News
New 2025 models from Indian Motorcycle
Powerplus-engined models get more power and tech while Sport RT expands options in Chief line-up
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 7 February 2025 | 0 min read
To those not familiar with American motorbikes it can seem a baffling sub-culture in itself, with its own vernacular of model types, brand names and the rest seemingly alien to those raised on European or Japanese bikes. Saying that, while clearly built for the big roads and wide open spaces of the US Indian Motorcycle still has a keen following here, and as well as launching the new entry-level Scout Sixty the firm has been busy updating and expanding its wider line-up with new engines, tech and accessories…
New Powerplus family
Indian Motorcycle’s range of big V-twins divides between the trad air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 (1,890 cc in new money) and this freshly updated version of the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112. Capacity is up from the previous Powerplus 108 from 1,768cc to 1,834cc with the 126 horsepower and chunky 181Nm exploitable from a wider rev range thanks to input from the team running Indian Motorcycle’s successful campaign in the King of the Baggers race series. Because, yes, improbable as it sounds even big V-twin American tourers can be turned into racing bikes!
Effectively replacing the Thunderstroke 116 motor on European models, the 2025 Powerplus 112 family comprises the Chieftain bagger and its Roadmaster touring equivalent with their bar-mounted fairings, as well as the Challenger bagger and Pursuit tourer that differ for their more substantial frame-mounted bodywork. All can be had in blacked-out Dark Horse or chrome-trimmed Limited forms. Still with us at the back?
Tech has also been updated on all 2025 model year PowerPlus models, the existing SmartLean cornering ABS and traction control now joined by standard fit hill hold, electronic brake force balancing and alerts for blind spots, tailgating and potential rear collisions if traffic behind you is closing too fast.
Tech has also been updated on all 2025 model year PowerPlus models, the existing SmartLean cornering ABS and traction control now joined by standard fit hill hold, electronic brake force balancing and alerts for blind spots, tailgating and potential rear collisions if traffic behind you is closing too fast.
New Chief Sport RT and Super Chief Dark Horse
Fancy a more cruiser-style Indian Motorcycle? You’ll be wanting the air-cooled, Thunderstroke-powered Chief in that case, the range expanding with new options including the Sport RT and Super Chief Dark Horse.
Off the back of customer demand the Chief Sport RT gets new locking hardcase panniers with 37 litres of storage space and a new ‘2-Up High Bolster Seat’ for more comfort while retaining the sporty silhouette. Inverted and fully adjustable KYB forks and adjustable Fox rear suspension units meanwhile put the sport into the Sport RT in terms of handling prowess, all things relative. The Super Chief Dark Horse meanwhile goes for a meaner, more traditional vibe with its fully blacked out look from front to back, the old-school looks backed up by modern tech including rider modes, keyless ignition, a touch-screen display and keyless ignition.
Off the back of customer demand the Chief Sport RT gets new locking hardcase panniers with 37 litres of storage space and a new ‘2-Up High Bolster Seat’ for more comfort while retaining the sporty silhouette. Inverted and fully adjustable KYB forks and adjustable Fox rear suspension units meanwhile put the sport into the Sport RT in terms of handling prowess, all things relative. The Super Chief Dark Horse meanwhile goes for a meaner, more traditional vibe with its fully blacked out look from front to back, the old-school looks backed up by modern tech including rider modes, keyless ignition, a touch-screen display and keyless ignition.
