Indian Motorcycle migrate more models to PowerPlus platform while also upping capacity to 1834cc

Indian Motorcycle are doubling their liquid-cooled PowerPlus V-twin touring family for 2025 by migrating the Chieftain and Roadmaster over from the air-cooled 1890cc Thunderstroke platform to join the existing Pursuit and Challenger models.

Further to this, the brand has upped the capacity of the 60-degree PowerPlus engine itself from 1768cc (108 cubic inches) to 1834cc (112ci) – a larger engine that was developed during the 2023 and 2024 King of the Baggers racing championships in America, which the factory went on to win last year for a record-breaking third time.

“More than a decade ago when we relaunched Indian Motorcycle, we made a commitment to innovation, just as our original founders did back in 1901,” Indian’s Vice President, Aaron Jax said. “Innovation powered their success, and it is still driving us today; and the expansion of our family of performance-oriented PowerPlus models is a perfect example.

“It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to innovating with features and options that enhance the riding experience for our customers and for generations of riders to come.”

Fitted with their new engines, the new Chieftain and Roadmaster weigh a claimed 382kg and 423kg respectively in running order, full of fuel.

• Related: 2022 Indian Pursuit launched, based on the Challenger

This is pulled along with a claimed 124.3bhp and 133.9lb.ft of torque at just 3800rpm and fed via a 22.7-litre fuel tank shared across all four models. Also shared is the mainframe, with all four models receiving a 25-degree rake and 150mm trail, plus a low seat height of just 672mm.

Indian themselves say that unlike a conventional pushrod twin, the new DOHC lump delivers power at any revs, in any gear to aid with overtaking – with three riding modes, rear cylinder deactivation, and cruise control all coming as standard across the family.

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Focussing in on the newest duo, the fresh engine is complemented by new handling components to bring them in line with the Pursuit and Challenger. Gone are the bulky non-adjustable telescopic forks from the previous Thunderstroke variants, to be replaced by a set of 43mm upside down stanchions with 130mm of travel, plus a monoshock with hydraulic preload adjustment at 114mm of movement.

On the Roadmaster and Pursuit models this is electronically adjustable, for quick setting changes via the TFT dash to accommodate a pillion or bulky luggage. Braking comes courtesy of a set of radially mounted Brembo calipers with 320mm semi-floating discs.

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Moving to the comfort stakes, the new Chieftain and Roadmaster further differ from the pre-existing PowerPlus duo thanks to their fork-mounted fairing design – fitted with an adjustable front windscreen with 100mm of movement.

On top of this, both heated and cooled seats are also available, with the over 140-litres of luggage space fitted to the fully dressed Pursuit and Roadmaster. Optional extras include an adaptive LED headlight.

PowerPlus cruiser tech explored

The new PowerPlus models are about far more than big engines and straight-line cruising, with an advanced array of electronics onboard to enhance your rides.

For 2025, the line-up will make use of a new six-part Rider Assist set-up, controlled via a 178mm touchscreen display. The features are as follows:

• Bike Hold Control This holds the bike on an incline for up to three minutes by maintaining brake pressure on its own
• Electronic Combined Brake System Braking is balanced across the front and rear calipers depending on rider input
• Blind Spot Warning A rear-only radar unit alerts riders of vehicles sat in their blind spot with warnings displayed with lights on the mirrors
• Tailgate Warning A notification will display on the base of the TFT alerting riders that vehicles are too close behind
• Rear Collision Warning Rear lights are used to alert vehicles behind that they are at risk of colliding with the bike, using data obtained by the radar
• Smart Lean Technology ABS and traction control are lean-sensitive to feed in the appropriate intervention for rider angle