Indian Roadmaster 2018 — Specifications

Who remembers that the Roadmaster name first hit the road between 1947 and 1953? Indian resurrects this history-laden nameplate to crown its touring lineup, and to say the least, the 2018 Indian Roadmaster doesn't do things by halves. Built on the Chieftain platform, this Indian Roadmaster pushes the comfort and equipment bar well beyond what its predecessor offered. The stated goal: to challenge the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Limited on its own turf, with a compelling argument. Or rather 422 kg fully fueled, to be precise.

Beneath this chrome-laden cruiser beats a 1811 cc Thunderstroke 111 V-twin. The numbers speak for themselves: 84 horsepower and, more importantly, 151 Nm of torque from just 2100 rpm. Forget the horsepower race — torque runs the show here. This twin doesn't try to rev high; it prefers to push hard and low, like a locomotive diesel. The comparison is anything but derogatory: on a machine built to devour back roads and highways for hundreds of kilometers, this low-end generosity is a genuine asset. The belt drive and 6-speed gearbox round out a powertrain designed for the long haul, not the stopwatch. Top speed is rated at 180 km/h, more than enough for the mission at hand.

The Roadmaster's real playground is its equipment list. Since 2017, a 7-inch touchscreen sits front and center on the dashboard, housing the Ride Command system: GPS, audio, phone via Bluetooth, and vehicle data. The list of amenities doesn't stop there. Heated leather seat with separate rider and passenger controls, ten-level heated grips, power windshield, adjustable passenger floorboards, adjustable venting in the lower fairings. Add in tire pressure monitoring, keyless ignition, cruise control, ABS, full LED lighting, and three 12V outlets. The passenger travels like royalty, nestled against a leather-lined trunk that joins two hard saddlebags for a total of 143 liters of storage. That's comparable to what a Honda Gold Wing offers — the undisputed benchmark of the segment. The luggage locks remotely, a welcome detail when stopping in town. And chrome, everywhere: fork, luggage rails, front and rear highway bars, fender trim. The Roadmaster shines, literally.

Then there's the matter of the Indian Roadmaster price: €30,600 in 2018, placing it in the upper range of premium touring. At that price, you're getting a fully loaded machine delivered with a level of finish that some competitors charge extra for as options. For those seeking a used Indian Roadmaster, the 2015 to 2019 model years share a very similar technical platform and represent a serious alternative. The Indian Roadmaster Elite versions, with their special two-tone paint, add yet another layer of prestige for collectors. On the Indian Roadmaster accessories front, the aftermarket catalog is generous, from Indian Roadmaster covers to engine guard protectors and additional bag mounts.

This motorcycle targets a specific audience: the long-distance touring rider who wants to travel two-up in total comfort, with no compromises on equipment or presence. The modest 673 mm seat height reassures despite the imposing dimensions. The aluminum frame and air-adjustable rear suspension handle the extra weight without flinching. The Roadmaster is neither nimble nor light — nobody asks it to be. It's stable, protective, and loaded to the gills. A mechanical ocean liner that proudly claims its American heritage against Japanese and Milwaukee dominance. In this highly selective niche, Indian plays its hand with conviction.