IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle. Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com.

2025 Indian Chief Rider’s Manual

P/N 9941580

Copyright Info

All information contained within this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Product improvements or other changes may result in differences between this manual and the motorcycle. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use only.

No liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Indian Motorcycle Company reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice and without incurring obligation to make the same or similar changes to motorcycles previously built. Any reprinting or reuse of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole or in part, is expressly prohibited.

Trademarks

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC

Ride Command® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries, Inc. NGK® is a registered trademark of NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. BatteryMINDer® is a registered trademark of VDC Electronics, Inc. APPLE APP STORE® and Apple CarPlay® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. iOS® is a registered trademark of CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. Google Play® is a registered trademark of GOOGLE LLC. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc. exFat® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Marquardt® is a registered trademark of MARQUARDT GMBH CORPORATION FED REP GERMANY. Appareosm℠ is a service trademark of Appareo Systems, LLC. Radio Sound® is a registered trademark of Radio Sound, Inc. Metzeler® and Cruisetec® are registered trademarks of Pirelli Tyre S. P.A.

i 2025 Indian Chief Rider’s Manual
ii Congratulations!
iii Safety Symbols and Signal Words
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
- 1.1.1: Identification Number Records
- 1.1.2: Service and Warranty Information
  - 1.1.2.1: Operating Motorcycle Abroad
- 1.1.3: Engine Identification Number
Chapter 2: Safety
- 2.2.1: About the Rider’s Manual
- 2.2.2: Safe Riding Practices
  - 2.2.2.1: Motorcycling Has Inherent Risks
  - 2.2.2.2: Design Characteristics Affect How You Should Ride The Motorcycle
  - 2.2.2.3: Follow These General Safe Riding Practices
- 2.2.3: Protective Apparel
- 2.2.4: Carrying a Passenger
- 2.2.5: Carrying Cargo
- 2.2.6: Saddlebags, Trunk and Other Storage
- 2.2.7: Use of Accessories
- 2.2.8: Modifications
- 2.2.9: Parking the Motorcycle
- 2.2.10: Anti-Lock Brake System Response
- 2.2.11: Fuel and Exhaust Safety
- 2.2.12: Safety Maintenance
- 2.2.13: Transporting the Motorcycle
- 2.2.14: Electromagnetic Interference
- 2.2.15: Radio Compliance Statements
- 2.2.16: Marquardt Labels
- 2.2.17: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- 2.2.18: Reporting Safety Defects
- 2.2.19: Reporting Safety Defects (Canada)
- 2.2.20: Safety and Information Labels
  - 2.2.20.1: Operator Warning / Fuel Recommendation
  - 2.2.20.2: Saddlebag / Cargo Warning
  - 2.2.20.3: Windshield Warning
Chapter 3: Instruments, Features and Controls
- 3.3.1: Console
- 3.3.2: Switch Locations
  - 3.3.2.1: Left Control
  - 3.3.2.2: Right Control
  - 3.3.2.3: Toggle Switches
- 3.3.3: Switch Symbols
- 3.3.4: Switches
  - 3.3.4.1: Power Switch
  - 3.3.4.2: Engine Stop/Run Switch
  - 3.3.4.3: Cruise Control Switch
  - 3.3.4.4: High/Low Headlight Beam Switch
  - 3.3.4.5: Horn Switch
  - 3.3.4.6: Hazard Switch
  - 3.3.4.7: Turn Signal
  - 3.3.4.8: Audio Control Switch (if equipped)
  - 3.3.4.9: Keyless Ignition
- 3.3.5: Instrument Cluster
- 3.3.6: Indicator Lamps
- 3.3.7: Speedometer
- 3.3.8: Tachometer
- 3.3.9: Fuel Gauge Display
- 3.3.10: Multi-Function Display Modes
  - 3.3.10.1: Odometer
  - 3.3.10.2: Trip Odometer
  - 3.3.10.3: Engine Speed
  - 3.3.10.4: Gear Indicator
  - 3.3.10.5: Battery Voltage
  - 3.3.10.6: Average Fuel Economy
  - 3.3.10.7: Instantaneous Fuel Economy
  - 3.3.10.8: Outside Temperature
  - 3.3.10.9: Ride Modes
  - 3.3.10.10: Display Units (Standard/Metric)
  - 3.3.10.11: Clock
  - 3.3.10.12: Engine Error Codes
  - 3.3.10.13: Diagnostic Functionality
- 3.3.11: Rear Cylinder Deactivation
- 3.3.12: Misfire Detection
- 3.3.13: Headlights
- 3.3.14: Throttle Control Grip
- 3.3.15: Clutch Lever
- 3.3.16: Gear Shift Lever
- 3.3.17: Saddlebags (if equipped)
  - 3.3.17.1: Soft Bag Removal
  - 3.3.17.2: Hard Bag Removal
- 3.3.18: Sidestand
- 3.3.19: Windshield (if equipped)
  - 3.3.19.1: Windshield Removal
  - 3.3.19.2: Windshield Care (if equipped)
- 3.3.20: Mirrors
- 3.3.21: Brakes
  - 3.3.21.1: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
  - 3.3.21.2: Front Brake Lever
  - 3.3.21.3: Rear Brake Pedal
- 3.3.22: Fuel Cap
Chapter 4: 4" Display by RIDE COMMAND (If Equipped)
- 4.4.1: Overview
- 4.4.2: Device Operating Requirements
- 4.4.3: Care and Maintenance
- 4.4.4.1: Overview
- 4.4.4.2: Ride Command Buttons
- 4.4.4.3: Icon Bar
- 4.4.4.4: Unlocking the Security System (Premium Models Only)
- 4.4.4.5: Changing Your Security System PIN (Base Models Only)
- 4.4.4.6: Changing Your Security System PIN (Premium Models Only)
- 4.4.5: Display Screens
  - 4.4.5.1: Display Screen
  - 4.4.5.2: Bike Information
  - 4.4.5.3: Ride Information
  - 4.4.5.4: Maps and Navigation
  - 4.4.5.5: Music
  - 4.4.5.6: Controls
  - 4.4.5.7: Ride Command Ride Modes
  - 4.4.5.8: Settings
  - 4.4.5.9: App Tray
- 4.4.6.1: Media Switch
- 4.4.6.2: Select Switch
- 4.4.6.3: Trigger Switches
- 4.4.7: Bluetooth® Pairing
- 4.4.8: Over the Air Updates
- 4.4.9: Update Software
- 4.4.10: Update Maps
- 4.4.11: USB Port
- 4.4.12: RIDE COMMAND+
Chapter 5: Pre-Ride Inspections
- 5.5.1: Before You Ride
  - 5.5.1.1: Electrical Inspections
  - 5.5.1.2: General Inspections
- 5.5.2: Engine Oil Level
- 5.5.3: Tires
  - 5.5.3.1: Tire Pressure
  - 5.5.3.2: Tire Condition
  - 5.5.3.3: Tire Tread Depth
- 5.5.4: Front Brake Fluid Level
- 5.5.5: Front Brake Lever
- 5.5.6: Rear Brake Pedal
- 5.5.7: Rear Brake Fluid Level
- 5.5.8: Brake Lines
- 5.5.9: Throttle
- 5.5.10: Side-stand
- 5.5.11: Mechanical Clutch
- 5.5.12: Fasteners
- 5.5.13: Front Suspension
- 5.5.14: Steering
- 5.5.15: Rear Suspension
- 5.5.16: Rear Drive Belt
- 5.5.17: Fuel Level
Chapter 6: Operation
- 6.6.1: Overview
- 6.6.2: Engine Break-In
- 6.6.3: Operating Speeds and Gears
- 6.6.4: Fueling
- 6.6.5: Priming the Fuel System
- 6.6.6: Starting the Engine
  - 6.6.6.1: Idle Shut Down
  - 6.6.6.2: Cold Weather Operation
- 6.6.7: Shifting Gears
  - 6.6.7.1: Shifting Gears While Stationary
  - 6.6.7.2: Shifting Gears While Driving
  - 6.6.7.3: Recommended Shift Points
- 6.6.8: Braking
- 6.6.9: Accelerating
- 6.6.10: Stopping the Engine
- 6.6.11: Using Cruise Control
  - 6.6.11.1: Cruise Control Tips
  - 6.6.11.2: Set Speed
  - 6.6.11.3: Resume Speed
  - 6.6.11.4: Accelerate
  - 6.6.11.5: Decelerate
  - 6.6.11.6: Cancel Cruise Control
- 6.6.12: Parking
- 6.6.13: Parking on a Slope
- 6.6.14: Parking on a Soft Surface
Chapter 7: Maintenance
- 7.7.1: Replacement Parts
- 7.7.2: Safety During Service Procedures
- 7.7.3: Road Tests
- 7.7.4: Major Maintenance
- 7.7.5: Break-In Maintenance
- 7.7.6: Periodic Maintenance
  - 7.7.6.1: Severe Use Definition
- 7.7.7: Maintenance Intervals
- 7.7.8: Engine Oil/Filter Change
- 7.7.9: Fuel Filter
- 7.7.10: Air Filter
- 7.7.11: Rear Drive Belt Cleaning
- 7.7.12: Rear Drive Belt Condition
- 7.7.13: Rear Drive Belt Wear Analysis
- 7.7.14: Drive Belt Adjustment
- 7.7.15: Rear Shock Preload (Ride Height) Inspection
- 7.7.16: Rear Shock Adjustment Guide
- 7.7.17: Swing Arm/Rear Axle Inspection
- 7.7.18: Front Fork/Suspension Inspection
- 7.7.19: Steering Head Inspection
- 7.7.20: Crankcase Breather Hoses
- 7.7.21: Evaporative Emission Control System (California and International Models)
- 7.7.22: Fuel System Components
- 7.7.23: Throttle Control Inspection
- 7.7.24: Sidestand Lubrication
- 7.7.25: Mechanical Clutch Lever Freeplay
- 7.7.26: Mechanical Clutch Lever Lubrication
- 7.7.27: Mechanical Clutch Cable Lubrication
- 7.7.28: Brake Hoses/Connections
- 7.7.29: Rear Brake Pedal
- 7.7.30: Brake Fluid Precautions
- 7.7.31: Rear Brake Fluid Level
- 7.7.32: Front Brake Lever
- 7.7.33: Front Brake Fluid
- 7.7.34: Brake Disc Inspection/Cleaning
- 7.7.35: Brake Pads
  - 7.7.35.1: Front Brake Pad Inspection
  - 7.7.35.2: Rear Brake Pad Inspection
- 7.7.36: Wheel Spokes (if equipped)
- 7.7.37: Wheel Inspection
- 7.7.38: Wheel Alignment
- 7.7.39: Front Wheel Installation
- 7.7.40: Front Wheel Installation (Sport Chief / Sport Chief RT Models)
- 7.7.41: Tires
  - 7.7.41.1: Tire Replacement
  - 7.7.41.2: Tire Condition
  - 7.7.41.3: Tire Tread Depth
  - 7.7.41.4: Tire Pressure
  - 7.7.41.5: Tire Pressure Chart
- 7.7.42: Handlebar Position
- 7.7.43: Handlebar Position (Sport Chief / Sport Chief RT Models)
- 7.7.44: Spark Plugs
- 7.7.45: Seat Removal
- 7.7.46: Seat Removal (Sport Chief Models Only)
- 7.7.47: Seat Installation
- 7.7.48: Seat Installation (Sport Chief Models Only)
- 7.7.49: Lights
  - 7.7.49.1: Headlight Aim Inspection
  - 7.7.49.2: Headlight Aim Adjustment
  - 7.7.49.3: Headlight Lamp Replacement
  - 7.7.49.4: LED Taillight/Brake Light Replacement
- 7.7.50: Battery
  - 7.7.50.1: Battery Removal
  - 7.7.50.2: Battery Installation
- 7.7.51: Battery Charging and Maintenance
  - 7.7.51.1: AGM Battery Charger Recommendations
  - 7.7.51.2: AGM Battery Charging Recommendations
  - 7.7.51.3: AGM Battery Maintenance Tips
- 7.7.52: Key Fob Battery Life
- 7.7.53: FOB Battery Disposal
- 7.7.54: Fuse Replacement
  - 7.7.54.1: Standard Fuses
  - 7.7.54.2: High-Current Fuses
- 7.7.55: Electrical Precautions
- 7.7.56: Engine Compression Test
- 7.7.57: Exhaust System Inspection
- 7.7.58: Elevating the Motorcycle
- 7.7.59: Road Test
- 7.7.60: Fastener Inspection
- 7.7.61: Fastener Torques
- 7.7.62: Troubleshooting
  - 7.7.62.1: Engine Cranks But Will Not Start
  - 7.7.62.2: Starter Motor Clicks, Does Not Turn or Turns Slowly
  - 7.7.62.3: Engine Starts But Misses or Runs Poorly
  - 7.7.62.4: Shifting Difficulties or Hard to Find Neutral
  - 7.7.62.5: Battery Charging Rate Low or Battery Discharges
  - 7.7.62.6: Brake Noise/Poor Brake Performance
  - 7.7.62.7: Anti-Lock Brake Light Remains Illuminated or Illuminates Intermittently
Chapter 8: Cleaning and Storage
- 8.8.1: Cleaning Products
- 8.8.2: Washing the Motorcycle
- 8.8.3: Windshield Care (if equipped)
- 8.8.4: Matte Clear Coat Finish Care
- 8.8.5: Gloss Clear Coat Finish Care
- 8.8.6: Infotainment Touchscreen Care
- 8.8.7: Storage Area Preparation
- 8.8.8: Clean and Protect the Motorcycle
- 8.8.9: Fuel Stabilizer
- 8.8.10: Tire Inflation
- 8.8.11: Engine Protection
- 8.8.12: Battery Care
- 8.8.13: Maintenance During Storage
- 8.8.14: Rodents
- 8.8.15: Brake System
- 8.8.16: Park and Cover the Motorcycle
- 8.8.17: Removal From Storage
Chapter 9: Specifications
- 9.9.1: Dimensions
- 9.9.2: Weight
- 9.9.3: Capacities
- 9.9.4: Engine
- 9.9.5: Drive System
- 9.9.6: Chassis
- 9.9.7: Wheels And Tires
- 9.9.8: Electrical
- 9.9.9: Fuel Recommendation
- 9.9.10: Engine Oil Recommendation
- 9.9.11: Fork Oil
- 9.9.12: Brake Fluid
Chapter 10: Warranty
- 10.10.1: INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Warranty Policy
  - 10.10.1.1: LIMITED WARRANTY
  - 10.10.1.2: REGISTRATION
  - 10.10.1.3: WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS for Ride Command and associated connected services
  - 10.10.1.4: LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES
    - 10.10.1.4.1: LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS
  - 10.10.1.5: HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
  - 10.10.1.6: EXPORTED VEHICLES
  - 10.10.1.7: NOTICE
  - 10.10.1.8: Motorcycle Noise Regulation
  - 10.10.1.9: Noise Emission Warranty
- 10.10.2: Emissions Control System Warranty
  - 10.10.2.1: INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY - Emission Control System Warranty Statement
    - 10.10.2.1.1: Your Warranty Rights and Obligations
    - 10.10.2.1.2: Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage
    - 10.10.2.1.3: Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage (Korea)
    - 10.10.2.1.4: Owner’s Warranty Responsibilities
    - 10.10.2.1.5: I. Coverage
    - 10.10.2.1.6: II. Limitations
    - 10.10.2.1.7: III. Limited Liability
    - 10.10.2.1.8: IV. Legal Rights
    - 10.10.2.1.9: V. This warranty is in addition to the INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Limited Motorcycle Warranty
    - 10.10.2.1.10: VI. Additional Information
- 10.10.3: How the California Emissions Warranty on Emissions -Related Parts Must Function as Prescribed in 13 CCR § 2036
Chapter 11: Maintenance Log
- 11.11.1: Maintenance Log
Index