Indian Motorcycle is branching out. Adding a flat track-inspired production bike to the lineup in 2019, and now it has announced its new liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine and the Challenger high-performance touring model it will be mounted in for 2020. But the core of Indian’s motorcycle range remains classic American cruiser and touring bikes, and those aren’t being neglected. In fact, quite the opposite as the company updates the heavyweight line with what the core audience wants—more power, more paint and trim options, and a faster, more intuitive Ride Command system.
Seven of 12 models in Indian’s touring line now come standard with a 116ci engine, but this isn’t the same 116 that we know from Indian’s Stage 3 Big Bore Kit. In many ways—including a new cylinder head—the entire engine has now been optimized for the bigger bore. Valve lift and overlap are unchanged, but they have redesigned the combustion chamber to reduce valve shrouding. The compression ratio is increased compared to the 111, from 9.5:1 to 11:1, and the intake and exhaust ports have been improved for higher flow as well. Power delivery is now much smoother than the 116 kits we saw as an accessory option last year.
The Stage 3 kit we saw last year introduced us to Indian’s 116, but with Stage 1 and 2 as prerequisites for the kit’s install. This meant that intake, exhaust, cams, and a throttle body would all be installed on top of the 116 big-bore kit, resulting in what Indian claims to be a 20-percent increase in horsepower and a 15-percent increase in torque from stock. Now running milder cams, intake, exhaust, and throttle body, we see the claimed torque number move from 119 pound-feet on the 111 to 126 pound-feet on the 116, an increase of 5.9 percent. With stock equipment and new mapping, the Thunder Stroke 116 engine’s power is much more refined and linear, making the bike more relaxing and enjoyable to ride than the aggressive, lurchy throttle of the kits from last year. The new model shows the increase in power we wanted to see, but now in a much more usable package. Stage 1 and 2 are still available for these models, and are likely improved due to the new throttle maps, but were unable to be tested at this time.
The second big update for 2020 is the new hardware and software for the Ride Command system. A new quad-core processor makes start-up and response time noticeably faster. This software updates last year’s infotainment system on the same 7-inch glove-friendly touchscreen with weather and traffic monitoring, as well as more customizable ride screens. Route planning now features a traffic avoidance option, but you’ll have to choose your own route to dodge the weather. This system is easily navigated, simple, and intuitive. Once your destination is set and your music on, there isn’t much you’ll need to do that requires you to take your hands off the bars. This may seem like a slight update, but when you’re using the bike every day, a few seconds saved in start-up time and map loading go a long way to an improved user experience.
The Dark Horse livery has been a popular option for the Chieftain, Springfield, and Chief lines for the last few years and now Indian is adding the Roadmaster to this collection. Identified by blacked-out engine finishes, a cutback front fender, and matte paint schemes, the Dark Horse line looks more modern and aggressive. Because the Roadmaster didn’t see the same bodywork updates as the Chieftain line in 2019 or 2020, the Roadmaster Dark Horse is now the only way to get the updated fairing, seat, and saddlebags with all the top-of-the-line touring features and top case straight from the factory.
Indian Motorcycle isn’t reinventing the wheel here, it is just intelligently updating a solid platform. The handling hasn’t changed, which is great because with Fox-manufactured suspension, a long wheelbase, and a 25-degree rake, these big bikes strike a great balance between nimbleness at low speeds and rock-solid stability at high. They are undoubtedly moving away from classic trademarks of Indian’s design—fender valances, flares, and the iconic Chief headdress getting smaller and smaller on newer models, but that’s part of trying to look more modern.
All the updates this year will increase the price of 116-equipped models by $2,000, while the price of the 111 Chieftain remains the same. Maintaining American cruiser and touring DNA while increasing power and tech, Indian Motorcycle continues to successfully walk the fine line that separates progress and tradition.