Indian Motorcycle Celebrates 125 Years with New Chief Vintage

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Indian Motorcycle, one of the pioneering American motorcycle brands, is celebrating its 125th anniversary with the launch of the new Chief Vintage model. The motorcycle pays homage to the brand's rich history, featuring a retro design with modern technology and performance under the hood.

Why it matters

Indian Motorcycle's revival under Polaris and now its acquisition by Carolwood signals the enduring appeal of heritage brands in the motorcycle industry. As consumers seek out authentic and customizable riding experiences, the Chief Vintage represents Indian's commitment to blending tradition with innovation.

The details

The Indian Chief Vintage features a classic design with wraparound fenders, spoked wheels, a solo seat, and a tall handlebar. The steel tube chassis and exposed rear shocks reinforce a minimalist, mechanical aesthetic. Beneath the retro styling lies a powerful Thunderstroke 116 air-cooled, 1,890cc V-Twin engine delivering 156 Nm of torque and approximately 90 horsepower. The motorcycle also offers three riding modes - Tour, Standard, and Sport - to modulate the throttle response. A 101 mm round touchscreen display provides connectivity to smartphones, enabling navigation and other features.

• Indian Motorcycle was founded in 1901 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
• Polaris Inc. acquired Indian Motorcycle in 2011 and revived the brand.
• In October 2025, Indian Motorcycle was acquired by the investment firm Carolwood.
• The Indian Chief Vintage is launched in 2026 to commemorate the brand's 125th anniversary.

What’s next

Indian Motorcycle is expected to unveil additional models and technology updates in the coming years as it continues to evolve under Carolwood's ownership.