2014 Indian Big Chief Custom
In efforts to showcase its line of accessories and advanced paint technology available for the 2014 lineup, Indian Motorcycle has unveiled the “Big Chief Custom” at New York City’s Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
The Big Chief Custom is basically a 2014 Indian Chief Classic loaded with Genuine Indian Motorcycle aftermarket accessories, a custom paint scheme and a custom billet girder front fork – all parts/custom paint that is available for any 2014 Indian model.
Indian says: “this Big Chief Custom was designed and built to showcase the almost limitless possibilities for customers to customize, enhance and personalize the 2014 Indian Chief lineup utilizing authentic Indian Motorcycle Accessories, a custom paint shop, or by turning to a custom fabricator. The possibilities are endless for these powerful and awe-inspiring bikes.”
The idea for the Chief, which is powered by the brand new Thunder Stroke 111, was spearheaded by Polaris Industries’ Industrial Design Team leader, Greg Brew.
Greg Brew says: “One of the coolest things about being a manager at Polaris, is that we get keys to the products we build. I didn’t even get a chance to log one mile on my bike before our motorcycle design team, led by Michael Song, started tearing it apart to build a custom version.
“The team from the Indian accessories group offered up their entire line of 2014 gear and the design for the Big Chief Custom just started to come together from there.”
A highlight of the Big Chief Custom is without a doubt the billet aluminum girder front end, which brings back memories of the Springfield era of Indian Motorcycle.
Indian says fully designed, machined and built in-house, the girder forks feature fully machined uprights and cross members along with a custom 23-inch front wheel draped with a custom front fender that maintains the classic valanced fender look of the Chief. A custom shock and headlight complete the package. Custom paint designed and expertly applied in-house by team member Steve Leszinski expands on the multicolored theme from prior generations of Indian Motorcycles, with the addition of modern styling and state-of-the-art paint technology, Indian says.
Other highlights of the bike include the conversion to a springer-style seat, which was common on pre-1939 models with new rear suspension. The Big Chief Custom is further highlighted with the “Pinnacle Series” of accessories – Pinnacle Cam Cover, Pinnacle Primary Cover, chrome Pinnacle Grips on Beach Bars mated up with a Stage 1 exhaust sporting Fish Tail Tips. Other custom accessories include War Bonnet Floorboard Pads, a Heel Shifter, and a chrome Rear Fender Bumper.
The Big Chief Custom will be on display at the remaining International Motorcycle Shows tour, including Novi, Michigan; Washington, DC; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; and Seattle, Washington.
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