Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, partnered with renowned custom builders Forever Rad to unveil a bespoke Chieftain PowerPlus crafted exclusively for country music star Tyler Hubbard. The custom build is featured in the newest installment of the Forged video series (see www.WOGMag.com). Forever Rad is a leader in high-performance motorcycle customization, specializing in Indian Motorcycle. With a reputation for bold designs and unmatched craftsmanship, they’ve built a following among riders and celebrities alike. Executed over three months, the project showcases Forever Rad’s meticulous craftsmanship that blends high-end performance components with head-turning aesthetics.
Built from the ground up, the custom Chieftain PowerPlus bagger is a fusion of aggressive race-bike performance and long-ride comfort. Every inch of the bike was modified with precision and purpose from the fully Cerakoted motor, carbon fiber fenders, to the one-off HPI exhaust pipe featuring Forever Rad’s logo. Forever Rad, led by custom bike builder Kyle Bertsch, integrated every in-house and partner component possible: high-performance suspension from Big Bear, Kraus handlebars and risers, Saddlemen’s signature seat, and the latest Baja Designs LP6 lighting setup. Even the Indian FTR front fender and custom-cut tank nod to both innovation and style.
“We went all out on this build,” said Bertsch. “From a raw motor on a lift to what you see now, every bolt, every coating, every color choice was intentional. We set this bike up to be tall, aggressive, fast. Basically, take a street bike, turn it into a race bike, but keep it comfortable, so that you can kind of have the best of both worlds. It’s been a team effort, which is super important to us at the shop. It really takes a lot of dedication and talented people to be able to pull something like that off. It’s probably been the most fulfilling project we’ve ever done because we did it in a short period of time and we just knocked it out of the park.”
Formerly one half of the chart-topping duo Florida Georgia Line and now a successful solo artist, Hubbard’s love for motorcycles stretches from his motocross roots as a child to street riding today. In constant touch with Forever Rad throughout the build to collaborate on ideas, Hubbard says he essentially placed his trust in their craftsmanship and vision to deliver.
“He was super open to collaboration and any of my ideas,” says Hubbard. “But at the same time, I kind of told him, I trust you. You’re the professional. I want to lean into your instinct and what you would really be proud of. I was pretty blown away. Just watching it roll out of the garage and I’m just like, man, this is gorgeous. Trying to take it all in at one time was overwhelming,” said Hubbard during the hand-off in Idaho. “This is a beautiful gift that I will enjoy for years. The fact that nobody has a bike like this, nobody has seen a bike like this just makes it even more special.”
As baggers evolve from long-haul cruisers to high-performance showpieces, this build stands as a testament to what’s possible when artistry meets engineering.
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ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivalled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion are reignited under new brand stewardship. INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
