Cruisers
2016Indian Chieftain
47 fields on record
The 2016 Indian Chieftain is a heavyweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern technology. Known for its commanding presence, powerful engine, and premium comfort features, it excels at long-distance touring while delivering authentic Indian motorcycle heritage. The advanced suspension geometry and dual disc brakes provide confident handling despite its substantial size.
- Capacity
- 1811.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 373.0 kg
- Seat height
- 660 mm
- Power
- 91.5 HP (68.2 kW) @ 4500 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Indian Chieftain
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 385.0 kg (848.8 pounds) | 389.0 kg (857.6 pounds) |
| Front suspension | Telescopic forks | Telescopic forks with air adjust |
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. | Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. 4 piston caliper. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. | Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. 2-piston caliper. |
| Wheelbase | 1646 mm (64.8 inches) | 1668 mm (65.7 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built for long-distance highway touring in style, with strong torque, weather protection, and integrated luggage for two-up travel.
- Built for
- It has the character of a big, torque-rich American cruiser: relaxed, commanding, and effortless at speed rather than eager to be flicked around corners.
- Not ideal for
- It's not for riders seeking a light, nimble machine for tight cornering, off-road use, or quick urban commuting.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1811.0 ccm
- Power
- 91.5 HP (68.2 kW) @ 4500 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 146 CO2 g/km
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 6.22 L/100km (37.8 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 1.9 CO g/km
- Torque
- 138.9 Nm (14.2 kgf-m) @ 2800 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2453 HP/kg (dry)
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Wet clutch
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1668 mm
- Overall length
- 2571 mm
- Overall width
- 1000 mm
- Overall height
- 1388 mm
- Seat height
- 660 mm
- Dry weight
- 373.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 389.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.80 litres
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
- Carrying capacity
- Hard saddle bags.
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminium
- Front suspension
- Telescopic forks with air adjust
- Rear suspension
- Single shock
- Front wheel travel
- 119 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 114 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 25.0°
- Trail
- 150 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. 4 piston caliper.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. 2-piston caliper.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 130/90-16
- Rear tyre
- 180/60-16
Other
- Color options
- Black, Red, Silver, Silver/Black
- Warranty
- 24
- Comments
- Small windscreen. Tire Pressure Monitoring. 100 Watt Stereo with AM/FM Bluetooth and Smartphone Compatible Input.
- Fuel Tank Material
- Metal
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2019 | 2022 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1811 cc | 1811 cc | 1811 cc | 1811 cc | 1811 cc | 1890 cc |
| Dry weight | 370 kg | 373 kg | 376 kg | 376 kg | 359 kg | 359 kg |
| Seat height | 660 mm | 660 mm | 660 mm | 650 mm | 650 mm | 650 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20.8 L | 20.8 L | 20.8 L | 20.8 L | 20.8 L | 20.8 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 4 recalls may applyEXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWAREAug 2022 · 22V635000
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.
Risk: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2019 · 19V776000
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEMJun 2016 · 16V446000
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
Risk: Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERNov 2015 · 15V721000
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and 2016 Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured January 2, 2015, to October 23, 2015. Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.
Risk: A full or partial loss of rear braking power may lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-15-04.
These recalls cover some 2016 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all Indian recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Indian Chieftain?
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has a Capacity of 1811.0 ccm (110.51 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Indian Chieftain have?
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has a Power of 91.5 HP (68.2 kW) @ 4500 RPM.
How many gears does the Indian Chieftain have?
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Indian Chieftain?
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has a Torque of 138.9 Nm (14.2 kgf-m or 102.4 ft.lbs) @ 2800 RPM.
How much does the Indian Chieftain weigh?
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has a Dry weight of 373.0 kg (822.3 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
2015 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1688 cc · 355 kg · 678 mm
2016 Indian Chief Classic
1811 cc · 341 kg · 660 mm
2016 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball
1737 cc · 329 kg · 667 mm
2017 Indian Chief Classic
1811 cc · 341 kg · 660 mm
2015 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball
1737 cc · 329 kg · 667 mm
2016 Honda CTX1300 DLX
1261 cc · 333 kg · 739 mm
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.