In 1922, Indian Motorcycle® introduced its first Chief® motorcycle, a 1,000cc bike, and followed up with the 1,200cc Big Chief® introduced in 1923. As the 1,200cc (74 cubic inch) engine became standard fare - outselling the previously-launched 600cc Scout® and the aforementioned 1,000 cc Chief® - the word "Big" was no longer necessary, leaving "Chief®" as the touring and luxury flagship of the Indian Motorcycle® line. The famous Indian® Four later followed, but in terms of weight and sticker price, the Chief® remained the more practical and popular among the marque's big motorcycles.

During the Great Depression, Indian Motorcycle® turned to styling updates and cosmetic improvements to maintain the interest of customers in the face of declining sales. Indian Motorcycle® had already gone to a more graceful gas tank and stylish fenders by the late 1920s, and introduced skirted fenders and a saddle tank in 1932, which hid the frame and foretold the profile of the "modern" motorcycle. A long and graceful chain guard was introduced as well.