Indian

INDIAN

Indian Chief Classic

It’s no understatement to say that American company Polaris rescued the Indian brand. And all you have to do is take one ride on the new-for-2014 Chief Classic to understand how true it is. Its aluminum backbone frame carries excellent suspension and brakes, while a torque-rich, smooth-running engine with loads of personality provides motivation. In fact, the Thunder Stroke 111, which evokes classic Indian powerplants of yore, is one of the finest cruiser engines ever to burn gasoline. Styling speaks for itself. If you’ve ever wanted a skirted-fender motorcycle with the name “Indian” on the tank, your time is now.

$18,999

Indian Chief Vintage

The all-new Chief Vintage soft bagger is meant for light touring and general cruising. Its Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin uses EFI and keyless ignition to light the fire that produces 108 pound-feet of torque on the CW dyno. ABS is standard. The aluminum frame’s 29-degree rake and 6.1-inch trail make for stable, relaxed handling (same as the Classic), though there is an impressive degree of cornering clearance. Despite the chrome and valanced fenders, this bike can keep a good back road pace. Seat and quick-release saddlebags are real leather, and a lighted “war bonnet” on the front fender leads the way.

$20,999

Indian Chieftain

Aimed squarely at Harley-Davidson’s new Rushmore Street Glide, the Chieftain impresses in its first year as a world-class effort powered by a mega-torquey 49-degree V-twin. The aluminum chassis has a corner-friendly (for a tourer) 25 degrees of rake and 5.9 inches of trail, and the rear preload is air-adjustable (not mechanical as on the other Indians). This Indian is happy loping across Kansas in its tall sixth gear, but it’s capable of a good pace in the Rockies, too. The comfortable leather rider and passenger seats ally with a great riding position and electrically adjustable windscreen to create all-day, most-weather comfort.

$22,999