Public debut of the custom Indian Chief by Tank Machine x Rise Designs

Awarded to the lucky winner of the prize draw on the main event stage

Indian Motorcycle, in collaboration with Wheels & Waves, commissioned four European builders in December 2021 to design their vision of an Indian Chief for the resurgent Wheels and Waves festival. More than 35 000 people voted for their favourite design and, in combination with a panel of Super-Voters, ‘GRIND Machine’ by Tank Machine x Rise Designs was announced as the top-ranked entry. Completed in just three months, ‘GRIND Machine’ made its public debut at the opening of the Artride exhibition during Wheels and Waves on Thursday June 30 and was awarded to prize draw winner, Fabien Orquin, on the festival’s main stage on Saturday July 2.

Clément Molina founded Tank Machine in 2015 with a focus on motorcycle design, customisation and the development of Plug & Play Kits. Already well known for his many outstanding customisations of Indian Motorcycle models, his submission for the Indian Chief Design beat strong competition to become the winning concept that would be turned into reality.

“I was honoured to be chosen as one of four custom builders to submit designs for the Indian Chief,” said Molina. “As a specialist that loves working on bikes from Indian Motorcycle, I was really enthusiastic about the opportunity, only heightened by the partnership with Wheels and Waves, an event that I enjoy so much.”

Working from the brief to create a vision of an Indian Chief inspired from the past, anchored in the present, and looking towards the future, Molina teamed up Antonin Bazin from Rise Designs to merge their “Board Culture” into the project and reflect the skate element of Wheels & Waves.

“We were really happy to win and have the opportunity to realise the design, even though it was a big challenge to complete the project in just three months for the Artride exhibition,” Molina continued. “But the process was so enjoyable, thinking about the bike, the details, working with different materials like skateboard decks, fabricating new parts and then fine tuning everything. It’s a pleasure to reveal the completed bike at Wheels and Waves and to then hand it over to Fabien. It’s great to know he truly understands and appreciates the time and effort that has gone into the build. He is the perfect new owner for me – an engineer, an engine technician, and a really good guy.”

Randomly selected from the thousands of public voters, Fabien Orquin, an automotive engineer from the French city of Rouen, won a VIP trip to the 2022 Wheels & Waves festival to enjoy the event and be presented with his customised Indian Chief.

“When I was told I had won, I just couldn’t believe it, it was incredible,” said Orquin. “I am so happy to know that this amazing motorcycle is going to be mine, especially because it is the design I voted for. It was also great to meet Clément and hear about the design and build process. Everything about the bike is amazing, every time I look there is another detail to discover.”

The Design and Engineering teams at Indian Motorcycle always had customisers in mind when bringing the Indian Chief to life. A key tagline being ‘Keep it simple so you can easily work on it and customise it’ and a feature of the Chief that Tank Machine took advantage of.

“There are so many nice pieces of the stock bike, especially the central and most beautiful piece, the engine,” said Molina. “The Indian Chief is really easy to strip back to a great base and the idea was to remove a lot of things, keep only the essentials and then build back up with a different balance, adding details that really change up the look of the final machine.”

GRIND Machine’s unique look begins with the big block Continental TKC enduro tyres wrapped around black Excel spoked rims that work with new bars, new rear suspension, and one-off seat unit to change the stance and overall lines of the bike. 

Tank Machine created new wider handlebars and lower risers for a vintage style that is echoed by the gaiters applied to the forks and rolled up poncho attached to a custom bracket by webbing straps. At the rear, Öhlins piggyback shocks with longer top mounts lift the bike slightly and add a colour accent as well as providing a high-quality ride. 

The one-off seat unit, all designed in house, features the names of the project’s partners discretely machined into the base and the seat pad enhances the retro bobber look with a brown leather top with waxed material sides. A bottle opener hanging from the right of the seat is a nod to the after-ride party atmosphere of Wheels & Waves and a detail that really connected with the new owner. “My hobby is brewing my own beer, and when I saw the bottle opener, it really made me smile,” said Orquin. 

Keeping the stripped back bobber look clean are hand-fabricated minimalist fenders, mini-indicators on the forks and seat unit, mini taillight and a LED headlight with ring running light. A secondary guarded PIAA yellow light adds a cool retro touch.

The ‘Board Culture’ of Ride Designs is reflected in the use of skateboard deck wood and grip tape adorning the centre of the fuel tank and either side of the seat unit which are mounted with metal brackets inspired by skateboard trucks. The influences of Wheels and Waves are further heightened with Vans waffle handlebar grips and custom-made foot pegs that take inspiration from BMX grind pegs.

Also designed in conjunction with Rise Design is the aluminium engine protection plate behind the front wheel in a brushed metal finish that is also applied to the exhaust heat shield, CNC machined fuel cap and engine parts to give an old bike look on a modern machine. Textured and matte finishes have also been applied to various covers and particularly the frame where the matte finish reveals the beauty of the shape and welds of the classic-style steel frame. Adding to the retro race look, the standard headers were wrapped and mated to shorter SuperTrapp silencers.

With a paint scheme from Rise Designs that features a brushed metal base, weathered green stripes with red accents, the finishing touches to any custom are the interesting details that are only noticed on a second or third close look. For GRIND Machine, these include the decorated red throttle valve inside the custom bell housing, the cut back primary drive cover, and the creator’s logos machined into the black pulley cover and engine covers.

Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

There is an important signature behind the success of the Aprilia RS-GP, the true revelation of this first part of the MotoGP championship. It is SC-Project, a leading Italian company in the study, design and production of exhaust systems for motorbikes, both racing and for road use.

The collaboration between Aprilia Racing and SC-Project, which began in 2021, will continue for the next two seasons, in which the Cassinetta di Lugagnano-based company will be Official Technical Supplier of the Veneto-based racing department. This will involve equipping all Aprilia racing bikes, from the 250 Sport Production to the 660 Trofeo, as well as the special series made by the racing department.

The exhaust adopted by the latest evolution of the RS-GP is of the 4-into-2 type, completely in titanium and made in Italy. It also includes a throttle valve to manage the power delivery of the over 270 hp V4 engine. A true work of art, perfectly integrated into the refined aerodynamics of the Aprilia prototype.

Massimo Rivola - Aprilia Racing CEO
"A solid and ambitious project like ours needs partners who share our same values. The one with SC-Project is a natural bond: two great Italian companies, technological leaders in their segments, with a sporty and innovative DNA. This is why we are proud to announce the continuation of our relationship, a path of common growth that, I have no doubt, will lead Made in Italy to excel on tracks all over the world".

Romano Albesiano - Aprilia Racing Technical Director
"The exhaust system is a key element of our new V4 engine, which is proving to be one of the most competitive in MotoGP. This is also thanks to the technical synergy with SC-Project, a dynamic and competent company with whom we have established a profitable relationship. In a championship where it is the details that make the real difference, it is essential to be able to count on a supplier that has the technology and expertise to contribute to the development of our RS-GP project".

Stefano Lavazza - Marco De Rossi - Founders and Owners of SC-Project
"Our company has been present in the MotoGP Championship since 2009 and for us to enter into a strong technical collaboration with Aprilia Racing, an Italian brand of international importance and prestige, has enormous technical and professional value, not only for the 54 World titles won by the Noale-based manufacturer, but also for the excellence and Italianism that Aprilia represents in the motorcycling world. The synergy we have established with Aprilia Racing is of the highest level and represents the ultimate expression of motorbike technology in the premier category, MotoGP. Developing and building the best technological and high-performance exhaust systems for the RS-GP is an ambitious and very important project for SC-Project, an all-Italian combination!".

Following the news of Indian Motorcycle UK’s intention to open its first dedicated Brand Experience Centre in West London earlier this year, the centre has now enjoyed its official launch, welcoming customers, friends of the brand and VIPs.

Coinciding with the recent BikeShed event at Tobacco Dock, the Indian Motorcycle UK team welcomed more than 70 guests to the event, showcasing the UK’s first Brand Centre, located on the prestigious Kensington High Street in West London. 

Situated on the landmark site that was once the home of the Bristol Car Company. The iconic corner showroom, part of the Hilton Olympia Hotel, was fully refurbished over two floors for the new Brand Centre, doubling the display space and allowing for a complete range of Indian Motorcycles, accessories, clothing and heritage to be displayed in the best experience possible.

Indian Motorcycle UK’s Andy Simpson, commented, “We’re extremely proud to be able to officially launch a Brand Experience Centre here in the UK, especially in such an iconic location. Thanks to fantastic support from the team at Krazy Horse, we’ve been able to make this project not just a reality, but a place that our customers the world over will choose as a destination to visit when in London. If the enthusiasm from our guests at this launch event is anything to go by, this will be a very much must visit destination.”

Joining the Indian Motorcycle UK team and senior management from the U.S on the night were a host of friends of the brand, including ex-grand prix racer Steve Parish, Indian Motorcycle Flat Track racer, Leah Tokelove, Dimitri Costa, as well as customers and fans of the brand. 

The Indian Motorcycle London Brand Experience Centre can be found at 368 – 370 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8NL, Tel: 0203 007 1666 Web: www.indianmotorcycle-london.co.uk

There is no greater feeling than riding a motorcycle and feeling the wind on your face. The thrill that a motorcycle gives is something that other forms of transportation can not. However, riding a motorcycle is an activity that can turn very dangerous. Problems with the motorcycle or the road can lead to serious injuries. A lot of people get involved in fatal motorcycle accidents yearly. Still, this doesn't mean that you should stop riding your motorcycle. Protective clothing can help to minimize the risk associated with riding a motorcycle. By protecting different parts of the body, they help the rider to feel safe and secure.  

Some of the most essential protective clothing for riding your motorcycle is:

1. Helmets

This is by far the most important protective clothing there is. It protects the skull from harm, which makes it very important. The human head is something that can easily be affected by external forces. By riding your motorcycle, you are exposing your head to these external forces. A sudden impact on the head can cause minor issues like concussions or major issues like fractured skulls.

Therefore, your head must be well protected when you are riding your motorcycle. Helmets are designed to crumple and take most of the impact in case anything happens.

2. Jackets

When you think about it, the cooling sensation that comes from riding a motorcycle isn't all that good. It can cause different health issues that can affect the lungs. If this is mixed with the cold that comes from riding in the rain, the results could be disastrous. Jackets are therefore the perfect protective clothing to take care of this. They are comfortable and warm, making the rider feel hot when traveling in cold weather. Also, most jackets are waterproof, so you can ride your motorcycle even when it is raining.

3. Boots

Even though it is worn on the leg, this helps to make the rider feel safe. A boot helps to protect the ankle of the rider. Accidents can cause a lot of damage to the legs and ankles. They can crush the legs and ankles of riders. Boots with solid soles help to reduce the impact of such accidents. Also, some boots come with shin protection, which protects the shin whenever it hits the brakes.

4. Gloves

Gloves are useful protective clothing for any motorcycle rider. They help to give a good grip on the motorcycle when the rider is riding. Also, the gloves help to keep the hands warm and toasty.

5. Pants

Pants are an underrated, yet fairly useful protective clothing. They help to protect the upper legs by keeping them warm and protecting the skin from harm. Some pants are padded at the hips and knees, to protect those parts from excessive impact. Good pants are light and comfortable, yet stable and secure to make the rider stable on the motorcycle.

Conclusion

The thrill of riding a motorcycle should not make you forget to be safe on it. It is best to wear light and comfortable protective clothing to protect you from unexpected occurrences.

Finally, click here to get the best motorcycle gear on BMW Motorrad.

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Equipped with Touratech parts – covering everything from the suspension system to luggage, protection and ergonomics – the Husqvarna Norden 901 is the perfect motorcycle for demanding adventure trips. For riders with a taste for the exclusive, Touratech has created the Norden 901 WTE Black - an adventure bike with a perfectly coordinated equipment package for world touring.
 
With the Norden 901, the offroad sports brand, Husqvarna, ventures into the hotly contested touring adventure bike segment. The Norden naturally has a bunch of offroad genes, from which adventure riders benefit on their adventurous trips. These include long spring travel, high-quality wire-spoke wheels in 21/18-inch design, and, of course, the potent two-cylinder that can handle everything from fast track rides to tricky trails.
True to the motto "Make good things even better", the Touratech developers took the Husqvarna Norden 901 to task after intensive test rides. The result is a range of accessories that has been thought through down to the last detail, making the Husky an indestructible offroad tourer.
 
Suspension elements to meet the highest demands
When it comes to tackling really demanding routes with a heavy load or even with a partner, we recommend the premium upgrade for your suspension system with components from Touratech Suspension. Both the shock absorber and the cartridge kit for the fork are designed for maximum stress and offer extensive adjustment options. Touratech Suspension also provides high-quality components for vehicle lowering.
 
Large choice of luggage solutions
The be-all and end-all on a big trip is, of course, a trail-proof case system. Touratech offers two versions of the indestructible stainless steel rack: the standard version as well as one for a pannier shaped to fit snugly around the exhaust and decrease the width of the rear. ZEGA aluminium panniers are available in a wide variety of designs. Luggage racks and top case racks are available for the Norden 901 in the Touratech range, as well as a selection of high-quality soft luggage
 
Extensive protector equipment
Crash bars for the fairing and tank, hand protectors, a hard part and a grille to reinforce the standard engine guard, as well as various mini protectors for sensitive assemblies, protect the vehicle during tough offroad use.
 
Ergonomics and individualisation
Windscreen spoilers, brake lever extensions and handlebar risers are important components for improving comfort and individualising ergonomics.
 
Norden 901 World Travel Edition Black
For riders who desire a machine that is perfectly equipped technically as well as being visually unique, Touratech has created the Husqvarna Norden 901 WTE Black. In keeping with the concept of the World Travel Edition (WTE), this machine is fully equipped with the best parts and geared up to kick off on a world tour. In the design field, numerous black parts underline the powerful appearance of the Norden 901.
Touratech's experts have put together an accessory package for the WTE Black with perfectly matched components. Depending on customer wishes, the range of equipment can be individualised.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 WTE Black is built in the Touratech master workshop and based on either a machine supplied by the customer or a new vehicle

Further information