There's something eminently attractive about a choppy, big-bore, high-horsepower V-twin. I know that sounds sus coming from me, lover of small-displacement and off-road motorcycles, a writer who's lambasted Harley-Davidson about its cruiser lineups and more. But all that doesn't mean I hate V-twin motorcycles.
Quite the contrary, they have their place. And when you have something that chops while sitting at a light and can roar off while carrying all 900 pounds of a full-dress bagger, even I get the appeal and have shivers down my spine. There's just an element of cool about them.
So when I read through Indian Motorcycles' latest debut on the new PowerPlus family of V-twin engines, adding the motors to the new Roadmaster and Chieftain, and saw 126 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque, I started looking for a long road trip to take these new models on ASAP.
So far my outline has 2,400 miles that zig-zags through the West...
The new PowerPlus engines, engines that are already in the Pursuit and Challenger motorcycles, are part of Indian's lineup modernization. As mentioned, the liquid-cooled, overhead cam 112 cubic inch (1,834 cc) motor offers up 126 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque transferred to the road via a 6-speed sequential and is derived from Indian's King of the Baggers race engine. According to Indian, the new motor gives riders more torque throughout the rev range, reducing the need for riders to "constantly shift to keep up, as with traditional push rod V-Twins."
Brembos stop the two bikes, too, while customers can add a Stage 1 slip-on exhaust and a PowerPlus intake kit that further the bikes' performance capabilities.
As for the rest of the updates and changes compared other prior models, Indian's adopted new styling for both bikes, with LED headlights, more aerodynamic fairings, and more compact stances. Both bikes went through ergonomic changes, too, with all models in the new PowerPlus family receiving new Rider Backrests, "which increase support to the rider’s lower back and keep them in control mile after mile," as well as a 12-inch Flare windshield." Likewise, Indian will offer new Headdres floorboards, Heel shifters, and a Quick Release Low Profile trunk which will offer 12-gallons of storage capacity.
But the bikes are also super tech forward, offering riders Bike Hold Control, Electronic Combined Brake System, Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, and Rear Collision Warning through the brand's Ride Command display. CarPlay is also standard, which I can't say is the case with every new car these days, so it's nice to see Indian keeping with the times.
As for price, none of the PowerPlus family is what I'd call cheap. The Chieftain has a starting price of $26,499, while the Roadmaster will start at $31,999. Add a couple grand more on each if you want the Darkhorse models.
According to Indian's VP Aaron Jax, "More than a decade ago when we relaunched Indian Motorcycle, we made a commitment to innovation, just as our original founders did back in 1901. Innovation powered their success, and it is still driving us today; and the expansion of our family of performance-oriented PowerPlus models is a perfect example. From liquid-cooled motors and mono-shock rear suspension to the advent of modern performance baggers with the Indian Challenger, we were first to market in the V-Twin category with these advancements. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to innovating with features and options that enhance the riding experience for our customers and for generations of riders to come."
The motorcycles will become available at Indian dealerships starting next month, so you won't have to wait too long until you can swing a leg over these cruisers and hit the open highways. Well, some folks won't have to wait, I'll still be thawing out until mid-May. Maybe then I'll do that road trip.
