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New Limited Edition Chief Vintage Features Heritage-Inspired Paint & Iconic, Multi-Colored Indian Motorcycle Headdress Tank Logo
125 Individually Serialised Motorcycles Celebrate Brand’s Historic Anniversary
STURGIS, SD — AUGUST 7, 2026 – Debuting at the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Indian Motorcycle today unveiled a tribute to the riders that started it all and the bikes they rode in Sturgis, South Dakota, back in 1938. The new Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition is an exclusive, commemorative piece honouring the origins of America’s most legendary motorcycle rally.
It was an Indian Motorcycle dealer and a band of Indian Motorcycle riding brothers that first gathered in Sturgis, South Dakota, in 1938 out of a simple desire to go racing. The new Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition draws inspiration from these legendary riders whose passion for the brand sparked what would become the world’s most iconic motorcycle rally. The limited-edition model features a classic two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream paint scheme and a multicoloured Indian Motorcycle headdress logo reminiscent of the prominent aesthetic of Indian Motorcycles from the 1930s. Serialised badging up to 125 commemorates the brand’s 125th anniversary, while a painted number 56 on the side plate pays tribute to the hand-painted numbers that original racers ran on their bikes in Sturgis, South Dakota, during the rally’s earliest beginnings.
“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 Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “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.”
Organised by a local Indian Motorcycle dealer and a legendary motorcycle club, the inaugural gathering in the Black Hills was built around nine riders and attracted approximately 200 spectators. The event combined scenic riding, racing and camaraderie and laid the foundation for what would become the world’s largest motorcycle rally. The Indian Motorcycles at the first event cemented the brand as a key pillar in the history and origins of America’s most legendary motorcycle rally.
The new Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition combines iconic American styling with modern performance and premium craftsmanship. Key features include the following:
- Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine producing 156 Nm of torque
- Exclusive, heritage-inspired paint and graphics that honour the 1930s Indian Motorcycles that were prominent in that era and core to the foundations of what would become America’s most legendary motorcycle rally
- Classic Indian Chief styling with valanced fenders, illuminated warbonnet, wire-spoke wheels, Vintage Espresso Solo Seat and Vintage Handlebars
- Heritage-inspired engine finishes with painted cylinder heads, pushrod tubes and black cylinders reminiscent of 1940s Indian Motorcycle models
- Three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport
- 101 mm (4-inch) Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND® with App Enhanced Navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation*
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Notes to Editors
- The Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition will be available in limited numbers. Just 125 will be produced in total, and very limited numbers will be available outside of North America in the following markets:
- Australia
- Benelux
- Central Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Nordics
- Middle East & Africa
- New Zealand
- Poland
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- For pricing and availability in these regions, please contact your local Indian Motorcycle press contact.
- Images show North American models and may have accessories fitted. International models may vary.
- *Navigation may not be available in all countries.
- **RIDE COMMAND / RIDE COMMAND+ features vary by country.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc.; RIDE COMMAND® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries, Inc; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.
VIDEO: Indian Chief Sturgis, SD Edition. Honouring a Legacy
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ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivalled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today, that heritage and passion are reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.eu
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE MEDIA CONTACT
Ian Austin
EMEA Press Indian Motorcycle
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