The suspension on the Chief was from ZF and performed admirably. Thanks to the minimal brake dip and smooth rebound, the fork is comfortable yet stiff and consistent even during our most arduous testing. Despite the limited travel of 3 inches, the Chief feels rooted even when quickly navigating canyon roads thanks to the outstanding performance of the shocks, which effectively dampen the most significant bumps.
Despite being relatively minor for the class, the solo seat on the Chief is incredibly comfortable. In testing, I brought it up multiple times, never experiencing any pain or discomfort. I came in at 6-foot-4 in this model but only experienced minor hip flexor stiffness on extended highway trips.
The Chief is a capable bike for even the most demanding trails, thanks to its standard 46mm front forks with 5.2 inches of travel, a 28.5-degree lean angle and pleasant ergonomics.
Indian Super Chief 2022 Cruisers – Features and Price
111 Thunderstroke
In all six speeds, the multi-award-winning Thunderstroke produces 108 ft-lbs of raw torque for 111 horsepower.
Granted for Adventure
Don’t take any shortcuts when designing anything practical. Built for any journey, it comes standard with floorboards, wire wheels, saddlebags, and a windscreen.
Classic Style
With a large headlight bucket with nills and covered forks, the Super Chief’s understated looks are characterized by its straightforward design.
Long-Distance Comfort
No need to sacrifice capability or style. With Super Chief, get both.
The Chief is a capable bike for even the most demanding trails, thanks to its standard 46mm front forks with 5.2 inches of travel, 28.5-degree lean angle and pleasant ergonomics.
Light your Way
The road ahead is evident thanks to full LED lighting.
Choose your Ride
Choose Tour, Standard or Sport to select the riding mode that suits your riding preferences.
Indian Super Chief 2022 Cruiser – Ride Review
I would describe my current psychological state as absolutely terrified. Because it happens, I’ve been gripping the handlebars of my Chief Bobber of Indian Motorcycles since 2022. Usually, when you think of Arizona, you picture hot deserts and endless blue skies. The wheels of heaven usually, but not yet.
I’m blowing like a beginner trombonist on the 17 Freeway towards Sedona through gusts of 80+ mph. Sporadic gusts are so severe that matrix traffic message boards read, “Warning! Wind gusts 45-60 mph!” Installed all the way. My alpine stars are spitting at me.
I love motorcycles, but I hate driving on highways. Hate them, at least when riding a bike. I can go triple-digit speeds while yawning in a V8-powered GT, but when I’m on two wheels, even on a big American cruiser like this Indian motorcycle, all I can think about is, Are the lines flying my impending doom? If I make a mistake, I will pass from this life to another.
This small group has gathered to celebrate the introduction of India’s all-new Chief middleweight cruiser, which serves as the company’s flagship model.
This Chief Launch is meant to be a lark — an excuse to roar into the pristine regions of the American West, share a few laughs (and beers) at the end of the day, and call it a trip. It’s sandwiched between the light cruiser Scout and the big boy Chieftain Tor. Instead, it has scared me to a level I haven’t experienced since childhood, keeping my eyes on the road like a tower walker.
Did I inadvertently do something to offend Nalsi, the Navajo god of wind? I wondered what heresy I had committed the previous evening in the abandoned village of Vulture City, where we had spent the night. What sinful act did I do? Did I accidentally snag a sacred totem, a la Greg Brady (Google it, kids)? What is happening?
Of course, the Chief has nothing to do with this horror. The ride is good and an excellent carrier of the American V-Twin Cruiser standard that is better than great.
We’ve tested all three styles — the Chief, Bobber, and Super Chief — in both base and premium trims (the Dark Horse for the first two and the Super Chief Limited for the third) during our travels, and we’ve had them all so far. Appreciated. So, all I can do to relieve the mental pain and find some calm during this unexpected storm is to grip the handlebars and reflect on the happier times.
Like the day before, I drove the Super Chief Limited off the orange sandstone of Sedona, cruising the smooth highways to Jerome only to break mid-speed with sporadic long, slow turns.
What I wouldn’t give for the Limited’s 23.8-inch windscreen to block exposure to the life-threatening gusts of the current gale-force ride. That Super Chief was the ideal bike for the day. The sleek, updated “116 cubic inch engine’s 120 lb-ft of torque has been boosted and will be effective in keeping those pesky natural forces at bay.”
Alternately, we could climb the backside of the Black Hills later that day while riding Chief Dark Horse, turning switchbacks to Mingus Mountain, which rises to 7,700 feet above sea level, Verde. Before descending back to the valley. The Chief’s mid-mounted pegs, compared to the forward-mounted pegs of other models, provide better control and a more agile seating position on these unlimited hairpins.
While still a big bike at about 650 pounds, the new generation shaves nearly 120 pounds and more than 4 inches off the body of the last-generation Chief, lowering the center of gravity and resulting in a mid-size cruiser. It turns out to be a surprisingly nimble motorcycle. Although Chief Dark Horse suffered numerous footpeg scrapes as he traveled the snow-covered mountain pass, he never felt tired or heavy.
On most days, I find that the basic bobber I had on my long gale force ride would be enough, but this was not an average day. Perhaps the ‘111’ engine’s 108 ft-lbs of torque, essentially unchanged from the previous Chief, was low, but road conditions were too harsh to rate accurately.
However, 90% of the three days of riding exceeded my expectations for the Big American Twin Cruiser category. 2022 is the model’s first major redesign in ten years and was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Chief name.
The sun visor on my bull helmet suddenly rips from the wind and flies high into the cold desert air. I center myself and visualize developing ideas. My thoughts go back to the previous evening when our impromptu motorcycle club pulled up along the gravel road that led past Vulture City and the gates. Around the fire, they ate mashed potatoes and grilled New York strips, made s’mores, and chugged lots of MoonJuice Galactic IPA.
I remember enjoying the High West Rendezvous in Rye while chatting with a veteran motorbike journalist who is an old acquaintance. We appreciate Indians for getting us to this point. As Nulsi does her best to play her clever games on my bike, that memory keeps me calm, and I can’t help but smile even during this silly hurricane.
Indian Super Chief 2022 Cruisers – Price
The new Indian Super Chief 2022 Cruisers are available in $18,499 to $18,799.
Indian Super Chief 2022 Cruisers – Technical Specifications
Engine & Drivetrain
Bore x Stroke | 3.976 inches x 4.449 inches (101mm x 113mm) |
Compression Ratios | 9.5:1 |
Displacement | 111 cu in (1,811 ccs) |
Drive/Driven Clutch | Wet, Multi-Plate |
Electronic Fuel Injection System | Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore |
Engine Type | Thunderstroke 111 |
Exhaust | Dual Exhaust w/ Crossover |
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 | 108 ft-lbs (146 Nm) |
Peak Torque RPM | 3,200 rpm |
Transmission/Final Drive | 2.2: 1 |
Transmission/Primary Drive | Gear Drive Wet Clutch |
Engine Accessories
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Dimensions
Fuel Capacity | 4 gallons (15.1 Liters) |
Ground Clearance | 4.9 inches (125mm) |
GVWR | 1,160 lb (522 kg) |
Lean Angle | 28.5-degree |
Overall Height | 47.4 inches (1,203mm) |
Overall Length | 90 inches (2,286mm) |
Overall Width | 42.5 inches (1,079mm) |
Rake/Trail | 29-degree / 5.2 inches (131.5mm) |
Seat Height | 26.2 inches (665mm) |
Weight | 714 lbs |
Wheelbase | 64 inches (1,626mm) |
Brakes
Front Brakes | Single / 300mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper |
Rear Brakes | Single / 300mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper |
Tires / Wheels
Front Tires | Pirelli® Night Dragon 130/90B16 67H |
Front Wheel | Wire Spoke 16 in x 3 in |
Rear Tires | Pirelli® Night Dragon 180/65 B16 81H |
Rear Wheel | Wire Spoke 16 in x 5 in |
Chassis Accessories
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Suspension
Front Fork Tube Diameter | 46 mm |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
Front Travel | 5.2 in (132 mm) |
Rear Suspension | Dual Shocks w/adjustable preload |
Rear Travel | 3.0 in (75 mm) |
Other Accessories
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Features
Color / Graphics | Black Metallic, Pearl White |
Factory Warranty | 2 Years, Unlimited Miles |
Gauges | Electronic speedometer with odometer; dual trip meters; digital tachometer; ambient air temperature; fuel range; average fuel economy; battery voltage; gear position display; real-time clock; vehicle trouble code readout; low engine oil pressure; and 9 LED telltale indicators: cruise control enabled, cruise control set, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS (if equipped), check engine, and MPH or km/h unit designation; electronic fuel gauge with low fuel indicator |
Infotainment | N/A |
Lights | LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals |
Standard Equipment | Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation |