Indian Roadmaster: The Pinnacle of American Touring Luxury
Introduction
In the realm of premium touring motorcycles, the Indian Roadmaster stands as a symbol of luxury, heritage, and unmatched comfort. Built by Indian Motorcycle, the oldest motorcycle brand in America, the Roadmaster is more than just a machine — it’s a statement of prestige and performance on two wheels. Designed for riders who crave long-distance touring without sacrificing style or convenience, the Roadmaster delivers an exceptional blend of old-school charm and modern-day innovation.
Heritage and Evolution
The Roadmaster name isn’t new — it traces back to 1947 when Indian Motorcycle first introduced a fully loaded touring machine under this iconic badge. After decades of silence, the name was resurrected in 2015 under Polaris Industries' ownership of Indian Motorcycle. Since then, the Roadmaster has seen continuous upgrades, evolving into one of the most advanced touring motorcycles on the planet.
Indian has refined the Roadmaster year after year to respond to changing rider needs, integrating cutting-edge technology while preserving its classic American cruiser styling. Today’s Roadmaster is a modern marvel that combines power, comfort, and connectivity in one cohesive package.
Design and Styling
Classic Cruiser Aesthetics
At first glance, the Indian Roadmaster exudes timeless cruiser appeal. Its large front fairing, generous chrome accents, sculpted fenders, and leather seats harken back to a golden age of American motorcycling. Despite its vintage styling cues, everything about the Roadmaster is engineered with modernity in mind.
Color and Finish Options
Indian offers the Roadmaster in several premium paint schemes each year, ranging from traditional black and silver finishes to striking two-tone colors like Maroon Metallic/Crimson Metallic or Spirit Blue/Metallic Gold. The hand-painted touches and premium finishes contribute to its upscale presence.
Attention to Detail
From illuminated Indian logos to chromed crash bars and gloss-coated luggage compartments, every inch of the Roadmaster reflects a commitment to craftsmanship. The front fender still features the iconic lighted "War Bonnet" — a tribute to Indian's historic styling.
Engine and Performance
Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin Engine
The Indian Roadmaster is powered by the Thunderstroke 116 engine — a 1,890cc (116 cu in) air-cooled V-twin that produces 126 ft-lbs of torque. This engine delivers effortless acceleration, even with a full touring load, and provides plenty of low-end grunt for highway cruising.
Key Performance Features:
Displacement: 1,890cc
Torque: 126 ft-lbs @ 2,900 RPM
Transmission: 6-speed manual with overdrive
Final Drive: Belt
Ride Modes
The Roadmaster comes with three selectable ride modes — Tour, Standard, and Sport — allowing riders to tailor the throttle response and power delivery to suit different riding conditions. Whether cruising through city streets or overtaking on highways, the Roadmaster offers adaptable performance.
Handling and Suspension
Despite its size and weight (around 900+ lbs wet), the Roadmaster feels surprisingly nimble thanks to its cast aluminum frame and telelever-style front suspension. The front uses a telescopic fork with 119mm of travel, while the rear is a single shock with air adjustment, optimized for comfort under load.
Comfort and Touring Capability
Tour-Grade Comfort
The Roadmaster is purpose-built for long-distance travel. The plush heated and cooled seats, ergonomically designed handlebars, and adjustable passenger floorboards make it an ideal companion for multi-day road trips. Riders can adjust the electric windshield with the touch of a button to reduce wind buffeting and improve visibility.
Cargo Space
The Roadmaster offers more than 140 liters of storage, including hard saddlebags and a spacious top trunk that can accommodate two full-face helmets. The integrated luggage system is waterproof and lockable, ensuring that gear stays secure and dry.
Passenger Amenities
Your pillion passenger isn’t left behind when it comes to comfort. The Roadmaster provides heated passenger seating, armrests, and integrated audio controls. Passengers can ride in first-class comfort for miles on end.
Technology and Infotainment
Ride Command System
At the heart of the Roadmaster’s tech suite is the Indian Ride Command system, displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash. It includes:
Navigation with real-time traffic and weather updates
Bluetooth and USB connectivity
Apple CarPlay® support
Voice command capabilities
Vehicle diagnostics and ride stats
Audio System
Touring and tunes go hand in hand. The Roadmaster features a premium 200-watt audio system with high-output speakers in the fairing and top trunk, providing crystal-clear sound even at highway speeds.
Smart Features
Keyless ignition
Cruise control
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Rear cylinder deactivation (for reduced heat in traffic)
Remote locking saddlebags and trunk
Safety and Rider Aids
Indian has equipped the Roadmaster with several rider-assist features to ensure maximum safety during touring.
ABS and Linked Braking
The Roadmaster’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) is linked between the front and rear, improving braking stability and reducing stopping distances, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces.
LED Lighting
All-around LED lighting, including a powerful LED headlamp, taillights, and turn signals, ensures high visibility in all conditions. The LED driving lights also improve road illumination at night.
Smart Lean Technology (Select Models)
In some recent trims (such as Roadmaster Limited and Roadmaster Dark Horse), Indian includes Smart Lean Technology, which uses a Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) to provide lean-sensitive ABS and traction control.
Variants and Special Editions
Indian Motorcycle offers several trim levels for the Roadmaster:
Roadmaster Classic – With leather-wrapped saddlebags and a nostalgic look.
Roadmaster Limited – More streamlined with blacked-out components and high-gloss paint.
Roadmaster Dark Horse – A stealthy version with matte paint and modern styling elements.
These trims cater to different rider personalities — whether you prefer chrome, classic leather, or blacked-out modern looks.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance
The Indian Roadmaster delivers a respectable fuel economy of around 35–40 mpg (6.7 L/100km), considering its large engine and touring focus. It features a 20.8-liter fuel tank, giving it a highway range of over 300 km before refueling.
Maintenance intervals are reasonable, and Indian offers a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, demonstrating their confidence in the bike’s build quality.
Pricing and Value
As a luxury touring machine, the Roadmaster doesn’t come cheap. Pricing typically starts around $30,000 USD and climbs depending on the trim and accessories. However, considering its features, build quality, and ride experience, many riders consider it a worthwhile investment for serious long-distance riding.
Popular Optional Accessories:
LED underglow lighting
Rider backrests
Heated grips
Luggage rack extensions
Custom floorboards
Comparisons: Indian Roadmaster vs Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited
The most obvious competitor to the Roadmaster is the Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Indian Roadmaster | Harley Ultra Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Thunderstroke 116 (1,890cc) | Milwaukee-Eight 114 (1,868cc) |
| Torque | 126 ft-lbs | 122 ft-lbs |
| Infotainment | Ride Command 7" touchscreen | Boom! Box GTS 6.5" |
| Ride Modes | 3 modes | 1 standard |
| Rear Cylinder Deactivation | Yes | Yes |
| Air-Cooled | Yes | Yes |
| Base Price | ~$30,000 | ~$32,000 |
The Roadmaster generally edges out in terms of value, ride tech, and comfort options — although brand loyalty often plays a major role in rider choice.
Who Should Buy the Indian Roadmaster?
The Roadmaster is ideal for:
Long-distance riders who value comfort and wind protection.
Couples looking to tour together in luxury.
Cruiser enthusiasts who want classic styling with modern tech.
Riders stepping up from mid-sized touring or cruiser models.
It’s not meant for aggressive riding or lightweight city commuting. This is a machine built for highways, scenic routes, and open-road adventure.
Conclusion
The Indian Roadmaster is arguably one of the most refined and capable touring motorcycles on the market. With a rich history, stunning craftsmanship, and an impressive array of features, it elevates long-distance riding to an art form. Whether you’re carving through the Rockies, traversing the Midwest, or cruising along the coast, the Roadmaster offers an experience that few bikes can match.
For riders who dream of clocking thousands of miles in style, comfort, and power — the Indian Roadmaster isn’t just an option. It’s a destination in itself.
