Indian’s liquid-cooled and overhead-cammed engine in its Challenger modified the sport amongst American V-Twin baggers when it was launched in 2020. The 108ci Indian Chieftain PowerPlus motor cranked out extra ponies than the air-cooled Milwaukee-Eights from Harley-Davidson.
The Challenger was aptly named, because it was supposed to confront the venerable Harley Highway Glide for supremacy within the battle of American baggers with frame-mounted fairings. In the meantime, Indian’s Chieftain and its air-cooled Thunderstroke V-Twin served as combatant for the massively widespread Road Glide and its handlebar-mounted fairing.
The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus takes all the nice bits of the Challenger and strips away the boxy fairing, changing it with a chiseled batwing-style fairing. After testing the brand new Chieftain and its Roadmaster stablemate in Nevada, we imagine Indian has constructed among the best baggers in America.
Vegas, Child! | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Indian flew us into Las Vegas to attend the media launch of the brand new Chieftain and Roadmaster. What occurs in Vegas, stays in Vegas, however there’s no comparable slogan for Lake Las Vegas, the resort neighborhood that served because the hub for the launch.
Occasions like these are all the time preceded by a rah-rah presentation with newsy successes trumpeted by firm officers. The introduction of the 1,250cc Scout platform final 12 months has given Indian the market-share lead within the midsize cruiser section for the primary time. On a associated notice, the 999cc Scout Sixty is Indian’s best-selling bike, with costs beginning at $9,999.
Associated: 2025 Indian Scouts Opinions
However we had been in Nevada to get seat time on the brand new Chieftain PowerPlus and its trunk-equipped Roadmaster sibling. Followers of air-cooled motors will probably be blissful to listen to that the Thunderstroke-powered Chieftain stays in Indian’s U.S. lineup, with costs beginning at $23,999. The Chieftain PowerPlus’ MSRPs start at $26,499, identically priced to the Challenger. Costs for the Roadmaster PowerPlus begin at $31,999.
The added price to get a PowerPlus Chieftain is offset by upscale gear, like its extra highly effective engine, an aluminum body, and premium Brembo brakes. The 108ci (1,768cc) PowerPlus churns out 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. The Thunderstrokes hit their torque peaks earlier, with the 116ci iteration twisting to 126 lb-ft at 2,900 rpm. Indian doesn’t state horsepower numbers for Thunderstrokes, but it surely’s someplace within the 80s.
Go Large! | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
When extra is extra, Indian is providing its PowerPlus in a brand new 112ci (1,835cc) model, the identical displacement as used within the King Of The Baggers racebikes to win the 2024 title. Whereas the 112’s peak numbers are solely marginally elevated (126 hp, 133 lb-ft), the torque band of the larger motor is crammed in in all places.
Should you wanna run with the large canines, there’s a $3,000 value to pay. The 112 is simply out there within the higher-end Restricted and Darkish Horse variants, which begin at $30,499. The larger motor will even be out there within the Challenger platform.
In a year-over-year MSRP comparability, the Challenger positive aspects the extra highly effective engine and new rider-safety techniques with the 112ci improve for a modest $500 improve in value. The 108ci Challenger Darkish Horse and Restricted fashions obtain $2,500 value cuts.
Complicating the worth equation is that each one PowerPlus 112 fashions embrace SmartLean Know-how with a 6-axis IMU to supply lean-sensitive traction management and ABS, plus hill-hold management, electronically linked brakes, and distant locking saddlebags.
The upscale variations of the Chieftain and Challenger additionally embrace a radar-based Rider Help Bundle with blind-spot and tailgate warnings, plus rear-collision warning lights that flash taillights when a automobile behind is approaching rapidly. It’s the primary system of its sort on an American-made bike.
The one remaining choice in Indian’s catalog is the extra highly effective Powerband audio system with rear audio system built-in into the saddlebag lids, which vaults the Chieftain’s totally loaded value to $31,749. A top-trim Roadmaster retails for $36,499.
First Impressions | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Seeing the brand new Chieftains parked subsequent to Challengers clearly illustrates their dramatically totally different appearances. Though mainly the identical below the pores and skin, the bar-mounted fairing of the Chieftain makes it look a lot lighter than the Challenger, regardless that the 842-lb Chieftain weighs solely about 10 lb much less. The Chieftain PowerPlus scales in about 20 lb heavier than the Thunderstroke model.
Throwing over a leg reveals a 26.5-inch seat peak shared with the Challenger and the Chieftain Thunderstroke. Steering geometry can be similar, with a 25-degree rake angle, 5.9 inches of path, and a 65.7-inch wheelbase. It feels massive, naturally, however not unwieldy, just like a Road Glide.
The Chieftain’s cockpit is centered by the acquainted 7-inch TFT touchscreen Indian has employed for a number of years, and it’s flanked by twin analog gauges for pace and rpm, with LCD data screens on the backside. This instrumentation was class-leading a couple of years in the past, but it surely seems to be dated compared to the sensible 12.3-inch full-color TFT show Harley has been utilizing on its latest baggers.
Silver State | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Nevada is an odd place. Vegas is dramatically overbuilt and glitzy, whereas many of the remainder of the state is barren and desolate. Lake Las Vegas is east of the town, and our experience adopted a northbound route that roughly paralleled Lake Mead on State Route 167.
The Chieftain felt at dwelling on these roads, cruising serenely with a V-Twin soundtrack rumbling under. The electrically adjustable windshield accommodates differing rider sizes and preferences, a characteristic unavailable on Harley’s Glides.
The controls are simple sufficient to decipher, a mix of handlebar buttons and the intuitive touchscreen TFT show, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, plus built-in navigation with real-time visitors updates. On the base of the windscreen is a cubby for a telephone with a USB-C plug for on-the-go charging.
The PowerPlus is nice, as we realized a few years in the past when evaluating a Highway Glide to Indian’s 108ci Challenger. Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight spits out extra grunt simply above idle speeds, however the PowerPlus dominates its rival as soon as previous 3,000 rpm and revs out with vigor the Harley can’t match. This benefit is even clearer with the 112ci PowerPlus between your legs. And for those who’re a rider who calls for smooth-shifting transmissions, the Indian’s quick and constructive throws will please whereas the Harley’s clunkier gearbox frustrates in relative phrases.
The blind-spot lamps are neatly built-in within the mirrors and illuminate when the bike’s radar senses a automobile in a possible blind spot. The radar unit is positioned atop the taillight bracket, and it could actually additionally warn about tailgaters with a notification on the TFT display. Conveniently, Indian permits riders to set the gap parameters of every or swap them off if desired. Identical for the system that may routinely flash taillights to autos touring too intently behind. Cruise management could be adjusted in 1-mph increments.
GEAR UP
Valley of Fireplace Crucible | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
A westward flip introduced us into the beautiful Valley of Fireplace State Park and a possibility to learn how the Chieftain performs on twistier pavement. The bar-mounted fairing doesn’t have a lot of an impact on steering quickness, however the weight of the fairing and its electronics and audio system makes the Chieftain extra ponderous than the Challenger at very low speeds and on uneven surfaces.
The Chieftain PowerPlus impresses when ridden at a sporting tempo, providing wonderful chassis composure from its stiff aluminum body and inverted fork. Toggling to the Sport experience mode delivers sharper throttle response and looser digital intervention than Customary or Rain modes. Metzeler Cruisetec rubber supplies loads of grip as much as the footboards dragging at 31 levels of lean angle.
Braking efficiency from the Brembo binders is superb for an enormous bagger, providing a agency lever and respectable suggestions. No worries in regards to the electronically linked brakes, as that system solely operates above 13 mph, so their actions are imperceptible.
Suspension efficiency is a step up from the Road Glide, with a half inch extra entrance journey (5.1 in.) and a big 1.5 inches additional rear journey (4.5 in.) from its shock, which presents hydraulic preload adjustment. The Roadmaster has electrical preload adjustment for the shock.
The Roadmaster | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
The totally dressed Roadmaster PowerPlus can be a fascinating improve over the Chieftain for touring over lengthy distances, and particularly if carrying a passenger. Its key asset is the trunk offering an extra 18 gallons of storage on prime of the saddlebags’ 32 mixed gallons. Pillions are handled to a soft backrest, footboards moderately than pegs, and a broader seat with a heating component and a cooling characteristic.
Pilots are also handled to a plusher and heated/cooled seat, heated grips, and extra expansive safety from the weather. The fairing lowers shelter legs, and the windscreen is way taller, capable of ensconce riders in calm air. Cruising alongside a abandoned Nevada freeway at 100 mph proved to be surprisingly stress-free behind the Roadmaster’s display. Vents within the fairing lowers present considerable airflow with a kick of a foot.
Whereas it’s a brilliant snug perch on which to inhale numerous miles, the Roadmaster feels considerably heavier than its Chieftain counterpart. Totally loaded with Powerband audio, it scales in at 937 lb. With the high-mounted trunk mixed with the audio componentry within the fairing, the Roadmaster’s top-heavy weight is loads to take care of, feeling particularly unsteady at low pace on gravel turnouts.
Fork-Mount vs Body-Mount | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Proponents of frame-mounted fairings just like the Challenger and Highway Glide endlessly gush about how they isolate weight and aerodynamic forces from the handlebar and steering axis.
They usually’re not fallacious. There have been a few occasions in blustery crosswinds after I felt the handlebar faintly waggle as aero forces meandered across the fairing. Additionally, low-speed maneuvering in tight areas requires some additional muscle to steadiness the burden of the audio system, instrumentation, and headlight that wishes to rotate across the bike’s steering head.
Alternatively, the Chieftain and its fashionable but traditional fairing look far prettier to my eyes than the blockier Challenger, and nearly all of respondents in a casual ballot of journalists shared the identical opinion. As we’ve all realized through the years, attraction can override easy logic. “The guts desires what it desires,” wrote Emily Dickinson, “or else it doesn’t care.”
Ultimate Evaluation | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Indian’s Challenger stirred up the bagger broth and emerged as the category chief amongst American baggers with frame-mount fairings, and the PowerPlus motor within the new Chieftain elevates its standing within the pantheon of baggers.
The 117ci Milwaukee-Eight within the new Road Glide Extremely (beginning at $30,749) has comparable torque to the PowerPlus, but it surely comes up about 20 horses wanting a full corral. Indian’s motor is keen to rev to its 6,500-rpm redline, whereas the M-8 runs out of breath on the best way to five,500 rpm.
Not all is ideal in Indian-land. The Chieftain’s instrument panel seems to be like yesterday’s information in comparison with the Harley’s, and for a $30K bike, we’d count on niceties like backlit switchgear.
However for a touring bike, the Chieftain’s electrically adjustable windscreen is a big benefit over the fastened display on Road Glides, and the additional compliance of the rear suspension interprets into larger consolation anytime roads flip bumpy. And the PowerPlus 112 surges with energy unavailable from Harley-Davidson.
So listed here are 4 questions that solely you possibly can reply: Would you like a less complicated air-cooled V-Twin or a extra highly effective liquid-cooled motor? Would you like a frame-mount or a fork-mount fairing? Would you like a fundamental bagger just like the Chieftain or a luxury-touring rig like a Roadmaster?
And, lastly, do you suppose a Road Glide is extra enticing than a Chieftain? In that case, Emily Dickinson can’t fault you for contemplating one. It’s an incredible period for bagger buying.
2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus 108 (112) Specs
- Base Worth: $26,499 ($30,499)
- Web site: IndianMotorcycle.com
- Guarantee: 2 yr., unltd. miles
- Engine Kind: Liquid-cooled, transverse 60-degree V-Twin, SOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
- Displacement: 1,768cc (1,835cc)
- Bore x Stroke: 108 x 96.5mm (110 x 96.5mm)
- Horsepower: 122 (126) @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm (133 @ 3,600 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/help moist clutch
- Ultimate Drive: Belt
- Wheelbase: 65.7 in.
- Rake/Path: 25.0 levels/5.9 in.
- Seat Peak: 26.5 in.
- Moist Weight: 842 lb (855 lb)
- Gasoline Capability: 6 gal.
