2026 Indian Chief Vintage – First Look
Indian goes old school to kick off 125th anniversary
Indian Motorcycle is kicking off its 125th anniversary year by bringing back a timeless classic, introducing a new Chief Vintage for 2026.
Drawing inspiration from Chief models from the 1940s, the 2026 Chief Vintage features arching pull-back handlebars, wire spoke wheels, large, flowing fenders, and Indian’s signature illuminated headdress. The classic Indian Red and Black Metallic color options both pair nicely with the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 engine’s non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes, a look that mirrors the look of the original Chiefs.
Mechanically, the ThunderStroke 116 engine is unchanged from the one powering the Dark Horse Chief models, producing a claimed peak output of 92 hp at 120 lb-ft. at 2,900 rpm (Indian did not provide power figures, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rates it at 92 hp at 4,500 rpm). The Chief Vintage offers three ride modes, Tour, Standard, and Sport, each offering a different throttle response.
The Vintage also comes with a four-inch round touchscreen display and the latest version of Indian’s Ride Command software. Also available on the other Chiefs and the Scout models, Ride Command offers mobile phone connectivity and navigation, while offering a 25% faster loading time compared to previous versions.
The suspension system is the same as the standard Chief, with a 46mm telescopic fork up front offering 5.2 inches of travel, and dual preload-adjustable rear shocks offering 3.0 inches of give. The braking system consists of a single four-piston caliper up front, and a single two-piston caliper for the rear, both paired with 298mm discs. An anti-lock braking system comes standard.
Indian is offering a number of accessories, including touring equipment like a 17.8-inch quick release windscreen, weather-resistant vinyl saddlebags, and passenger accommodations.
The 2026 Indian Chief Vintage will arrive in dealerships in March with a starting price of $19,999 and a choice of either Indian Motorcycle Red or Black Metallic.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage Specifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP | $19,999 | ||||
Engine Type | Thunderstroke 116 air-cooled V-Twin engine | ||||
Bore and Stroke | 103.2 mm x 113.0 mm | ||||
Displacement | 1890cc / 116 ci | ||||
Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | ||||
Torque | 120 lb-ft. at 2,900 rpm (claimed) | ||||
Clutch | Wet multiplate clutch | ||||
Transmission | 6-speed | ||||
Final Drive | Belt, 146 tooth | ||||
Front Suspension | 46mm telescopic fork, 5.2 inches of travel | ||||
Rear Suspension | Dual preload-adjustable shocks, 3.0 inches of travel | ||||
Front Brake | Single 298mm semi-floating rotor with four-piston caliper | ||||
Rear Brake | Single 298mm semi-floating rotor with single-piston caliper | ||||
Front Wheel | 16" x 3.0" wire-spoke wheel | ||||
Rear Wheel | 16" x 3.5" wire-spoke wheel | ||||
Front Tire | Metzeler Cruisetec 130/90B16 73H | ||||
Rear Tire | Metzeler Cruisetec 150/80B16 77H | ||||
Rake/Trail | 29°/5.2 inches | ||||
Wheelbase | 64.0 inches | ||||
Seat Height | 27.0 inches | ||||
Weight (As Shipped, Claimed) | 686 pounds | ||||
Fuel Capacity | 4.0 gallons | ||||
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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I have never been a resurrected Indian fan but I gotta say that bike is a beauty. Now Harley will look like a copycat if they do the same. Love that vintage look motor on this Indian. The price doesn't seem too out of line either.
Very well done, I love the blacked out engine,and many other details .I hope Indian sells a bunch of these bikes,maybe I'll have one in my garage ,you sure have me leaning in that direction.😊