Indian Motorcycle’s ‘Project Chieftain’ winners were announced during Daytona Bike Week. The winner was Hollister Powersports of Hollister, California, with their “Tequila Sunset”; second was “America Proud” from Coastal Indian Motorcycle (Murrels Inlet, South Carolina), with Indian Motorcycle of Central Massachusetts (Worcester, Massachusetts) taking third place with their “Barnstorm”.
 |
| First place - “Tequila Sunset” by Powersports of Hollister, California |
Following the success of the 2016 ‘Project Scout’ build contest, Indian renewed the competition for 2017, this time focusing on its popular hard bagger, the Indian Chieftain. The three-month contest invited Indian Motorcycle dealers to build a custom Indian Chieftain or Chieftain Dark Horse model using any theme, style or budget, as long as it incorporated at least three authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories.
“The collection of unbelievable customs that were produced for ‘Project Chieftain’ is a powerful testament to the significant customization capabilities of the Chieftain platform,” said Gary Gray, Indian Motorcycle Product Director. “It’s always such a pleasure to see the creativity and craftsmanship of our dealers, while showcasing for the rider how far one can go to make our bikes more personal to them.”
‘Project Chieftain’ kicked off on October 10, 2016, with the entry period closing on January 13, 2017. Fans voted online for eleven finalists during a two-week period from February 1-15, and the three winning bikes were on display during Daytona Bike Week. The dealers took home cash prizes of $20,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place.
“Tequila Sunset” features a 23” custom front wheel, stretched front fender, raked triple trees, custom gold metallic paint, custom-made side covers, custom-made air cleaners, and frenched-in turn signals in the saddlebags.
 |
| Second place - “America Proud” by Coastal Indian Motorcycle of Murrels Inlet, South Carolina |
“American Proud”, the second place winner “honors the American men and women who created Indian in 1901 and recognizes the team that resurrected the brand. It also pays homage to the service men and women who protect our freedoms.”
“Barnstorm” was modified to elevate aspects of Chieftain performance - power output was increased with Indian Motorcycle performance cams, intake and a handmade stainless exhaust.
 |
| Third place – “Barnstorm” by Central Massachusetts of Worcester, Massachusetts |
