1999 Indian Limited Edition Chief

• YEAR: 1999
• MAKE: Indian Motor­cycle Com­pany of Amer­ica
• MODEL: Chief Limited Edition
• VIN #: 5CDCNB511XG001020
• LIMITED EDITION: 1,020 of 1,100
• ENGINE: S&S Super Stock 88 cu. in. 1,442 cc
• 75 HP V-twin
• CARBURETOR: S&S Super E
• MILEAGE: 21,675
• BRAKES: Single disc brakes at both ends with polished billet four-piston calipers
• TRANSMISSION: 5-speed with a belt drive to the rear wheel
• EXHAUST: 2-into-1 chrome fishtail with Indian logo
• FRAME: Steel with a 36-degree rake
• TANK: Teardrop 4.7-gallon featuring a large analog speed­ometer and dual fuel-filler caps
• FENDERS: Full skirted (valanced)
• WHEELS: 16 in. 60-spoke chrome wire
• HANDLEBARS: Wide, pulled back (roughly 36 in. wide)
• SUSPENSION: 41 mm telescopic front forks with chrome shrouds and a hidden rear monoshock mounted to a box-section swingarm
• PAINT: Brown and cream with silver pinstriping
• SEAT: Corbin fringed leather solo seat
• FEATURES: VIN# badging, a “warbonnet” (Native American head with headdress) marker light, chrome headlight nacelle, chrome accents, teardrop headlight, passenger pegs

By 1910, Indian was the world’s largest motor­cycle manufacturer. The iconic Scout (1920) and Chief (1922) became extremely popular when they were introduced, but production shifted to military bikes during both World Wars, significantly impacting consumer market share. Despite innovation, including four-cylinder models and the acquisition of Ace, the com­pany struggled post-WWII, leading to its closure in 1953. However, the name would continue. The British owner of Royal Enfield used the Indian name on imported bikes from 1955 until around 1960. In 1963, enthusiast Floyd Clymer acquired the trademark and sold rebadged British bikes. In 1998, a group formed the Indian Motor­cycle Com­pany of America, and this 1999 Indian Chief Limited Edition represents the first year of the brand’s reintroduction. Sometimes referred to as “Gilroy Indians” as they were manufactured in Gilroy, California, they marked a significant comeback with classic styling, powerful S&S engines, and a limited production of 1,100. The blend of vintage styling with modern reliability, distinctive paint, full-skirted fenders, and unique badging made these bikes highly collectible.

The Indian Motor­cycle Com­pany produced motor­cycles until 2003, selling to London-based Stellican Ltd., which relaunched production. In 2011, Polaris Industries pur­chased the brand and revitalized it with modern engineering and classic styling. Today, Indian offers contemporary cruisers, baggers, and performance bikes, continuing its legacy with models like the Chief, Scout, and FTR, maintaining its place as a major motor­cycle brand. In 2025, Polaris sold Indian Motor­cycle to private equity firm Carolwood LP, aiming for greater independence. Every iteration of Indian has brought something unique, carrying the torch George Hendee lit in 1897.

In 1897, George M. Hendee, an accomplished bicycle racer from Mass­achu­setts, founded the Hendee Manufacturing Company to produce bikes. They were initially branded “Silver King” and “Silver Queen” until the name “Amer­ican Indian” was adopted and then shortened to “Indian” in 1898. In 1900, Hendee teamed up with Oscar Hedstrom from Sweden to develop single-cylinder Motor­cycle prototypes in Mid­dle­town, Conn­ecticut. Together, they opened the first factory in Spring­field, Mass­achu­setts in 1901 to create the first Amer­ican Motor­cycle company where they would be produced until 1953. They hired the Aurora Auto­matic Machinery Company to manufacture their engines in 1901, which they did under license until 1907 when they would go on to produce Thor Motor­cycles.