Indian Forged: Satya Kraus Redefines the Chieftain PowerPlus
The Indian Forged series continues its momentum in Episode 3 with a spotlight on master craftsman Satya Kraus. Tasked with transforming the all-new 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, Kraus brings a distinct performance-driven philosophy to this year’s most innovative custom motorcycle showcase.
Building on the success of the previous episodes, Indian Forged gives three elite builders the freedom to reimagine Indian Motorcycle’s flagship bagger. Episode 3 offers an intimate look into the design and fabrication process behind Kraus’s one-of-a-kind interpretation.
What Is Indian Forged?
Launched by Indian Motorcycle as a six-part video series, Indian Forged pairs the brand’s top-tier production models with leading figures in the custom world. The 2025 season features builders Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, Kyle Bertsch, and Satya Kraus, each assigned to the new Chieftain PowerPlus.
The series explores their creative process from concept to completion, offering viewers a rare look at how elite builders rework factory platforms into rideable works of art. Each episode showcases not just the builds, but the personalities and philosophies that shape them.
Satya Kraus: Craftsmanship Meets Performance
Born and raised in Northern California, Satya Kraus has spent his life immersed in two-wheeled performance. He began customizing BMX bikes, off-road buggies, and motorcycles as a teenager before turning his attention to V-twin platforms. In the early 2000s, he launched Kraus Motor Co., a company now respected worldwide for its precision-engineered performance parts.
Kraus isn’t interested in flash for the sake of it. His builds are a masterclass in form meeting function—always engineered for real-world use. Whether it’s custom triple trees, upgraded suspension geometry, or radial braking systems, every modification is grounded in mechanical logic.
Over the years, Kraus’s bikes have won awards on the custom show circuit and set records on the Bonneville Salt Flats. But his reputation is built on more than aesthetics—it’s about rideability, something he brings full-force to Indian Forged.
The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus: A Builder’s Dream
At the heart of Episode 3 is the Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, a modern bagger that blends performance, comfort, and tech. Powered by a liquid-cooled 112 cubic-inch PowerPlus engine, this bike offers:
126 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque, delivered smoothly across the rev range
Advanced rider aids including a 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS and traction control, linked braking, and hill-start assist
A lightweight aluminum frame with 43 mm inverted forks and a single rear shock, tuned for agility
Touring-focused features like an electric windscreen, premium audio, and Indian’s 7-inch Ride Command infotainment system
Originally engineered for long-haul comfort and dynamic handling, the Chieftain PowerPlus is also a perfect canvas for custom builders—especially in a format like Indian Forged.
Kraus’s Vision: Race-Bred, Road-Ready
In Indian Forged Episode 3, Kraus approaches the Chieftain with surgical precision. He strips it down to its essentials and rebuilds it with a singular goal: functional performance.
His custom build emphasizes:
Refined ergonomics: handlebars, foot controls, and seat all reshaped to improve rider feedback and comfort
High-performance parts: race-spec suspension, brake systems, and geometry upgrades that improve real-world agility
Engine breathing enhancements: optimized intake and exhaust to let the PowerPlus breathe—and roar—more freely
Visual minimalism: aesthetic choices that prioritize symmetry, balance, and visual flow, without unnecessary bulk
Kraus’s bike is built to be ridden hard and often—not just admired under show lights. It’s a working machine with soul, exactly the ethos Indian Forged was designed to highlight.
Why Indian Forged Matters
The beauty of the Indian Forged series lies in its balance between artistry and utility. These aren’t garage queens—they’re high-functioning customs grounded in production engineering. With Kraus at the helm, Episode 3 proves that with the right hands, a factory-built Chieftain PowerPlus can evolve into a machine that’s part racebike, part sculpture.
For enthusiasts, Indian Forged offers inspiration and insight into how far you can push a V-twin platform. For Indian Motorcycle, it’s a statement: this brand belongs at the intersection of tradition, performance, and customization.
What’s Next for Indian Forged?
Episodes 4 through 6 will continue the journey, culminating in the grand reveal of each builder’s finished bike. Fans can expect deep dives into final assembly, visual storytelling around the build decisions, and side-by-side evaluations of the completed machines.
With Indian Forged, each episode builds on the last—not just in content, but in momentum. The custom community is watching, and Indian is delivering.
Watch Indian Forged Episode 3 :
