2026 Indian Sport Chief Review

2026 Indian Sport Chief
2026 Indian Sport Chief is the ultimate performance cruiser thanks to longer FOX piggyback rear shocks, 43mm KYB inverted front forks and dual Brembo 4 piston calipers.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Indian Sport Chief 2026 Indian Sport Chief 2026 Indian Sport Chief 2026 Indian Sport Chief 2026 Indian Sport Chief

2026 Indian Sport Chief: TURN THE VOLUME UP.

Reviewing 2026 Indian Sport Chief…

PURPOSE-BUILT / AGGRESSIVE / PERFORMANCE

Purpose built to perform. The legendary Air-Cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin produces 120ft-lbs of torque that dominates in all 6 g ears.
• The ultimate performance cruiser thanks to longer FOX® piggyback rear shocks, 43mm KYB® inverted front forks and dual Brembo® 4 piston calipers.
• Thanks to a gunfighter style solo seat with taller bolster, increased 29.5 degree lean angle and forward controls, riders can ride harder and longer.
• The Indian Sport Chief combines performance-enhancing features with a quarter fairing, a 6.5” windscreen for wind protection, and an aggressice appearance.
• Stylish gloss black 6-inch moto style risers with machine highlights come standard and mean business. Machined triples and moto-style handlebars.

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • Iconic American Style
  • 3 Ride Modes: Tour / Standard / Sport
  • 4-Inch Round Display
  • Keyless Ignition
  • Cruise Control
  • USB Charging
  • LED Lighting
  • ABS Brakes
  • ENGINE 116 CU-IN
  • WEIGHT 685 LBS
  • SEAT HEIGHT 27 IN
  • PEAK TORQUE 2,900 RPM
  • TORQUE 120 FT-LBS

 

 

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ROLLS OUT 2026 LINEUP WITH NEW SPORT SCOUT RT, FRESH PAINT & ALL-NEW ACCESSORIES

  • Sport Scout RT Delivers Aggressive Style and Increased Capability With Factory-Fitted Locking Rigid Saddlebags
  • Rich, Premium Paint Options Elevate Aesthetic Across 2026 Lineup, Including Exciting Color Refreshments to Indian Motorcycle’s Newest PowerPlus Family
  • Authentic Indian Motorcycle Accessories Expand with New Storage, Audio, & Comfort Offerings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its model year 2026 lineup, unveiling the Sport Scout RT, new paint and graphics, and adding new distinctive Indian Motorcycle accessories across its cruiser, bagger and touring lineup.

“Scout is a market-leading, globally recognized icon, and with the debut of the Sport Scout RT, we’re redefining what it means to ride an Indian Scout,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President – Indian Motorcycle. “Through a host of new updates across the lineup, we’re not just holding our ground as the best cruiser on the road — we’re raising the bar by offering riders around the world an unrivaled way to experience the open road.”

 

FRESH PAINT & GRAPHICS
For model year 2026, Indian Motorcycle introduces a range of rich, premium paint options that elevate the visual identity of its iconic lineup. Striking new colorways across its PowerPlus family of baggers and touring models further enhance each bike’s commanding presence on the road.

Headlining the 2026 color palette is the all-new Black Crystal and Super Graphite with Championship Gold accent finish, making a bold statement across multiple models, including the 101 Scout, Chieftain PowerPlus, and Indian Challenger. A new Deep Blue Metallic finish is featured across the Scout Classic, Indian Chief, Chieftain, Chieftain PowerPlus, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Indian Pursuit. Other standout colors include Chalk on the Super Chief, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Indian Pursuit; Indy Red on the Sport Chief; and Cascade Green Metallic with Black Metallic on the Roadmaster PowerPlus and Indian Pursuit. Roadmaster adds a sophisticated Deep Blue Metallic with Silver Quartz Metallic – further enhancing the visual appeal of Indian Motorcycle’s legendary touring model.

Alongside these vibrant new colors, Indian Motorcycle refreshes tank graphics across several Indian Chief models. Updates to the Chief Dark Horse, Sport Chief, Super Chief Limited, and Super Chief Dark Horse add a fresh edge to the legendary lineup while preserving its unmistakable attitude.

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

PACKED WITH PREMIUM COMPONENTRY
Sport Chief is the ultimate performance cruiser in the Indian Motorcycle lineup thanks to proven name brand components like longer Fox® piggyback rear shocks, 43mm KYB® inverted front forks, and dual Brembo® 4 piston calipers with semi-floating 320mm rotors.

THUNDERSTROKE 116
Everything about Sport Chief was purpose-built from the factory to perform. The legendary Air-Cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin produces 120 ft-lbs of torque that dominates in all 6 gears, giving you the power to leave everything in your exhaust.​

CUSTOM STYLE COMMANDS RESPECT
Sport Chief combines performance-enhancing features with a quarter fairing, 6 inch machined risers, moto handlebars, a 6.5 inch windscreen for wind protection, and an aggressive appearance that makes every ride a bold statement.

RIDER CENTRIC FEATURES
There’s nothing standard about the game-changing ride amenities every Sport Chief comes with: 3 ride modes (Sport, Standard, or Tour), cruise control, keyless ignition, Bosch® ABS, LED Lighting, and a USB charging port so that you can enjoy the enhanced safety, convenience, and an exceptional riding experience.

RIDE & OWNERSHIP ENHANCEMENTS
Design detail meets modern function with the 4″ Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND. Experience effortless cruising with GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride-enhancing features. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology, offering Account Sync and more.

 

 

Indian Chief Accessories

Thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort and improve rider ergonomics for a more refined and personalized riding experience, new Indian Chief accessories include:

  • Two-Up, Two-Tone High Bolster Seat: The Two-Up High Bolster Seat, Two-Tone Black & Brown features plush, foam cushioning that delivers an ideal combination of sophistication and comfort for both rider and passenger. With a 5” back bolster compared to the 3” of bolster on the standard seat, this seat helps riders feel planted and prevents sliding during hard acceleration. Its durable, all-weather vinyl covering is built to withstand rain, humidity, and harsh sunlight. The striking two-tone combination of black and brown vinyl delivers a bold, custom look that sets the motorcycle apart.
  • Syndicate Reduced Reach Seat: Reduced Reach Chief Syndicate Two-Up Seat provides enhanced ergonomics and riding comfort for riders 5’6″ and under. This reduced reach seat moves the rider 1.2″ forward, providing enhanced control and confidence. The seat features cushioning that is both plush and supportive for all-day comfort on longer rides. The integrated styling of the passenger seat complements the motorcycle’s streamlined design.
  • 2” Pullback Handlebars: Designed for riders seeking a more relaxed reach to their controls, the 2″ Pullback Handlebars deliver both comfort and a custom-inspired look. Whether riders are pairing with a 6″ or 10″ riser, this handlebar is the perfect upgrade for model year 2022 and newer Indian Chief models, offering a more comfortable riding position while maintaining an aggressive, sporty aesthetic.

8″ Pullback Moto Handlebar Risers: The 8″ Pullback Moto Handlebar Risers add aggressive details and reduce the rider’s reach to their handlebars for a more relaxed and ergonomic riding posture. These risers fit across all 2025-2026 Chief models and offer Sport Chief and Sport Chief RT a comfortable, reduced reach option.

 

RIDER CENTRIC TECHNOLOGY

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, and Rear Cylinder Deactivation.

Design detail meets modern function with the 4” Display, powered by RIDE COMMAND. Experience effortless cruising with GPS navigation, Bluetooth® connection, and other ride enhancing features. Go beyond the ride and elevate ownership with RIDE COMMAND+ connected technology, offering Account Sync and more.

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $20,499 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $25,574 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: from £ NA GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0 : 1

Displacement

116 cu-in (1,890 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Engine Type

Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116

Exhaust

Dual exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst

Gear Ratio (1st)

2.733:1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

1.864:1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

1.385:1

Gear Ratio (4th)

1.103:1

Gear Ratio (5th)

0.943:1

Gear Ratio (6th)

0.811:1

Peak Torque RPM

2,900 rpm

Torque

120 ft-lbs

Transmission/Final Drive

2.2 : 1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

4.0 Gallons (15.1 L)

Ground Clearance

5.0 in (128 mm)

GVWR

1,160 lbs (526 kg)

Lean Angle

32.0°

Overall Height

46.5 in (1,181 mm)

Overall Length

90.6 in (2,301 mm)

Overall Width

30.5 in (774 mm)

Rake/Trail

28° / 4.4 in (111 mm)

Seat Height

27.0 in (686 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

665 lbs (302 kg) / 685 lbs (311 kg)

Wheelbase

64.6 in (1640 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Dual Brembo® / 320mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Rear Brakes

Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60 B19 61H

Front Wheel

Sport Cast Black 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/65 B16 81H

Rear Wheel

Sport Cast Black 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

43 mm

Front Suspension

Inverted Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.1 in (130 mm)

Rear Suspension

Dual Shocks

Rear Travel

4.0 in (100 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Heavy Metal Smoke, Indy Red

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Passenger Accommodations

Solo Gunfighter Style Seat, 2-Up Accessory Options Available

Standard Equipment

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Storage

N/A, Accessory Storage Options Available

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available

Gauge

Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, fuel gauge, compass, ambient temperature, Gear indicator

RIDE COMMAND

4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More

RIDE COMMAND+

Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data.

STYLE

Design

Blacked-Out Finishes, Forward Foot Controls, Moto Style Handlebars and 6 in Machined Risers, Quarter Fairing, 19 in Sport Cast Black Front Wheel, Fox® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Forks, Dual Disc Brembo® Brakes, Bobbed Fenders

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

Bore x Stroke

4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)

Compression Ratio

11.0 : 1

Displacement

116 cu-in (1,890 cc)

Drive/Driven Clutch

Wet, Multi-Plate

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore

Engine Type

Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116

Exhaust

Dual exhaust w/ Collector at Catalyst

Gear Ratio (1st)

2.733:1

Gear Ratio (2nd)

1.864:1

Gear Ratio (3rd)

1.385:1

Gear Ratio (4th)

1.103:1

Gear Ratio (5th)

0.943:1

Gear Ratio (6th)

0.811:1

Peak Torque RPM

2,900 rpm

Torque

120 ft-lbs

Transmission/Final Drive

2.2 : 1

Transmission/Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

DIMENSIONS

Fuel Capacity

4.0 Gallons (15.1 L)

Ground Clearance

5.0 in (128 mm)

GVWR

1,160 lbs (526 kg)

Lean Angle

32.0°

Overall Height

46.5 in (1,181 mm)

Overall Length

90.6 in (2,301 mm)

Overall Width

30.5 in (774 mm)

Rake/Trail

28° / 4.4 in (111 mm)

Seat Height (Laden)

27.0 in (686 mm)

Weight (Dry Weight / Running Order)

665 lbs (302 kg) / 685 lbs (311 kg)

Wheelbase

64.6 in (1640 mm)

BRAKES

Front Brakes

Dual Brembo® / 320mm Semi-Floating Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Rear Brakes

Single / 298mm Floating Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

TIRES / WHEELS

Front Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 130/60 B19 61H

Front Wheel

Sport Cast Black 19 in x 3.5 in

Rear Tires

Metzeler Cruisetec® 180/65 B16 81H

Rear Wheel

Sport Cast Black 16 in x 5 in

SUSPENSION

Front Fork Tube Diameter

43 mm

Front Suspension

Inverted Telescopic Fork

Front Travel

5.1 in (130 mm)

Rear Suspension

Dual Shocks

Rear Travel

4.0 in (100 mm)

FEATURES

Color / Graphics

Black Smoke, Heavy Metal Smoke, Indy Red

Factory Warranty

2 Years, Unlimited Miles

Lights

LED Headlight, LED Tail/Brake/Turn Signals

Passenger Accommodations

Solo Gunfighter Style Seat, 2-Up Accessory Options Available

Standard Equipment

ABS, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, USB charge port, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Storage

N/A, Accessory Storage Options Available

TECHNOLOGY

Audio

N/A, Accessory Bluetooth® Speaker Available

Gauge

Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer, fuel gauge, compass, ambient temperature, Gear indicator

RIDE COMMAND

4″ Display Factory-Installed with GPS Navigation, Bluetooth® Connectivity, Ride Stats, and More

RIDE COMMAND+

Via Bluetooth® Tethering with Account Sync, Connected Search and More *Requires cellular data.

STYLE

Design

Blacked-Out Finishes, Forward Foot Controls, Moto Style Handlebars and 6 in Machined Risers, Quarter Fairing, 19 in Sport Cast Black Front Wheel, Fox® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Forks, Dual Disc Brembo® Brakes, Bobbed Fenders

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Indian Sport Chief – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

NA

 

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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