Indian Chieftain PowerPlus and Roadmaster PowerPlus First Look

PowerPlus 108 added engine to bagger models along with a 112ci option.

Indian has added a new bagger and touring model to its family of motorcycles powered by the liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine: the Chieftain PowerPlus (shown) and Roadmaster PowerPlus.Indian Motorcycle

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.

The Roadmaster PowerPlus comes in Limited and Dark Horse trims and is powered by the same 108ci engine as the Chieftain.Indian Motorcycle

PowerPlus

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.

The fork-mounted fairing on the Chieftain and Roadmaster PowerPlus models gets similar styling cues as the frame-mounted fairing of the Challenger and Pursuit models.Indian Motorcycle

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.

Indian’s liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 is standard in the Chieftain PowerPlus and Roadmaster PowerPlus. For $3,000 you can upgrade to the higher torque and horsepower PowerPlus 112.Indian Motorcycle

Technology

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.

Bagger and touring PowerPlus models come with ride modes, electronic combined braking, blind spot detection, tailgate and rear collision warnings, and hill hold.Indian Motorcycle

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.

Roadmaster Touring Features

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.

A remote-locking top trunk increases the storage on the Roadmaster PowerPlus to 36 gallons.Indian Motorcycle

Pricing

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.

Pricing for the new Powerplus models starts at $26,499 with a $3,000 option for the PowerPlus 112 engine.Indian Motorcycle

2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Specs

MSRP: $26,499 - $29,249
Engine: 1,768cc, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 96.5mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Transmission/final drive: 6-speed w/ true overdrive; constant mesh/belt
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection w/ 52mm dual-bore throttle bodies
Claimed horsepower: 122 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Claimed torque: 128 lb.-ft. @ 3,800 rpm
Frame: Cast aluminum
Front suspension: 43mm telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel
Rear suspension: Fox monoshock, hydraulically adjustable; 4.5-in. travel
Front brake: 4-piston calipers, 320mm dual floating rotors w/ ABS
Rear brake: 2-piston caliper, 298mm floating rotor w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Cast Aluminium; 19x3.5 in / 16x5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60B-19 / 180/60R-1
Rake/trail: 25.0°/5.9 in.
Wheelbase: 65.7 in.
Seat height: 26.5 in.
Fuel capacity: 6.0 gal.
Claimed dry weight: 806 lb.
Available: February 2025
Contact: indianmotorcycles.com

2025 Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus Specs

MSRP: $31,999 - $34,249
Engine: 1,768cc, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x stroke: 108.0 x 96.5mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Transmission/final drive: 6-speed w/ true overdrive; constant mesh/belt
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection w/ 52mm dual-bore throttle bodies
Claimed horsepower: 122 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Claimed torque: 128 lb.-ft. @ 3,800 rpm
Frame: Cast aluminum
Front suspension: 43mm telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel
Rear suspension: Fox monoshock, hydraulically adjustable; 4.5-in. travel
Front brake: 4-piston calipers, 320mm dual floating rotors w/ ABS
Rear brake: 2-piston caliper, 298mm floating rotor w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Cast Aluminium; 19x3.5 in / 16x5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: Metzeler Cruisetec; 130/60B-19 / 180/60R-1
Rake/trail: 25.0°/5.9 in.
Wheelbase: 65.7 in.
Seat height: 26.5 in.
Fuel capacity: 6.0 gal.
Claimed dry weight: 897 lb.
Available: February 2025
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