Indian Motorcycle continues to expand its lineup with models that mostly pay tribute to the iconic brand's extensive history – like the Chief and the Scout – or break new ground with the barcalounger-like Roadmaster. The newly-announced Springfield sits somewhere in between.
The Springfield is named after the same town in Massachusetts where Indian Motorcycle first began, before its history and ownership became more muddled. But the company continues to be pretty clear about its intent now, to make classically-styled bikes with modern technology.
The Springfield is no exception in that it resembles the Indian Classic and Chief models in every way but can quickly shift from cruiser to bagger and back with a quick release windshield, removable passenger seat, and removable hard saddlebags that still offer remote locking capability.
Standard features include passenger floorboards, real leather seats, ABS, tire pressure monitoring, electronic cruise control, dual driving lights, and front and rear highway bars.
Indian didn't play with the torquey 111 cu-inch engine that powers all but the Scout end of the company's lineup. It did, however, beef up the original chassis of the Chief Classic on which the Springfield is built and gave the new bike cartridge forks and an air adjustable rear shock offering 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) of travel compared to the Classic's 3.7 inches. That should smooth out the bumps even further.
That extra attention to the suspension means the Springfield can be fitted with an optional 17-gallon trunk that comes standard on the Roadmaster, bringing its overall weight carrying ability to 533 lb (242 kg).
Harley Davidson owners might be inclined to want to compare the Springfield with the Switchback considering that bike's ability to also quickly go from a cruiser to a bagger. But that would be an unfair comparison considering the Harley alternative has a smaller engine, and most of what's standard on the Springfield will cost you extra on the Harley.
Indian Motorcycle has priced the Springfield at US$20,999 for the Thunder Black version and $21,549 for the more traditional Indian Motorcycle Red.
The company also announced a special Jack Daniels edition of the Springfield and Chief Vintage to commemorate that company's 150th anniversary. The limited edition bikes were designed in conjunction with Klock Werks Customs, and only 150 of them will be made with availability on a first come, first served basis and a suggested retail price of $29,999.
Source: Indian Motorcycle
