Customizing a motorcycle might seem like a simple task—usually involving cosmetic changes rather than major mechanical modifications—but the reality is often more complex. Even a stripped-down, no-frills build like the Indian Sport Chief RT we’re looking at today required skill, effort, and attention to detail.
Indian Motorcycle introduced the Sport Chief RT just last week as the new flagship of its cruiser lineup, and the buzz around it hasn’t slowed down. Though the bike hasn’t hit the market yet—it’s set to launch later this month—that hasn’t stopped Indian from making sure it stays in the spotlight.
The “First 6” Collection
As part of its promotional efforts, Indian quickly rolled out a series of custom builds based on the new Sport Chief RT. This collection, dubbed the First 6, features six custom versions of the bike, each crafted by a different European dealership.
The bikes made their debut at the Moto Bike Expo in Verona, Italy, last weekend and are now part of a public voting contest. The winner will be revealed at the Salon du 2 Roues show in Lyon, France, next weekend.
So far, we’ve taken a deep dive into two of the builds—American Graffiti and Bastard. Now, it’s time to check out a third: the mysterious Hoka Key.
What’s the Story Behind Hoka Key?
Created by Austria-based Styrian Motor Cycle, Hoka Key raises more questions than it answers. For starters, the meaning of its name is unclear. A quick online search reveals multiple possibilities—ranging from a type of running shoe to a biker challenge organized by Medicine Show LLC. What it signifies in the context of this custom bike remains a mystery.
Adding to the intrigue, details about the modifications made to the base Sport Chief RT are scarce. Aside from what’s visible—custom paint, graphics, and some subtle aesthetic tweaks—there’s little official information about the build.
What we do know is that the design is inspired by Indian Motorcycle’s rich history, combined with Styrian Motor Cycle’s personal take on the brand’s evolution. The club-style custom work aligns with Indian’s specifications, and despite the visual updates, the core components remain untouched. That includes the powerful Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine, which still sits at the heart of the machine.
How Does Hoka Key Stack Up?
The Hoka Key build was completed in under six weeks, staying true to the essence of the Sport Chief RT while giving it a distinct personality. But is it the best-looking bike among the First 6 customs? That’s for the public to decide.
With voting underway, we’ll find out next week whether Hoka Key stands out enough to claim the top spot.
