Indian Motorcycle has today revealed its new Sport Chief cruiser which will hit Australian showrooms in May, priced from $32,995 in all three colour schemes: black, red and grey.
The Sport Chief takes the form of a sporty, stripped-back and well-suspended cruiser with a small windscreen and solo seat, positioning it to rival the likes of the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S ($32,495) and its half-faired Low Rider ST sibling ($36,995).
Motivating the Indian Sport Chief is the American bikemaker’s Thunderstroke 116, a 1890cc V-twin engine that in this case produces 162Nm of torque. Indian has not disclosed the bike’s power output, however, this motor generates 58kW (79hp) in other applications.
For comparison, Harley-Davidson’s similarly specified Low Rider S outputs 77kW and 168Nm from its 1923cc motor. Both bikes are roughly the same weight, with the Sport Chief tipping the scales at 311kg with its 15.1L tank filled.
With a keen focus on handling, Indian engineers have treated the Sport Chief to KYB upside-down forks and Fox piggyback rear shocks which add four-inches of travel and increases lean-angle to 19.5 degrees compared to the brand’s Challenger models. Customers will also have the option of upgrading to a compression- and rebound-adjustable rear suspension setup.
Also unique to the Sport Chief is a Brembo braking system with dual four-piston callipers squeezing 320mm discs at the front end. A two-piston, 300mm disc arrangement is utilised at the rear.
Other key features include a dual-exhaust system, LED lighting, a keyless ignition, a round TFT dash, a USB port and three rider modes: Sport, Standard and Tour.
The 19-inch front, and 16-inch rear cast wheels are shod in Pirelli Night Dragon tyres.
The 2023 Indian Chief range also includes the Dark Horse ($28,995), Bobber ($30,495) and Super Chief Limited ($32,995).
Entry to the Indian Motorcycle brand starts at $23,995 for the FTR or Scout Bobber, while the range is topped by the $51,995 Challenger Elite.
Editorial Director at infomoto.com.au. Loves Rally bikes.
