Indian Motorcycle has launched the limited-edition, top-spec Chieftain Elite in India at Rs 38 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The 2018 Chieftain Elite cruiser is limited to 350 units worldwide and features a bespoke colour scheme, which the company claims takes 25 hours to complete. Other equipment includes a premium audio system, custom seats and more.
The motorcycle’s unique Black Hills Silver colour scheme features marble accenting in the paint, which the American bike maker claims makes no Chieftain Elites look identical. Other than the fancy paint job, the big cruiser also gets equipped with Indian’s Ride Command infotainment system, which comes with Bluetooth, navigation and a 200W audio system (compared to the standard Chieftain’s 100W system). The Elite also features leather seats with custom stitching and shiny aluminium floorboards.
The Chieftain Elite also features a large 19-inch wheel up front and an open fender – similar to every other 2018 Chieftain model, except for the Classic. Powering the big cruiser is the company’s Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin engine that can be found on many other Indian bikes. In this application, it is tuned to make 151Nm at 3,000rpm. The bike also shares the same brakes, suspension and chassis with other Chieftain models. The kerb weight for the 2018 Chieftain Elite is a colossal 388kg.
At the launch, Pankaj Dubey, managing director and country head, Polaris India, said “The Indian Chieftain Elite is a limited-edition product for the riders who demand the best of the best. This bike was born to turn heads and provide an unmatched riding experience with all of the premium amenities with an outstanding hand-paint job using high-flake Black Hills Silver.”
Priced at Rs 38 lakh, the Elite is around Rs 6 lakh more expensive than the standard Chieftain (Rs 32.01 lakh, ex-showroom, India).
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
