Ups
- Thunderstroke 116 engine puts out more than 120 pound-feet of torque
- Plush passenger seat with individual heat controls
- Adjustable electronic windshield
Downs
- Excess engine heat can still be felt at low speeds
- Steering can be slow when fully loaded
- Did we mention the 909-pound wet weight?
Verdict
A classically styled, luxury touring cruiser with all the cross-country two-up amenities you could want, including navigation, heated grips, and a premium audio system all powered by a grunty powerful V-twin.
Overview
Indian brings four versions of its luxury long-hauler to its 2021 lineup, starting with the least-expensive base model, the Roadmaster. All four are powered by Indian’s grunty Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine, and come with Indian’s Ride Command system to power infotainment and bike data, all accessible via a 7-inch touchscreen within the fairing. With 36-plus gallons of cargo space, heated grips and seats, and a push-button-controlled adjustable windshield, Indian looks to make its Roadmaster series the most comfortable option in the Grand American touring segment.
Updates for 2021
The Roadmaster and Roadmaster Elite first received the Thunderstroke 116 engine for the 2020 model year; there are no changes for 2021.
Pricing and Variants
For the 2021 model year you can choose from four Roadmaster models. The Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse start at $29,999, while the Roadmaster Limited has an MSRP of $30,749; trade up to the blinged-out, hand-painted (and limited edition) Elite model and it’ll cost you a hefty $38,999. Both the Elite and the base Roadmaster still wear the more curvy chrome-accented fork-mounted fairing and bigger fenders seen on past Indians, while the Limited and Dark Horse models have transitioned to a more angular, modern style with a streamlined fairing, briefer fenders, and sleeker saddlebags. (The Dark Horse and Limited models are equipped with Indian’s new ClimaCool heated and cooled seats for 2021.)
Competition
The V-twin luxury touring segment can be narrowed down to just a couple of big players in 2021; Harley, Indian, and Yamaha, all similarly configured and priced within a few thousand of each other. The Indian brings the largest engine in the group, with Harley’s Ultra Limited being just a touch (1,870cc) smaller (and cheaper), while Yamaha’s 1,854cc V-twin Eluder rings in at about $2K less than the American bikes.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All the Roadmasters are powered by the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 engine, which is said to deliver a whopping 126 pound-feet of torque at a ridiculously low 2,900 rpm (claimed). We haven’t tested the Roadmaster with this new engine just yet; the closest we’ve come is last year’s Indian’s Springfield Dark Horse model which recorded 102 pound-feet of torque and 82 hp on our dyno. On the bike, we cited the smooth power delivery and loads of torque available at crazy low revs, though we also mentioned the noticeable heat coming off the engine at low speeds or on hot days.
Handling
Previous tests with the older Roadmaster mentioned its neutral steering and planted feel, with high marks for its full coverage windshield as well.
Brakes
We’ve had good luck with Indian’s touring bike brake setup in the past, and with the Roadmaster’s dual-disc front and a single-disc rear brake arrangement (with ABS), we have no reason to think that would change, as the components are similar.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
No figures are available for real-world mileage on this model as equipped (we did record 35.9 mpg on the older 2016 Roadmaster with 111ci Thunderstroke engine).
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
With its low handlebar, wide seat and spacious floorboards, all Roadmaster models should fit the vast majority of riders comfortably. And thanks to the adjustable windshield, wind protection is easily customizable. Heated grips and seats (even for passengers) should make the long miles go by far more comfortably as well on colder rides.
Electronics
The Indian Roadmaster comes equipped with Indian’s proprietary Ride Command infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen and features Apple CarPlay integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, vehicle information, plus connected traffic and weather overlays. A 200-watt audio system with fairing and trunk speakers also come standard.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
You’ll get a two-year factory warranty on the Roadmaster which includes unlimited mileage.
Quality
The Roadmaster hangs its hat on attention to detail, and even on the base model you’ll find premium touches like a two-up quilted seat, chrome trim, LED lighting, and quality paint.
2021 Indian Roadmaster Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $29,999 |
| Engine: | 116ci (1,890cc) air-cooled V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke: | 103.2 x 113.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/belt |
| Fuel Delivery: | Closed-loop fuel injection w/ 54mm bore |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate assist |
| Frame: | Cast aluminum |
| Front Suspension: | 46mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Air-adjustable monoshock, preload adjustable; 4.5 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston caliper, dual 300mm discs |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston caliper, 292mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast; 17 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 130/80-19 / 180/60-16 |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.0°/5.9 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 65.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in. |
| Seat Height: | 26.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.5 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 909 lb. |
| Contact: | indianmotorcycle.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com