Inside One of the Most Iconic Limited-Edition Motorcycle Collaborations
The collaboration between Jack Daniel’s®, Indian® Motorcycle, and Klock Werks stands as one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in the modern motorcycle industry. What began in 2016 as a simple handshake agreement evolved into a series of highly collectible, limited-edition American motorcycles that routinely sold out in minutes and became instant icons.
Rooted in Indian Motorcycle’s legendary platform, Jack Daniel’s storytelling heritage, and Brian Klock’s design leadership, each release represents craftsmanship, culture, and American performance.
This partnership isn’t just about bikes. It’s about legacy, community, and a shared message: “Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix.”
The History Behind the Partnership
The collaboration was founded on a natural alignment: two brands recognized as American Originals.
- Jack Daniel’s — the first registered distillery in the United States
- Indian Motorcycle — America’s first motorcycle company
Klock Werks joined as the creative force translating that shared heritage into rolling art. From day one, safety and responsibility were core values. Every motorcycle prominently displays the campaign message: "Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix"
The partnership also supports Operation Ride Home, helping junior enlisted military members travel home during the holidays — reinforcing that this collaboration extends beyond motorcycles into meaningful community impact.5
The Seven Limited-Edition Releases (2016–2023)
Each release draws inspiration from a different chapter of Jack Daniel’s history, resulting in distinctive finishes, storytelling elements, and production limits that elevate collectibility.
2016 — Limited Edition JD® 150 Indian® Chief Vintage & Springfield
Distillery 150th Anniversary
- Production: 150 units
- The 2016 #001 Jack Daniel's®Limited Edition IndianChiefVintage was auctioned for $150K, with all proceeds going to Operation Ride Home.
- Each bike came with its own authentic Jack Daniel's®barrel top, custom inscribed with the owner's name, bike model, bike number, and the VIN.
- Celebrated the distillery’s milestone anniversary
- Established the blueprint for future releases
Read more about our custom Limited Edition JD® 150 Indian® Chief Vintage & Springfield collaboration.
2017 — Limited Edition JD® 151 Indian® Chieftain
Charcoal Mellowing Process
- Production: 100 units
- Each Jack Daniel's®Limited Edition Indian Chieftain was delivered with a commemorative American flag that is handmade from Jack Daniel's®barrel wood and includes a customized plaque with the owner’s name
- Inspired by Jack Daniel’s charcoal filtering tradition
Read more about custom Limited Edition JD® 151 Indian® Chieftain collaboration.
2018 — Limited Edition JD® 152 Indian® Scout Bobber
JD Fire Brigade Tribute
- Production: 177 units
- Fire brigade gold/black theme
- Each Jack Daniel's®Limited Edition Indian Scout Bobber will come with an authentic fireman’s axe with a wooden handle that’s custom-engraved with the owner’s name and a Fire Brigade logo inscribed on the axe head
Read more about the Limited Edition JD 152 Indian Scout Bobber collaboration.
2019 — Limited Edition JD® 153 Indian® Springfield Dark Horse
Single Barrel Select Whiskey
- Production: 177 units
- Whiskey barrel inspiration
Read more about the 2019 Limited Edition JD 153 Indian Springfield Dark Horse collaboration.
2020 — Limited Edition JD® 154 Indian® Roadmaster Dark Horse
Gentleman Jack Tribute
- Production: 107 units
- Luxury touring interpretation
- A handcrafted Montana Silversmith®badge became the focal point of this year’s gift: an equally one-of-a-kind Montana Silversmith®belt buckle with the owner's name.
Read more about the Limited Edition JD 154 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse collaboration.
2021 —Limited Edition JD® 155 Indian® Challenger Dark Horse
Tennessee Rye Inspiration
- Production: 107 units
- Performance-focused platform
Read more about our Limited Edition JD® 155 Indian® Challenger Dark Horse collaboration.
2023 — Limited Edition JD® 156 Indian® Chief Bobber Dark Horse
Old No. 7 Legacy
- Production: 177 units
- Paint infused with real Jack Daniel’s whiskey
- Signature graphite metallic finish
Klock Werks’ Design & Craftsmanship
Klock Werks is based in Mitchell, South Dakota and has been the creative engine behind every release.
Brian Klock and the Klock Werks Krew:
- Served as the lead creative and project driver (“quarterback”) for the first officially licensed motor vehicle in Jack Daniel’s history.
- Co-designed the limited-edition motorcycles, helping translate the whiskey brand’s heritage into physical bike design, finishes, and storytelling elements.
- Collaborated with Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s teams to develop each year’s tribute concept and execution.
- Helped establish the limited-production strategy, reinforcing exclusivity and collector demand.
- Supported the integration of the “Bottles and Throttles Don’t Mix” responsible-drinking message into the project.
- Contributed to creating motorcycles that became instant collector items, with multiple releases selling out in minutes or hours.
- Played an ongoing design and partnership role across multiple model years, ensuring brand authenticity and continuity in the series.
- Strengthened a high-profile American brand partnership, aligning craftsmanship, heritage, and performance across all collaborators.
These bikes aren’t just customized but instead represent an expressions of American craftsmanship curated by a krew of hardworking midwestern motorcycle-lovers.
Where the Collaboration Stands Today (2024–2026)
After seven landmark releases, the collaboration has shifted toward community-driven experiences.
A highlight is the Indian Motorcycle Rider Series: Jack Daniel’s Ride, including a celebratory ride to Lynchburg honoring the partnership’s decade-long relationship. The focus now blends heritage, riders, and culture that reinforces the lifestyle surrounding these machines.
Why This Collaboration Matters
For collectors, riders, and enthusiasts, the Jack Daniel’s × Indian Motorcycle × Klock Werks series represents:
- American heritage engineering
- Limited production exclusivity
- High-level custom craftsmanship
- A culture-first riding community
These motorcycles are statements built where passion and fuel mix.
Final Thoughts
Seven motorcycles later, what began as a simple handshake has turned into a partnership that keeps evolving.
The collaboration proves what happens when heritage brands trust expert craftsmanship and bold design. For Klock Werks, it’s another example of continuing to push boundaries while staying rooted in passion, performance, and authenticity.
As always, #GetKlocked
