Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unveiled the latest in its “Elite” lineup of ultra-premium, limited edition motorcycles with the 2021 Chieftain Elite. Combining unmatched power with bold, custom-inspired styling, the 2021 Chieftain Elite was designed for riders who demand the best of the best and want to stand out from the crowd. Its limited run of only 120 worldwide make it Indian Motorcycle’s most exclusive Elite model yet. 

Starting at $34,999, the Chieftain Elite’s premium two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Carbon Crystal paint delivers a custom-inspired aesthetic. Premium finishes, such as the Thunderstroke 116’s Slate Smoke finish and color-matched badging throughout set the Chieftain Elite apart from any other bagger on the road.   

“We designed the Chieftain Elite for riders who want to turn heads and stand out without sacrificing performance or comfort,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. "The bike’s attention to detail and world-class craftsmanship is second-to-none, while its extreme exclusivity makes it something truly special to own and ride.” 

The 2021 Chieftain Elite touts exclusive styling, premium amenities and easy-to-use technology. 

Exclusive Styling

Each Chieftain Elite undergoes a meticulous paint process that takes more than 24 hours to complete by hand.  From the gunmetal flake layered within the paint to the Slate Smoke engine finishes this premium bagger has a custom feel with utmost attention to detail. The Chieftain Elite’s streamlined fairing and slammed saddlebags with sharp lines and hard edges give the bike a commanding presence, while the two-up Rogue seat delivers a sleek profile. Lowered suspension and a 19-inch precision machined front wheel under an open front fender add to the bike’s custom-inspired design.  

Riders can personalize their 2021 Chieftain Elite and truly make it their own through a robust offering of authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories. For touring and comfort, riders can select from a variety of handlebars and seats, including a Low Profile Quick Release Passenger Sissy Bar and Backrest Pad, as well as a color-matched, remote-locking trunk and color-matched hard lower fairings with adjustable air vents. 

Riders looking for performance accessories can explore Indian Motorcycle’s Thunderstroke 116 Stage 1 and Stage 2 offerings. The Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust Kit and Stage 1 Oval Slip-On Muffler Kit deepens the exhaust note while unleashing power. By pairing the Thunderstroke Stage 1 Performance Air Intake or Thunderstroke High-Flow Air Intake with the exhaust or muffler kits, riders will increase horsepower by 8%. For the ultimate in Thunderstroke performance, riders can continue their performance enhancements by adding the Thunderstroke Stage 2 Performance Cams Kit. 

Premium Amenities

As standard equipment, the 2021 Chieftain Elite packs premium amenities, including full Pathfinder LED lighting, a tinted flare windshield with push-button power, spacious aluminum select floorboards and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system with crystal-clear sound quality. Standard features include, ABS, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, as well as weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage. 

Easy-to-Use Technology

Indian Motorcycle’s easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology found throughout the 2021 Chieftain Elite delivers a next-level riding experience. Taking center stage is Indian Motorcycle’s industry-leading, seven-inch Ride Command infotainment system.  With connected services riders can view weather and traffic overlays, while Apple CarPlay delivers an easier, more customized level of control for music, navigation preferences, and mobile device information. 

As Indian Motorcycle’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116 delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque. Rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when traversing through slower traffic, and three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response. The throttle map for each ride mode was designed with a specific application in mind, resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct personalities.

Available now at Indian Motorcycle dealers, pricing for the exceptionally exclusive Chieftain Elite starts at $34,999 in the U.S. and $42,999 in Canada.

Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Overland Expo, the world's premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts, announced its first-ever ‘Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build’ based on the 2021 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT, which has been finished in Darkness Black Metallic — a new colorway for the 2021 model year.

Partnering with Honda Powersports, Overland Expo and its staff of seasoned and passionate overlanders will outfit the Africa Twin, transforming the already-capable adventure motorcycle into the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle.

Honda’s motorcycles are renowned for their toughness, reliability, and durability. Specifically, Africa Twin is one of the world’s finest adventure motorcycles. Africa Twin’s crisp-shifting and easy-to-use dual-clutch transmission builds on that legacy, simplifying the riding experience thereby allowing riders to focus on the trail ahead.

“No matter how capable out of the box, the bike is just the starting point of any overland motorcycle. Riders outfit their bikes not just to suit their riding style but in order to make their overland journeys more successful and enjoyable,” said Overland Expo’s Motorcycle Ambassador, Eva Rupert. “That’s why we are so excited to partner with Honda to inspire riders to build their own ultimate overland moto.”

Over the coming months, in collaboration with several aftermarket motorcycle parts suppliers, including Outback Motortek, Jesse Luggage, Denali Electronics, Garmin, Wolfman Luggage, KonTour Seats, Heidenau Tires and Superwinch, Overland Expo will transform the Africa Twin into its vision of the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle. Additional parts and partners will be added to the build in the coming weeks.

“At Honda, we are really excited to partner with Overland Expo for this Ultimate Build,” said Colin Miller, Honda Powersports’ Assistant Manager of Communications. “We know it will show how the Africa Twin embodies the term ‘true adventure.’”

The completed Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build will be revealed on August 27th at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado. Following its debut, Overland Expo staff will complete their own overland journeys on the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle to demonstrate its prowess in practice with the aim of inspiring others to get outfitted and going on their own adventures. The build will also travel to be displayed at all Overland Expo events in 2021.

Overlanders and adventure motorcyclists can learn about the Africa Twin and the components and parts Overland Expo will be using during the build and, eventually, the bike’s journeys at its dedicated landing page: www.overlandexpo.com/ultimate-overland-motorcycle

 Ilmor, widely recognized as one of the most successful high-performance engine design and manufacturing companies in the world, and Edelbrock Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive aftermarket performance parts, have joined Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) as official suppliers.

The six-race short-track series airing this summer on Saturday nights in primetime on CBS features purpose-built racecars designed by NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham. Each will be powered by Ilmor’s 396 engine, a 700-horsepower V8 with 530 ft-lb of torque. Inside the engine is Edelbrock Group’s COMP Cams camshaft, push rods and rocker trunnions, and outside are Edelbrock Group’s water pump, timing cover and ignition coils.

“The engine is the heart of any racecar, and the Ilmor 396 with Edelbrock Group components is the heart of the SRX racecar,” Evernham said. “Performance was obviously important, but so was reliability and equality. SRX is about the drivers and who can make this racecar work the best for them. The combined technologies from Ilmor and Edelbrock Group ensure that the drivers are the ‘X’ factor in SRX.”

Ilmor has been making horsepower since 1983 when two engineers – Mario Illien and Paul Morgan – designed and built an innovative turbocharged engine for IndyCar that would dominate the series. Ilmor’s success in IndyCar expanded to championships in Formula One, ARCA and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Ilmor also took to the water, powering multiple P1 World Championship boats and a thriving marine engine division.

“We are truly excited to contribute to the success of SRX and to be collaborating with Edelbrock,” said Paul Ray, President, Ilmor Engineering. “This series, which showcases the talents of so many celebrated drivers spanning the spectrum of motorsports, aligns perfectly with Ilmor’s 35-year history of providing power to many of the world’s greatest drivers.” 

Edelbrock Group’s history dates back to 1938 when company founder Vic Edelbrock wanted to better the performance of his 1932 Ford Roadster so he designed a new intake manifold. Today, Edelbrock Group designs, manufactures and distributes performance parts for the entire automotive aftermarket.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of SRX,” said Chris Douglas, Chief Commercial Officer, Edelbrock Group. “The unique format of SRX is sure to bring added excitement and new fans to the sport of auto racing. The diversity of the racers with their unique backgrounds and personalities, coupled with fast and powerful cars, will provide ‘must watch’ events. The Edelbrock Group’s racing heritage of speed and performance made SRX a perfect fit, and we’re certain our partners and customers will be excited about our participation.”

SRX features sprint races with drivers from a variety of motorsports backgrounds competing in identically prepared racecars on a variety of tracks, including pavement and dirt. The SRX driver lineup currently includes Tony Stewart, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Bill Elliott, Ernie Francis Jr., Marco Andretti, Helio Castroneves and Michael Waltrip.

SRX debuts June 12 at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway. After Stafford, SRX visits back-to-back dirt tracks – Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway on June 19 and Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on June 26. SRX returns to pavement July 3 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis and then ventures north to Slinger (Wis.) Speedway on July 10. SRX’s inaugural season culminates July 17 at the iconic Nashville (Tenn.) Fairgrounds Speedway.

Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) announced today that Huffy and Buzz Bikes are now the "Official Bikes of SVRA." Both bicycle brands provide a high quality, stylish, and comfortable vehicle for racers to navigate the tight contours of today's racetrack paddock efficiently. United Wheels, Inc., headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, owns both companies.

"Huffy is one of the most recognizable brands in bicycling. Buzz presents a compelling E-bike that will truly distinguish its riders," said Tony Parella, owner and CEO of both Trans Am and SVRA. "This announcement is part of our strategy to expand into partnerships with top consumer brands. I expect to see the numbers of Huffy and Buzz bicycles steadily grow at SpeedTour events as we move through the 2021 racing season."

Huffy was founded by George Huffman 129 years ago in 1892 and has been at the forefront of the bicycling culture ever since. Today, Huffy boasts a robust product line. The full product line has something for everyone. The line includes toddler riding toys, kid's bikes, scooters, electric bikes, and various mountain and cruiser bikes that combine fun and comfort.

Buzz, a leading brand in e-bikes and e-tricycles for adults, provides advanced electronics so riders can go further, navigate hills, even reach speeds of 20 mph. The mid-drive pedal-assist electric motor E-bike features a lockable battery compartment, LCD control panel, index shifting for efficient and precise gear shifts, and disc brakes on the front and back wheels. Buzz E-bikes are easy to ride with a low center of gravity and an aluminum frame for a sturdy, lightweight ride.

"Everyone at Huffy and Buzz sees this partnership as a natural fit," said Kris Parlett, United Wheels Marketing Director. "We look forward to joining others riding our bikes around the paddock on SpeedTour weekends."

Huffy and Buzz Bikes join other top-brand companies on the growing list of SVRA partners. Among them are Jaguar, Land Rover, Lucas Oil, NetJets, Sunoco, Avis, Mazda Motorsports, Big Machine Vodka, TireRack.com, RACELOGIC, Mission Foods, Hawk Performance, F.A.S.T., Marathon Coach, Adobe Road Winery, and CG Detroit. SVRA's nationwide platform is at the heart of the organization's growth strategy. Agreements with powerful brands combine with the significant participation of legendary professional drivers and the paddock's high net worth demographic to help attract more partnerships. This strategy provides three pillars for business expansion. Company officials report consistent annual double-digit growth since 2012.

BMW Motorsport and Andretti Formula E will remain connected after their joint works involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship draws to a close at the conclusion of Season 7. The final Formula E season for the BMW i Andretti Motorsport works team begins this weekend, but Andretti Formula E will return to compete as an independent team in Season 8 using the BMW Racing eDrive03 drivetrain in its cars once again. 

“We’re really pleased to continue competition with BMW Motorsport as a privateer team in Season 8,” said Michael Andretti. “As a works team, BMW i Andretti Motorsport has enjoyed shared success and we look forward to building on that as we continue on with Andretti Formula E. The BMW eDrive 03 drivetrain has proven to be reliable and competitive, and we look forward to putting it to work for another season.” 

“We are delighted to be able to continue to support Andretti Formula E,” said Mike Krack, BMW Motorsport Head of Test & Race Operations. “We are convinced that the BMW Racing eDrive03 will allow Andretti Formula E to achieve top results in Formula E. Working purely as a drivetrain supplier, we will no longer be involved directly in events at the racetrack in Season 8, but we will provide the team with support in response to any technical questions regarding the BMW Racing eDrive03.”

The BMW Racing eDrive03, which is being used in Seasons 7 and 8 as the BMW i drivetrain in Formula E, has benefited from detailed improvements when compared to its predecessor. Ahead of the current season, the drivetrain was homologated for another two years, meaning that it is available for the team to use for one more season. Thanks to experience gained over the past few years, it has been adapted to deal even more adeptly with the unique challenges posed by Formula E circuits. The main goal of the modifications is to improve the efficiency of the drivetrain. The E engine attains a maximum efficiency of 98 percent and its power density is higher than 14kW/kg. Its maximum rotational speed is more than 30,000 rpm. The inverter works with a direct current of up to 900 volts and achieves a power density of more than 45 kW/kg. In this latest version, the carbon inverter housing has been replaced by one made of Kevlar.

“The choice to continue with BMW as our powertrain supplier for Season 8 was an easy one,” said Andretti Formula E Team Principal Roger Griffiths. “Over the last two seasons with the works program it has delivered four wins, shown proven reliability and excellent efficiency. The team understands the operational aspects of the BMW eDrive 03 well and therefore the expectation is that Andretti Formula E can be highly competitive for the final season of the Gen2 era.”

As a charter team since series inception with Season 1, Andretti Formula E has competed in 69 events recording seven pole positions, 14 podiums finishes and four victories. Season 7 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship gets underway Friday in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.