Indian Pursuit Limited Premium Icon
I hesitantly write this article, as publishing these words means I have no good reason for hoarding the luxurious Indian Pursuit Limited Premium Icon press loaner any longer. Kindly delivered in early September, I’ve ridden a few thousand glorious miles since, and I’d still love to take more road trips on the Pursuit. But alas, every good thing must come to an end, and so I shall report my findings and hand over the key fob.
Plush and Powerful
The 917-pound bagger is powered by Indian Motorcycle’s mighty PowerPlus engine, a 108-cubic inch (1768cc) liquid-cooled, 6-speed V-twin with 122 horsepower and 128 foot-pounds of torque. With many of the same features as the 2020 Indian Challenger reviewed here, the Pursuit adds sublime passenger comfort, fairing lowers, and a huge rear topcase to make it better for touring.
The Indian Pursuit Limited starts at $34,999, and is loaded with ride-enhancing features, a chassis-mounted fairing, and plush amenities. The 2024 Limited now includes several features that are part of the 2023 Premium package you see here, including electronically adjustable rear suspension preload and integrated LED driving lights.
Have Bags, Will Travel—On Indian Pursuit
I’m no stranger to riding big heavy baggers. In fact, I recently thoroughly enjoyed the Pursuit’s top competitor, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide CVO. What I love so much about these motorcycles is the supreme comfort they offer. Besides being powerful and plush with the best protection from the elements, the convenience of having lots of lockable waterproof luggage is priceless to me. Indian's Pursuit offers an incredible 36-gallons of storage and tons of comfort features like cruise control, heated grips, large floorboards, super comfy seat, and an electronically adjustable windshield.
Creature Comforts
Indian's Pursuit Limited comes with a keyless remote system. That means no more digging around for your keys to start the bike. But you do need to use the fob to activate the locks on the bags.
In Pursuit of Fuel
The Indian Pursuit has a 6-gallon fuel tank—the standard for today's tourers. You can easily go 200 miles or more between fill-ups. Premium fuel is recommended, of course, and I averaged 37.36 mpg during my time with the Pursuit. This includes highway miles, moderately paced back roads, and a little stop-and-go commuting traffic.
Indian Ride Command and Navigation
Having spent a summer with the Indian Chieftain Limited a few years ago, I am familiar with Indian’s 7-inch touch screen and Ride Command system. Now with Apple CarPlay integration, I updated my account to include the Pursuit Limited’s VIN.
The first route I created for the Pursuit was to my friends’ house 138 miles away using the Ride Command web site. I investigated the map, placed some points in places that would take me on twisty backroads, and named my route. Since my app is synched to my account, it is also on my phone. Pairing my iPhone to the Pursuit, the routes instantly download.
I learned a lot on the first trip. When creating the route, I didn’t place my waypoints directly on the road I was traveling. I'd get close and continue on, but the nav kept glitching. Assuming it knows to bypass the waypoint is wrong. You have to “modify on the fly” and delete the waypoint. It is very distracting while riding, which means pulling over and wasting time.
Plethora of Display Options
The touchscreen display itself is easy to see without any glare. It’s supposed to work with gloves, but sometimes does not, depending on the gloves I’m wearing. During cold rides, I find myself adjusting the heated grips and seat frequently, and this can be frustrating (and dangerous) when it doesn’t work easily.
There are frankly too many menu options to list here. But suffice to say, there is a wealth of information available in the colorful display. You’ve got everything from tire pressure, service warnings, and suspension settings to navigation maps, audio playlists, ride modes, current ride info, temperature, fuel range, tripmeters, and so much more. And it is all customizable, so you see what you want to see.
You can cycle through the screens a few different ways: use your finger to swipe, press the buttons under the screen, or use the handlebar control buttons.
Managing the Big Bagger
I understand that the weight and bulk of touring baggers like the Indian Pursuit can be intimidating to even experienced riders. In fact, I even dropped the heavy bagger when practicing tight u-turns in a parking lot during a training class. Luckily, there was no damage, and I was able to continue practicing after lifting the beast.
For optimized control, the Indian Pursuit Limited is outfitted with three ride modes: Standard, Sport, and Rain. As someone who enjoys a spirited ride, you’d think I would enjoy the Sport mode. But I find the Standard mode to give me smoother control overall, and, honestly, I don’t ride this bike the same way I ride a sportbike. While the Pursuit is capable of testing the limits of a rider’s skill, I just haven’t been in a situation where I want to ride it that aggressively. So I don't use Sport mode much. Rain mode, however, helps with slow-speed parking lot control.
Smart lean technology is now standard equipment on the Pursuit, which, in essence, is cornering traction control. You don’t even know it’s there until you really need it (when you lose traction in a lean.) The technology kicks in along with ABS, working to keep you upright.
Rockin’ and Rollin’
Speakers all around—two in the front fairing, two on the lowers, and two within the passenger backrest—keep you rocking out while riding. The 200-watt audio system includes AM/FM, and Bluetooth, and USB connections. There’s a USB port in the right side lower storage compartment for secure storage of a phone or MP3 player. The sound output works great for me (I prefer helmet speakers actually), but there is an optional upgrade which allows you to add speakers to the saddlebag lids.
Lighting the Way
Specs at a Glance: 2023 Indian Motorcycle Pursuit Limited
Engine Size: 108-inch (1768cc)
Seat Height: 26.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
Wet Weight: 917 pounds
2023 Colors: Black Metallic, Spirit Blue Metallic, Maroon Metallic/Crimson Metallic. Icon: Copper Metallic
MSRP: Starting at $34,999
WRN Recommendation
The Indian Pursuit Limited fills every wish list for the rider who wants to tour with top-notch comfort and tech. The Ride Command infotainment is chick full of info and easy to use and the customizable layout options offer something for everyone. A booming sound system, comfortable ergonomics, and tons of lockable hard bags will have you happily looking for the long way home every ride.
Visit IndianMotorcycle.com for more information.