On August 2nd, Roland Sands Design along with GEICO, introduced the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Buffalo Chip custom Indian Chief Racer. RSD pulled the motor and a few spare parts off the stock Indian Cheiftain and re-imagined the machine from the motor up. Nearly every part of the bike is designed, fabricated and machined by the RSD team to realize the Chief Racer.
It’s heart features a pumped up Indian powerplant showcasing some new Indian speedparts. The Stock Chieftain gas tank is a beautiful shape and RSD used much of the OE tank to recreate a low and slim tank that nearly blankets the motor. A completely one-off RSD chromoly chassis was constructed around the 111-cubic inch engine. RSD also threw its prototype Roland Sands Racing quick-change flat track wheels at the project, coupled with a solo RSD brake caliper and Lloyd Brothers Motorsports / Johnny Lewis drilled, slotted & vented brake disc at the rear. Being it’s built for flat track, they left off the front brake and utilized a traditional, but highly modified Kiwi Indian leaf fork controlled with a Fox Shox DHX shock. The seat was custom pressed by legendary skateboard maker Paul Schmitt of Schmitt Stix. A Fox Float air shock has also been utilized for the seat. RSD Prototype engine covers as well as era inspired floorboards round off some of the many details.
RSD wanted this machine to represent not only its partners and RSD, but the history of Sturgis and Indian Motorcycles. This bike isn’t going to be strictly a show bike, it’s really inspired by racing and built to ride hard.
Article courtesy of Motorcycle & Powersports News.
