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Indian’s Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition Brings New Meaning to the Term “Instant Classic”

The gorgeous limited-edition cruiser pays tribute to riders who gathered to race around Sturgis back in 1938.

Close-up of a black and silver Indian Motorcycle engine with "est. 1901" and Indian Motorcycle logo visible.Indian Motorcycle
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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In the late 1930s, an Indian Motorcycle dealer and nine passionate riders met up to rip around Sturgis, South Dakota,

Drawing roughly 200 spectators, the historic event combined scenic riding, racing and camaraderie, laying the groundwork for a legendary annual gathering.

Red and cream Indian motorcycle with black engine and exhaust pipes parked outdoors with "STURGIS" sign blurred in background.
The limited-edition bike pays tribute to an event that set the stage for an annual rally that gets more epic every year.
Indian Motorcycle

It’s only fitting, then, that the brand chose the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to introduce a bike that pays tribute to those early two-wheeled pioneers.

As the event kicks off this weekend, the stunning new Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition rolls into town boasting a compelling blend of throwback looks and modern features.

Retro radness

Aesthetically, the new bike boasts a number of notes that harken back to those halcyon days, including a classic two-tone red-and-cream paint scheme, headdress logo and painted number 56 on the side cover.

Close-up of a brown leather motorcycle seat with "Stadion" embossed, red and cream side panel numbered 56, and black frame.
The floating solo seat, painted 56 and serialized numbering up to just 125 help make the bike special.
Indian Motorcycle

Other throwback elements include the illuminated warbonnet, skirted fenders, wire-spoke wheels, a floating solo seat and vintage bars.

Meanwhile, heritage-inspired engine finishes with painted cylinder heads, pushrod tubes and black cylinders recall elements you’d find on 1940s Indian models.

Rear wheel and dual black exhaust pipes of a red and cream motorcycle with the number 56 on the side panel.
As something of an an exhaust pipe fetishist, I can’t help but admire this pair of blacked-out beauties.
Indian Motorcycle

Make no mistake, however, as the engine itself is as modern and powerful as the come: the brand’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine makes a thrilling 120 ft-lbs. of torque at 2,900 rpm.

With a running weight of 721 pounds, this bike is a real beast, but the 27-inch seat height ensures firm footing for low-speed maneuvers.

Man wearing a black helmet and vest riding a red and cream Indian motorcycle on a road with trees in the background.
The low seat height and upright riding position help make the bike comfortable despite its considerable weight.
Indian Motorcycle

The stirring six-speed also offers three ride modes ( Tour, Standard and Sport), a telescopic fork offering 5.2 inches of travel and dual rear shocks with three inches of travel.

Other modern features include LED lighting, ABS, keyless ignition USB and 12V charge ports and rear cylinder deactivation.

Red and cream Indian motorcycle with black exhaust pipes parked on asphalt at sunset.
The skirted fenders and teardrop tank are just a couple of the sweet throwback touches on this tip-to-tail stunner.
Indian Motorcycle

Meanwhile, the Ride Command-powered 4-inch round touchscreen display delivers handy GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, ride stats and more.

Serialized badging up to 125 commemorating the brand’s 125-year anniversary rounds out the appeal of this very special ride.

Availability and pricing

Limited to 125 units, the Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition is rolling into dealerships now at a starting price of $23,999.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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