First Ride New range-topping Indian Chieftain Elite - MOTOR GERR

Factory custom specials have long been the preserve of Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) department, however this can be new territory for Indian. Yes, there are specials (the 2 Jack Daniels models spring to mind), however this gimcrack Elite heralds a replacement chapter in resurgent Indian’s fashionable history.

Identical in virtually each regard to the Chieftain restricted, the new Elite doesn’t boast a really long list of changes to satisfy the £5600 increase on the worth tag, however the standard and worth of the things on the list is, at least, on the far side reproach.

The lion’s share of the hike is because of the paintjob. No 2 are identical, as a result of each single Elite are hand-painted by Indian’s Spearfish paintshop in Coyote State – and also the quality is jaw-dropping. If you obtained a paintjob of this normal singly it might simply swallow the worth distinction all on its own. the sole draw back is that you just have Henry Ford story levels of color alternative. You either take the Elite during this ‘Fireglow Red Candy with Marble Accents’ – otherwise you don’t have associate Elite. And that’s a shame for everybody with associate allergic reaction to candy red bikes. The particularisation is great, and continues through the distinctive tank console, horn, airbox, primary and cam covers with color matched pinstripes.

Identical in virtually each regard to the Chieftain restricted, the new Elite doesn’t boast a really long list of changes to satisfy the £5600 increase on the worth tag, however the standard and worth of the things on the list is, at least, on the far side reproach.

The lion’s share of the hike is because of the paintjob. No 2 are identical, as a result of each single Elite are hand-painted by Indian’s Spearfish paintshop in Coyote State – and also the quality is jaw-dropping. If you obtained a paintjob of this normal singly it might simply swallow the worth distinction all on its own. the sole draw back is that you just have Henry Ford story levels of color alternative. You either take the Elite during this ‘Fireglow Red Candy with Marble Accents’ – otherwise you don’t have associate Elite. And that’s a shame for everybody with associate allergic reaction to candy red bikes. The particularisation is great, and continues through the distinctive tank console, horn, airbox, primary and cam covers with color matched pinstripes.

The other variations over a stock restricted embrace a combine of pannier-mounted speakers to bolster the blast from the binnacle-mounted ones that tie in to the wonderful Ride Command system; what Indian decision their ‘Flare’ screen – that isn’t abundant taller than stock, however is increasing wider; billet footboards for each rider and seat, and light-emitting diode ‘Pathfinder’ lighting. This smattering of individualism adds 6kg to the Elite’s mass, that seems like loads, however it’s inconsequential on what was already a 371kg bike.

On the road you definitely feel that bit a lot of special, and conspicuous, and whereas the ride is a dead ringer for the restricted, I did realize the footboards somewhat annoying. The exposed billet centres on the boards provide no grip, and once wet they’re glassy within the extreme. however that’s the sole obvious distinction in terms of feel. That Flare screen, though a shade wider, truly created no tangible distinction to flow of air for my wide 5’11” frame, whereas the light-emitting diode scout lighting is definitely brighter, whiter, and cleaner wanting.

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