Indian Motorcycle Dealers Compete With Chieftain Build-Off
10 dealerships, 10 custom designs: which big, bad Chieftain bagger takes the prize?
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Indian's Big Bike Build-Off
Indian Motorcycles, which dates all the way back to 1901, in Springfield, Massachusetts, is pitting dealer against dealer in an epic Chieftain bike build-off, with the top three picks being announced at the 2017 Daytona Bike Week beginning Friday, March 10 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The 10 custom baggers represent dealers from coast to coast, and show the design versatility of the big Indian (at over five feet tall and almost 8.5 feet long tip-to-tail, there's a lot of surface area to work with). The sunset theme is popular—there's both a "Tequila Sunset," from Indian Motorycle of Hollister, and "Arizona Sunset," from Indian Motorycle Peoria—though the aesthetics also range from the blacked-out "Barnstorm" (Indian Motorcycle of Central Massachusetts) to the red-white-and-blue-decked "American Proud" (Coastal Indian Motorcycle).
One Voter Will Win
Your vote will help determine the winner—and one voter will be awarded his own Chieftain, valued at $23,999 and complete with its bruising, triple-cam, 1811-cc V-twin Thunder Stroke 111 engine, which blasts the big bike up to 112 mph. Voting closes at midnight Central Time on February 15th, so go pick your favorite, and keep your fingers crossed.
A closer look at some of the entrants, below.
Barnstorm Chieftain
Indian Motorcycle of Central Massachusetts
"Our goal was to elevate the aspects of the Chieftain performance platform. Because this particular model was already well known for its handling and ergonomics, the challenge was exciting and interesting. Increasing power output with the Indian Motorcycle performance cams, intake and a handmade stainless exhaust was a key step. This, paired with aggressive styling, stunt-inspired bars and controls, bring the bike to an unprecedented level of comfort, ability & aesthetics."
Tequila Sunset
Indian Motorcycle of Hollister
"This bike features a 23" custom front wheel, stretched front fender, raked triple trees, custom gold metallic paint, custom made side covers, custom made air cleaner, and frenched in turn signals in the saddle bags."
Classic Elegance
Head Indian Motorcycle
"This beautiful bike evokes the feelings of days gone by, living up to its name “Classic Elegance”. The mystic and golden brown paint scheme along with cream accents and rich leather creates a striking visual and almost tactile image. We didn’t forget the legendary chrome. With 17 factory accessories, 22 Indian engravings and emblems it’s impossible to confuse this bike's classic linage. Custom bags, tank and the striking 26" billet spoke wheel complete the transformation of this legendary bike."
Arizona Sunset
Indian Motorcycle Peoria
"26" custom front wheel matching rear. The air ride system allows the rider style and looks. Duel exhaust, Stage 2 Indian Pipes, custom tips, with the Indian cam system for the performance needed. Blended with the stretched bags, side body panels, and custom front fairing, this bike has been designed around the Ride Command system. Enjoy this Chieftain as much as we enjoyed building it. Help from our friends at: AZZKIKR Len, Hoagie, and Darwin."
American Proud
Coastal Indian Motorcycle
"Our Custom Chieftain will mesh history with the present. First, we want to honor the American men and women that created Indian back in 1901 while recognizing the awesome team that brought it back to us. Another Special Thanks to all the Service men and women that make what we do possible. This bike is designed to Honor or our past and our future....AMERICA PROUD."
