The Indian motorcycle's bagger series, specifically the Challenger And the Chieftain models are exceptionally comfy and extremely spacious motorcycles. For the 2025 model year of Indian motorcycles, Has upgraded all four of these massive highway cruisers with even greater power from its own. PowerPlus The vehicle features a 112 engine, enhanced usability through a refined user interface, and a somewhat limited set of radar-based safety systems. To be honest, the Indian Challenger had previously been my top choice within this category, particularly because of the PowerPlus 108 engine which offers silky-smooth power delivery at lower RPMs along with impressive performance when revving up—characteristics well-suited for its size class. Bump the displacement Give the motorcycle some extra oomph, maintain its sleek style and comfort even through winding roads, and I'll remain engaged. The competition between baggers is fiercer than ever, and Indian believes it has the perfect formula to go up against what Milwaukee offers as their top contender.
To simplify things for you, these two models essentially come down to a single motorcycle. The Chieftain represents the fork-mounted fairing variant within the PowerPlus lineup, whereas the Challenger stands as the fixed fairing counterpart. Each model includes both top-box and passenger backrest options designed specifically for touring purposes. called Roadmaster And pursuit, respectively. Up until recently, the Chieftain model came exclusively equipped with Indian’s air-cooled 92-horsepower Thunder Stroke Engine. While this variant still exists, the addition of the water-cooled Power Plus engine marks an innovation for the Chieftain series. Various additional features and customizable options also set these models apart; however, understanding them might be as murky as ever when considering everything together.
Full Disclosure: An Indian friend took me to Las Vegas, provided meals for me, and accommodated me in a luxurious hotel. Additionally, I enjoyed an exquisite day exploring the Valley of Fire State Park.
Read more: You would only drive these cars if they were free of charge.
What Are These Bikes?
The bicycles featured in these pictures that I'm riding are all high-end versions. with the optional larger The PowerPlus V-twin engine powers the Chieftain, which has an overall weight of 842 pounds when ready to ride. In comparison, a fully loaded Challenger equipped with a robust 400W audio system comes in at 860 pounds. This particular engine delivers impressive performance metrics—126 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque—which can easily be felt through the thick handlebars during acceleration. Thus, you won’t feel like you’re lacking power or desiring something lighter. While they may not excel as sharp cornering motorcycles, both models perform adequately well on winding routes beyond just straight stretches. Indeed, open highways cutting across scenic desert landscapes highlight their strengths best. Essentially, these bikes epitomize the spirit and vastness of the American West.
In my previous review of the Challenger, I commented, “The sturdy frame, excellent shock absorption, and powerful engine make the Challenger a flexible companion,” and I still hold true to this evaluation. You’ll definitely find the underside scraping the pavement long before anything else does, so it’s wise to drive cautiously within reasonable limits. This foundational design and suspension setup remains largely untouched, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it doesn’t require improvement.
I am certain that I would detect a distinction when riding the standard Chieftain compared to the one equipped with the PowerPlus motor. However, transitioning from the previous 122-hp Challenger 108 to the newer 126-hp Challenger 112 likely wouldn’t be noticeable. The primary purpose of those additional four horsepower is simply so you can mention that the engine in your motorcycle underwent development by India's championship-winning King of the Baggers racing squad Of course, it’s an additional $3,000, but ultimately, whether it’s worth it depends on your perspective. The Chieftain Dark Horse 112 that I tested comes with a price tag of $33,499, whereas the white Challenger Limited 112 costs just slightly less at $33,249.
What Do You Think About That Latest Technology?
The technology featured in these motorcycles is quite impressive. Since their introduction, the PowerPlus engine includes rear cylinder deactivation, helping to minimize excessive heating in the rider’s seating area when stopped at traffic lights or in congested conditions. As expected, the pre-existing Bosch six-axis IMU manages the motorcycle’s traction control and leansensitive anti-lock braking system, along with enabling a launch control feature. Included among the familiar features are three adjustable riding modes and an advanced touchscreen interface compatible with Apple CarPlay.
In the 2025 lineup, Indian has introduced a "Rider Assist Package," incorporating several radar-based safety features into their touring motorcycles—a significant development. Among these enhancements are hill hold control and integrated electronic braking systems, making rides smoother and safer. However, one major innovation lies within a small black module situated between the motorcycle’s rear turn indicators. This compact device equips the bike with blind-spot detection technology, using indicator lights on the mirrors to signal unseen vehicles nearby. While checking your surroundings before switching lanes remains crucial, this technological feature—commonplace in automobiles for years—is highly beneficial for monitoring surrounding traffic. Moreover, this same sensor supports a rear collision alert mechanism, causing the vehicle's taillights to blink as a cautionary measure against fast-approaching vehicles. Ideally, such alerts can divert the attention of potentially preoccupied drivers long enough to avoid crashing into you from behind.
The question I will ask daily for the remainder of my days is why India omitted a front radar sensor. This motorcycle, priced above $30,000, is designed as a touring model meant for extended trips on highways—exactly where radar-assisted cruise control would excel. Previously, I have experienced this Bosch-developed technology during rides on several motorcycles. The Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak more than four years ago. , and The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, priced under $20,000. There's ample room inside the large fairings of these motorcycles to accommodate a forward-looking radar sensor, and they have enough premium pricing to conceal cutting-edge technology upgrades. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson has not implemented this feature yet, and Indian Motorcycle is consistently aiming to surpass their competitor with innovative additions.
Thirty-three and a half thousand dollars is quite a hefty sum to plop down for a motorcycle, regardless of which one. As I have mentioned previously, I struggle to appreciate the worth of touring motorcycles, yet I must admit that each mile spent sitting in that saddle brings me immense pleasure. Should you happen to be affluent, somewhat naive, or an avid long-distance rider seeking a bike designed for comfortable and stylish cross-country travel, perhaps you could rationalize this expense, and chances are you would feel satisfied with your choice.
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