Indian Roadmaster [2015 - 2019]: A Timeless Testament to American Touring Mastery

Introduction

The Indian Roadmaster isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rolling monument to luxury, heritage, and engineering ambition. Introduced in 2015 as a revival of Indian’s iconic 1940s touring nameplate, this generation of Roadmaster (2015–2019) redefined what riders could expect from a premium touring machine. With its thunderous V-twin heart, lavish creature comforts, and unwavering focus on long-haul practicality, the Roadmaster carved a niche as a modern classic. After spending hours aboard this two-wheeled leviathan, it’s clear why it remains a benchmark for riders who demand equal parts nostalgia and innovation.

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Design & Presence: Classic Styling Meets Modern Flair

The Roadmaster’s design is a masterclass in balancing old-world charm with contemporary boldness. From its valanced fenders to the gleaming chrome accents on the exhaust, highway bars, and trunk rack, every detail nods to Indian’s storied past. Yet, the LED Pathfinder lighting—especially the illuminated front fender War Bonnet—adds a futuristic edge. The bike’s sheer size (2,656 mm/104.6 inches long) commands attention, but the flowing lines and two-tone paint options (like Steel Grey Smoke or Pearl White) prevent it from feeling brutish.

The 2019 model introduced adjustable lower fairing vents, letting riders tweak airflow without sacrificing weather protection. Meanwhile, the power-adjustable Horizon windscreen (raising up to 305 mm/12 inches) ensures a quiet cockpit, even at highway speeds. Storage is equally impressive: 37 gallons (140 liters) of lockable, weatherproof space across saddlebags, a trunk, and fairing compartments—enough for cross-continent adventures.

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Engine & Performance: Thunder Stroke 111 Dominates the Road

At the Roadmaster’s core lies the air-cooled Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin, a 1,811 cc (111 cubic inches) behemoth producing 161 Nm (119 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 RPM. This engine isn’t about top-speed bragging rights; it’s a low-end torque monster that shrugs off steep grades and fully loaded luggage. The throttle response is crisp, thanks to closed-loop fuel injection, and the exhaust note—a deep, syncopated rumble—never grows tiresome.

Paired with a smooth 6-speed transmission and belt final drive, the Roadmaster devours highways effortlessly. Cruising at 110 km/h (68 mph) in sixth gear, the engine loafs at 2,500 RPM, making it eerily relaxed for a pushrod V-twin. The 2019 update added rear cylinder deactivation, reducing heat soak in traffic—a welcome tweak for urban riding.

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Comfort: A First-Class Ticket for Rider and Passenger

Sliding into the Roadmaster’s saddle feels like settling into a leather armchair. The 673 mm (26.5-inch) seat height accommodates most riders, while the heated, Desert Tan leather seats (adjustable for both rider and passenger) are supportive for hours on end. Passengers enjoy adjustable floorboards and dedicated speakers, ensuring they’re as pampered as the pilot.

Heated grips (with 10 settings) and adjustable fairing vents let you fine-tune your microclimate, whether battling mountain chills or desert heat. The riding position is upright, with floorboards offering ample legroom, and the electrically adjustable windscreen eliminates buffeting. Even the suspension—119 mm (4.7 inches) up front and 114 mm (4.5 inches) at the rear, with air-adjustable rear preload—soaks up imperfections like a luxury sedan.

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Technology: Infotainment Done Right

The 2017–2019 models debuted Indian’s Ride Command system, a 7-inch touchscreen that remains one of the best interfaces in motorcycling. Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and a 200-watt audio system (with fairing and saddlebag speakers) are intuitive to use, even with gloves. The 2019 upgrade split the tweeters and mid-range drivers for richer sound, a boon for audiophiles.

Keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring, and cruise control come standard, but it’s the little touches—like a glovebox USB port or the trunk’s automatic release—that elevate the experience. The analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer) are elegantly integrated, avoiding the “video game dashboard” vibe of some competitors.

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Handling: Surprising Agility for a Titan

At 428 kg (943 lbs) wet, the Roadmaster isn’t light, but its low center of gravity and 25-degree rake make it shockingly manageable. The cast aluminum frame feels planted in corners, and the dual 300 mm front discs (with 4-piston calipers) provide confident stopping power. At low speeds, the weight is noticeable, but the hydraulic clutch keeps effort reasonable.

The 16-inch wheels and Metzeler Cruisetec tires strike a fine balance between stability and lean-friendly responsiveness. On twisty backroads, the Roadmaster leans deeper than you’d expect, though its 1572 mm (61.9-inch) height demands caution on off-camber turns. For a bike designed to dominate interstates, its backroad competence is a revelation.

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Competition: How the Roadmaster Stacks Up

The Roadmaster’s prime rivals include the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra and BMW K 1600 GTL. Here’s how it compares:

• Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra: Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine is smoother, but its 1,868 cc (114 cu in) V-twin trails the Roadmaster in torque (155 Nm vs. 161 Nm). The Electra Glide’s Boom! Box infotainment feels dated next to Ride Command, and its suspension lacks the Indian’s plushness. However, Harley’s aftermarket support is unmatched—a gap MOTOPARTS.store aims to close for Indian riders.

• BMW K 1600 GTL: BMW’s 1,649 cc inline-six is a tech marvel, delivering 160 Nm of torque at just 1,500 RPM. It’s lighter and nimbler than the Roadmaster, with optional adaptive headlights and dynamic traction control. But the BMW’s clinical precision can’t match the Indian’s soulful character or retro appeal.

The Roadmaster’s blend of heritage, comfort, and tech makes it the pick for riders who value emotional connection as much as performance.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Thunder Alive

The Thunder Stroke 111 is robust, but adherence to service intervals is critical:
- Oil Changes: Use SAE 20W-40 (5.2 liters/5.5 quarts with filter). Synthetic blends improve heat resistance.
- Belt Drive: Inspect every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) for tension (12–15 mm/0.5–0.6 inches deflection). Replace if cracked.
- Valve Adjustments: Hydraulic lifters eliminate manual adjustments—a major plus for DIYers.
- Tire Pressures: 2.5 bar (36 psi) front, 2.8 bar (41 psi) rear. Underinflation accelerates wear on heavy bikes.
- Brake Fluid: Flush with DOT 4 every two years.

Common upgrades from MOTOPARTS.store:
- High-flow air intakes to unlock hidden torque.
- LED auxiliary lights for better nighttime visibility.
- Custom exhaust systems to amplify the V-twin’s growl.

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Conclusion: The Open Road, Perfected

The 2015–2019 Indian Roadmaster isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. It proves that cutting-edge tech and old-school charm can coexist, offering a ride that’s as comfortable on Route 66 as it is on the Pacific Coast Highway. While rivals may excel in specific areas, none match its ability to turn every journey into an event. For riders who crave authenticity without compromise, the Roadmaster remains a crown jewel of American motorcycling—a machine that doesn’t just take you places, but makes the journey unforgettable.

Ready to elevate your Roadmaster? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of performance upgrades, luggage solutions, and styling accessories tailored for touring enthusiasts.

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Specifications sheet

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