Indian Motorcycle is clearly in a nostalgic mood, and not without reason. As the American marque kicks off its 125th anniversary celebrations, it has pulled the covers off the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage — a motorcycle that leans hard into heritage while quietly reminding you it still packs modern muscle.
Inspired by the iconic 1940s Chief, the new Chief Vintage wears its history proudly. The flowing valanced fenders, wire-spoke wheels and unmistakable silhouette look like they’ve rolled straight out of post-war Springfield, Massachusetts. Even the engine finishes play along, with non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted heads echoing the raw aluminium look of the originals. It’s less retro cosplay, more respectful reimagining.
At the heart of it all sits Indian’s Thunderstroke 116 V-twin, an air-cooled motor that delivers a stout 15.7 kgm of torque. It’s the kind of torque figure that makes overtakes feel optional rather than necessary. Three ride modes — Tour, Standard and Sport — let riders tweak throttle response, depending on whether the day calls for relaxed cruising or a little bit of attitude.
Despite the old-school aesthetics, the Chief Vintage is very much a 2026 motorcycle when it comes to tech. The 101-mm round touchscreen powered by Indian’s RIDE COMMAND system brings faster startup times, app-enhanced navigation and smartphone integration. Riders can plan routes on Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps and beam them straight to the bike, because even heritage needs Wi-Fi now.
Indian is also offering a wide range of factory accessories, from quick-release windscreens and highway bars to saddlebags and touring backrests, allowing owners to tailor the Chief Vintage for solo sunset rides or long-distance two-up cruising.
More than just a throwback, the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage feels like a statement: Indian Motorcycle isn’t looking back because it has to — it’s doing it because it knows exactly where it came from and where it’s headed next. And that brings us to the next important question: Is it coming to India? We sure hope so, but it is unlikely to happen till the end of this year.
