Indian Roadmaster Elite 2018 — Specifications

Who could possibly need 422 kilos of motorcycle, a 1811 cc V-twin, and a 23-karat gold badge on the tank? The same enthusiasts who, for decades, have been writing five-figure checks at Harley-Davidson to treat themselves to a CVO. Except that in 2018, Indian decided to play on that turf with the Roadmaster Elite, and the result deserves a closer look. Priced at 37,990 euros, this Indian Roadmaster Elite doesn't just pile options onto an already generous touring platform. It claims a status — that of a hand-painted flagship where every detail exudes artisanal craftsmanship. The two-tone paint, the polished chrome on the fenders, the Pinnacle mirrors, the chrome-plated handlebar controls: everything works together to place this machine in a class of its own, that of beautiful American cruisers that never apologize for their excess.

Beneath this ceremonial attire, the Thunder Stroke 111 does its job without faltering. Its 84 horsepower won't impress anyone on paper, especially compared to the 150 Nm of torque available from just 2,100 rpm, which tells the real story of this engine. This big twin isn't chasing raw performance. It pushes, it pulls, it rolls through the miles with a smoothness that only a large-displacement American engine can deliver. Top speed caps out at 180 km/h, which is more than enough when you're piloting a liner designed to swallow highways at a leisurely pace. The cast aluminum frame, telescopic fork, and air-adjustable mono-shock absorb the weight without flinching, even if the 140 mm ground clearance demands a minimum of caution through tight corners. The belt drive and six-speed gearbox round out a package built for comfort, not aggression.

On the equipment front, the spec sheet borders on absurd given how comprehensive it is. Electric windshield, heated seat and grips, cruise control, keyless ignition, a 300-watt audio system to drown out the twin's purr under your favorite tracks. The 17.8 cm Ride Command screen centralizes GPS navigation, Bluetooth, music, and onboard functions. The passenger gets armrests, which says a lot about this machine's philosophy: ride long, ride well, want for nothing. The low seat height of 673 mm reassures despite the imposing dimensions, and the 20.8-liter tank allows for decent stretches without hunting for a gas station at every highway exit.

The real question with the Roadmaster Elite is its positioning against the direct competition. Through the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, Indian continued to refine the formula, but the foundation remains identical: an ultra-equipped tourer stepping squarely onto the turf of the Harley-Davidson CVO Limited and Road Glide CVO. The price of an Indian Roadmaster Elite puts it in the same financial waters, and the choice between the two camps now comes down as much to aesthetic sensibility as to brand loyalty. On the used market, 2018 and 2019 examples are starting to circulate at more accessible prices, making this proposition even more appealing for anyone seeking a premium tourer without breaking the bank.

This motorcycle is aimed at a specific audience: the experienced long-distance rider, a lover of wide-open roads, who wants to travel in absolute comfort without sacrificing presence. It's neither a beginner's machine nor a track weapon. It's a 422-kilo rolling lounge that fully embraces its purpose. And in this very particular niche of luxury touring, the Roadmaster Elite proves that Indian no longer has anything to envy from anyone.