When Fighters Meet Fire: UFC Champion Cody Garbrandt’s Custom Indian Chieftain

The world of mixed martial arts and custom motorcycles might seem like an unlikely pairing, but when you’re talking about UFC bantamweight champion Cody “No Love” Garbrandt, the combination makes perfect sense. Indian Motorcycle’s latest FORGED series finale has delivered something truly special—a custom Chieftain PowerPlus that’s as aggressive and uncompromising as the fighter himself.

The FORGED Series Finale

Indian Motorcycle’s FORGED program is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus. This isn’t just another marketing campaign—it’s a genuine collaboration between Indian and some of the most respected builders in the industry, creating bikes that reflect the personalities of their celebrity recipients.

The Man Behind “No Love”

The world likes to call him No Love, because the man is simply ruthless and unforgiving when going up against his opponents in the UFC ring. It’s a style that brought the man behind the nickname, Cody Garbrandt, the UFC Bantamweight Championship back in 2016. But there’s more to Garbrandt than his octagon persona suggests.

The last in Indian’s FORGED series, this episode is all about a different side of a famous UFC fighter. Away from the intensity of professional fighting, Garbrandt is a motorcycle enthusiast who appreciates the craftsmanship and performance that goes into creating something truly exceptional.

Kraus Motor Co. Takes the Reins

For this build, Indian turned to Satya Kraus of Kraus Motor Co., a name that commands respect in the world of high-end motorcycle customization. Built by Kraus Motor Co., a recognized leader in high-end motorcycle components and custom fabrication, the aggressive build showcases exactly why Kraus has earned their reputation.

Satya Kraus, who built and designed the custom Chieftain PowerPlus, says it will serve as an ideal platform to prototype a range of aftermarket products. This wasn’t just about creating a show bike—it was about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the Chieftain platform.

Starting with Serious Power

The foundation for this build is no joke. Kraus kicked the project off with a bone-stock 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus 112. As per its name, it’s powered by Indian’s 112 ci PowerPlus engine, which pumps out 126 hp and 180 Nm of torque. At the heart of the new Chieftain PowerPlus model is a 1,834cc V-twin engine that produces 126bhp and 133.8Ib ft of torque.

This is the same powerplant that dominated the racing world. The 112 cu-in engine with 126 hp and 133 ft-lbs of torque that won the 2024 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship provides the perfect starting point for a performance-focused custom build.

Engineering Excellence in Every Detail

The transformation that Kraus performed on this Chieftain is nothing short of remarkable. Starting with the 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, Kraus built out the bike with BST forged carbon fiber wheels and a Kraus KR8 inverted front end with an Ohlins Racing suspension and Kraus billet aluminum brake calipers with the standard Indian brake rotors.

The attention to detail extends throughout the entire build. With extensive use of billet aluminium, carbon fibre and handcrafted components, the build enhances both the performance and aesthetics of the Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, highlighting Kraus Motor Co.’s commitment to performance and quality.

Performance Meets Aggression

The straight street ripper, as the builders like to call the project, rides on forged carbon fiber wheels supported by performance braking hardware. The wheel at the front is held in place by an inverted fork, and it is shielded from the elements by a carbon fiber fender.

The suspension setup is where this build really shows its performance credentials. So both ends now have fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, paired with forged carbon fiber wheels. Topping this is a set of Kraus brakes (calipers, pads, and discs) at both ends, so you have no shortage of stopping power.

More Than Just a Show Bike

What sets this build apart from typical celebrity customs is its genuine performance focus. “This project gave us the opportunity to dial in every detail.” This isn’t just about looks—every component serves a purpose in making this Chieftain faster, more agile, and more capable.

While at it, you’ll also appreciate the new handlebars and footpegs, details that might seem minor but contribute significantly to the overall riding experience and control.

A Perfect Match

The parallels between Cody Garbrandt’s fighting style and this custom Chieftain are impossible to ignore. Both are powerful, aggressive, and uncompromising. Both demand respect through performance rather than flash. And both represent the pinnacle of their respective crafts.

Indian Motorcycle’s latest custom build initiative is a full-throttle tribute to performance bagger culture, and pairing it with a champion who embodies the same no-compromise attitude creates something truly special.

The Future of American Performance

This FORGED series build represents more than just a custom motorcycle—it’s a statement about the future of American performance. Indian Motorcycle has proven that they can create a platform capable of handling the most extreme modifications while maintaining the character and soul that makes an Indian special.

For Cody Garbrandt, this bike represents a perfect fusion of his two passions: the pursuit of excellence and the freedom of the open road. For the rest of us, it’s a glimpse into what’s possible when you combine championship-level engineering with championship-level attitude.

The FORGED series may have concluded with this build, but the impact of projects like this will be felt throughout the industry. When champions choose custom, and builders deliver perfection, everyone wins—especially those of us who get to witness the results.

The FORGED series finale featuring Cody Garbrandt’s custom Indian Chieftain PowerPlus is now available to view as part of Indian Motorcycle’s ongoing celebration of American performance and craftsmanship.

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