Indian debuts 'Big Chief Custom' Classic

Based on a 2014-model Indian Chief Classic, the fully customised Big Chief Custom was created for the Indian Motorcycle display inside the International Motorcycle Show at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, USA. The Big Chief Custom was designed to spark owner's imaginations on how to customise, enhance and personalise the 2014 Indian Chief.

Spearheaded by the head of Polaris Industries' Industrial Design team, Greg Brew, a small, dedicated team customised the stock 2014 Indian Chief Classic. Using an array of Genuine Indian Motorcycle aftermarket accessories (Pinnacle Series in this instance), along with a custom paint scheme and bespoke billet girder front fork.

A special highlight of the build, the billet aluminium girder front end recalls the early Indian models. Designed, machined and built in-house, the girder fork features fully-machined uprights and sand-blasted billet cross members with a custom 23-inch front wheel, that gives the Big Chief Custom a mix of modern bagger and classic look.

In addition to the bespoke front suspension, a custom valanced front guard adds to the classic look of the Indian Chief. A custom shock and headlight completes the front end package.

Custom paint was applied in-house by team member Steve Leszinski with a multi-coloured theme inspired by previous generations of Indian Motorcycles.

Another nod to the long history of Indian Motorcycle is the springer style seat, which has been updated via a cantilevered design. Combined with the standard single rear shock, the Big Chief Custom promises to be a smooth ride.

The "Pinnacle Series" of Indian Motorcycle accessories on the Big Chief Custom includes the cam cover, primary cover, chrome grips and beach bars. The robust-sounding Stage 1 exhaust sports fish tail tips. Other custom accessories include War Bonnet floorboard pads, a heel shifter and chrome rear guard bumper.

The "Big Chief Custom" will be on display in the Indian Motorcycle exhibit as part of the 2014 International Motorcycle Shows tour through the USA. Other stops on the US tour include Novi, Michigan; Washington, DC; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington.

In addition to the Big Chief Custom, the display features the 2014 line of Indian Chief motorcycles including the Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and Chieftain — Indian's first-ever bagger.

The display also includes the Spirit of Munro tribute to the legendary Burt Munro, and a display of vintage Indian motorcycles dubbed "Springfield Row" that will change from show to show. Additional features include an accessory and apparel display, a cut-away Thunder Stroke 111 engine and a rolling chassis that showcases the technology underpinning all Indian Motorcycle models.

More details on the locally-available Indian Motorcycle range can be found at: www.indianmotorcycle.com.au

Images: Indian Motorcycle