Indian Motorcycle celebrates the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Indian’s role in that inaugural 1938 rally with a new limited-edition model, the Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition.
The rally’s roots can be traced to a 1938 one-day event called the Black Hills Motor Classic. Organized by Indian dealer Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, the event featured racing and stunts, as well as a Gypsy Tour ride through Custer State Park organized by Pappy’s wife, Pearl. Nine racers competed, including eight Indians and one Harley. Only 175 people attended the 1938 event, but it gained steam and grew, despite being cancelled in 1942 and 1943 due to gas rationing.
The new Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition celebrates Indian’s place in the rally’s history with special paint and badging inspired by Indians of the 1930s. It features a classic two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream paint with a multicolored Indian Motorcycle headdress logo. Paying tribute to the numbers that the 1938 racers painted on their race bikes is a painted number 56 on the side plate. In honor of Indian’s 125th anniversary, 125 individually serialized motorcycles will be produced.
“When you look at how far it’s come and how much it’s grown over almost 90 years, it’s amazing to think that it was an Indian Motorcycle dealer and a group of Indian Motorcycle riders that literally started it all,” said Mike Kennedy, CEO of Indian Motorcycle. “What’s even cooler is the fact that back then, it was all based on a simple desire to come together in celebration of a lifestyle and a spirit of freedom that can only be found through motorcycle riding, and it remains the same to this day. This bike is special in that it pays homage to those origins and to that spirit that all riders share.”
The Indian Chief Vintage is a new model for 2026, reviving the name of a model that debuted in 2013 when Polaris relaunched Indian Motorcycle at the Sturgis Rally of that year. It’s based on the Chief platform that debuted in 2022. The Vintage is powered by an air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin and features classic styling touches such as valanced fenders, wire-spoke wheels, and a solo floating seat. Compared to the 2013 model of the same name, the 2026 Vintage is simpler in styling overall, removing the over-the-top chrome, whitewall tires, and fringe. The Sturgis SD Edition retains that simplicity while incorporating 1930s colors and badging.
The 2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition is shipping to dealerships now and can be had for $23,999, a $4,000 increase from the standard Chief Vintage. Visit the Indian website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
