Specced-up Indian Sport Chief RT cruiser promises punch and practicality for 2025

Indian Motorcycle are expanding their Chief cruiser line-up for 2025 with a new £21,495 Sport Chief RT model, which builds on the £20,295 standard Sport with uprated suspension, better audio, lockable saddle bags, and more.

“When we launched Sport Chief, we raised the bar for performance cruisers,” Indian’s Vice President, Aaron Jax said. “After observing the aftermarket landscape, our product team saw an opportunity to design a motorcycle that came standard with high-quality, factory components that were traditionally aftermarket add-ons.

“With Sport Chief RT, we’re adding custom-inspired componentry to create the ultimate package for riders looking to enhance style and add storage.”

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As with the standard Sport Chief, the RT comes powered by the Indian’s air-cooled 1890cc Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine, which now produces a claimed 115.1lb.ft of torque at just 3300rpm and comes paired with a six-speed gearbox and belt drive.

Performance is actually a touch down on the 2024 Sport Chief, which made a claimed 119.6lb.ft at a slightly lower 3200rpm – with three riding modes available consisting of ‘Sport’, ‘Standard’, and ‘Tour’.

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Outside of that, the RT adds a number of desirable accessories to the existing bike – designed to give a custom look without hours of additional design and fabrication after you’ve made your purchase.

Starting at the rear, there’s a set of 37-litre rigid, locking saddlebags, which is said to offer enough space to fit a full set of riding kit (minus the crash helmet). These come available in either a colour-matched, or textured black finish.

There’s also now room for two, with the inclusion of a new ‘2-UP High Bolster’ seat that can be added as an accessory across the Chief line-up. There’s a 127mm lip up to the flat pillion perch, nestled between the two practical luggage bags.

Focussing in on the riding position, the RT comes with forward mounted controls for comfort, and flat bars on 152mm machined risers. These are hidden behind a front quarter fairing, complete with a 165mm fixed front screen, and can be extended to 254mm risers if preferred. Completing the look is a 19in front and 16in rear wheel, fitted with Metzeler’s Cruisetec tyres.

Moving onto suspension, upside down KYB forks remains as before, however the rear a pair of compression and rebound adjustable Fox piggyback shocks with 23 clicks of adjustment.

These work in tandem with radially mounted four-piston Brembo front calipers and chunky 320mm discs.

Also available as an accessory is a new ‘PowerBand Audio Bluetooth speaker system, which mounts between the handlebar risers and fairing to provide sound from 65mm mid-range speakers, and a 100mm subwoofer.

Music can be controlled via the 101mm circular touchscreen TFT display, which can also be via switchgear buttons on the bars. This system also allows access to the various rider modes, with additional technology also consisting of keyless ignition, cruise control, ABS, LED lighting, a USB charging port, and more.