2018 indian roadmaster elite demo ride

[LTD]

On the way down to Galveston yesterday for the Lone Star motorcycle rally went by and saw an indian demo truck parked outside a dealership.  Next thing I knew I was riding  a $36,999 plus tax lets call it $40,000 Indian roadmaster elite.  I have to admit I was very impressed the roadmaster handled very well for such a big bike and tons of torque and speed. The one thing my 98 Valkyrie still has over it I never need to down shift almost ever to ride up hills or slowing down. Not so with this bike. Ultra smooth ride technology galore wind protection excellent but I would definitely need a back rest to ride long distance.  Indian has already matched Harley kind of mind blowing for just three years for the new Indian.  We will have to see whether they are able to sell enough bikes to stay in business Harley still rules the cruiser market big time. Was it worth it to spend $40,000 for this bike I would have to say yes.  Of course I cant come close to affording it but If I could swing it I would buy it.

[Rams]

Thanks for posting your thoughts and experience on the Indian. 

I'm not a real fan of the styling but, that is more about personal taste. 
To each their own.

[Raider]

Thanks for posting.  I've wanted to ride one of these, too, but haven't had the opportunity yet.

[art]

Watched a vedio this week about a trike like the CanAm . For my money I'd get this for $29000. A Vanderhall Venice. Goggle it,interesting.

[bscrive]

My cousin has a 2017 Chieftain and I can tell you that with the heat coming off the rear cylinder, these bikes will have major issues in later years.  When I drove his last spring the heat from the rear cylinder pretty much roasted my nuts.  Plus with the heat from the catalytic converter made this bike hard to ride.  I couldn't wait to get my bike back again.  I could never see my self riding one.  Not worth the money to me with 40 year old, air cooled engine, technology with a new led display.  And yes, the constant shifting was very annoying to me.    

I would put this bike in the crap pile with all other twins.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

My cousin has a 2017 Chieftain and I can tell you that with the heat coming off the rear cylinder, these bikes will have major issues in later years.  When I drove his last spring the heat from the rear cylinder pretty much roasted my nuts.  Plus with the heat from the catalytic converter made this bike hard to ride.  I couldn't wait to get my bike back again.  I could never see my self riding one.  Not worth the money to me with 40 year old, air cooled engine, technology with a new led display.  And yes, the constant shifting was very annoying to me.    

I would put this bike in the crap pile with all other twins.  

I thought they were water cooled, just made to look air cooled ?

[hubcapsc]

My cousin has a 2017 Chieftain and I can tell you that with the heat coming off the rear cylinder, these bikes will have major issues in later years.  When I drove his last spring the heat from the rear cylinder pretty much roasted my nuts.  Plus with the heat from the catalytic converter made this bike hard to ride.  I couldn't wait to get my bike back again.  I could never see my self riding one.  Not worth the money to me with 40 year old, air cooled engine, technology with a new led display.  And yes, the constant shifting was very annoying to me.    

I would put this bike in the crap pile with all other twins.  

I thought they were water cooled, just made to look air cooled ?

The Scout is watercooled...

-Mike

[3W-lonerider]

I took a chieftain with a csc trike kit on it this past summer. Only rode it about 1 mile. The insides of my upper legs were frying. As far as power i was impressed. Loved the trike.

[Alpha Dog]

That Elite paint of both the Roadmaster and Cheiftain is a hefty price tag on both machines, but quite handsome.

As for the heat issue one can purchase a Captain Itch thick leather heat shield that owners of these machines are reporting great success with.  Also some PVCX tuning to get more gas, will cool the engines more.    I know on my Cross Country there is way more heat than on the Valkyrie and I  think I will get a rear cylinder heat shield.

[bscrive]

That Elite paint of both the Roadmaster and Cheiftain is a hefty price tag on both machines, but quite handsome.

As for the heat issue one can purchase a Captain Itch thick leather heat shield that owners of these machines are reporting great success with.  Also some PVCX tuning to get more gas, will cool the engines more.    I know on my Cross Country there is way more heat than on the Valkyrie and I  think I will get a rear cylinder heat shield.

Alpha Dog,

It will only help YOU with the heat issue, but I believe that it will just make the rear cylinder crap out that much sooner.  That much heat built up and not able to escape will be an issue latter on.  You can get an aftermarket fan to blow air across the cylinder.  Your right leg will roast, but your left one will be fine.   

[Alpha Dog]

That Elite paint of both the Roadmaster and Cheiftain is a hefty price tag on both machines, but quite handsome.

As for the heat issue one can purchase a Captain Itch thick leather heat shield that owners of these machines are reporting great success with.  Also some PVCX tuning to get more gas, will cool the engines more.    I know on my Cross Country there is way more heat than on the Valkyrie and I  think I will get a rear cylinder heat shield.

Alpha Dog,

It will only help YOU with the heat issue, but I believe that it will just make the rear cylinder crap out that much sooner.  That much heat built up and not able to escape will be an issue latter on.  You can get an aftermarket fan to blow air across the cylinder.  Your right leg will roast, but your left one will be fine.   

I would think you are correct about the heat issue shortening the life of the engine. Of course with EPA mandates modern twins got leaner which I understand causes more heat.  V twin lovers do not seem to care about this issue. My good friend down the road owns a Harley repair shop and is kept very busy by rebuilding top ends at 50k miles and sometimes less.  Maybe Polaris built a better engine ( they for sure did with the Victory 106 line and simpler for do it your selfers ). No motorcycle engine will last like the Honda flat six, for sure.

[Prescott John]

My neighbor bought a 2018 Roadmaster a month ago and let me ride it.  I would have to say that I was impressed.  With the wife on the back, I could only get up to about 60mph (wife limit) on mountain roads.  The wife felt that the passenger seat was more comfortable than the Valkyrie.  I didn't notice a heat issue but then the temp was in the 60's.  There is lots of torque with a wide power band. Yes, I had to shift a bit, but then I do on the Valkyrie also.  Steering is lighter and quicker than the Valkyrie.  Handling is at least as good as the Valkyrie.  If I was in the market for a V-twin it would be at the top of the list, but I love my Valkyrie and shall keep her.

[The emperor has no clothes]

My neighbor bought a 2018 Roadmaster a month ago and let me ride it.  I would have to say that I was impressed.  With the wife on the back, I could only get up to about 60mph (wife limit) on mountain roads.  The wife felt that the passenger seat was more comfortable than the Valkyrie.  I didn't notice a heat issue but then the temp was in the 60's.  There is lots of torque with a wide power band. Yes, I had to shift a bit, but then I do on the Valkyrie also.  Steering is lighter and quicker than the Valkyrie.  Handling is at least as good as the Valkyrie.  If I was in the market for a V-twin it would be at the top of the list, but I love my Valkyrie and shall keep her.

John, I think you should go to Long Beach with Dave and Dennis. Put money on a new Wing. 

[Oss]

When we went to Americade earlier this year Gman and I rode some Indian motorcycles

I rode  a Chieftain with the leather bags and fairing and a Scout with no windshield   I think Gman rode the Chieftain and I cant remember which other model. He can say if he remembers.

Really liked the Chieftain, it seemed lower which was strange since it weighed more than my interstate and was quite easy to throw into the twisties, easier than the Valk but not as easy as the bmw

The Scout was not something I enjoyed  just spoiled by having a windshield I guess

But I could buy a brand new wing and a few used Valkyries for the price of one new Indian

Next year I hope to include the museum with 100 yrs of Indian's on my Columbus weekend fall ride agenda. Perhaps part of the Friday ride for those who can come up early !!

[LTD]

Bscrive theres no question the flat six Honda engine is superior to all engines as far as longevity. We really don't know how long the older Valkyrie limit is DDT is at what 600,000 and still running great on the original motor most older Valkyries collapse from not being ridden. But I have no doubt these indian thunderstroke motors will go well past a hundred thousand. The Victory 106 was bullet proof a great engine.  Polaris is doing it right.  But the new GoldWing?  Never thought I would say this but wow a thing of pure beauty Honda did it right on this one.  And yes I want one of those too!!

[rocketray]

yeah they did a flash thing to the wife's Cheiftain as the back pipe was blueing...still an awesome bike..compliments everywhere,,it does have a LOT of style..compliments at every gas stop...but since I have limited time to ride and care little for gas stops...the Valk w/open Viking header makes me feel like...sitting at a SCCA National event just listening to the machinery going by...and then our friend Leonard Janke would blow by in his McLaren.....