Indian has updated its line of Thunder Stroke-powered models, and is offering a larger engine as standard in specific machines.
The move may seem surprising to some, as Indian’s new liquid-cooled Challenger touring bike is expected to be unveiled any day now. However, it seems Indian is not ready to move away from its air-cooled Thunder Stroke platform yet.
Instead, Indian has doubled down, making the new Thunder Stroke 116 engine standard in Springfield Dark Horse, Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain Elite, Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse models. As the name indicates, this is an air-cooled 116 cubic inch V-twin (1890 cc), with a revised high-flow cylinder head. Indian says it makes 126 lb-ft of torque, but did not list horsepower figures.
The Thunder Stroke 116 has a bigger bore than the previous 111 version of the engine, but stroke remains the same.
Indian also made lots of noise about its updates to its Ride Command system. Onboard infotainment is becoming increasingly important to cruiser manufacturers, and as such, Indian’s press release (full text below) says the Ride Command infotainment system “now features a new quad-core processor to provide the fastest infotainment experience available. New connected features include traffic and weather overlays, so riders can plan their ride to avoid traffic and poor weather conditions.”
Aside from that, Indian has announced minor changes (new bodywork and paint, different front wheel sizes) for the rest of its Thunder Stroke lineup. As well, the Chieftain Elite model is back for 2020 (it took a year out of the lineup), with PowerBand Audio Plus system, with speakers integrated into the saddlebags and fairing, which is 50 per cent louder than the standard Indian audio system, supposedly.
For more details on Indian’s 2020 machines, see the release below.
Press Release
BIGGER, BETTER & BADDER – LARGER ENGINES, NEW TECH & AGGRESSIVE STYLING HIGHLIGHT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S 2020 THUNDER STROKE LINEUP
Thunder Stroke 116 Engine Now Standard in Select Models,
Ride Command Features Traffic & Weather Overlays,
New Roadmaster Dark Horse & Redesigned Springfield Dark Horse Feature Modern Aggressive Styling
Chieftain Elite Returns with Two-Tone Paint, Upgraded PowerBand Audio System & Premium Amenities
MINNEAPOLIS (September 10, 2019) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced its 2020 Thunder Stroke lineup, packed with a host of new features and benefits. With the Thunder Stroke 116 engine now available in select models, a completely redesigned Ride Command system, and the introduction of the aggressively-styled Roadmaster Dark Horse and redesigned Springfield Dark Horse, the Indian Motorcycle 2020 Thunder Stroke lineup is bigger, better and badder than ever.
“These new features and upgrades are a result of our consistent communication with riders, listening to their feedback and incorporating it into our ongoing product development efforts,” said Reid Wilson – Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “Today’s rider wants more power and expects cutting-edge technology. That’s exactly what we’re delivering in 2020.”
Thunder Stroke 116
For the first time in the company’s history, Indian Motorcycle will offer a 116 cubic-inch Thunder Stroke engine in select models. Straight from the factory, the new 116 cubic-inch air-cooled V-twin engine features a new high-flow cylinder head that delivers class-leading performance with 126 ft-lbs of torque. The Thunder Stroke 116 is now standard on the Springfield Dark Horse, Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain Elite, Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse.
Ride Command with Connected Services
For 2020, Indian Motorcycle introduces exciting updates to their Ride Command system with Connected Services – a completely redesigned version of its industry-leading infotainment system. Still measuring seven inches, with glove-touch technology, Ride Command now features a new quad-core processor to provide the fastest infotainment experience available. New connected features include traffic and weather overlays, so riders can plan their ride to avoid traffic and poor weather conditions.
Additionally, Ride Command features intuitive destination search capabilities and improved customizable ride screens. Indian Motorcycle’s Ride Command is the industry’s largest, fastest and most-customizable infotainment system on two wheels.
Roadmaster Dark Horse
Drawing inspiration from the overwhelmingly successful Chieftain Dark Horse, the Roadmaster Dark Horse brings a modern and aggressive attitude to Indian Motorcycle’s premium touring motorcycle. With blacked-out finishes and just enough chrome to stand out from the 2020 lineup, the Roadmaster Dark Horse features a streamlined fairing, slammed saddlebags, 19-inch front wheel with an open fender, an extended reach rogue gunfighter seat, blacked-out engine and matte paint color schemes. Powering this mean touring machine is the Thunder Stroke 116, while premium touring amenities abound, including a touring trunk, lower fairings, heated grips and a mid-adjustable windscreen.
Springfield Dark Horse
Following extremely positive rider feedback from the 2020 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Springfield Dark Horse that was launched at Daytona Bike Week, Indian Motorcycle is now offering a similar design package for the 2020 Springfield Dark Horse. While the Thunder Stroke 116 delivers unrivaled power, the bike gains an enormous level of attitude with slammed saddlebags, rogue seat, 12-inch mini apes and premium blacked-out finishes.
Chieftain Elite
As it has with previous iterations, the Chieftain Elite is an ultra-premium bagger – combining style, technology and performance. The 2020 Chieftain Elite packs the Thunder Stroke 116 and Indian Motorcycle’s booming PowerBand Audio Plus system with integrated fairing and saddlebag speakers. PowerBand Audio produces crystal-clear sound that is 50% louder than Indian Motorcycle’s standard audio system. The 2020 Chieftain Elite’s premium styling includes a two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Candy paint with matching motor highlights and badging, precision machined elite wheels, pinnacle mirrors, select rider floorboards, and a flare windshield.
Furthermore, the complete 2020 Thunder Stroke lineup features additional updates. First, the Chief Dark Horse and Chief Vintage will now share the same chassis as the Springfield and Springfield Dark Horse. The result is improved handling and an adjustable rear suspension for both Chief models. Secondly, the Springfield and Chief Dark Horse will each come standard with a 17-inch front wheel for improved stability. Lastly, the 2020 Roadmaster receives a lighter weight and redesigned trunk rack for added style.
Pricing and color options for each 2020 Thunder Stroke model is as follows:
Chief Dark Horse, starting at $18,499: Thunder Black Smoke
Chief Vintage, starting at $19,999: Thunder Black; Willow Green over Ivory Cream
Springfield, starting at $20,999: Thunder Black; Burgundy Metallic over Titanium Metallic
Springfield Dark Horse, starting at $22,499: Thunder Black Smoke; Sagebrush Smoke; White Smoke
Chieftain, starting at $21,999: Thunder Black; Titanium Smoke (with Thunder Stroke 116)
Chieftain Classic, starting at $25,499: Thunder Black; Deepwater Metallic over Dirt Track Tan
Chieftain Dark Horse, starting at $27,999: Thunder Black Smoke; Ruby Smoke; Titanium Smoke
Chieftain Limited, starting at $27,999: Thunder Black Pearl; Radar Blue; Thunder Black Pearl with graphics package
Chieftain Elite, starting at $34,999: Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Red Candy
Roadmaster Dark Horse, starting at $28,999: Thunder Black Smoke; White Smoke; Ruby Smoke
Roadmaster, starting at $29,999: Thunder Black; Burgundy Metallic; Pearl White over Titanium Metallic with black pinstripe; Titanium Smoke over Thunder Black Smoke with silver pinstripe
Indian Motorcycle’s 2020 lineup of performance accessories for the Thunder Stroke 111 and Thunder Stroke 116 significantly modify the overall look, sound, and performance of each engine. The stage 1 slip-on exhaust, available in black or chrome, improves sound for both the Thunder Stroke 111 and Thunder Stroke 116. Indian Motorcycle’s new stage 1 oval slip-on muffler kit and stage 1 performance air intake together increase horsepower by 4% with the Thunder Stroke 111 and 8% with the Thunder Stroke 116. By adding the stage 2 performance cams, riders will gain 13% more horsepower when compared to a stock Thunder Stoke 111. The Thunder Stroke 116 stage 2 performance kit, which includes cams, higher flowing fuel injectors and throttle body, produce a 17% horsepower boost when paired with both Stage 1 accessories. Riders can also upgrade any Indian Motorcycle model packing the Thunder Stroke 111 with its Thunder Stroke 116 stage 3 big bore kit, which produces 20% more horsepower when compared to a stock Thunder Stroke 111.
For riders looking to add additional passenger accommodations, Indian Motorcycle offers headdress passenger floorboard pads for added cushion to combat road vibration and match the currently available headdress rider floorboard pads, 12-inch quick release passenger sissy bar and a new, more modern-styled passenger backrest pad. Additionally, Indian Motorcycle will offer 12-inch ape hanger handlebars for all Chief and Springfield models.
