Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, has announced its 2020 heavyweight lineup, packed with a host of new features and benefits. With the Thunder Stroke 116 (1901cc) engine now available in select models, a completely redesigned Ride Command system, and the introduction of the aggressively styled Roadmaster Dark Horse and redesigned Springfield Dark Horse, the Indian Motorcycle 2020 heavyweight lineup is bigger, better and badder than ever.
“The majority of these new features and upgrades are a result of our consistent communication with riders, listening to their feedback and incorporating it wherever possible in our ongoing product development efforts,” said Reid Wilson – Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “Today’s rider wants more power and expects cutting-edge technology, all packaged in a modern look that’s tough and aggressive. That’s exactly what we’re delivering in 2020.”
Thunder Stroke 116
For the first time in the company’s history, Indian Motorcycle will offer the Thunder Stroke engine in a 1901cc (116 cubic-inch) variation. Straight from the factory, the new 1901cc air-cooled V-Twin engine features a new high-flow cylinder head – delivering class-leading performance with 168Nm of torque. The Thunder Stroke 116 will now be standard in the majority of Indian Motorcycle’s lineup, including Springfield Dark Horse, Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain Elite, Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse.
Ride Command
For 2020, Indian Motorcycle introduces Ride Command with Connected Services – a completely redesigned version of its industry-leading infotainment system. Still measuring seven inches, with glove-touch technology, Ride Command features a new quad-core processor to provide the fastest infotainment experience available. New features include traffic and weather overlays, so riders can plan their ride to avoid traffic and poor weather conditions.
Additionally, Ride Command features Google-like, predictive destination search capabilities and improved customisable ride screens. Indian Motorcycle’s Ride Command is the industry’s largest, fastest and most-customisable infotainment system on two wheels.
Roadmaster Dark Horse
Drawing inspiration from the overwhelmingly successful Chieftain Dark Horse, the Roadmaster Dark Horse brings a modern and aggressive attitude to Indian Motorcycle’s premium touring motorcycle. With blacked-out finishes and just enough chrome to stand out from the 2020 lineup, the Roadmaster Dark Horse features a streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags, 19-inch front wheel with an open fender, an extended reach Rogue gunfighter seat, blacked-out engine and matte paint colour schemes. Powering this mean touring machine is the Thunder Stroke 116, while premium touring amenities abound, including a touring trunk, lower fairings, heated grips and a mid-adjustable windscreen.
Springfield Dark Horse
Following extremely positive rider feedback from the 2019 Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse that was launched at Daytona Bike Week, Indian Motorcycle is now offering a similar design package for the 2020 Springfield Dark Horse. While the Thunder Stroke 116 delivers unrivalled power, the bike gains an enormous level of attitude with slammed saddlebags, Rogue seat, 12-inch mini apes and premium blacked-out finishes.
Chieftain Elite
As it has with previous iterations, the Chieftain Elite is an ultra-premium bagger – combining style, technology and performance. For the first time in the Chieftain Elite’s history, the ultra-premium bagger will feature Indian Motorcycle’s modern and aggressive body styling, including the streamlined fairing and slammed saddlebags. The 2020 Chieftain Elite packs the Thunder Stroke 116 and Indian Motorcycle’s booming PowerBand Audio Plus system with integrated fairing and saddlebag speakers. PowerBand Audio produces crystal-clear sound that is 50% louder than Indian Motorcycle’s standard audio system. The 2020 Chieftain Elite’s premium styling includes a two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Candy paint with matching motor highlights and badging, Precision Machined Elite wheels, Pinnacle Mirrors, Select Rider Floorboards, and a Flare Windshield.
Furthermore, the complete 2020 heavyweight lineup features additional updates. Firstly, the Chief Dark Horse and Chief Vintage will now share the same chassis as the Springfield and Springfield Dark Horse. The result is improved handling and an adjustable rear suspension for both Chief models. Secondly, the Springfield and Chief Dark Horse will each come standard with a 17-inch front wheel for improved stability. Lastly, the 2020 Roadmaster receives a lighter weight and redesigned trunk rack for added style.
Words and Photos: Indian Motorcycle Press
