From sub-$11,000 bobbers to full-blown $35,999 baggers, Indian Motorcycles has a near-perfect cruiser lineup catering to most of us. However, the portfolio misses out on a sporty cruiser for muscle cruiser fanatics and this is the bike maker's focus for its latest launch. Enter the new-for-2023 Indian Sport Chief which serves duty as the company’s sportiest cruiser and aims to dial up the fun in Indian's cruiser lineup. Here's the lowdown.
The 2023 Indian Sport Chief Looks The Part
The ‘Sport’ in the motorcycle’s name becomes evident from the get-go. It features a retro quarter-fairing complete with aerodynamic cutouts and a tinted windshield to set it apart in the Chief lineup while its bespoke 19/16-inch alloy wheels up the ante further. Similarly, you sit on a triple-texture gunfighter saddle and rest your hands on a moto-style handlebar with six-inch risers, all exclusive to the Sport Chief. These ergonomics, paired with its raised footrests, allow a maximum lean angle of 29.5 degrees. Once in the saddle, you’ll also appreciate the round TFT instrument cluster which lets you toggle through turn-by-turn navigation, cruise control, and three rider modes. It also comes with a keyless ignition, a USB charging port and LED lights as standard equipment.
This Indian Rolls With Quality Components
Keeping the sporty theme going, Indian has equipped the Sport Chief with high quality components. We’re talking 43mm upside-down forks from KYB up front and preload adjustable piggyback shock absorbers from Fox, at the rear. Meanwhile, dual 320 mm front disc brakes and a 300 mm rear disc (clamped by Brembo calipers) keep a leash on this 665-pound beast. Oh, and if you’re short, you’ll also appreciate the uber-low 27 inch seat height.
The Sport Chief Produces 120 Pound-Feet Of Torque
At its heart, the Sport Chief employs Indian’s Thunderstroke 116 engine. The air-cooled mill displaces 1,890cc and produces 120 pound-feet of torque, available from as low as 2,900 RPM. This output reaches the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox, while you also get a rear-cylinder deactivation system that makes life easier in traffic. These numbers suggest the Sport Chief is right in the ballpark of the 1,920cc Harley-Davidson Low Rider S, which promises more performance at 125 pound-feet, but later in the rev range at 3,500 RPM.
Pricing For The Sport Chief Starts At $18,999
So how much will Indian’s sportiest cruiser cost you? Well, the Sport Chief starts from $18,999 and goes up to $19,999, depending on your pick between the Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, Stealth Gray, and Spirit Blue Smoke liveries. This makes it $3,000 pricier than the entry-level Indian Chief, but just $800 more than its arch-rival, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. Though the Sport Chief seems to justify the extra $800, stay tuned for a detailed comparison between the Indian and Harley. In the meantime, feel free to drool over these pictures of the newest Indian cruiser.