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11 Best Indian Motorcycles for Long Rides (With Pictures)

The contemporary Polaris-engineered Indian Motorcycles are among the most refined American cruisers ever produced.

Therefore, it’s only natural to want to ride that puppy as far as you can for as long as possible.

That said, Indian motorcycles come in various packages, some intended for track or city riding, others more suited for long-distance travel—this article lists the 11 best Indian motorcycles for long rides, highlighting their engine sizes, comfort factor, and luggage capacity.

1. Indian Roadmaster

An automatic windshield, infotainment-system equipped with a fairing, highway bars, heated grips, and lower body leg protectors makes the Roadmaster the quintessential Indian motorcycle for long-distance rides. Below are some of the technical specifications:

  • Storage: 36+ Gallons Remote Locking Storage

Engine & Drivetrain

    • Bore x Stroke: 4.063″ x 4.449″ (103.2mm x113mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 11:1
    • Displacement: 116 cu in (1,890 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
    • Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 126 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 2,900 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

    • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gals (20.8 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 5.5 in (140 mm)
    • GVWR: 1,385 lbs (628 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 31°
    • Overall Height: 55.7 in / 1415 mm
    • Overall Length: 104.6 in (2,656 mm)
    • Overall Width: 40.2 in (1,022 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
    • Seat Height: 26.5 in (673 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 877 lbs (398 kg) / 909 lbs (412 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 65.7 in (1668 mm)
    • Standard Equipment: 7 in display powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay integration; Power Windshield; Driving Lights; Highway Bars; Vinyl Seats (Separate Rider/Passenger Heat Controls); Heated Grips; Adjustable Passenger Floorboards; 36.2 Gallons of Storage; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags & Trunk; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 200 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port

2. Roadmaster Dark Horse

The Dark Matte finish and more powerful Thunderstroke 116 CI engine make the Roadmaster Dark Horse a stylish bike for long-distance touring.

Key Specifications

    • Engine Type: 6 Speed Thunderstroke Air Cooled 116 cu in V-twin
    • Peak Torque: 126 ft-lbs
    • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 Gallons
    • Storage: 36+ Gallons Remote Locking Storage
    • Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay® Integration, navigation, traffic, and weather overlays.

3. Indian Pursuit Limited

Indian Motorcycle - Pursuit Limited

35+ gallons of storage via locking hard bags, a rear trunk, and total body protection make the Indian Pursuit Limited a premier choice for long rides. Key specifications include:

Engine & Drivetrain

  • Bore x Stroke: 4.251 in x 3.799 in (108 mm x 96.5 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
  • Displacement: 108 cu in (1768 cc)
  • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
  • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel Injection / 52mm dual bore
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled PowerPlus
  • Exhaust: Split Dual exhaust w/ Resonator
  • Horsepower: 122 HP
  • Peak Torque: 128 ft-lbs
  • Peak Torque RPM: 3800 rpm
  • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.379:1
  • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

  • Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gal (22.7 L)
  • Ground Clearance: 5.4 in (137 mm)
  • GVWR: 1,385 lbs (628 kg)
  • Lean Angle: 31°
  • Overall Height: 56.8 in (1,444 mm)
  • Overall Length: 102.7 in / 2609 mm
  • Overall Width: 39 in (990 mm)
  • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
  • Seat Height: 26.5 in (672 mm)
  • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 877 lbs (398 kg) / 912 lbs (413 kg)
  • Wheelbase: 65.7 in (1,669 mm)
  • Standard Equipment: 7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Navigation and Apple CarPlay integration; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; Cruise Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Remote-locking Hard Saddlebags & Trunk; 35.8 gallons of storage; Highway Bars; Adjustable Passenger Floorboards; Brembo brakes; ABS: Keyless Ignition; Chassis Mounted Fairing; Power Windshield; Adjustable Fairing Air Flow Vents; Heated Grips; 200 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weatherband; 12V Charging Port.

4. Pursuit Limited Premium

The Pursuit Limited is excellent for long rides in harsh weather, thanks to the lower leg, windscreen protection, and heated seats.

Key Specifications

    • Engine Type: 6 Speed PowerPlus Liquid Cooled 108 cu in V-twin
    • Horsepower: 122 hp
    • Peak Torque: 128 ft-lbs
    • Fuel Capacity: 6.0 Gallons
    • Storage: 35+ Gallons Remote Locking Storage
    • Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay® Integration, turn-by-turn navigation, and RIDE COMMAND+ connected services like live traffic and weather overlays

5. Indian Challenger

The Indian Challenger is a terrific choice for long rides, thanks to its comfortable riding position, large floorboards for the rider’s feet, and fixed fairing with a powerful, liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine that can run for hours without ever overheating.

Standard Equipment

7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND, Selectable Ride Modes, Locking Hard Saddlebags, Brembo brakes, 18+ Gallons of storage, ABS, Keyless Ignition, Chassis Mounted Fairing, Adjustable Fairing Air Flow Vents, Power Windshield, Adjustable Air Vents, 12V Charging Port

Engine & Drivetrain

    • Bore x Stroke: 4.251 in x 3.799 in (108 mm x 96.5 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
    • Displacement: 108 cu in (1768 cc)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel Injection 52mm dual bore
    • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled PowerPlus
    • Exhaust: Split Dual exhaust w/ Resonator
    • Horsepower: 122 HP
    • Peak Torque: 128 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 3800 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.379:1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

    • Fuel Capacity: 6.0 gal (22.7 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 5.4 in (137 mm)
    • GVWR: 1,385 lbs (628 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 31°
    • Overall Height: 53 in (1346 mm)
    • Overall Length: 98.5 in (2501 mm)
    • Overall Width: 39 in (990 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
    • Seat Height: 26.5 in (672 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 796 lbs (361 kg) / 831 lbs (377 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 65.7 in (1668 mm)

6. Challenger Limited

The Limited edition of the Indian Challenger equips more chrome than the original. It is even more prepared for long rides thanks to its live traffic and weather update capabilities, courtesy of the Ride Command+ package and Apple CarPlay integration. 

Make sure to also read our article about the best Indian motorcycles for beginners.

7.Indian Chieftain

The Chieftain is a short bagger with a Thunderstroke 111 engine, an oversized right wheel, 18 gallons of luggage capacity, and a fork-mounted front fairing that not only protects you from the wind of the open road but also provides Bluetooth connectivity and an immersive audio experience to keep you entertained for the long haul.

Standard Equipment

7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND; Power Windshield; Vinyl Gunfighter Style Seat; Selectable Ride Modes; Rear Cylinder Deactivation; ABS; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition; 100 Watt Audio System with AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible Input, and Weather band; 12V Charging Port

Engine & Drivetrain

    • Bore x Stroke3.976 in x 4.449 in (101 mm x 113 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
    • Displacement: 111 cu in (1,811 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 111
    • Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 119 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 3,000 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

    • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gals (20.8 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 5.1 in (130 mm)
    • GVWR: 1385 lbs / 628 kg
    • Lean Angle: 31°
    • Overall Height: 51.6 in (1310 mm)
    • Overall Length: 98.7 in (2,506 mm)
    • Overall Width: 40.3 in (1023 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.9 in (150 mm)
    • Seat Height: 25.6 in (650 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 791 lbs (359 kg) / 823 lbs  (373 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 65.7 in (1668 mm)

8. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

The Dark Horse edition of the Chieftain stocks a larger, 116 cubic inch, 1890cc version of the air-cooled Thunderstroke engine and blacked-out hardware and engine heads to make your long ride meaner and more powerful.

Key Specifications

  • Engine Type: Blacked-Out Thunderstroke Air Cooled 116 cu in V-twin
  • Peak Torque: 126 ft-lbs
  • Transmission: 6 Speed
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 Gallons
  • Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Apple CarPlay® Integration, navigation, traffic, and weather overlays

Considering how sophisticated these bikes are, you might want to know whether Indian motorcycles are still considered high-quality before buying one.

9. Springfield Dark Horse

The Springfield Dark Horse is one of the coolest-looking motorcycles to ride long-distance on without sacrificing comfort, thanks to its fully blacked out floorboards, monstrous 1890 cc V-Twin engine, locking saddle bags, and comfortable, vintage-cruiser riding position. 

If wind protection is a priority during your long-distance ride, you can swap the Dark Horse edition for the base model Springfield and trade in the 116 CI engine for the Thunderstroke 111 and lose the ape hangers in exchange for wide vintage-cruiser-style bars and a quick-release windshield.

Standard Equipment

18+ Gallons of Storage via Remote-Locking Hard Saddlebags, Vinyl Rogue Seat; Tire Pressure Monitoring; Light Bar; ABS, Selectable Ride Modes; Cruise Control; Keyless Ignition

Engine & Drivetrain

    • Bore x Stroke: 4.063 in x 4.449 in (103.2 mm x 113 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 11:1
    • Displacement: 116 cu in (1,890 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate, Assist
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 116
    • Exhaust: Split Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 126 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 2,900 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

    • Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gals (20.8 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 5.1 in (130 mm)
    • GVWR: 1,385 lbs (628 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 31°
    • Overall Height: 48.3 in (1226 mm)
    • Overall Length: 99.3 in (2,522 mm)
    • Overall Width: 38.3 in (972 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 25° / 5.2 in (133 mm)
    • Seat Height: 25.6 in (650 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 758 lbs (344 kg) / 790 lbs (358 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 67.0 in (1,701 mm)

10. Indian Super Chief

With smooth shifting and ample power, Super Chief is a great Indian model for long rides thanks to its stock windscreen, leather luggage bags, leg-stretching floor boards, ultra-refined Gear driven transmission, and Thunderstroke 111 motor.

Standard Equipment

9.7 Gallons of Storage via looking leather saddle bags, Ride Modes, Keyless Ignition, 12V Charge Port, Rear Cylinder Deactivation

Engine & Drivetrain

    • Bore x Stroke: 3.976 in x 4.449 in (101 mm x 113 mm)
    • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
    • Displacement: 111 cu in (1,811 ccs)
    • Drive/Driven Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
    • Electronic Fuel Injection System: Closed loop fuel injection / 54 mm bore
    • Engine Type: Air-cooled Thunderstroke 111
    • Exhaust: Dual Exhaust w/Cross-over
    • Peak Torque: 108 ft-lbs
    • Peak Torque RPM: 3,200 rpm
    • Transmission/Final Drive: 2.2: 1
    • Transmission/Primary Drive: Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Dimensions

    • Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gal (15.1 L)
    • Ground Clearance: 4.9 in (125 mm)
    • GVWR: 1,160 lbs (522 kg)
    • Lean Angle: 28.5°
    • Overall Height: 47.4 in (1,203 mm)
    • Overall Length: 90 in (2,286 mm)
    • Overall Width: 42.5 in (1,080 mm)
    • Rake/Trail: 29° / 5.2 in (132 mm)
    • Seat Height: 26.2 in (665 mm)
    • Weight (As Shipped / Running Order): 714 lbs (324 kg) / 739 lbs (335 kg)
    • Wheelbase: 64.0 in (1,626 mm)

If you’re a new rider, you might want to know how much Indian motorcycles weigh before choosing one.

11. Super Chief Limited

The Super Chief Limited is one of our top Indian moto choices for long rides.

It keeps the stripped-down aesthetic of the Chief and windscreen of the Super Chief, adding the Ride Command infotainment navigation system and the even more powerful 1890cc version of the Thunderstrike motor. 

Sources

2023 Motorcycles – New Indian Motorcycles

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