Few brands embrace customization quite like Indian Motorcycle, as the company takes pride in being America’s first motorcycle outfit, being a whole two years older than Harley-Davidson. And just like the Bar and Shield, it has a lineup of motorcycles that just begs to be customized.
The latest of which was on full display at the Moto Bike Expo in Verona, Italy, where Indian unveiled the ‘First 6’ collection—six unique dealer-built versions of the 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT.
The Sport Chief RT isn’t just your ordinary cruiser. It’s a bike that aims to blend all the old-school styling of classic cruisers with the adrenaline pumping performance of modern-day race bikes. It’s an aggressive performance cruiser that’s ready for customization straight off the showroom floor.
The cruiser features a frame-mounted fairing that blends classic touring-bike vibes with a modern touch. Powering it is Indian’s Thunderstroke 116 engine, a massive 1,890cc air-cooled V-twin producing 120 pound-feet of torque. KYB inverted forks, Fox piggyback shocks, and Brembo radial-mounted calipers ensure a smooth ride and strong braking power. While Indian offers a vast catalog of accessories, the “First 6” project shows how far customization can go.
As the name implies, the “First 6” project showcased a total of six custom builds surrounding the Sport Chief RT. It gave renowned custom builders all across Europe the chance to showcase their artistic skill and craftsmanship on a brand-new canvas. Here’s a quick rundown of the custom builds.
American Graffiti - Indian Motorcycle Praha, Czech Republic
Inspired by American race culture, this build features a bold paint job celebrating US racing heritage.
Bastard - MotoStrada Porto, Portugal
A high-performance build inspired by King of Baggers and Superhooligan racing, packed with genuine Indian Motorcycle accessories and a rebellious street-racer aesthetic.
Hoka Key - Styrian Motor Cycle, Austria
A clean, mechanical build with Club Style influences that lets the raw V-twin power speak for itself.
No Comply Society - Krazy Horse, UK
A love letter to custom culture, blending influences from the bike and car scenes with artistic and underground touches.
The Qwetcher - Biker Syndicate, Switzerland
Honoring the shop’s Swiss roots, this build is said to embody personality and history through every vibration and twist of the throttle.
Top Fuel - Indian Motorcycle Metz, France
Inspired by NHRA drag racing, NASCAR, and King of the Baggers, this build combines Club Style aesthetics with full-blown race bagger styling.
Now, make no mistake, all six builds are totally badass and you can spend hours ogling at each and every detail, even if they’re all just in photos. But as is the case with all contests, there has to be just one winner. In this case, MotoStrada Porto’s “Bastard” was voted the best of the six.
So, what makes the Bastard so special? Inspired by high-performance race machines, it features Öhlins suspension, a Performance Machine air filter, and a Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust. The carbon hydrographic paintwork, gray transitions, and gold pinstriping made it one of the show’s most striking builds.
With the winner crowned and five other stellar builds to flex, the “First 6” project proves that the custom scene is alive and well. Whether it's a stripped-down bobber, a Club Style bruiser, or a race-inspired bagger, riders continue to push creative boundaries. Events like this celebrate individuality, performance, and innovation—ensuring that the spirit of customization remains strong in the motorcycling world.
Source: Indian Motorcycle
