Indian Motorcycles’ heritage bagger, the Chieftain, has been given a comprehensive makeover for 2019, six years after the model was first introduced.

Visually, the main difference between the new model and those which went before it is a sleeker fairing and rear panniers. The latest version also features a new saddle, described by Indian as ‘a Rogue gunfighter seat’ as well as the technical updates applied to the other 1811cc models in the American company’s range.

These upgrades include three riding modes, with a sharper and more responsive ‘Sport’ mode and a softer ‘Tour’ setting to go alongside the standard set-up. The 2019 Chieftain also uses the innovative rear cylinder deactivation system to cut out the rear facing cylinder while stationary or filtering through traffic. The system is designed to reduce one of the perennial problems facing V-twins, especially those with low saddles, namely the massive amount of heat which is generated between the rider’s legs. Other updates include new indicators and an improved stereo system, with 100 watt speakers designed to intelligently adapt to external wind and engine noise.

Four models of the Chieftain are available, with the Dark Horse, Limited and Classic (which retains the older fairing design), all joining the base model. No word on prices just yet, but we’d expect a small premium on 2018 models, which start at £21,249.