2014 Rider’s Manual Indian Chief® Classic Indian Chief® Vintage Indian Chieftain™ 1
Copyright© 2013 Indian Motorcycle Company All information contained within this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Product improvements or other changes may result in differences between this manual and the motorcycle. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies.
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Component Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Instruments, Features & Controls. . . . . . . 22 Pre-Ride Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Cleaning and Storage . . .
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of a new INDIAN motorcycle. You have joined an elite family of motorcycle riders who have acquired a celebrated piece of American history by choosing to own an INDIAN motorcycle. Your new motorcycle is the end result of true dedication and craftsmanship by our engineering, design and assembly teams. It was designed and manufactured to meet our goal of providing you with a high quality motorcycle that you can ride trouble-free for many years to come.
About the Rider's Manual WARNING Failure to follow all recommended precautions and procedures could result in severe injury or death. Always heed all safety precautions and follow all operation, inspection and maintenance procedures outlined in this manual. Safety Symbols and Signal Words Safety The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual. Your safety and the safety of others is involved when these words and symbols are used.
Safety Safe Riding Practices WARNING Improper use of this motorcycle can result in serious injury or death to you, your passenger and others. To minimize the risk of injury, read and understand the information contained in this section before operating the motorcycle. This section contains safety information specific to the INDIAN motorcycle, as well as information about general motorcycle safety. Anyone who rides the motorcycle (operators and passengers) must follow these safety precautions.
Safe Riding Practices Safety Follow these general safe riding practices: • Before each ride, perform the pre-ride inspections as outlined beginning on page 57. Failure to do so may result in damage to the motorcycle or an accident. • Until you're thoroughly familiar with the motorcycle and all of its controls, practice riding where there is little or no traffic. Practice riding at a moderate speed on various road surfaces and in different weather conditions.
Safety Safe Riding Practices • Reduce speed when: - The road has potholes or is otherwise rough or uneven. - The road contains sand, dirt, gravel or other loose substances. - The road is wet, icy or oily. - The road contains painted surfaces, manhole covers, metal grating, railway crossings or other slippery surfaces. - The weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions.
Safe Riding Practices Safety Carrying a Passenger Do not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with passenger seat and passenger footrests. To carry a passenger safely: • Before riding, be sure your passenger knows safe riding • Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for procedures. Discuss any safety information unfamiliar to your motorcycle. Refer to the Specifications section of this your passenger.
Safety Safe Riding Practices Protective Apparel Wear protective apparel to decrease the risk of injury and increase riding comfort. • Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established • All riders should wear bright or light-colored and/or safety standards. Approved helmets in the USA and reflective clothing to improve visibility to other motorists. Canada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) A motorist's failure to see or recognize a motorcycle is the label.
Use of Accessories Because INDIAN MOTORYCLE cannot test and make specific recommendations concerning every accessory or combination of accessories sold, the operator is responsible for determining that the motorcycle can be safely operated with any accessories or additional weight. Use the following guidelines when choosing and installing accessories: • Do not install accessories that impair operator visibility or the stability, handling or operation of the motorcycle.
Safety Modifications Saddlebags Modifying the motorcycle by removing any equipment or by adding equipment not approved by the manufacturer may void your warranty. Such modifications could make the motorcycle unsafe to ride and could result in severe injury to operator or passenger, as well as damage to the motorcycle. Some modifications may not be legal in your area of operation. If in doubt, contact your authorized INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer.
Carrying Cargo Safety Use the following guidelines when attaching cargo or accessories to the motorcycle. Where applicable, these guidelines also refer to the contents of any accessories. • Do not attach large or heavy cargo such as sleeping bags, • Keep cargo and accessory weight to a minimum, and duffel bags or tents to the handlebars, front fork area or keep items as close to the motorcycle as possible to front fender.
Safety Transporting the Motorcycle Fuel and Exhaust Safety If you must transport the motorcycle: • Use a truck or trailer. Do not tow the motorcycle with another vehicle, as towing will impair the motorcycle's steering and handling. • Position and restrain the motorcycle in an upright position. If the motorcycle leans to one side, gasoline may leak from the fuel tank and result in a fire hazard or damage to the finish. • Do not restrain the motorcycle using the handlebars.
Safety Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) Reporting Safety Defects WARNING! Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating of your motorcycle can reduce stability and handling and could cause loss of control. NEVER exceed the GVWR of your motorcycle. If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could result in a crash or cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying INDIAN MOTORYCLE in writing.
Safety Safety and Information Labels Labels are model-specific and market-specific. Your motorcycle may not contain all of the labels shown. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (on side of steering head) Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Noise Emission Control Information (NECI) Operator Warning/Fuel Recommendation Saddlebag/Cargo Warning 6. Highway Bar Warning 7. Shock Air Pressure Warning (CHIEFTAIN) (under side cover) 8.
Component Identification 1. Rear Brake Pedal 2. Right Front Turn Signal 3. Windshield (if equipped) 4. Auxiliary Lights 5. Left Front Turn Signal 6. Headlight 7. INDIAN MOTORYCLE War Bonnet 8. Passenger’s Foot Peg 9. Driver’s Footrest 10. Gear Shifter 11. Speakers 12. Mirror 13. 12-Volt Outlet (CHIEFTAIN) 14. USB Cord (CHIEFTAIN) 15. Taillight 16. Right Rear Turn Signal 17. Left Rear Turn Signal 18. Front Fork 19. Fuel Tank 20. Air Box Cover (Left) 21. Driver’s Seat 22. Battery (under seat) 23.
Component Identification 5 19 4 26 22 20 21 7 23 24 27 25 18 10 CHIEFTAIN shown 28 8 9 30 29 19
Component Identification Engine Identification Number The engine number is stamped into the right crankcase beneath the balance shaft cover. The engine number is positioned behind the right floorboard with the engine installed in the frame. Record the number in the space provided on page 129.
Component Identification Console 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Clutch Lever Fuel Gauge (CHIEF) Instrument Cluster Power Switch/Security Light Front Brake Master Cylinder Throttle Control Grip 7. Front Brake Lever 8. 12-Volt Outlet (CHIEFTAIN) 9. Fuel Cap 10.
Instruments, Features and Controls Switches High/Low Light Switch Left Control Horn Switch CHIEFTAIN Audio Control Switches Left Control 22 LEFT-TOGGLE Switch Right Control Turn Signal Switch Flasher (Hazard) Switch Cruise Control Switch CHIEFTAIN Windshield Switches Right Control Cruise On/Off Switch Engine Stop/Run Switch Engine Starter Switch RIGHT-TOGGLE Switch (active on CHIEFTAIN only)
