Already one of the best-performing American-made baggers, the Indian Chieftain has been given a more modern look for 2019, leaving its heritage styling in the past and introducing brand-new features, many of which are best appreciated on the open road. A completely redesigned fairing with an ­electronically ­adjustable windshield ditches the integrated driving lights and chrome faceplate from previous years and incorporates an LED headlamp, a ventilation port to combat buffeting, and bullet-style LED turn signals. The locking backswept saddlebags are new too, giving the Chieftain an edge in storage capacity over earlier models.

All that, combined with fat handgrips, a voluminous fuel tank, and size-16 floorboards, adds up to a claimed dry weight nearing 800 pounds. Thank goodness for the 111ci (an astonishing 1,811cc) engine, which requires a 49-degree vee to separate the cylinders adequately. Keeping with tradition, two valves fill and exhaust each combustion chamber, and the wind whistling past keeps everything cool, helped further now at idle speeds by a rear-cylinder deactivation mode. Highway or two-lane twisties, three modes—Tour, Standard, and Sport—put the rider in even greater command.

Likes: Ride modes are a first for an American V-twin tourer

Dislikes: Looks similar to a Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Verdict: A new fairing, upgraded audio, and larger bags deliver an even better experience

Headlining updates to the 2019 Indian Chieftain are a redrawn fairing with LED lighting and new fork guards. Saddlebags with color-matched fender closeouts, a new gunfighter-style seat, and fresh gas tank/saddlebag badging round out the functional and styling revisions and give this big V-twin an even more aggressive look.

Indian Chieftain Redesigned For 2019 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special vs. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Exclusive: Inside the all-new Indian Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin Engine

If you’re shopping for a touring motorcycle, the Indian Chieftain is a great choice for long-distance travel. As good as it is, this bike has plenty of competition, including its own cargo-swallowing siblings, the Roadmaster and swankier-yet Roadmaster Elite. The Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide are also comparably priced.

2018 Harley-Davidson Touring Street Glide 2018 Harley-Davidson Touring Road Glide 2018 Indian Roadmaster 2018 Indian Roadmaster Elite

For 2019, the Chieftain received several notable updates, including three ride modes: Tour, Standard, and Sport. Also the rear cylinder of the Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin can be shut off to reduce engine temperatures when airflow is uncomfortably low. Seat height was 26.0 inches and is now 25.6.

Manufacturer Claimed Specifications

Cycle World Tested Specifications