Indian Motorcycle has released the 2026 Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition, a 125-unit run built around a paint scheme drawn from the 1930s Indians that raced at the first Sturgis rally. It costs $23,999 MSRP and is shipping to dealers now.
The 2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition is a cosmetic package on the standard Chief Vintage, which sells for $19,999. Nothing mechanical changes.
For the extra $4000, here’s what you get:
A two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream paint job with a multi-colored headdress tank logo recalling the 1930s design
Serialized badging numbered to 125, marking the company’s 125th anniversary
A painted number 56 on the side plate, saluting the hand-painted numbers racers ran at the earliest Sturgis events
Heritage finishes on the engine, including painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes over black cylinders, a nod to 1940s Indians
A solo seat finished in Vintage Espresso
Indian’s claim to Sturgis history is legitimate. The first gathering in the Black Hills in 1938 was organized by a local Indian dealer and a motorcycle club. Nine riders raced, while roughly 200 people watched. That event grew into what is now the largest motorcycle rally in the world, and this year marks its 86th running.
“When you look at how far it’s come and how much it’s grown over almost 90 years, it’s amazing to think that it was an Indian Motorcycle dealer and a group of Indian Motorcycle riders that literally started it all,” said Indian Motorcycle CEO Mike Kennedy. “What’s even cooler is the fact that back then, it was all based on a simple desire to come together in celebration of a lifestyle and a spirit of freedom that can only be found through motorcycle riding, and it remains the same to this day. This bike is special in that it pays homage to those origins and to that spirit that all riders share.”
Underneath the paint is the familiar Chief Vintage. The air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-twin pounds out 120 ft-lbs of torque at 2900 rpm. Three ride modes — Tour, Standard, and Sport — change throttle response. A 4-inch round Ride Command touchscreen handles enhanced navigation, live traffic, and weather when assisted by a Bluetooth-connected, app-equipped smartphone. Keyless ignition and ABS are standard.
The styling package is unchanged from the base bike: valanced fenders, an illuminated headdress front fender light, 16-inch wire-spoke wheels with Metzeler Cruisetec tires, floorboards, and a pullback handlebar. The seat height is a low 27 inches, and the curb weight is a substantial 721 pounds.
2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition Specifications
ENGINE
Type: Thunderstroke 116 49-degree V-twin
Displacement: 116 ci (1890cc)
Bore x stroke: 4.063 x 4.449 inches
Maximum torque: 120 ft-lbs @ 2900 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Valvetrain: OHV; 2 valves per cylinder
Starting: Electric w/ keyless ignition
Fueling: Closed-loop EFI w/ 54mm throttle body
Cooling: Air
Transmission: 6-speed
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Primary drive: Gear
Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
Frame: Steel tube w/ cast aluminum rear subframe
Handlebar: Vintage pullback
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 46mm fork; 5.2 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Twin shocks; 3.0 inches
Rims: Wire-spoke w/ black rims
Front wheel: 16 x 3.0
Rear wheel: 16 x 3.5
Tires: Metzeler Cruisetec
Front tire: 130/90B-16
Rear tire: 150/80B-16
Front brake: 298mm floating disc w/ 4-piston caliper
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood is the newest cruiser in the Softail lineup, and it arrives with a familiar recipe. The Motor Company took the Heritage Classic, lowered the rear end, chopped the windshield, fitted a solo seat, and painted nearly everything Denim Black. The name comes from the Black Hills town with an outlaw history of its own and a strong connection to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Don Williams goes riding and discovers what the 2026 Harley-Davidson Deadwood is all about.
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Speaking of rallies, here’s one you absolutely cannot miss—yes, we’re rapidly approaching the 34th Annual Biketoberfest Rally in Daytona Beach, sunny Florida.Biketoberfest this year runs October 15th through the 18th. We take a few minutes to chat with Lori Campbell-Baker and Brian Bentley from the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Biketoberfest is all about the beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows, and motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway. And don’t forget, there are miles of spectacular rides along the famous A1A, the historic Main Street and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop. There really is something for everyone here, and almost every event and attraction is free to attend. So, if you want a fun few days out in the Florida sunshine, Biketoberfest really is the place to be. Make sure you download the Biketoberfest mobile App from Apple or Google Play or visit www.biketoberfest.orgfor more details.
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Keith Code founded the California Superbike School in 1980, and it has subsequently grown to be the largest motorcycle track training school in the world. Teejay Adams is an experienced rider, but has still found that she has hangups and limitations to her riding. So, she called Keith’s son Dylan, who now runs the Superbike School with his wife Lara. Teejay went to the 2-day school at the Ridge racetrack in Washington state recently, and absolutely loved it. She tells us exactly what she found out and how it has helped her riding.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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