Motorcycles

Indian Roadmaster Classic gets the full leather treatment

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Indian Motorcycle introduces three color variations of the new Roadmaster Classic
The Roadmaster Classic replaces the hard side bags and trunk on the Roadmaster with leather
A classic desert brown leather adorns the Indian Roadmaster Classic
The Indian Roadmaster Classic uses plenty of leather to create the classic Indian motorcycle look
The trunk and side bags provide up to 33 gallons of storage capacity
Indian Motorcycle introduces three color variations of the new Roadmaster Classic
The Indian Roadmaster Classic comes with Ride Command infotainment system found on the 2017 Chieftan and the Roadmaster
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Since Polaris bought Indian Motorcycle, its new offerings have mostly been a homage to past models like the original Chief Classic and the Scout. Even the Springfield paid deference to the company's original location in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Then came the Indian Chieftan, the first faired Indian, and the Roadmaster, a barcalounger of a cruiser that seemed more like a flip of the finger at Harley Davidson's UltraGlide than a nod to anything in Indian's past. Now comes the Roadmaster Classic, a bike that includes all of the doodads available on the 2017 Roadmaster, but with heavy swaths of leather to give it a more "historical" look.

The hard side bags found on both the Roadmaster have been replaced with the fringed leather versions found on the Chief Vintage, and the hard trunk has been subbed out for a leather wrapped version. The combined side bags and trunk provide up to 33 gallons (125 liters) of storage, which gives the Roadmaster Classic about 5 gallons less than what you'll find on the original Roadmaster.

Indian also removed the fairing lowers that came standard on the Roadmaster. The result is a bike that actually looks like an Indian but remains an asphalt gobbling machine.

The Roadmaster Classic comes equipped with the same Ride Command infotainment system included on the 2017 Chieftan and Roadmaster. There's also cruise control, ABS and individually heated seats, plus a full range of mostly leather accessories available to enhance the bike's classic look.

We enjoyed putting the Roadmaster through its paces last summer and the Classic is almost 50 pounds (22 kg) lighter at 864 pounds (391 kg), so it may even run and corner a little better.

While some buyers may not care for all of that leather or the upkeep that comes with it, they may appreciate the US$2,000 to $3,000 savings the Classic provides over the regular Roadmaster. The Roadmaster Classic will list at just under $27,000 for the black version, while the two-tone versions (green and cream and red and cream) will come in at around $28,000. Both models are available in Indian Motorcycle dealer showrooms from February 21.

There have also been rumors of more new Indian's in the works, but company company says that any announcements confirming new models won't come until sometime in April.

Source: Indian Motorcycle

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2 comments
DavidRogerBrown
What a deal only $28 grand and a suave 864 lbs! After Polaris killed their "Victory," will Indian disappear once again? Their age old competition,H.D. isn't doing well ether with the baby boomers getting too old or dying off. Manufacturers can't live on cruisers alone. Truly the golden age of motorcycles with all varieties of fantastic models. But the young people are more into their electronics and sale numbers down. Hopefully,the new,low cost 300c.c. "entry" models will perk their interest up.
Nik
It looks like a fair weather only machine, strictly for posers. Any hint of rain, and road muck and all that leather will start to look like a corpse, waiting to be interred.