Touring motorcycles are a unique breed. They must be durable and dependable, capable of accelerating to highway speeds while hauling heavy cargo, and comfy with a ton of amenities. There are more touring motorcycles available today than ever before, each designed for different riders with specific travel goals in mind.
This article discusses a motorcycle designed by the Indian Motorcycle Company that was meant for riders who love to travel long distances and admire classic styling with modern features and custom options. There is nothing better than a motorcycle lover getting his/her favorite motorcycle with all the necessary features for touring, a stylish look, and can be purchased at an affordable price.
Read this detailed review that includes the history, performance, specifications, and more about the Indian Springfield.
Table of Content
1. A Look Back At Indian Springfield Motorcycle
In 1901, George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom established the Hendee Manufacturing Company which later became known as the Indian Motorcycle Company. In the beginning, their objective was to build a motorized bicycle intended for pace bike races at the time.
However, when Hendee and Hedstrom's creation continued to demonstrate its durability and dependability, a larger audience began to show interest.
In 1901, Hendee Manufacturing Company was regarded as one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, going on to attain numerous military contracts throughout World War I. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the business adopted the name Indian Motorcycle Company.
The company continued to make history in the motorcycling industry by manufacturing motorcycles suitable for dirt and street races on the renowned Bonneville Salt Flats throughout the 20th century. Afterward, the Indian Motorcycle Company became a competition for Harley-Davidson after making a name for itself in the flat track racing industry.
In 2011, the Indian Motorcycle Company was owned by Polaris Industries, the parent company of Victory Motorcycles. Indian Motorbike operations were transferred from North Carolina to Minnesota, then to Iowa after Polaris acquired the brand.
Since August 2013, Polaris has developed, built, and produced numerous motorbike lines with flair under the Indian name. The company started to grow with back-to-back successful models fitted with the new 1820 cc Thunder Stroke engine.
The Chief Classic and Chief Vintage models with their production years are listed in the table below:
Name | Production |
---|---|
Chief Classic | 2014 to 2018 |
Chief Vintage | 2014 to 2020 |
In March 2016, the company added a new model to the line known as the Indian Springfield during Daytona Bike Week. It bears the name of Springfield, Massachusetts, the city that gave rise to the Indian Motorcycle Company. The model became well-known for being a stripped-down bagger, simple while maintaining a stylish and vintage appearance.
The Indian Motorcycle Company fitted the Springfield with a Thunder Stroke V-twin engine, which is frequently compared to the Roadmaster and Chieftain. The bike was fitted with unique features, including a tire pressure gauge, ABS, cruise controls, keyless ignition, and three driving modes that are listed in the tablet below:
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Driving Modes |
---|
Tour |
Standard |
Sport |
The Springfield is still in production and has been carried over into the 2022 model year with little changes made except to the color scheme. The best part about the Indian Springfield is that it is one of the most affordable baggers in the light-tour category on the market.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Color Options With Model Year | |
---|---|
2016 | Indian Red, Thunder Black |
2017 | Blue Sapphire over Star Silver, Steel Grey over Burgundy Metallic, Thunder Black |
2018 | Metallic Jade/Thunder Black, Steel Grey/Burgundy Metallic, Thunder Black |
2. Indian Springfield Motorcycle At First Glance
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Engine
The Indian Springfield is powered by a 1811cc Thunder Stroke 111 cubic inch engine combined with a six-speed transmission powerful enough to generate 119 ft/lbs of torque. The Springfield gives you total control over that power output and offers three driving modes so you can adjust to the environment.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Rear Cylinder Deactivation
The Springfield is designed to provide comfort in all road conditions. If you are trapped in traffic, this motorcycle has back cylinder deactivation which automatically turns off the rear cylinder when the bike is halted. The rear cylinder then smoothly resumes operating at full power when you pull the throttle.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle ABS Brakes
The Indian Springfield comes with ABS as standard equipment. It features 300 mm discs with a four-piston caliper fitted at the front and is responsible for providing 70% of the bike’s braking power. Meanwhile, at the rear of the Springfield are discs with two-piston calipers.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Rear Lights
The Springfield looks like it was designed in the 1930s. This motorcycle maintains its neat profile with LED turn signals, a tail light, and a tag mounted at the bottom of the rear fender.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Riding Position
The Indian Springfield positions the rider in a relaxed riding triangle thanks to its pullback handlebars, forward footboards, and deep scoop seat.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Paint-Matched Hard Saddlebags
The Springfield features custom hard saddlebags painted to match the motorcycle’s chassis and are convenient for the owner to use thanks to its remote-locking feature.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Fuel Tank & Instruments
The Springfield has a giant 5.5-gallon fuel tank and chrome instrument panel fitted on top. The panel includes an on/off button, an analog gauge for the speedometer, and a round-shaped fuel gauge. Numerous indicator lights are mounted on the speedometer and a small LED screen serves as both an interface for the ride modes featured and for feeding you relevant data about your vehicle’s condition.
Indian Springfield Motorcycle Classic Styling
The Indian Springfield has a nostalgic look, with the Chief Vintage’s classic design coming close to matching Springfield’s aesthetic. The valenced fender, with its chrome brow and illuminated war-bonnet crest, helps provide a buffer and ensure good visibility.
3. Indian Springfield Motorcycle: A Buyer’s Guide
3.1 What is the Top Speed of an Indian Springfield Motorcycle?
It is estimated that the Indian Springfield can reach a top speed of 110 mph.
3.2 What is the Weight of an Indian Springfield Motorcycle?
It is estimated that the Indian Springfield weighs around 362 kg or 798.1 lbs dry and 376 kg or 828.9 lbs when including oil, gas, etc.
3.3 What is the cost of a 2022 Indian Springfield Motorcycle?
The 2022 Indian Springfield came with a base price of $22,499.
4. Indian Springfield Motorcycle Detailed Specifications
4.1 Classification, Year & Model
Category | Touring |
Year | 2022 |
Model | Indian Springfield |
4.2 Frame & Suspension
Suspension, Front | 46 mm, Telescopic fork |
Wheel Travel, Front | 4.7 in, 119 mm |
Suspension, Rear | Air adjustable, Single shock |
Wheel Travel, Rear | 4.5 in, 114 mm |
Trail | 5.2 in, 133 mm |
Rake | 25° |
Frame | Air-Box Integrated Cast Aluminum Frame |
4.3 Engine, Transmission & Exhaust System
Engine Details | Thunder Stroke 111 engine |
Engine Type | Four-stroke, V2 |
Cubic Size | 110.51 cu in, 1811 ccm |
Compression | 9.5:1 |
Torque | 161.6 Nm (119.2 ft/lbs or 16.5 kgf/m) |
Power | 92 hp |
Cooling System | Air |
Fuel System | Closed Loop Sequential Port Fuel Injection |
Bore & Stroke | 4.0 in x 4.4 in, 101 mm x 113 mm |
Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
Transmission type | Belt |
Gearbox | Six-speed |
Exhaust System | Split dual exhaust with cross-over |
4.4 Capacities, Dimensions, & Weight
Fuel Capacity | 20.80 L, 5.50 US gal |
Wheelbase | 67 in, 1701 mm |
Ground Clearance | 5.6 in, 142 mm |
Width, Overall | 39.4 in, 1000 mm |
Length, Overall | 101.7 in, 2583 mm |
Height, Overall | 56.8 in, 1442 mm |
Seat Height | 26 in, 660 mm |
Power/weight ratio | 0.2541 hp/kg |
Curb Weight | 376 kg, 828.9 lbs |
Dry Weight | 362 kg, 798.1 lbs |
4.5 Seat Type, Wheels, Tires & Brakes
Seat | Dual Leather Seat |
Wheels & Tires | Wheels from Highlight Machine Tour, Tires By Mezeler Cruisetec |
Tire, Front | 130/80-B16 |
Tire, Rear | 180/60-B16 |
Brakes, Front | ABS, Double discs with four-piston caliper |
Diameter | 11.8 in, 300 mm |
Brakes, Rear | ABS, Single disc with two-piston caliper |
Diameter | 11.8 in, 300 mm |
4.6 Instruments, Color Options & More
Carrying Capacity | Remote-Locking Hard Saddlebags |
Light | Halogen Driving/Headlamp, LED Turn Signal/Brake/Tail |
Tank Mounted Instruments | Gear Position Display, Battery Voltage, Average Fuel Economy, Fuel Range, Ambient Air Temperature, Digital Tachometer, Dual Tripmeter, Odometer with Electronic Speedometer |
Ignition | Electric |
Colors Choice | Black Metallic/Dirt Track Tan, Maroon Metallic/Crimson Metallic |
5. Aftermarket Parts & Customizations for Indian Springfield Motorcycle
The Indian Motorcycle Company designed the Springfield with classic styling and modern technology. Springfield is a complete package that is preferred for long-distance touring. It has a smaller front wheel and a more restrained power output due to its 111 cubic inch engine.
Unique features like the keyless ignition, tire pressure gauge, and cruise control make this motorcycle suitable for long-distance riders. Moreover, it has a triple light arrangement and a removable windshield, allowing you to add a component that can serve as a wind buffer or go for a more retro look by allowing the wind to hit your arms and chest.
The Indian Springfield’s custom features might not be enough for some riders and they may want to add aftermarket parts to modify their motorcycle to suit their preferred level of comfort and touring experience. They can add luggage racks, handlebars, crash bars, rider & passenger backrests, fairings, and more by browsing the selection at Viking Bags.
Before departing for long trips, it is suggested you equip your Springfield with the necessary luggage bags to carry your belongings and attach a sissy bar to provide better comfort.
You can modify your motorcycle by replacing your seat with a new one and fit your bike with more stylish, reliable, and softer saddlebags, Viking Bags has a wide range of premium quality saddlebags for you.
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