First custom-built special on new Indian Chief platform revealed
First custom Chief shows its wild side
Ex-motorcross pro Carey Hart has customised the new Indian Chief to stunning effect, turning it from a mild-mannered cruiser into a wildeyed West Coast brawler. Although it looks far from a stock machine, the engine and frame are untouched, which demonstrates the ease of customisation of the new platform. Hart’s focus was on performance as well as style. Gone is the retro looking suspension, replaced with jacked-up Fox piggyback shocks as well as GP Suspension forks lengthened with Altered Industry extenders, which should give it a bit of extra ground clearance for carving up the twisties while exaggerating the laid-back stance. The standard brakes are replaced with Beringer calipers and master cylinders which clamp down on the Galfer discs. The bike now rolls on a set of custom San Diego Customs wheels shod with Dunlop American Elite tyres to help unleash all the performance of the big twin, which has been maximised by a Fab 28 custom exhaust. Characteristic of the classic West Coast style, the Chief has been fitted with an Arlen Ness fairing. No custom bike is complete without custom controls, which come from San Diego Customs and Kraus Motor Co. Then there’s the paint. Gone are the understated classic blacks and blues of the standard model, replaced by an outrageous
‘Fox shocks will boost the bike’s handling’
multi-colour paintjob by Airtrix. Even if it isn’t to your taste, you have to commend the quality of the work. Fancy something like this yourself? The standard Chief arrives this spring starting from £15,795 – after that the sky’s the limit.