Indian Chieftain - Long-Term Test Intro

We simply can’t get enough of the new Indian Chieftain. Editor-in-Chief Hoyer was the first to succumb to the faired hard-bagger’s charms while covertly covering its evolution. His thumbs-high First Ride was quickly followed by my own breathless online review documenting a three-day ride and reactions to the new model at last year’s Sturgis event. Finally, in CW’s January comparison of the Chieftain versus Harley-Davidson’s better-than-ever Street Glide Special, our expert on all things important, Peter Egan, stamped his seal of approval on the Indian.

Now that we’re moving on to a long-term evaluation of this benchmark motorcycle, the problem won’t be choosing modifications, accessories, and adjustments that might enhance the Chieftain’s already excellent ride feel. Rather, it will be juggling the schedule of which editor gets to rest his or her bum on that comfy leather seat and when.

As we go to print, our stock 2014 Chieftain is in for some cosmetic surgery, including installation of chrome saddlebag protector rails, fender bumper, and brake caliper covers. Also on deck is Indian’s $574.99 (before labor) Concert Saddle Bag Audio kit option, which physically embeds large speakers into the bike’s saddlebags. We’re anxious to let our readers know if the enhancement in listening pleasure is worth the money—and the blemish brought to those sleek hard bags.

Until our next report, you can be certain that one of us is out there somewhere, coveting the opportunity to enjoy, or find something amiss with, the Chieftain. For now, though, we are simply enjoying the ride.