A few days ago, Indian Motorcycle took the wraps off an uber-special custom chopper built around its new-for-2023 Sport Chief. The motorcycle was part of the company’s ongoing ‘Forged’ series and went to The Walking Dead Star Norman Reedus. For its second build, the bikemaker has now joined hands with Massachusetts-based Barnstorm Cycles to reveal yet another exquisite cruiser.
This time, the project has been done for two-time UFC champion TJ Dillashaw in the bantamweight class. Though TJ isn’t a long-time aficionado, his craze began in 2014 when he won a motorcycle as one of his UFC prizes, and the rest is history, as they say. He’s always wanted an ‘Indy’, a dream that’s now come true, that too, rather specially. Let’s dive in.
What Makes TJ Dillashaw’s Custom Indian Sport Chief Special
Barnstorm Cycles has infused the Sport Chief with truckloads of upgrades. But as you’d expect, the most noteworthy is the new aesthetic. Starting outback, the custom cruiser bids adieu to its stock subframe and welcomes a new unit built in-house by the shop. This is paired with a bespoke fender, complete with a laydown license plate holder and integrated LEDs.
Next, the fender flows toward a custom leather saddle. It’s not only thicker and grippier but also works with a new two-inch taller handlebar and race-inspired footrests to ensure a sportier riding posture. In case you’re curious, the handlebar is self-made by the shop, while the foot levers come from Joker Machine and Roland Sands Design. Oh, and once aboard the saddle, the spruced-up fuel tank (with brawny extensions) further elevates the riding experience. You still get Indian's touchscreen, round TFT instrument cluster, though.
Finally, the new aesthetic comes together with a smashing livery. All the bodywork is wrapped in a brown base coat, bedazzled with glittery golden graphics all around. The theme is evident no matter where you look and even trickles down to the mechanicals–engine case, brake calipers, fork legs. All this is complemented by a set of mesmerizing dark gold custom wheels, a see-through gearbox, and a multi-projector all-LED headlight, all of which couple up to make this a sight to behold.
But What About Performance?
It’s safe to say all-show and no-go is one of the worst combinations, and Barnstorm has made sure that’s not the case here. Accordingly, the Sport Chief’s Thunderstroke 116 (1,890cc) V-twin engine now breathes via a Hi-Flo air intake and a hand-fabricated stainless steel free-flow exhaust. These, together with a stage tune, promise considerably more performance than the stock 120 pound-feet. Rounding off the engine components is a new chain-sprocket setup that replaces the OEM belt-drive unit, in addition to a handful of custom parts (valve covers, cam cover, and an engine cover set).
As for underpinnings, the KYB upside-down forks and Fox gas-charged shocks remain mostly unchanged. The only exception is the fork extension kit up top that boosts the fork length by an inch. A similar treatment has come in the brake department too, as the Brembo calipers now work via a Beringer master cylinder. These should add up to better cornering capabilities for this Sport Chief–something you’ll definitely appreciate once you’re enjoying the aforementioned sportier ergonomics.
Can You Buy This Custom Sport Chief?
Of course not. As mentioned in the beginning, this is a one-off build for TJ Dillashaw, who’s probably enjoying life with it as you read this. After all, he instantly loved the custom Sport Chief and even said, “I’ll make some room for it in the center of my gym”. The good news for you, however, is that Barnstorm Cycles is a specialist at this, with plenty of Indian builds under its belt. So if you truly want one such cruiser, we suggest you hit them up, discuss your idea, and bring it to life. Just don’t expect it to come cheap.
Finally, if you like this build, stay tuned to TopSpeed.com, as we cover plenty of such projects from around the world. And if you have a particular liking for Indian’s ‘Forged’ series, don’t forget to roll back here on May 18, 2023, for the last and final reveal. It will come from freestyle motocross-cum-performance builder Carey Hart.