If you love gnarly, zombie TV series, there’s a high chance you’re a fan of The Walking Dead. And if you’re a fan of this show, we know you dig Daryl Dixon aka Norman Reedus. When you take slashing zombies out of Reedus’ world, however, the Hollywood star is a die-hard motorcyclist just like us who wants to own trick motorcycles. And this is the very reason why he’s in the headlines as we speak.
You see, the Hollywood star is a long-time customer of Los Angeles-based bike builder Powerplant Motorcycles. So when Indian Motorcycles tapped the shop to whip up a custom based on its new Sport Chief, Reedus just couldn’t help but be part of the project. The result is a scintillating cruiser inspired by SoCal choppers of yore, not only Norman, but even you will drool over.
Norman Reedus’ Custom Indian Sport Chief Looks Uber-Sexy
The Indian Sport Chief is already one fine-looking cruiser, ripe with plenty of old-school charm. But Powerplant is a firm believer that things can always get better. So the shop has repositioned the rear shock mounts and swingarm to make way for a skinnier wheel, all of which slims down the cruiser’s chunky tushy. A closer look also reveals a custom ducktail fender, paired with a new pillion grab handle that houses a smoked LED tail lamp, just like old-school choppers. A similar treatment follows at the opposite end, courtesy of the new, non-existent fender and slimmed-down wheel. The OEM headlight and fairing remain unchanged, though.
What adds to the charm is the feisty new livery. It blends a dark root beer base coat, accentuated by pinstriped fire decals on the front mask and tank. You also get three-inch louvers on the tank and side panels to mimic vintage hot rods and match the cutouts of the OEM fairing. There’s a lot more chrome on it too, especially when you compare it with the blacked-out stock Sport Chief.
Bringing the aesthetic together is a slimmer custom fuel tank. It not only sits higher (with new mounting points) but also joins hands with a vintage, cobra-style leather saddle. And once you hop aboard, you’re greeted by a gigantic eight-inch tall handlebar (built in-house by Powerplant) and knurled foot levers. All hand levers, the TFT instrument cluster, switchgear, and electronics (cruise control, ride modes, ABS, connectivity) remain bone stock, meanwhile.
Overhauled Underpinnings Add More Oomph To The Sport Chief
Under the skin, the custom Sport Chief incorporates the stock chassis. However, everything around it has changed in at least some way. For instance, the 19/16-inch wheels have made way for chromed-out, seven-spoke custom hoops that measure 19/18-inch (F/R). The new front also houses aftermarket Lyndall disc brakes (smaller, but clamped by OEM Brembo calipers), made possible by narrowed KYB upside-down forks. Meanwhile, a chrome sprocket and chain complement the rear wheel, and so do the chrome shockers.
What about the engine, you ask? Well, just like most brand-sponsored builds, there’s not much Powerplant did here. So the Sport Chief flexes the same Thunderstroke 116 V-twin powerhouse that produces 120 pound-feet, all sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission. The shop did, however, replace the stock exhaust with a one-off stainless steel unit complete with a RedThunder end can. This creates a thunderous exhaust note which you can listen to in the YouTube video.
This Is Norman Reedus’ First Ever Indian Motorcycle
The above-mentioned upgrades add up to make this Sport Chief a fine cruiser that blends old-school chopper charm with high form-function levels. All that’s left is for Norman Reedus to put some miles on it, which we know the actor can’t wait to do. After all, this beast of a cruiser is his first-ever Indian-branded motorcycle in his 54-year-long life. He reveals he has always wanted an Indian, but never got to ride one, let alone take one home–a dream that has now been fulfilled.
He has, however, had some drool-worthy motorcycles in his collection. The list comprises an ‘08 Harley-Davidson Sportster, a modified CB750 to mimic his steed in The Walking Dead, and a Triumph Tiger 800, in addition to a custom Harley-Davidson Knucklehead and FXR - both built by Powerplant. Oh, and Reedus also had his own five-season-long TV show - Ride With Norman Reedus - where he interviewed like-minded celebrities while riding around America. It’s available on Amazon Prime and is a must-watch for Norman fans.