Indian Roadmaster 2022 — Specifications

Who remembers that the Roadmaster name was already rolling on American roads between 1947 and 1953? Indian resurrected it to make it the flagship of its touring lineup, and the 2022 version of this Indian Roadmaster represents the culmination of several years of mechanical and technological evolution. Against the Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited and its Milwaukee Eight pushed up to 117 ci in the CVO version, the ThunderStroke 116 answers with its 1890 cc, 90 hp, and above all 170.9 Nm of torque available from just 2,900 rpm. This V-twin with two valves per cylinder, with its 103.2 mm bore and 113 mm stroke, doesn't try to rev high. It pushes hard, it pushes low, and that's exactly what's asked of it. The 11:1 compression ratio, increased in recent years, has improved efficiency without sacrificing the flexibility that defines this twin's character. On paper, 90 horsepower for 412 kg wet weight looks modest. In practice, that power is more than enough to push this ocean liner to a 180 km/h top speed, and it's really the torque availability that matters in everyday riding. Three riding modes — Tour, Standard, and Sport — let you adjust throttle response to suit your mood or the road ahead.

The Indian Roadmaster doesn't settle for a big engine and good-looking chrome. The Ride Command system, built around a 7-inch touchscreen, centralizes GPS navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, vehicle information, and a 200-watt audio system whose separate tweeters and dynamic equalizer adjust the sound based on speed. You might call that a gimmick on a motorcycle, but anyone who's ridden eight hours straight on a highway knows that music changes everything. Indian also thought about thermal comfort with vents integrated into the faired sides to ventilate the rider's legs when the temperature climbs, and a rear cylinder deactivation system at idle to limit heat buildup. Pragmatic solutions that Harley already offered on its Glide models, granted, but ones that were missing from the Indian catalog.

On the luggage front, the Roadmaster plays in the big leagues with 143 liters of total capacity, leather-lined top case included. That's nearly as much as a Honda Gold Wing, the absolute benchmark of the touring segment. The saddlebags lock remotely, the passenger enjoys adjustable footpegs and a heated seat with individual temperature control. The rider gets the same treatment, including ten-level heated grips. The electric windshield, cruise control, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, ABS on the dual front discs and single rear disc, full LED lighting — the list of standard equipment goes some way toward justifying the Indian Roadmaster price of €32,690. It's expensive, but the direct competition doesn't do better for less.

The cast aluminum frame houses a 46 mm telescopic fork up front and a pneumatically adjustable mono-shock at the rear. The 673 mm seat height and 1,668 mm wheelbase place this tourer very low, accessible even to shorter riders despite the considerable weight. The belt-driven six-speed transmission ensures quiet operation and reduced maintenance compared to a chain. The 140 mm ground clearance demands some caution in tight corners, but nobody buys a Roadmaster to attack mountain passes. Its playground is the endless highways, the cross-country crossings, the journeys where the ride matters as much as the destination.

Whether you're looking for a used Indian Roadmaster, a 2020 or 2021 Indian Roadmaster model, or considering this 2022 version brand new, the verdict remains the same: Indian has built a complete tourer, generously equipped, driven by an engine whose character and torque make you forget the modest power figures. It won't suit the rider in a hurry or the one counting kilos. It's made for the committed long-distance rider, the one who wants to go far in supreme comfort, lulled by the deep heartbeat of an American V-twin. In this very selective category, only the Harley Ultra Limited truly contests its place. And year after year, the race gets closer.