Indian Roadmaster Top Speed, Specs & Review
TL;DR
- The Indian Roadmaster has a top speed of approximately 115 mph, based on independent instrumented testing by Top Speed (2023) and owner-reported data.
- The Thunderstroke 116 engine produces 92 hp at the crank (Indian Motorcycle, claimed) and approximately 76-80 hp at the rear wheel, based on dyno results reported by Rider Magazine (2021) and owner forum testing.
- Torque is 126 lb-ft at 2,900 rpm – a number that arrives low enough to feel like a wall of force from second gear onward.
- The 2026 Indian Roadmaster starts at $34,999 MSRP; the limited-production Elite tops the range at $41,999.
- This is a full-dress touring bike built for long-haul two-up comfort, not lap times – weight is real, confidence on the highway is earned.
Indian Roadmaster Top Speed: What the Numbers Actually Say
The Indian Roadmaster’s top speed is approximately 115 mph under real-world conditions. Indian Motorcycle does not publish an official top speed figure. The 115 mph estimate comes from instrumented analysis by Top Speed (2023) based on gearing and redline, and is consistent with owner-reported GPS data across the Thunderstroke 116 generation. One owner forum post from Indian Motorcycle Forum (Australia) using the earlier Thunder Stroke 111 recorded a quarter-mile trap speed of 94.44 mph, which aligns with a top speed in the 110-115 mph range on the 111 – the 116’s additional displacement adds marginal top-end headroom.
At 800-plus pounds ready to roll, aerodynamic drag is a significant factor. The Roadmaster’s large fairing keeps the rider comfortable, but it is not a slippery shape. You’ll hit a soft wall of wind resistance in the 100-105 mph range that requires the engine to work. Speed above that is available, but this is a bike you’ll ride at 75-80 mph on the interstate, not one you’ll be hunting top end on.
Riders on the Indian Motorcycle Forum have reported that the stock ECU includes a speed limiter, with several noting that the system can be adjusted via a Power Vision tuner. With the limiter addressed and the windshield dropped, the 116 can reportedly approach 120-125 mph in ideal conditions.
| Speed Data Source | Top Speed Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed (2023), instrumented | ~115 mph | Based on gearing and rev limit |
| Indian Motorcycle Forum, GPS owner data | 115-120 mph | Varies by rider weight, load |
| Stage II modified (forum data, 2020) | 120-126 mph | Cams, air, exhaust added |
| Indian official statement | Not published | No factory figure exists |
Full Specs: 2025/2026 Indian Roadmaster
The specs below reflect the 2025/2026 Roadmaster Standard with the Thunderstroke 116 engine. The PowerPlus variant uses a different engine – see the note below the table.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Thunderstroke 116, air-cooled 49-degree V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement | 1,890 cc (116 ci) |
| Bore x Stroke | 103.2 mm x 113.0 mm (4.063 in x 4.449 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Claimed HP | 92 hp (crank, Indian Motorcycle claimed) |
| Rear-Wheel HP | ~76-80 hp (Rider Magazine dyno, 2021) |
| Peak Torque | 126 lb-ft @ 2,900 rpm (claimed) |
| Rear-Wheel Torque | ~105-106 lb-ft (Rider Magazine dyno, 2021) |
| Fuel System | Closed-loop EFI, 54 mm throttle body |
| Transmission | 6-speed, constant mesh |
| Final Drive | Carbon-reinforced belt, 152-tooth |
| Top Speed | ~115 mph (independent testing, Top Speed 2023) |
| 0-60 mph | Not officially tested; estimated 5-6 seconds for 116-powered models based on weight and power |
| Seat Height | 26.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 65.7 in |
| Wet Weight | ~876-890 lb (varies by trim) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.5 gallons |
| Front Suspension | 46 mm forks, 4.7 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Single air-adjustable shock, 4.5 in travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual 300 mm floating rotors, 4-piston calipers |
| Rear Brake | 300 mm floating disc |
| Front Tire | Metzeler Cruisetec 130/80-17 |
| Rear Tire | Metzeler Cruisetec 180/60-16 |
| MSRP (2026 Standard) | $34,999 |
| MSRP (2026 Elite) | $41,999 |
Note on the PowerPlus variant: The 2025 Roadmaster PowerPlus uses a liquid-cooled, four-valve-per-cylinder PowerPlus engine available in 108 ci (1,768 cc) or 112 ci (1,834 cc) form. Indian claims 126 hp and 133 lb-ft for the 112-ci version. If you’re comparing performance figures, confirm which engine you’re looking at.
Acceleration: What the Thunderstroke 116 Actually Delivers
Indian does not publish 0-60 or quarter-mile figures for the Roadmaster. Rider Magazine’s Jett Tuning dyno session with a 2021 Roadmaster Limited recorded 75.9 hp and 105.8 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, with peak torque arriving at just 2,000 rpm. The Roadmaster does not rev its way to speed – it pushes hard from barely off idle and sustains that push through the midrange, making 40-80 mph pulls in sixth gear feel effortless.
For the Thunder Stroke 111 predecessor engine, an owner quarter-mile test recorded 13.91 seconds at 94.44 mph (Indian Motorcycle Forum Australia, 2016). The 116’s additional displacement should improve slightly on that. A 13.5-13.8 second quarter-mile is a reasonable estimate for the Thunderstroke 116 Roadmaster, but no published instrumented test has confirmed this.
| Acceleration Data Point | Figure | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | Not officially published | No factory or instrumented test found |
| Quarter mile (111 engine, 2016) | 13.91 sec @ 94.44 mph | Indian Motorcycle Forum AU, owner test |
| Quarter mile (116 engine, estimated) | ~13.5-13.8 sec | Based on 111 baseline + displacement gain |
| Roll-on 40-60 mph (111 engine) | 4.9 sec | Indian Motorcycle Forum AU, 2016 |
Engine and Drivetrain: The Thunderstroke 116 in Practice
The Thunderstroke 116 is a 1,890 cc, air-cooled, 49-degree V-twin with pushrod-actuated overhead valves. The bore grew to 103.2 mm in 2020 to hit 116 cubic inches while satisfying tighter emissions targets. A closed-loop fuel injection system with a 54 mm throttle body handles fueling.
At 65 mph in sixth gear, the engine pulls at roughly 2,200-2,400 rpm – very little vibration through the pegs and bars, and minimal heat on moving days thanks to rear cylinder deactivation, which cuts one cylinder when stopped or barely moving at temperatures above 60°F. On a touring bike putting serious miles on, the gear-type primary drive and belt final drive are both worth noting: neither requires the periodic tensioning or lubing that a chain-primary, chain-final setup demands.
One honest reality: the 116 runs hot at a standstill. Rear cylinder deactivation helps, but summer traffic still sends heat at you and your passenger. That’s the nature of an air-cooled big twin in July.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
The Roadmaster uses a modular aluminum backbone frame with a cast aluminum swingarm. At 876-890 lb fully fueled depending on trim, it is among the heavier bikes in the full-dress touring class. The 26.5-inch seat height is very low, which helps shorter riders touch the ground at stops, but the weight is still real once the bike starts to tip.
The 46 mm front forks (4.7 in travel) provide a compliant highway ride. The rear air-adjustable shock (4.5 in travel) lets you compensate for passenger and luggage loads, which is practical when you’re actually loaded for a trip. Metzeler Cruisetec tires – 130/80-17 front, 180/60-16 rear – are a sensible choice for the segment: enough grip compound for real wet-weather confidence without sacrificing longevity.
The 65.7-inch wheelbase and 25-degree rake make the Roadmaster stable at highway speed and deliberate in corners. Rider Magazine noted in 2021 that it can be pushed along winding backroads with smooth inputs. It will not embarrass you in the curves – it just asks that you commit deliberately rather than flicking it around.
Electronics and Rider Aids
All 2025-2026 Roadmaster models come standard with ABS, cruise control, TPMS, three selectable ride modes (Tour, Standard, Sport), and rear cylinder deactivation. The 7-inch Ride Command touchscreen integrates GPS navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, AM/FM, and the Ride Command+ connected services modem (one year free), which adds live weather, traffic overlays, bike health, and a remote locator.
The PowerPlus variant goes further, adding a Bosch six-axis IMU for lean-sensitive ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, drag torque control, hill hold, and radar-based blind spot and rear collision warnings (Motorcycle.com, 2025). The Thunderstroke 116 models do not have IMU-based lean sensitivity or radar.
Audio scales by trim: the Standard gets a 200-watt, four-speaker system. The Elite gets a 600-watt PowerBand setup with 12 speakers spanning the fairing, saddlebags, and trunk. Both self-adjust for wind and engine noise at speed.
Strengths and Real Limitations
The Roadmaster is the right machine for 500-plus-mile days with a passenger and gear. The combination of 34+ gallons of storage on the Standard, heated seats, heated grips, a power-adjustable windshield, and that broad torque curve makes long days feel manageable. The belt final drive and gear-type primary mean you’re not stopping to lube a chain or check a tensioner on tour.
Three limitations worth knowing before you buy. First: the weight. At close to 900 lb fueled, slow-speed parking-lot maneuvers demand real attention. Practice low-speed turns before you load it for a trip. Second: the 5.5-gallon tank. At 40-42 mpg on the highway, you’re looking at roughly 200-220 miles before hitting reserve – that requires planning on western US interstates. Third: dealer network. Indian’s footprint is smaller than Harley’s. If something breaks in a rural area, your nearest dealer may be several hundred miles away.
Who Should Buy the Indian Roadmaster
The Roadmaster suits experienced riders who prioritize two-up touring comfort and want a full-featured platform with Apple CarPlay, radar-optional safety aids (PowerPlus), and a legitimate build quality story. The 26.5-inch seat height helps shorter riders, but the weight rules it out for beginners.
If performance is the priority, the PowerPlus 112 variant is meaningfully quicker – 126 hp and 133 lb-ft versus the Thunderstroke’s 92 hp and 126 lb-ft, plus the full IMU-based electronics suite. If you want the lowest entry point into the Roadmaster, the 2026 Standard at $34,999 includes nearly every core feature: Ride Command with Apple CarPlay, power windshield, independent heated seats, heated grips, remote-locking luggage, and ABS.
The Elite at $41,999 is for buyers who place value on limited production and the 600-watt audio system. The mechanicals are identical to the Standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Roadmaster’s top speed?
The Indian Roadmaster has a top speed of approximately 115 mph. Indian does not publish an official figure. This estimate comes from instrumented analysis by Top Speed (2023) based on the Thunderstroke 116’s gearing and redline, and aligns with GPS-verified owner reports. Modified examples with performance cams, intake, and exhaust have reached 120-126 mph per owner reports on the Indian Motorcycle Forum.
How much horsepower does the Indian Roadmaster make?
Indian claims 92 hp at the crank for the Thunderstroke 116 engine. At the rear wheel, dyno results have ranged from approximately 75.9 to 80 hp, based on testing reported by Rider Magazine (2021) and owner forum data. The PowerPlus 112 variant claims 126 hp at the crank.
What is the Indian Roadmaster’s 0-60 time?
Indian does not publish a 0-60 time, and no major publication has formally tested the 116-powered Roadmaster. The older Thunder Stroke 111 covered the quarter mile in 13.91 seconds at 94.44 mph in owner testing (Indian Motorcycle Forum Australia, 2016). An estimate of approximately 5-6 seconds to 60 mph for the 116 is reasonable based on weight and power, but treat it as an estimate, not a confirmed figure.
What is the difference between the Indian Roadmaster and the Roadmaster PowerPlus?
The standard Roadmaster uses the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 at 92 hp and 126 lb-ft. The PowerPlus uses a liquid-cooled engine in 108-ci or 112-ci form – the 112 is rated at 126 hp and 133 lb-ft. The PowerPlus also adds a Bosch IMU enabling lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, drag torque control, hill hold, and radar safety aids that Thunderstroke models do not have.
Is the Indian Roadmaster good for two-up riding?
Yes. The Roadmaster comes with independent rider and passenger heated seats, passenger armrests, adjustable passenger floorboards, and air-adjustable rear preload for load compensation. Storage totals 34+ gallons on the Standard trim across saddlebags, trunk, and lower fairing – enough for a week-long trip with gear for two.
What tires does the Indian Roadmaster use, and how reliable is it?
The Roadmaster runs Metzeler Cruisetec tires – 130/80-17 front and 180/60-16 rear. Both are H-rated, covering the bike’s top speed with margin. On reliability, the Thunderstroke 116’s belt final drive and gear-type primary eliminate the highest-maintenance wear items. Long-term owner reports indicate the engine is broadly trouble-free at high mileage, with the main concerns being electronics and heat management in stop-and-go traffic. Indian’s 2-year limited warranty is standard.
What to Know Before You Buy
- The Indian Roadmaster’s top speed is approximately 115 mph based on independent instrumented testing; Indian publishes no official figure.
- The Thunderstroke 116 produces 92 hp claimed at the crank and approximately 76-80 hp at the rear wheel per Rider Magazine dyno data (2021).
- Peak torque of 126 lb-ft arrives at 2,900 rpm; rear-wheel torque peaks around 105-106 lb-ft at just 2,000 rpm – the entire character of the bike is built around that low-end push.
- The 2026 Roadmaster Standard starts at $34,999; the Elite runs $41,999 in a limited worldwide run.
- For more performance and lean-sensitive electronics, the Roadmaster PowerPlus 112 is the variant to evaluate first.
- Nearly 900 lb fueled is the Roadmaster’s primary challenge – deliberate low-speed technique is not optional.
