Indian has released a lineup of 2022 models that includes tourers, baggers, and the Scout series. Along with new color schemes for select motorcycles, the 2022 model year includes new Roadmaster Limited, Vintage Dark Horse and a restyled Roadmaster Dark Horse. The publication does not include the FTR 1200 and the Chief cruiser, but it is likely that these motorcycles will be announced separately.
ClimaCommand system (climate control)
For 2022, Indian offers ClimaCommand climate control from the factory on the Roadmaster Dark Horse and Roadmaster Limited and offers it as an option on the rest of the Thunderstroke lineup starting in 2014. ClimaCommand is a new temperature-controlled seat, meaning it can be both heated and cooled. These seats are available in both Classic and Rogue styles. For 2020-21 Chieftain and Roadmaster models, ClimaCommand is integrated into the onboard Ride Command system.
Indian Roadmaster 2022 lineup
Indian Roadmaster 2021
The Indian Roadmaster Limited features high-gloss paint , chrome trim, an exposed front fender, lockable side saddlebags and a modern fairing with air ducts, which appears on other models in 2022.
All 2022 Indian Roadmasters feature an air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 engine, heated grips and an electronically adjustable windshield. There is no information yet about the presence of the Roadmaster Elite in the line, however, perhaps this model will be announced separately.
The Indian Roadmaster Limited is available in Crimson Metallic and Thunder Black Azure Crystal colors and has a base price of $30,749.
The Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse is available in Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke and Bronze Smoke, with a base price of $29,999 in the US.
The Indian Roadmaster is available in Thunder Black Pearl, Maroon Metallic on Crimson Metallic and Alumina Jade on Thunder Black. The base price is $29,999 in the US.
2022 Indian Challenger lineup
Indian Challenger 2021
The newest lineup in the Indian family, the 2022 edition features a liquid-cooled 108-inch PowerPlus engine, Fox adjustable rear shock, and Brembo brakes. For the first time this year, the Challenger is available with a quick-release rear case with PowerBand Audio. Indian claims that when paired with PowerBand Audio Plus, music volume is increased by 50% over stock audio.
For those who value luggage capacity, a 17-gallon (64-liter) quick-release rear case is available. Judging by the presence of as many as two variants of the case, it is worth expecting a touring model, equipped with a central case from the factory, to pair with the Challenger bagger.
The Indian Challenger is available in Thunder Black and Titanium Smoke colours. The base price is $22,999 in the US.
The Indian Challenger Dark Horse is available in Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke and Bronze Smoke, with a base price of $27,999 in the US.
The Indian Challenger Limited is available in Thunder Black Pearl, Ruby Metallic and Deepwater Metallic and also has a base price of $27,999 in the US.
When you take a trip back in time and look at some of the most collectible Indian motorcycles, like the vintage Indian Four, you begin to understand how these motorcycles have evolved over time, and now we're salivating over their latest lineup, including the stunning Indian Chief 2022.
Dive into the true story of the Indian Motorcycle Company's stunning designs, rise and fall.
A Brief History of Indian Motorcycle Company
The true story of the Indian Motorcycle Company is a roller coaster ride. Since its founding in 1901, the brand has failed four times in various forms. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, a number of companies and individuals attempted to revive Indian.
The reasons why so many different people tried to bring Indian back can be summed up in one word: legacy. Indian Motorcycles is one of America's most iconic motorcycle brands. The original Indian Motorcycle Company was founded 119 years ago. As one of the first motorcycle companies, they were responsible for some of the earliest advances in motorcycle technology and several impressive early motorcycle speed records.
In 1897, George M. Hendy created a bicycle company. The most popular model, Indian, eventually became the company name. In 1901, Hendy hired Oskar Hedström to create a gasoline-powered bicycle that could compete in bicycle racing. Following the success and hype surrounding this first machine, the company opened a plant in Massachusetts and began mass production of motorcycles. In their first year in business, an Indian motorcycle racer won a race from Boston to New York.
In 1906, a pair of racers drove from San Francisco to New York in a record 31.5 days. In the 1910s, Indian motorcycles were redesigned with a modern suspension system, the first electric start on a motorcycle, and a 1000 cc engine. cm.
1921 Indian Scout
All these updates helped the company break even more speed and endurance records. In 1914, Erwin "Cannonball" Baker set a new coast-to-coast travel record of 11.5 days, 20 days faster than their trip to New York just eight years earlier. During World Wars I and II, Indian produced thousands of military motorcycles to support the Allied war effort.
Attempts to revive the company
After bankruptcy in 1953, two different groups tried to use the trademark to sell imported motorcycles. The first, Brockhouse Engineering, bought the rights to the Indian name and sold imported Royal Enfield models under the Indian name. But these imported bikes did not perform as well as the original motorcycles. As a result, the company sold only 7,000 units and closed around 1960.
In 1963, motorcycle racer and magazine writer Floyd Clymer began working to revive the brand. When Clymer died in 1970, his lawyer took over the project, selling Taiwanese and Italian models with Indian badges. But they didn't sell very well, and business stopped in 1977. At the same time, Bert Munro, a 68-year-old native of New Zealand, set a new record for the fastest streamlined motorcycle under 1000cc. cm on his modified 1920 Indian Scout.
1950 Indian Chief
In 1998, nine companies joined forces to create IMCA, which sold Indian-branded motorcycles made in America. Unfortunately, this company went bankrupt in 2003. In 2008, a private equity firm bought all of the company's assets, built a new plant in North Carolina, and sold it all to Polaris in 2011. Although the Native American motorcycles have not set any new speed records recently, owners can take pride in the fact that the models are made in the USA and that they are a part of motorcycle history.
Polaris introduced the now iconic 49-degree Thunder Stroke III V-Twin engine in 2013, displacing 111 cubic inches (1,811 cc). It provided 160 Nm of torque at a maximum engine speed of 5,500 rpm. The air-cooled engine with integrated oil cooling features down-firing exhaust pipes with a left side air intake, as well as finned heads and parallel pushrods.
Let's take a look at some of the coolest Indian motorcycles.
Indian Roadmaster
Indian Roadmaster 2020
We first saw the Indian Roadmaster in 2014, a Thunderstroke 111 powered touring bike that produces 161 Nm of torque. The bike included features such as remote-locking saddlebags and a powered Horizon windshield, while weighing 420kg on a full tank.
The 2022 lineup includes the latest Roadmaster with the Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine and 140 liters of cargo space. It's what we crave when we want to hit the road on a long adventure, not to mention all the perks we expect from a high-end touring bike, like keyless ignition, cruise control, heated seats and powerful premium speakers.
Indian Springfield
Indian Springfield 2016
Indian Springfield first caught our attention in 2016. Classified as a "baggy" style bike, but with some touring bike elements, with a redesigned chassis "designed to handle a wider load range" with a dry weight of 370kg.
The 2022 Indian Springfield offers a lightweight aluminum frame designed to improve handling, not to mention three riding modes: Tour, Standard and Sport. Let's not forget what gives this beast power; amazing Thunderstroke 116!
Indian Challenger Dark Horse
The 2022 Indian Challenger Dark Horse delivers a desirable 122 horsepower and an enticing 173 lb-ft of torque from the V-Twin while offering a dominant presence on the road.
But the 2022 Indian Challenger Dark Horse remains to be seen. First, it comes with amazing features like Dynamic Traction Control, Bosch 6-axis IMU, Brembo braking, hydraulically adjustable Fox rear shocks, 7-inch Ride Command screen, and a great audio system.
Indian Springfield Dark Horse Jack Daniel's Limited Edition
Jack Daniel's may be the best whiskey choice for many, but it was also the inspiration for one of Indian's amazing motorcycles. Jack Daniel's Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse features, among other things, 12-inch mid-height handles with charms and distinctive saddle bags.
Let's not forget what drives this beast - 116 cubic inches in the Thunderstroke, delivering some incredible power. Not to mention the signature Jack Daniel's badge and two-tone Heavy Metal Crystal and Thunder Black Vivid Crystal paint job.
Indian Chieftain
2019 Indian Chieftain
The Indian Chieftain first caught our attention in 2014 with its fork fairing and hard saddlebags. It was powered by a Thunderstroke 111 engine producing 161Nm of torque and had a tempting choice of paint finishes including Thunder Black, Springfield Blue and Indian Motorcycle Red.
But go ahead and check out the 2021 Indian Chieftain, where we'll rediscover what we love about the bike. The design itself entices us with its sleek lines yet powerful demeanor when cruising on the open road.
Indian Scout
We can't forget the pioneering motorcycles that started this incredible journey, the true pioneers of Indian motorcycles. The impact of Indian Scout cannot be underestimated. The Indian Scout was born in the early twenties and was designed by the legendary Charles B. Franklin, who was also instrumental in the development of the original Chief.
Fast forward to the 2022 Indian Scout and we're experiencing an evolution of the classic. Equipped with a 1133 cc V-twin engine. cm, equipped with all the modern conveniences we desire, such as standard ABS, electronic fuel injection, built-in USB port, among other features, while maintaining the feel of the original.
Indian Four
1940 Indian Four
Sometimes we need to delve into the heritage of a motorcycle to appreciate its design and historical significance. The Indian 401 appeared in the late twenties, following the Indian Ace. The 401 was updated with trailing arm forks and quarter-elliptic leaf springs. The following year, the Indian 402 came out with a redesigned frame.
In 1936, the "inverted" engine entered the scene but failed to take over the market. In the forties, Indian Fours were equipped with more prominent fender flares and 16-inch wheels with balloon tires.
Indian Chief
Indian Chief 2022
The Indian Chief was released in the early twenties with a 61cc V-Twin engine. See double cam. It was an elegant long-length design for its time, designed by the legendary Charles Franklin.
There's so much about the 2022 Indian Chief that it's hard not to love it. Starting with the legendary Thunderstroke engine, not to mention the rugged and confident design with exposed rear shocks, pumped fenders and a tubular steel frame.
Indian Scout Sixty
The Indian Scout Sixty is a good middleweight cruiser, and 2016 was the first time we noticed its low-slung design. We may have experienced all the brilliance of the Indian Scout, but the Scout Sixty is a great model for those who want more confidence from their bike.
The 2022 Scout Sixty is powered by a 60cc V-Twin engine that produces 78 horsepower. Admittedly, the Scout Sixty can't be overlooked as it's not as powerful as perhaps the Scout, but as an entry-level cruiser that's easy to drive.
Indian Scout Bobber
Not only does the Indian Scout Bobber have the cool design we love, but it's also powered by a great 1,133cc V-twin engine. See liquid cooled. It has a low stance, an ideal seat height of 25.6 inches and a ground clearance of 5.1 inches.
Indian Motorcycles has certainly produced some amazing motorcycles, including the Scout Bobber. We can't forget the legacy of those earlier motorcycles like the original Scout or the Indian Four, but we also can't overlook some of the latest models like the Indian Challenger Dark Horse or the Indian Springfield that are teasing the minds of American motorcycle fans.
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Indian Vintage 2022 line
Indian Vintage 2021
Indian Vintage will be joined by Dark Horse in 2022. In addition to the matte black paint and blacked-out engine, the Dark Horse comes with fringed leather saddlebags and a fringe-free solo seat. The Vintage Dark Horse does not have the quick-release windshield that regular Vintages are equipped with. Both models are equipped with the Thunderstroke 111 engine.
Indian doesn't mention this specifically, but it's worth noting this: they now call this line simply Vintage, and not Chief Vintage, as before. Considering that the Chief cruiser was not included in the current announcement (besides, it was only available in the Dark Horse version for the last couple of years), it is likely that the regular Chief was simply excluded from the Indian line along with the name.
The 2022 Indian Vintage is available in Crimson Metallic and Deepwater Metallic on Dirt Track Tan. The base price of the model is $20,499 in the US.
Indian Vintage Dark Horse is only available in Thunder Black Smoke. It has a base price of 19,499 and is the only Dark Horse that costs less than the regular version.
The first years of innovation
Indian is considered the first major player to launch motorcycle production back in 1901, 2 years before Harley-Davidson. Indian begins with racing driver Oscar Hedström and self-taught engineer George Hendy developing motorcycles that would later become technically advanced for their time. Based in Springfield, Indian would be the first company to create time after time innovative machines : a motorcycle with a twin-cylinder V-twin engine, a 2-speed transmission, the first electric start, electric lights and much more. Indian dominated the motorcycle market and also set racing records.
intense competition between Indian and Harley-Davidson in the first half of the 20th century , so company-sponsored riders were expected to remain committed to the company further. Legendary Indian racers such as Bobby Hill, Bill Tuman, Ernie Beckman (all members of the famous Indian Wrecking Crew of the 1940s and 50s), as well as Ed Kretz and Burt Monroe made the Indian brand and the word “success” synonymous.
Racer Ervin "Cannonball" Baker also brought fame to Indian with his record breaking: in 1914 he drove from San Diego to the East Coast in 11 days, 12 hours, 10 minutes, and in 1915 Baker set the fastest time of three and a half days in a race from Canada to Mexico via California. One of the most famous Indian models is the heavy-duty Powerplus , equipped with a two-cylinder V-twin engine. However, in 1917 Indian switched to producing motorcycles for the war effort, and resources for commercial production became increasingly scarce. Despite its success in the early years, Indian had its share of setbacks as sales declined in the US while exports to the UK increased.
2022 Indian Chieftain Lineup
Indian Chieftain 2021
Chief, apparently, has left, but Chieftains remain, but only in regular, Limited and Dark Horse variations. The current announcement does not include the Chieftain Elite and Chieftain Classic.
The Indian Chieftain is powered by the Thunderstroke 111 V-twin, while the Dark Horse and Limited versions are powered by the larger 116 engine.
The Indian Chieftain is available only in Thunder Black and has a base price of $21,999 in the US.
The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is available in Thunder Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke and Titanium Smoke, with a base price of $27,999 in the US.
The Indian Chieftain Limited is available in Thunder Black Pearl and Radar Blue, also with a base price of $27,999 in the US.
Golden Age of Indian: Scout, Powerplus, Chief
Indian began to surpass its main competitor Harley-Davidson in both technology and design. New motorcycle models acquired their own iconic wing skirts and an Indian logo on the bumper. Later, thanks to Powerplus, the world saw the Indian Scout model, which gained popularity among racers. It was followed by Chief and the best-selling Big Chief. In 1940, all models featured the Indian logo, as well as wing skirts. The Indian Chief soon gained a reputation as a motorcycle that was worth the money spent.
Indian Springfield 2022 Lineup
Indian Springfield 2021
The Indian Springfield is available in Maroon Metallic on Crimson Metallic and Thunder Black on Dirt Track Tan. The base price of the model is $21,999 in the US.
Indian Springfield Dark Horse is available in Thunder Black Smoke, Sagebrush Smoke and White Smoke. Its base price is $22,499 in the US.
