Built Performance

At the heart of the Sport Chief RT is Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke 116 (1890 cc) V-twin engine.

With its air-cooled simplicity, the Sport Chief RT packs 156 Nm of torque for raw passing power. Three ride modes (Sport, Standard, Tour) each provide unique throttle responses to fit riding conditions and match rider preferences.

In addition, KYB® inverted front forks offer superior handling and ride performance. Lighter than standard cartridge style forks, Sport Chief RT’s KYB® inverted front forks provide responsive front-end handling – allowing riders to ride harder with less fatigue and more confidence. Adding comfort and aftermarket style are a pair of Performance Adjustable Piggyback Rear Shocks by FOX®. With easy-to-operate 23-click twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding preferences – delivering a smoother, more comfortable ride. Offering confidence-inspiring stopping power and a more responsive feel are the Sport Chief RT’s Dual Brembo® four-piston calipers with semi-floating 320 mm rotors.

Accessories

The PowerBand Audio Bluetooth® Speaker as an accessory across the entire Indian Chief lineup. The PowerBand Audio Bluetooth® Speaker mounts between the Sport Chief RT’s handlebar risers and Quarter Fairing, as two 65 mm mid-range speakers, one 100 mm subwoofer and two tweeters deliver 90 watts of crystal-clear audio at highway speeds. Riders can also personalize their listening experience with the five-band equalizer, which enables sound quality adjustments tailored to their favorite music genres.

Offering a custom edge, the High Mounted Tee Bar provides essential slow-speed tip-over protection while featuring iconic Indian Motorcycle branding on the end caps. The High Mounted Tee Bar seamlessly complements the premium look and feel of any 2022 and newer Indian Chief.

Indian Sport Chief RT riders looking to add personal style and change ergonomics can add 254 mm Moto Handlebar Risers, while low and tall windscreen options are available for the Sport Chief RT’s Quarter Fairing. For added nighttime visibility, the Chief Pathfinder 146 mm Adaptive LED Headlight projects light a greater distance with a wider spread. Its patented, innovative technology monitors the bike’s lean angle to optimize illumination of the road ahead.

 

 

Indian Chief Accessories

Thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort and improve rider ergonomics for a more refined and personalized riding experience, new Indian Chief accessories include:

  • Two-Up, Two-Tone High Bolster Seat: The Two-Up High Bolster Seat, Two-Tone Black & Brown features plush, foam cushioning that delivers an ideal combination of sophistication and comfort for both rider and passenger. With a 5” back bolster compared to the 3” of bolster on the standard seat, this seat helps riders feel planted and prevents sliding during hard acceleration. Its durable, all-weather vinyl covering is built to withstand rain, humidity, and harsh sunlight. The striking two-tone combination of black and brown vinyl delivers a bold, custom look that sets the motorcycle apart.
  • Syndicate Reduced Reach Seat: Reduced Reach Chief Syndicate Two-Up Seat provides enhanced ergonomics and riding comfort for riders 5’6″ and under. This reduced reach seat moves the rider 1.2″ forward, providing enhanced control and confidence. The seat features cushioning that is both plush and supportive for all-day comfort on longer rides. The integrated styling of the passenger seat complements the motorcycle’s streamlined design.
  • 2” Pullback Handlebars: Designed for riders seeking a more relaxed reach to their controls, the 2″ Pullback Handlebars deliver both comfort and a custom-inspired look. Whether riders are pairing with a 6″ or 10″ riser, this handlebar is the perfect upgrade for model year 2022 and newer Indian Chief models, offering a more comfortable riding position while maintaining an aggressive, sporty aesthetic.

8″ Pullback Moto Handlebar Risers: The 8″ Pullback Moto Handlebar Risers add aggressive details and reduce the rider’s reach to their handlebars for a more relaxed and ergonomic riding posture. These risers fit across all 2025-2026 Chief models and offer Sport Chief and Sport Chief RT a comfortable, reduced reach option.

 

RIDER CENTRIC TECHNOLOGY

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, and Rear Cylinder Deactivation.

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.

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $22,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $28,624 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £22,355 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)

2.733:1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

1.864:1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

1.385:1

Gear Ratio (4th)

1.103:1

Gear Ratio (5th)

0.943:1

Gear Ratio (6th)

0.811:1

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

5.0 in (128 mm)

GVWR

1,160 lbs (526 kg)

Lean Angle

32.0°

Overall Height

50 in (1270 mm)

Overall Length

90.6 in (2,301 mm)

Overall Width

34.3 in (872 mm)

Rake/Trail

28° / 4.4 in (111 mm)

Seat Height

27.4 in (695 mm)

Storage

Locking Rigid Saddlebags – 10 Gallons

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

691 lbs (314 kg) / 714 lbs (324 kg)

Wheelbase

64.6 in (1640 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Dual Brembo® / 320mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Rear Brakes

Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60 B19 61H

Front Wheel

Sport Cast Black 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/65 B16 81H

Rear Wheel

Sport Cast Black 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

43 mm

Front Suspension

Inverted Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.1 in (130 mm)

Rear Suspension

Dual Shocks w/ Adjustable Preload

Rear Travel

4.0 in (100 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Storm Blue, Heavy Metal, Vibrant Gold Orange Metallic

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Passenger Accommodations

Two-Up High Bolster Seat and Passenger Pegs

Standard Equipment

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 90 Watt Audio System with Bluetooth®, Smartphone Compatible Input, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Storage

N/A, Accessory Storage Options Available

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

PowerBand Audio Bluetooth® Speaker, 90 Watts

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 *Requires cellular data.

STYLE

Design

Blacked-Out Finishes, Locking Rigid Saddlebags, PowerBand Audio, Forward Mount Foot Controls, Moto Style Handlebars and 6 in Machined Risers, Quarter Fairing, 19 in Sport Cast Black Front Wheel, 23-Click Adjustable Fox® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Forks, Dual Disc Brembo® Brakes, Bobbed Fenders

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT – 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)

2.733:1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

1.864:1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

1.385:1

Gear Ratio (4th)

1.103:1

Gear Ratio (5th)

0.943:1

Gear Ratio (6th)

0.811:1

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

5.0 in (128 mm)

GVWR

1,160 lbs (526 kg)

Lean Angle

32.0°

Overall Height

50 in (1270 mm)

Overall Length

90.6 in (2,301 mm)

Overall Width

34.3 in (872 mm)

Rake/Trail

28° / 4.4 in (111 mm)

Seat Height (Laden)

27.4 in (695 mm)

Storage

Locking Rigid Saddlebags – 10 Gallons

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

691 lbs (314 kg) / 714 lbs (324 kg)

Wheelbase

64.6 in (1640 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Dual Brembo® / 320mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Rear Brakes

Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60 B19 61H

Front Wheel

Sport Cast Black 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/65 B16 81H

Rear Wheel

Sport Cast Black 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

43 mm

Front Suspension

Inverted Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.1 in (130 mm)

Rear Suspension

Dual Shocks w/ Adjustable Preload

Rear Travel

4.0 in (100 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Storm Blue, Heavy Metal, Vibrant Gold Orange Metallic

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Passenger Accommodations

Two-Up High Bolster Seat and Passenger Pegs

Standard Equipment

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 90 Watt Audio System with Bluetooth®, Smartphone Compatible Input, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Storage

N/A, Accessory Storage Options Available

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

PowerBand Audio Bluetooth® Speaker, 90 Watts

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 *Requires cellular data.

STYLE

Design

Blacked-Out Finishes, Locking Rigid Saddlebags, PowerBand Audio, Forward Mount Foot Controls, Moto Style Handlebars and 6 in Machined Risers, Quarter Fairing, 19 in Sport Cast Black Front Wheel, 23-Click Adjustable Fox® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Forks, Dual Disc Brembo® Brakes, Bobbed Fenders

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief RT – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Engine

Engine Type Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
Displacement 1,890 cc
Bore x Stroke 103.2mm x 113mm
Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Electronic Fuel Injection System Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Performance

Peak Torque RPM 3,300 rpm
Peak Torque 156 Nm

Drivetrain

Primary Drive Gear Drive Wet Clutch
Clutch Wet, Multi-Plate

Gear Ratio (Overall)

1st 2.733:1
2nd 1.864:1
3rd 1.385:1
4th 1.103:1
5th 0.943:1
6th 0.811:1
Final Drive 2.2 : 1

Suspension

Suspension: Front – Type/Travel Inverted Telescopic Fork / 130 mm
Suspension: Rear – Type/Travel Dual Shocks / 100 mm

Chassis

Brakes/Front Dual Brembo® / 320mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Calliper
Brakes/Rear Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Calliper
Tyres/Front Metzeler® CruiseTec® 130/60 B19 61H
Tyres/Rear Metzeler® CruiseTec® 180/65 B16 81H
Wheels Sport Cast Black 19″ x 3.5″ / Sport Cast Black 16″ x 5″
Exhaust Dual exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst

Dimensions

Wheelbase 1,640 mm
Seat Height 695 mm
Ground Clearance 128 mm
Overall Length 2,301 mm
Overall Width 872 mm
Overall Height 1,181 mm
Lean Angle 29,5°
Rake 28°
Trail 111 mm
Fuel Capacity 15.1 L
GVWR 526 kg
Weight (Empty tank / full of fuel) 312 kg / 322 kg

Features

Colour / Graphics Black Smoke, Storm Blue, Heavy Metal
Factory Warranty 2 Years

Standard

Standard Equipment ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB Charge Port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation
Passenger Accommodations Two-Up High Bolster Seat with Passenger Pegs
Storage Touring Saddlebags, 37+ Litres of Storage
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+® Available via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync and More *May require cellular data.

 

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

2026 Newest Bike Reviews

TMW 2026 Motorcycle Model Review Guides