Indian Motorcycle’s PowerPlus 112 engine helped earn the brand its third MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers championship in the five seasons of the series. Now, Indian has made the PowerPlus 112 an available option on those models that have the PowerPlus 108, which now includes the newly announced Chieftain PowerPlus and RoadMaster PowerPlus along with the Challenger and Pursuit. While this addition of a more powerful engine option is big news, the biggest news is the Chieftain and Roadmaster PowerPlus models.
The Chieftain PowerPlus and Roadmaster PowerPlus do not replace the Thunderstroke powered models, but instead add two new models. Both receive a new musclecar inspired fork-mounted fairing on what is basically the Challenger chassis. An all new LED headlight sits in a more aggressive yet still classic fairing featuring twin NACA ducts that ties the bike closer to the frame-mounted Challenger and Pursuit modes. Along with the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108ci engine, the new bagger and tourer also get the same aluminum frame, monoshock, upside down fork, and Brembo radial-mount brakes as their two frame-mounted fairing brethren.
Standard power is supplied by the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-Twin that was introduced in the Challenger in 2020. Then, Indian claimed 122 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque from the single-overhead cam unit-construction engine and nothing has changed there. On CW’s Dynojet 2501 dynamometer, a 2020 Challenger Darkhorse punched out 103.1 hp at 5,600 rpm and 113 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,300 rpm—a stout American V-Twin for sure.
As an option in Limited and Dark Horse trim in the Chieftain PowerPlus, Roadmaster PowerPlus, Challenger, and Pursuit, a new PowerPlus 112 is available. This engine is based on the 112ci unit that Indian has raced in MotoAmerica’s KOTB series since the 2021 Road Atlanta round. Power is increased to a claimed 126 hp and 133 lb.-ft. of torque. Indian also says the PowerPlus engine has a flat torque curve and doesn’t sign off as the revs reach the top end of the tach. Indian’s vice president of racing, technology and service Gary Gray said of the PowerPlus engine: “There’s a replacement for displacement, and it’s rpm.” Now the PowerPlus 112 gets some more cubes to go with those revs.
For 2025, the PowerPlus models will get a new suite of rider-assist features that focus on rider awareness, safety, and convenience. On the convenience side a new Bike Hold Control maintains brake pressure to hold the bike from rolling back on a hill, but unlike other systems the rider activates the feature, rather than it being completely autonomous. The ABS braking system now is an electronic combined setup that optimizes the brake pressure between the front and rear for a more stable and balanced braking function.
Three other features are linked to rear-facing radar (sorry, no front-facing system for adaptive cruise control—Indian’s research said customers didn’t want it). The first is blind-spot warning that will give a warning in the 7-inch Ride Command TFT display and on the mirrors. The system is customizable to meet the rider’s needs. There’s also a tailgate warning to notify the rider if another vehicle is following too closely. Distances on this system can be adjusted. Lastly, a rear-collision warning alerts vehicles approaching from the rear that potential collision is detected via flashing tail lights.
Standard across all models with the PowerPlus engine are three ride modes, cruise control, and rear-cylinder deactivation for added comfort. There’s also a keyless ignition, locking saddlebags, and a USB charging port for convenience.
The Roadmaster PowerPlus gets electronically adjustable rear preload via the Ride Command dash allowing for more flexibility and convenience while touring with varying load and passenger combinations. Stitched ClimaCommand Heated Seat and Heated Grips adds more comfort in varied temps; the seat not only offers heating but also cooling. The addition of the remote-locking top trunk brings the Roadmaster’s storage capacity to 36 gallons in total.
Pricing for the Chieftain PowerPlus starts at $26,499, Limited starts at $27,499, and Dark Horse starts at $28,499. Roadmaster PowerPlus Limited pricing starts at $31,499 and the Dark Horse starts at $33,499. The optional PowerPlus 112 engine adds another $3,000 to the pricing. Models arrive in dealers February 2025.