the central locking I really appreciate when carrying
expensive gear to events.
Chrome tank badges compliment the new styling
which is more modern and tougher looking – without
betraying the traditional Indian style.
Heap big single
We hit some traffic exiting the Glitter strip but I
didn’t feel the rear cylinder shut down on what
was a pretty mild day for Coolangatta. No doubt
in a Friday afternoon M1 snarl it will be a welcome
when the back pot shuts off to keep things cooler.
Indian say when you do hit the throttle it seamlessly
re-activates full power.
Power is something the big 111 Thunderstroke
supplies very well. The new model seems slightly
more responsive than the ’18, but that could be
a nuance of individual machines. What they both
have is smooth, strong, torquey goodness slung in
a chassis that is a real joy to chuck about.
There are a couple of places coming off the Border
Ranges with long arcs of downhill corner sweetness.
Because the Chieftain is now such a well-balanced,
neutral and steady bike, just letting it ‘fall’ into
the corners with minimal input is an extremely
satisfying and rewarding sensation. When you do
want to manhandle it, it’s nimble and surprisingly
light to control.
The test bike was fitted with Stage One pipes and
was quite glorious to listen to. With the new style air
cleaner fitted it also breathed well up to max power.
Install Indian’s Stage Two or Three hardware and it
would be absolutely awesome!
Highly evolved
The 2019 Indian Chieftain Limited has evolved into
an exceptionally good – actually great - motorcycle.
At $38,995 ride away you would expect it to be.
But the paint, fit and finish are all first class. The
performance, handling, creature comforts, luxury
and high-tech are seamlessly integrated into what
would be a very desirable addition to just-about
anyone’s garage. Heap big evolution! HD