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Indian Motorcycle debuted its 108-cubic-inch (1,769 cc) PowerPlus V-twin in the 2020 Challenger. Two years later, that same liquid-cooled block found its way into the brand’s latest tourer, the Pursuit. With both models favoring frame-mounted fairings, the PowerPlus range lacked a fork-mounted offering. That’s no longer the case with the arrival of the 2025 Roadmaster PowerPlus and Chieftain PowerPlus.
A new lease on life
The Roadmaster and Chieftain previously headlined Indian’s ThunderStroke-powered lineup. As new members of the PowerPlus family, both models leave their retro foundations behind. Not only do they lose the ThunderStroke 116 and 111 air-colled twins (respectively), they also shed their double-cradle steel frames.
In their stead, the cast aluminum frame and PowerPlus engine from the Challenger and Pursuit now underlie the two newcomers. In addition to the 108-cubic-inch engine, Indian also offers all PowerPlus models with the new 112-cubic-inch (1,834 cc) V-twin. That larger volume is achieved by an increased bore, which grows from 108 mm to 110 mm. That helps nudge horsepower from 122 to 126 and peak torque from 128 foot-pounds to 133 foot-pounds.
Since its inception, Indian has cast the PowerPlus lineup as performance-minded models. It treats the new Chieftain and Roadmaster no differently. An inverted fork, Brembo calipers, and Metzeler Cruisetec tires communicate that much. The platform’s new technology only supports those aims.
Indian’s seven-inch TFT display comes standard on all PowerPlus baggers and tourers. However, the Limited and Dark Horse trims benefit from RIDE COMMAND+, which unlocks Apple CarPlay and map overlays (live traffic and weather). Customers who opt for PowerPlus 112-equipped models also receive Rider Assist features such as Hill Hold Control and Electronic Combined Brake System (non-switchable). Indian even throws in new radar-based rider aids like Blind Spot Warning, Tailgate Warning, and Rear Collision Warning.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t call attention to the Chieftain and Roadmaster’s new styling. While both models leaned on classic cruiser aesthetics during their ThunderStroke days, it’s clear that they take on a new attitude in their PowerPlus era. Descriptors like “aggressive,” “chiseled,” and “athletic” litter the press release. That design language is most evident in each model’s fork-mounted fairing.
Additional function comes along with that new form. Indian claims that the faring is both “aerodynamic” and improves “handling and stability at high speeds.” Two inlets also shuttle air into the cockpit.
The 2025 Roadmaster PowerPlus is available in Limited ($31,999) and Dark Horse ($33,499) trims. Meanwhile, the Chieftain’s base model starts at $26,499. Its Limited variant goes up to $27,499 and the Dark Horse version comes in at $28,499.
With the addition of the Roadmaster and Chieftain, the PowerPlus range now has its fork-mounted fairing bagger and tourer. But, it isn’t the only Indian lineup to gain a new entry.
In the bag(s)
Indian revamped its Chief series in 2022 and then upped the ante when it released the 2023 Sport Chief. Now, the 2025 Sport Chief RT pairs practicality with that performance. Based on the Sport Chief, the RT takes to the open road with a handful of touring-friendly components, still powered by the retro-leaning ThunderStroke engine.
The most notable among them are the rigid saddlebags. Though the new panniers are lockable, weatherproof, and offer more than 10 gallons of storage, they aren’t quickly detachable. Tucked under those bags are a set of Fox piggyback shocks, which are adjustable for compression and rebound damping.
Further forward, Indian wedges a PowerBand Bluetooth speaker between the RT’s handlebar and quarter fairing. The system packs two 2.5-inch mid-range speakers, one 4.5-inch subwoofer, and two tweeters into that compact footprint. Of course, a worthy seat is mandatory if you’re planning on traveling significant distances. Indian believes its 2-Up High Bolster Seat does just that, adding some extra comfort for the long haul.
The 2025 Sport Chief RT will roll into Indian dealerships in early 2025 with a starting price of $22,499.
My takeaway
Indian casts the Chieftain PowerPlus and the Roadmaster PowerPlus as new models, but in reality, they’re little more than the Challenger and Pursuit (respectively) outfitted with fork-mounted fairings. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Indian’s long-time rival, Harley-Davidson, takes similar measures with its Street Glide and Road Glide series. It’s only worth noting because distinguishing the previous-gen Chieftain from the Challenger, and the Roadmaster from the Pursuit, was much easier.
So why did Indian transfer the Chieftain and Roadmaster over to the PowerPlus platform? Maybe the move was informed by PowerPlus sales versus that of ThunderStroke models. Maybe Indian believes the PowerPlus’ performance will give these models a leg up on the competition. Still, there’s no telling whether the Chieftain or Roadmaster can bite into the Street Glide or Ultra Limited’s market share. It seems doubtful to me, but only time and sales reports will tell. We will get a chance to ride these new models soon, so maybe then the picture will be clearer.
The Sport Chief RT faces a similar uphill battle. Its direct competition, Harley’s Low Rider ST, seems better suited for long-distance travel. It sports a larger front fairing and roomier saddlebags. All for $900 more than the Sport Chief RT’s asking price. In a category where bigger is better, the ST seemingly has the RT’s number. Not to mention, it bears the almighty Bar and Shield.
Again, only sales figures will determine the Roadmaster’s, Chieftain’s, and Sport Chief’s success. But, from my standpoint, it’s hard to generate excitement when all three models feel like existing models with catalog parts thrown at them. We’ll see whether American V-twin fans feel the same way when the new bikes hit showroom floors in February.
| 2025 Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus | 2025 Indian Sport Chief RT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $31,999 (Limited), $33,499 (Dark Horse) | $26,499 (base), $27,499 (Limited), $28,499 (Dark Horse) | $22,499 |
| Engine | 1,769 cc or 1,834 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, V-twin | 1,890 cc, air-cooled, four-valve, V-twin | |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, belt | ||
| Claimed horsepower | 122 / 126 | N/A | |
| Claimed torque | 128 / 134 foot-pounds @ 3,800 / 3,600 rpm | 120 foot-pounds @ 2,900 rpm | |
| Frame | Cast Aluminum | Steel tube | |
| Front suspension | 43 mm inverted fork; 5.1 inches (130 mm) of travel | KYB 43 mm inverted fork; 5.1 inches of travel | |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock, adjustable for spring preload; 4.4 inches (114 mm) of travel | Dual Fox Piggyback shocks, adjustable for preload; 4.0 inches of travel | |
| Front brake | Dual Brembo four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with ABS | ||
| Rear brake | Brembo two-piston caliper, 298 mm disc with ABS | ||
| Rake, trail | 25.0 degrees, 5.9 inches | 28.0 degrees, 4.4 inches | |
| Wheelbase | 65.7 inches (1,668 mm) | 64.6 inches (1640 mm) | |
| Seat height | 26.5 inches (672 mm) | 27.0 inches | |
| Fuel capacity | 6.0 gallons | 4.0 gallons | |
| Tires | Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 front, 180/60R16 rear | Metzeler Cruisetec 130/60B19 front, 180/65R16 rear | |
| Claimed weight | 897 / 901 pounds (as shipped) | 806 / 808 pounds (as shipped) | 665 pounds (as shipped) |
| Available | February 2025 | ||
| Warranty | 24 months | ||
| More info | indianmotorcycle.com | ||
