Custom 2019 Indian® Chieftain
Allan Crow is a customer whose needs are simple, but whose story runs deep. He's a proud American, a risk-taking entrepreneur, and a philanthropist whose life was reshaped after losing his son, who served in the military. That same loss led him to become a stronger supporter of Gold Star families and the goodwill that can come from loss. The team has even decorated a custom Indian® Scout with Gold Star decor, but that's a story for another time.
Stepping In When It Mattered
When Klock Werks flooded in 2019, Allan was here with a moment's notice, with the keys to his building just a couple of miles up the road. He let the team move bikes, change oil and fluids, and take over his entire shop.
This whole effort came with no charge and no timeline, which made it even more incredible as the team hustled and struggled through the catastrophic event unfolding around them. His heart was simply to step in where and when he could.
That moment formed a relationship with Brian Klock, and the two continue to craft customs together as a result of Allan's generosity.
A Fully Loaded Chieftain®
Allan wanted a new 2019 Chieftain® fully loaded, with a trunk and all the new bells and whistles. Of course, stock wouldn't cut it. Allan wanted custom, with one clear rule.
He loves his black trucks and bikes.
The build started with a brand-new bike from Indian® of Sturgis, South Dakota, complete with a Bassani True Dual Exhaust. This project started straight from the crate, giving Brian and the Klock Werks Krew a clean slate to build something truly different. That blank slate was delivered to Klock Werks with only the miles it took to ride across the state and break it in while taking delivery in the beautiful Black Hills.
The team tore into the motor, sending heads and cylinders to Diamond Cut before moving forward with a Stage 1 upgrade and Big Bore Kit.
While the bike started life with a 111, Brian leaned on his industry connections to take it further. The motor was upgraded to a 116 with supporting internal modifications designed to increase torque and horsepower. Not just another 116, but one built to match the way this bike was meant to ride.
Black on Black
Keeping that much black interesting and different became Klock Werks' task. Brian came up with a plan that leaned into contrast, playing with the reflections that happen between gloss and matte surfaces.
The painter was up for the challenge. They're located just across the street from the Indian® Motorcycle factory, where this touring motorcycle was built. Gjerde Production Paint laid down gloss black scallops over the matte black finish, finished with gloss blue pinstripes.
It seems simple until you realize matte and gloss clear are the challenge. A clear gloss over any matte black makes it shine.
Details That Adds Dimension
The Klock Werks Krew added a Klock Werks Benchmark Front Fender, drilled to accept the factory lighted Indian® Motorcycle headdress. While the bike was apart, the Klock Werks Krew focused on details, adding gloss powder coat in key areas to give the black-on-black finish more depth.
Motor bolts were swapped for chrome, adding subtle pops of reflection and sparkle. Indian® billet black floorboards were paired with black accessory mirrors, and an Klock Werks iOmounts® magnetic phone holder was added on the handlebars to cover comfort and usability needs.
Next, it was time for the Krew to install their Klock Werks Ergo Handlebars. These help relieve the shoulder blade pinch that can show up after a long day in the saddle when wrist position isn't quite right.
While the bike was apart, they also installed a Dynamat® Sound Control Kit. The goal was to push the music out through the speakers instead of letting it get lost inside the inner fairing surfaces.
Allan came in for the test fit, and they nailed it. On to the next moves.
"I can't sell it," Allan commented. "It's just a great-looking motorcycle that does everything right."
A Bike Worth Keeping Around
The "black and blacker" theme worked, and Allan loved the new look. In fact, he still does. Even after purchasing a new Chieftain® PowerPlus, he kept this one for friends and family to borrow when they're in town.
"The Klock Werks parts and accessories along with the phenomenal paint job gave me a bike that I never get tired of looking at and absolutely a joy to ride. The bike, Brian and the Klock Werks team get a big shout out from me on this project." — Allan Crow
Seems like a great idea to friend Allan Crow and get some seat time on this Indian® Chieftain tourer. Any volunteers?
Klock Werks Products
- Klassic Front Fender - 21" Front Wheel
- Dynamat® Fairing Sound Control Kit
- Dynamat® "Beat the Heat" Seat Kit
- Ergo Handlebars - 8"
- Flare® Windshield - 12" Tint
- iOmounts® Magnetic Phone Mount - Perch Left
Partner Products:
- Bassani True Dual Exhaust
- Indian® Black Billet Floorboards
- Kuryakyn Antenna
