Cycle News Staff | March 3, 2016
Indian has released its latest model, the all-new Springfield.
“It’s been exciting to develop the Indian Springfield,” says Indian Motorcycle Sr. Product Manager Ben Lindaman. “It fits neatly into the lineup as a hard bagger with considerable additional touring capabilities that separate it from the Indian Chief Vintage. It’s really a blast to strip the bike down and hit the curves too. It’s a bike with a split personality that delivers on the tradition of great Indian motorcycles.”
Here’s more on what Indian says about its new Springfield:
Named after the birthplace of Indian Motorcycle and designed for a pure riding experience, the Indian Springfield features a traditional style, quick-release windshield and all-weather, remote-locking saddlebags. It’s equipped with the most essential touring features but designed for ultimate versatility. It can be stripped down into a cruiser when the windshield and saddlebags are removed or become a fully loaded touring model with Genuine Indian Motorcycle accessories. While maintaining the style and luxury Indian Motorcycle is known for, the Indian Springfield carves its own niche in the bagger and touring category. On the surface, it may seem closely related to Indian Chief Vintage, the most iconic style bagger from the Chief line-up. However, Springfield was developed with a unique, trunk- compatible chassis that allows for higher loading.
Designed for an unobstructed view of the road ahead, the Indian Springfield has a model-specific quick-release windshield that creates a large air pocket for the rider and passenger. Other comfort features such as a buck horn bar and adjustable passenger floorboards come standard along with confidence-inspiring, high-resolution Anti-Lock Brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic cruise control, a powerful headlight, and dual driving lights. Standard front and rear highway bars allow mounting of accessories and offer protection in a tip-over scenario. Brightly chromed forks, headlight housing, fender trim, engine covers, exhaust and handlebars with internal wiring bring the shine along for the ride.
The tank-mounted gauges help manage information needed for the long haul including a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator, cruise control indicator, tachometer, electronic speedometer with odometer, fuel gauge, dual trip meters, clock and more. The Indian Springfield is available in Thunder Black and Indian Motorcycle Red.
Powered by the highly regarded Thunder Stroke 111 engine, the Indian Springfield features over 119 ft.-lbs. of torque (North American models) to conquer any highway in any weather. Featuring a left side air intake, parallel pushrod tubes and down-firing exhausts, the Thunder Stroke 111 delivers not only the signature style for Indian Motorcycle, but does so with very little maintenance. With a direct gear- driven primary, a semi-dry sump oiling system that goes 5,000 miles between changes, and a host of low or no maintenance features, this is one powerplant that increases valuable touring time.
A few short minutes will allow this motorcycle to be converted into a sharp handling solo ride. The quick-release windscreen and saddlebags can be removed without tools or leaving behind ugly mounting hardware. The split seat, featuring a unique stitch and stud pattern, can likewise be trimmed down to create a tight and low solo look, giving the Indian Springfield a truly dual personality.
The unique chassis was designed to handle a wide load range. Featuring cartridge forks and an air- adjustable rear shock with 4.5 inches of travel, the Indian Springfield is capable of carrying up to 533 lbs for those trips that have an endless horizon. The brakes feature a semi-floating design and steel braided brake lines to increase performance, lever feel and confidence. A high-resolution ABS system allows for smooth deceleration on wet surfaces and aggressive braking in high-traction scenarios.
Touring comfort and convenience can be further augmented with a full line of accessories including a tall and low windshield, heated driver and passenger seats, soft lowers and heated grips to keep riders comfortable in cool temperatures. The color-matched accessory trunk adds 17 gallons of capacity, and the leather highway bar wraps provide an element of style to the front of the motorcycle. Two new exhaust tips, Grooved and Straight, enhance the style and the sound of the Thunder Stroke 111 when installed on the Stage 1 Slip-ons.
The Indian Springfield starts at $20,999 in Thunder Black and $21,549 for Indian Motorcycle Red. California models add $250 for California Emissions. The Indian Springfield comes with a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty and, as with all new Indian Motorcycles, includes free membership in the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group for one year.
For more information, log on to www.IndianMotorcycle.com.
