Indian PowerPlus 112 Motorcycles: New Performance for Touring and Cruising

Racing engineering and heritage design: Indian upgrades its V-twin baggers

By Sarah Schilke, WRN Co-chairwoman, Photos by Sarah Schilke and Indian Motorcycles

Indian PowerPlus 112 Motorcycles: A New Era of Performance, Technology & Design

The introduction of Indian Motorcycle’s PowerPlus 112 engine marks a significant advancement in the company’s commitment to performance and innovation. Evolving from its PowerPlus 108, which debuted in 2019, the PowerPlus 112 refines and enhances Indian’s liquid-cooled V-twin platform. The PowerPlus 112 delivers increased power, improved efficiency, and an even broader torque curve.

Indian Motorcycles PowerPlus 112 bikes
The new Indian PowerPlus 112 engine is featured in four of Indian’s touring models: (left to right) Roadmaster PowerPlus, Chieftain PowerPlus Limited, Challenger Limited, and Pursuit Limited.

Indian’s PowerPlus 112 family includes four distinct models, each offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and touring capability. Whether you’re looking for a classic bagger, a high-performance touring machine, or the ultimate long-haul cruiser, there’s a PowerPlus model to match your style.

Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited

2025 Indian Chieftain Powerplus
The 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus bagger is a modernized bagger that blends classic Indian styling with advanced performance. Featuring a redesigned fork-mounted fairing and an aggressive stance, the Chieftain PowerPlus maintains iconic American style while offering a powerful, commanding ride. This is the blacked-out Dark Horse version, which starts at $28,499.
2025 Indian Chieftain woman rider
In addition to the Sunset Red Metallic here, the Chieftain PowerPlus Limited is also offered in Black Metallic and Heavy Metal. MSRP starts at $30,499.

Indian Challenger Limited

2025 Indian Challenger
The Challenger is a high-performance bagger built for aggressive riders who want precision handling and sportbike-inspired acceleration. Colors include the Black Metallic shown here, Ghost White Metallic with Black Metallic, and Sunset Red Metallic. The Indian Challenger Limited starts at $30,499.
Sarah Schilke riding 2025 Indian Challenger
The 2025 Challenger’s frame-mounted fairing provides increased high-speed stability and easier low speed maneuverability. The sport-tuned suspension offers superior cornering and responsiveness.

Indian Pursuit Limited

Designed as the ultimate touring motorcycle, the 2025 Indian Pursuit Limited brings long-distance luxury and power together. It features premium comfort enhancements, including an adjustable windscreen, plush seating, and the largest storage capacity in the lineup.

2025 Indian Pursuit motorcycle
Shown here is the Pursuit Limited in Black Metallic. Additional colors include Maroon Metallic, Springfield Blue, and Heavy Metal with Black Metallic. The Pursuit is built for riders who demand both high performance and top-tier comfort. It starts at $34,999.

Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus 112

Indian brings you the pinnacle of luxury touring in the Roadmaster PowerPlus 112. This luxury touring machine features integrated heated and cooled seats, heated grips, an advanced infotainment system, and spacious locking saddlebags with 32.2 gallons of storage.

Indian Roadmaster Powerplus 112
Indian’s Roadmaster PowerPlus 112 is built for hardcore travelers who prioritize convenience, technology, and all-weather touring capability.
2025 Indian Roadmaster Powerplus 112 red
The Roadmaster PowerPlus 112 Limited is offered in Black Metallic, Sunset Red Metallic, and Spirit Blue Metallic and starts at $34,999.

PowerPlus Engine

The PowerPlus 108, found in earlier Indian Challenger and Pursuit models and still available, features a 1,768cc (108 cubic inch) displacement, producing 122 horsepower and 128 foot-pounds of torque. A big step in the American cruiser and bagger segment, the PowerPlus 108 introduced liquid-cooling, single overhead cams, and four-valve heads—technologies that outperformed traditional air-cooled V-twin engines.

Indian’s success in MotoAmerica’s Mission King of the Baggers series proves that the liquid-cooled V-twin platform has potential for even greater performance. Lessons learned from race bike research and development—such as improved cooling, power delivery, and durability—directly influenced the creation of the Indian PowerPlus 112 engine, bringing race-proven enhancements to consumer production models.

Indian Motorcycle Powerplus 112 engine
Indian never disappoints with its eye for design, and the PowerPlus 112 engine is as much a work of art as it is a force to be reckoned with. The PowerPlus 112 continues to use the 60-degree V-twin architecture. This configuration is intended to lower the center of gravity for improved handling and stability.

With an increased displacement of 1,835cc (112 cubic inches), the PowerPlus 112 produces 128 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. There is noticeably stronger acceleration, improved throttle response, and a broader powerband. This, along with refined liquid-cooling and a more advanced electronic control system makes the Indian PowerPlus 112 not only more powerful but also smoother and more efficient, maintaining Indian’s reputation for high-performance American V-twins.

riding Indian Powerplus 112 Challenger
The rigid-mounting of the engine directly to the frame results in a more direct feel of the performance for the rider. These refinements make the PowerPlus 112 a true race-inspired evolution. It brings track-level performance to the streets while maintaining the touring comfort Indian Motorcycles are known for.

Feel the Power

The smooth, powerful performance of the Indian PowerPlus 112 engine stands out immediately, delivering strong consistent torque throughout the entire powerband. Many traditional V-twins tend to drop off in power above mid-range rpm. The PowerPlus engine just keeps pulling all the way to the higher redline, keeping you engaged more than typical air-cooled cruisers. 

As a sportbike rider, I am impressed with how much usable power and smooth response these bikes deliver beyond 4000 rpm. The gearing is also well-placed, and I find these Indians are most fun in all environments in Sport mode. Personally, I only use Rain or Standard modes in inclement riding situations. The PowerPlus 112 maintains an effortless surge of acceleration with minimal vibration.

Racing Roots: Indian PowerPlus 112 Inspiration

Mission King of the Baggers Indian team
The development of the Indian PowerPlus 112 engine is deeply tied to Indian Motorcycle’s success in the MotoAmerica's Mission King of the Baggers racing series which consists of high-performance touring motorcycles. Indian’s Challenger-based race bikes prove that a liquid-cooled V-twin can deliver race-winning performance while maintaining durability and ridability.

Over the past several years, Indian has secured multiple championships in the series, refining the PowerPlus engine to withstand the rigors of competition. The knowledge gained from high-speed racing, aggressive cornering, and track endurance directly influences engine upgrades in the PowerPlus 112. Riders can enjoy the same power and responsiveness that Indian’s race teams use on the track. The result is a street motorcycle that delivers championship-level performance while maintaining the reliability and comfort expected from a touring platform.

Patricia Fernandez-West Indian Bagger
You might have heard of the King of the Baggers series because of Patricia Fernandez-West. She was the sole female competitor in the high-profile championship. In 2022, she rode the #87 Indian Challenger for the Saddlemen/Lloyd’z Garage team, helping push the team’s competitiveness in the evolving series.

Unleashing the Power: Indian PowerPlus 112 Engine

power curve - Powerplus 112 engine torque
One of the most noticeable improvements is the PowerPlus 112’s ability to maintain power deep into the rev range. The higher-than-usual redline allows riders to experience continued smooth, linear power delivery.

The fully liquid-cooled design enhances heat management, keeping the engine performing optimally while maintaining rider comfort. I did have an incident at a stop where I turned around with my whole body and my leg brushed a hot pipe. It only happened one time, but I sure wished I had a Hooligan Wrap to protect my leg at that moment!

Indian introduces combined electronic brakes on the new PowerPlus 112 motorcycles, optimizing braking balance between the front and rear wheels for a smooth and safe stop. Hydraulic and electronic preload adjustability allows riders to fine-tune rear suspension for optimal load balance. The Chieftain and Challenger have manual hydraulic rear preload adjustment, while the Pursuit and Roadmaster have electronic rear preload adjustment.

Heritage Meets Modern Innovation: Design and Comfort Upgrades

Indian Motorcycles’ design philosophy carefully merges classic aesthetics with modern aerodynamics and rider comfort. Each model in the PowerPlus family benefits from an aerodynamic fairing with an adjustable airflow system, directing crosswinds to improve cooling on hot days. A lightweight cast aluminum frame reduces overall weight, increasing stability and handling precision. 

The muscular stance of the PowerPlus motorcycles is inspired by American muscle cars. Each model in the family maintains a bold road presence while optimizing ergonomics for a comfortable riding posture.

Smart Tech for the Modern Rider

The PowerPlus family also introduces some impressive advanced rider-assistance technologies, designed to enhance safety and convenience. The 6-axis Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) provides improved stability, traction control, and braking precision. When activated, Bike Hold Control locks the brakes when stopped on inclines, preventing the bike from rolling backwards. 

Other safety features the rider can activate, such as Blind Spot Warning, Rear Collision Warning, and Tailgate Warning ensure that riders remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Each model also allows riders to customize safety settings in real-time, giving full control over the riding experience.

Indian motorcycle blind spot warning light on mirror
The Blind Spot Warning flashes an orange light on the inner edge of the mirrors to indicate an approaching or nearby vehicle or object.

Indian’s Rear Collision Warning includes a warning on the control panel for the riders as well as a flashing tail light for the approaching vehicle. I liked having all of the warning information on the control panel, reducing my need to constantly monitor the rearview mirrors to keep my focus up front.

Indian screen dash
The infotainment system features Indian’s 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, integrated navigation with real-time traffic updates. The screen is easy to read and responsive even with gloves on. Some of the icons close to the edges can be difficult to activate, but the main functions are located in the center.
Indian dashboard speakers
A premium PowerBand audio system delivers high-fidelity sound even at highway speeds. I don’t usually listen to music because I worry about helmet speakers inhibiting my ability to hear necessary sounds. So I had a great time listening to the music from the powerful 100-watt fairing speakers on the Challenger and Chieftain which I could hear well even at higher speeds. The Roadmaster and Pursuit get two additional speakers mounted in the trunk, providing a total 200-watt standard system.

Indian’s technology-first approach ensures the PowerPlus 112 motorcycles remain intuitive and easy to operate while providing cutting-edge safety and entertainment features.

Ride with Confidence and Comfort

The PowerPlus family provides an exhilarating riding experience, offering a sporty yet comfortable balance between power and agility. The low center of gravity and lightweight chassis of the Chieftain makes handling noticeably agile on the long open straights as well as the spirited twisties. 

Indian Chieftain powerplus woman rider
Riding the Chieftain PowerPlus 112 is an experience that blends sportbike-like performance with the comfort and presence of a heavyweight cruiser. Fork-mounted fairings like the ones on the Chieftain and Roadmaster can make steering feel heavier, but I find these bikes maneuver sweepers and tighter curves just fine. Surprisingly good clearance alleviates worries about scraping around turns.

Frame-mounted fairings on the Challenger and Pursuit offer better stability, especially at higher speeds. But fork-mounted fairings points the headlight in the direction of the steering, lighting up the path of travel earlier. Indian offers accessory Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlights for the frame-mounted fairings, which directs light into the turn.

The advanced suspension system and electronic preload adjustability allow for customized comfort, whether riding solo or with a passenger and cargo. The bikes' optimized ergonomics are intended to create a natural and relaxed riding posture, reducing rider fatigue on long journeys.

Woman riding Indian Challenger powerplus motorcycle
Ergonomically, all of the PowerPlus 112 motorcycles are well-balanced for performance riding. The slightly aggressive seating on the Challenger makes this bike fun in fast sweepers and surprisingly nimble in tighter turns.
seat height woman riding Indian Chieftain powerplus motorcycle
The seats on all four bikes are 26.5 inches and narrow enough to allow my 5-feet-4-inches a solid footplant, which you can see here on the Chieftain Limited. Yet, I worry about dropping the bike during low speed maneuvers, as they feel top-heavy at parking lot speeds and turn-arounds. Once moving, the low center of gravity and smooth throttle response help mitigate this, but riders transitioning from smaller cruisers may initially feel intimidated by the weight difference.

Make It Your Own: Customization Options for Performance, Controls, and Audio

Indian Motorcycles understands that each rider has unique preferences. The brand offers extensive customization options across performance, controls, and audio for its PowerPlus 112 family. Whether you want more power, enhanced comfort, or an upgraded sound system, Indian provides a wide range of factory-engineered accessories to personalize your ride.

Riders can tailor their ergonomics and ride comfort with various handlebar, seat, and control options. Multiple handlebar choices allow riders to adjust their riding position for better reach and comfort. Multiple seat options accommodate different rider heights and posture preferences.

Indian ClimaCommand seat
Indian’s stitched ClimaCommand heated seat is a luxury that spoils riders in extreme weather conditions. The ClimaCommand seat offers adjustable heating and cooling for both rider and passenger.

Rider and passenger backrests, adjustable floorboards, and different footpeg positions further allow for a personalized riding experience. Indian claims to have introduced these accessories based on customer feedback, making long-distance travel even more comfortable.

WRN Recommendation

The 2025 Indian PowerPlus 112 motorcycles cater to riders who want to upgrade to high-performance touring experience. For sportbike riders like myself, the four bikes are the closest thing to a “performance bagger” with classic American styling and touring capability.

Indian’s 2025 PowerPlus 112 family represents the company’s commitment to innovation, performance, and rider-focused engineering. These powerful motorcycles promise exhilarating power and cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s the aggressive performance of the Challenger, the luxurious touring comfort of the Pursuit, or the classic American style of the Chieftain and Roadmaster, these motorcycles stand out in the bagger and touring segment. The PowerPlus models perfectly blend American heritage with modern design, and are built with race-based performance to dominate the open road.

Specs at a Glance: Indian Motorcycle PowerPlus 112

2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus Limited
Engine Size: 1835cc
Seat Height: 26.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
Weight: 842 pounds
Colors: Black Metallic, Heavy Metal, Sunset Red Metallic (Additional colors available as special package)
MSRP: $30,499

2025 Indian Challenger Limited
Engine Size: 1835cc
Seat Height: 26.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
Wet Weight: 855 pounds
Colors: Black Metallic, Ghost White Metallic with Black Metallic, Sunset Red Metallic (Additional colors available as special package)
MSRP: $30,499

2025 Indian Pursuit Limited
Engine Size: 1835cc
Seat Height: 26.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
Wet Weight: 937 pounds
Colors: Black Metallic, Heavy Metal with Black Metallic, Springfield Blue, and Maroon Metallic (Additional colors available as special package)
MSRP: $35,749

2025 Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus
Engine Size: 1835cc
Seat Height: 26.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
Wet Weight: 933 pounds
Colors: Black Metallic, Sunset Red Metallic, Spirit Blue Metallic (Additional colors available as special package)
MSRP: $34,999

Learn more about Indian Motorcycles here.

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