2013 Triumph Daytona 675R | First Ride

Better Than Ever

 

 

2013 Indian Chief Vintage | First Look Limited-Edition Luxury

2013 Indian Chief Vintage | First Look

Limited-Edition Luxury

 

America's other old-time motorcycle manufacturer, Indian, also has a limited edition cruiser in its 2013 lineup. Inspired by the classic, 1940s full-fender Chief models, the Chief Vintage Limited Edition features Pearl White and Thunder Black two-tone paint, lots of accessory chrome and fringed leather saddlebags in a rich, chestnut color that give the bike a distinctly yesteryear appearance.
The technology, fortunately, is up-to-date. Indian's 105-cubic-inch, fuel-injected Powerplus V-twin engine, with its signature barrel-shaped cylinder heads, is paired with a six-speed transmission, while triple disc brakes mounted to wire-spoke wheels bring this 753-pound touring cruiser to a safe stop. Now owned by Polaris, the latest-generation
Indians have been completely re-engineered and are manufactured at the Polaris/Victory facility located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Indian will produce just 35 examples of the Chief Vintage LE, each with a windscreen, quick-release luggage rack/passenger backrest, highway pegs and a special, arrowshaped shift rod as standard equipment. The MSRP is $37,899, a premium of $1900 over the standard Chief Vintage. Nothing says vintage Americana like a neonlit Ferris wheel and a full-fendered Indian Chief. Fortunately this one is modernized with fuel injected and triple disc brakes.

     Ghezzi & Brian Motard | Up To Speed

 

2012 World Championship of Custom Bike Building

                           2012 World Championship of Custom Bike Building

 

Last time we checked in on the World Championship of Custom Bike Building (Wild File, Nov. 2011), held annually during the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally at Sturgis, we praised the trend away from outrageous, OCC-style theme choppers toward café racer-inspired customs that might actually function as rideable motorcycles. Apparently last year’s event was an anomaly, because most award winners in this year’s “Freestyle” category look straight from Planet Yeahright. Here are three of the more outrageous examples: 

 

          
 Thunderbike, PainTTless                          LC Fabrications, Old                                     RK Concepts