Indian Roadmaster revealed

This weekend will see Indian – America’s first motorcycle company – unveil the latest addition to their growing Chief range, a full-spec tourer named Roadmaster.

Intended as the new benchmark in V-twin luxury tourers, it will make its public debut on August 2 at the 74th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, alongside a new Victory (both firms are owned by Polaris Industries), and what MCN believes to be another all-new addition to the Indian family, widely rumoured to return the world-famous Scout name to the reborn brand’s line-up.

Roadmaster again draws on the firm’s heritage, the name being originally used on Indians in production from 1947-1953, and which was also a comfortable long-range touring bike.

The 2015 Roadmaster comes fully-loaded to deliver Indian’s most luxurious new Chief model to date, and to squarely compete against Harley-Davidson’s range-topping £21,395 Electra Glide Ultra Limited.

“It has truly been a privilege and an honour for our team to be a part of motorcycling history in designing and reintroducing the Roadmaster, which has such a legendary reputation as the king of luxury touring bikes,” said Steve Menneto, VP of Motorcycles for Polaris Industries.

“The quality, craftsmanship, performance and standard feature set on this bike is simply unmatched in the luxury touring segment.”

Amongst the highlights is an expansive array of hard luggage totalling nearly 143ltrs of weatherproof carrying capacity. The dual, hard-sided saddlebags and a roomy quick-release, carpet-lined top box all feature remote locking for security and convenience.

There’s increased legroom to add comfort for the rider, and adjustable passenger floorboards.

The Roadmaster uses the well-proven Thunder Stroke 111 engine found in the existing Chief range – a 49-degree, air-cooled V-twin with 6-speed overdrive gearbox. There’s no shortage of chrome on the new tourer either.

The fork, luggage rack, front and rear highway bars, fender tips, and just about anything else that can be, is chromed, which the paint options are: Thunder Black, Indian Motorcycle Red, and a two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red/Ivory Cream.

The Roadmaster will arrive in dealerships in late 2014, and will be first seen in Europe at the massive Faaker See festival in Austria, between 2-7 September. The UK price has not yet been set, but will be announced in early October.

Highlights
Electronically adjustable screen
Genuine Leather Desert Tan heated seats
Heated grips featuring ten temperature settings
Lower fairing with adjustable airflow
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Chrome front and rear highway bars
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Keyless ignition
Remote saddlebag and trunk locks
Triple power ports
LED Lighting throughout
Electronic cruise control
Advanced infotainment system offering communication, navigation, and telephone
Bluetooth capability for hands-free multi-device connectivity