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Indian Roadmaster: a luxurious touring motorcycle, engines and what to know when buying
Indian Roadmaster — since 2015, the largest and best-equipped Indian touring motorcycle with a fixed fairing, saddlebags and a rear trunk. We look at the versions, engines and what to check when buying a used one.
Roadmaster in brief
Roadmaster — the Indian luxury class touring motorcycle designed for very long two-up journeys. It features a front fairing, saddlebags, a large rear trunk with a pillion backrest and plenty of comfort features.
Compared to the Chieftain, it's even larger and better equipped, hence heavier and more expensive.
Versions
Most commonly found are the Roadmaster, Roadmaster Classic, Roadmaster Dark Horse (black finish), Roadmaster Limited and Roadmaster Elite. They differ in finish, colours, wheels and equipment.
As the equipment varies by year, when buying check the specific motorcycle's specification.
Engine and gearbox
Fitted with the Thunder Stroke 111 (approx. 1811 cc) V-twin air-cooled engine, and in later versions the larger Thunder Stroke 116 (approx. 1890 cc). The gearbox is a six-speed manual.
The motorcycle comes with ABS, cruise control, a touchscreen with navigation and a sound system; higher-spec versions also feature heated seats and grips.
What to check when buying a used Roadmaster
Check the service history, oil changes and engine condition. Large V-twin engines can overheat in the city, so listen out for any unusual noises.
Test all the electronic features: the screen, sound system, heating, cruise control, rear box and its lock. Check for any error messages.
Inspect the chrome, paint, and boxes for corrosion or repairs, as well as the tyres, brakes, and suspension — heavy use will wear these parts out faster.
Generations and trims
Trims vary by market and year; here we outline the main versions.
Roadmaster / Classic
From 2015 onwardsClassic trim with chrome accents.
- Thunder Stroke 111 engine
- Front fairing and rear box
- Side boxes
Roadmaster Dark Horse
Later yearsBlack trim and a sportier style.
- Dark trim
- Often — black wheels and details
- Often — additional electronics
Roadmaster Limited / Elite
Later yearsHigher-end versions with maximum equipment.
- Often — heated seats and steering wheel
- Often — special colours
- Often — distinctive trim
Roadmaster versions compared
| Classic | Dark Horse | Limited / Elite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For classic car enthusiasts | For those who love a dark style | For maximum comfort |
| Engine | 111 | 111 or 116 | 111 or 116 |
| Trim | Chrome | Black | Distinctive |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€€ |
If you like classic styling, go for the Classic; if you prefer something more modern, choose the Dark Horse; if comfort is your top priority, opt for the Limited or Elite.
Pros
- Top-notch comfort for two-up riding
- Rear luggage compartment and plenty of storage space
- Powerful engine
- Luxurious features
Cons
- Very heavy weight
- Expensive maintenance costs
- Difficult to manoeuvre in the city
Frequently asked questions
How does the Roadmaster differ from the Chieftain?
The Roadmaster has a rear luggage compartment with a passenger backrest and more comfort and features, while the Chieftain doesn’t, making it lighter and simpler.
Is the Roadmaster suitable for two-up touring?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for that: it has a comfortable passenger seat with a backrest and plenty of storage space.
Which category do you need?
The Roadmaster is a high-performance motorcycle that requires an A category licence.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
