First images of Indian Springfield hard bagger

Indian Motorcycle has released a hard bagger version of the Chief called the Springfield, named after its birthplace in Massachusetts, as we predicted last week.

At $33,995 it will go head-to-head with the Harley-Davidson Road King (now a hard bagger) at $32,495 when it arrives in March. (Both are ride-way prices.)

Both hard-bagger tourers feature cruise control, ABS, dual auxiliary lights, front and rear highway bars, quick-release windshields and panniers to convert to a big-twin cruiser.

However, the Indian Springfield adds internal handlebar wiring, remote-locking panniers, adjustable floorboards, real leather seat, and tyre pressure monitors as standard features.

It costs $2000 less than a Chieftain with a fairing and top box and all the “fruit”, and $1000 more than the leather-bagged Chief Vintage which doesn’t have hard bags, tyre monitors or remote locking.

Indian Motorcycle country manager Peter Harvey says the Springfield will arrive in March in Thunder Black and Indian Motorcycle Red with a host of accessories.

“The new Indian Springfield wasn’t designed to fill a space in our lineup; it was built to fill a space in the hearts of riders who value the rich heritage and fine craftsmanship of Indian Motorcycle, and who want both a pure touring bike and a sleek urban cruiser,” he says in the official press release.

It is powered by the same Thunder Stroke 111 engine as in the other Chief models and the Roadmaster full-dresser.

While it is based on the Chieftain with the same 25-degree rake range, the chassis has been modified to be able to carry an optional 64 litre top box and up to 242kg payload. 

Other accessories include a tall and low windshield, heated driver and passenger seats, soft lowers and heated grips.

The split seat has a unique stitch and stud pattern and can be trimmed down to create a low solo look.