model mashup that combines the Chieftain’ s fairing and the Challenger’ s liquid- cooled PowerPlus V- Twin. Also new this year, in addition to the 108ci( 1,768cc) version of the PowerPlus, Indian offers a 112ci( 1,835cc) version, the same displacement used in its KOTB racebikes( but certainly not tuned the same!).
Standard equipment on Indian’ s PowerPlus 112 models includes a 6- axis IMU with SmartLean Technology( lean- sensitive ABS and traction control), electronically linked brakes, hill- hold control, remote locking saddlebags, and the radar- enabled Rider Assist Package with blind- spot and tailgate warnings and rear- collision warning lights. Behind the fairing is a 7- inch touchscreen TFT display with Indian’ s Ride Command infotainment system, which includes an audio system, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, navigation with traffic updates, tire- pressure monitoring, and customizable displays.
When Harley- Davidson’ s Street Glide was updated in 2024, it lost weight, gained power, added rear suspension travel, and got a fresh look, with more modern, sculpted lines on its batwing fairing and saddlebags. Similar to the Indian, the Harley’ s standard Rider Safety Enhancements electronic package includes electronically linked brakes, cornering ABS, traction control, Drag Torque Slip Control, and hill- hold control. The Harley isn’ t available with radar-enabled safety features, but its 12.3- inch touchscreen TFT display is massive and includes customizable displays and infotainment capabilities like those on the Indian.
START YOUR ENGINES Although Harley’ s Milwaukee- Eight 117 V- Twin has liquidcooled cylinder heads and wins the displacement arms race – 1,923cc vs. 1,835cc for the PowerPlus 112 – Indian’ s fully liquid- cooled, higher- compression powerplant was dominant on Jett Tuning’ s rear- wheel dyno. As shown in the chart on page 17, the Indian outguns the Harley throughout the rev range, and its advantage increases with revs above 3,000 rpm. Peak figures for the Harley – 84.2 hp at 4,600 rpm and 112 lb- ft of torque at 3,200 rpm – are respectable, but the Indian blows them away: 110.6 hp at 5,500 rpm and 122.8 lb- ft at 3,400 rpm.
As with most modern motorcycles, these big baggers use throttle- by- wire to meter fuel and air, and selectable ride modes that adjust throttle response and other parameters are standard – Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom on the
AMERICANRIDER. COM | OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2025 | 13