Indian Motorcycle has launched the fourth season of its FORGED custom build series. Focusing on the new-for-2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, three builders were invited to fabricate one-of-a-kind custom bikes that deliver a unique combination of performance and style.
Since he was a young boy, Satya Kraus has always been drawn to motorcycles – it wasn’t just a fascination, it was an obsession. In the late ‘90s, Kraus cut his teeth in the custom chopper scene, drawn in by the raw artistry and hands-on craftsmanship that defined the era. It wasn’t just about the bikes; it was about the builders, the metal, the pride in making something real. That passion never faded – in fact, it grew. Fueled by a deep respect for the craft and the culture, Satya turned his passion into a career. Today, his aftermarket motorcycle parts company, Kraus Motor Co., stands as a tribute to that lifelong love – built by a rider, for riders, with the soul of a craftsman in every piece.
Indian Motorcycle’s FORGED program is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus. Each design and development video will roll out in the coming weeks, while final reveals will take place later this summer.
With the all-new Chieftain PowerPlus, Indian Motorcycle has redefined the American V-Twin bagger market. Designed with distinctive American style, the Chieftain PowerPlus features rider-assist technologies never before offered in an American V-Twin motorcycle and is powered by Indian Motorcycle’s championship-winning PowerPlus 112 engine.
Indian Motorcycle has launched the fourth season of its FORGED custom build series. Focusing on the new-for-2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, three builders were invited to fabricate one-of-a-kind custom bikes that deliver a unique combination of performance and style.
This week’s installation features Kyle Bertsch from Forever Rad in Missouri. The first FORGED custom video featured Jermy “Twitch” Stenberg, and the next will feature Satya Kraus of Kraus Moto. This video focuses on the design and development of the Forever Rad Chieftain PowerPlus. —Ed.
What started as a love and passion for skateboarding quickly turned into an obsession with style and mechanics. First, Kyle’s obsession steered toward custom cars, and now he’s an iconic motorcycle builder who crafts bikes that look like art and ride like hell. Every project he touches reflects the same raw energy and fearless creativity he’s always lived by – driven by one simple goal: to always do something undeniably rad.
Indian Motorcycle’s FORGED program is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus. Each design and development video will roll out in the coming weeks, while final reveals will take place later this summer.
With the all-new Chieftain PowerPlus, Indian Motorcycle has redefined the American V-Twin bagger market. Designed with distinctive American style, the Chieftain PowerPlus features rider-assist technologies never before offered in an American V-Twin motorcycle and is powered by Indian Motorcycle’s championship-winning PowerPlus 112 engine.
From May 23-25, 2025, moto enthusiasts can visit the Bike Shed London to see the results of a unique collaboration between Royal Enfield and The Great Frog, a London-based jewelry brand. The two brands worked together to create a custom-inspired Brit chopper based on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, a limited-edition handcrafted silver ring, and an exclusive apparel line.
The Super Meteor 650, on which the collaboration custom was based, was introduced in 2023 as a British-classic styled cruiser. It’s powered by an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin, has an upright and neutral seating position, and features both chrome and black finishes. For more information about the Super Meteor 650, check out our ride review. The custom bike of this collaboration puts a darker spin on the Super Meteor.
“The custom-built Brit chopper on the Super Meteor 650 is a true work of art – handcrafted, raw, and full of character,” said Mohit Dhar Jayal, chief brand officer of Royal Enfield. “We’re thrilled to showcase it at Bike Shed London for enthusiasts around the world.”
The design of the bike, ring, and apparel are rooted in The Great Frog’s association with rock-and-roll style. The sterling silver ring is handmade in London by artisans, and the apparel will be sold exclusively at The Great Frog stores in London, Los Angeles, and New York City.
“Both TGF and Royal Enfield have stood the test of time have drawn upon their heritage to come together to distill this lineage and create a modern-day interpretation of the early Brit chopper,” said Reino Lehtonen-Riley, creative director and head designed of The Great Frog. “Rather than slavishly copying the past, we took the same ethos of those before us but with today’s technology.”
The bike will be unveiled at The Bike Shed Moto Show, with ticket prices starting at £33.49. This weekend-long event will showcase more than 250 custom bikes and offer exhibitions, food and drink vendors, tattoo artists, barbers, and much more. See the custom Super Meteor at the show throughout the weekend, and visit The Great Frog’s and Royal Enfield’s websites for more information.
Indian Motorcycle has launched the fourth season of its FORGED custom build series. Focusing on the new-for-2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus, three builders were invited to fabricate one-of-a-kind custom bikes that deliver a unique combination of performance and style.
Kicking off the FORGED custom build series is Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, followed by Kyle Bertsch from ForeverRad and Satya Kraus of Kraus Moto. The first video focuses on the design and development of Twitch’s build. —Ed.
Riding dirtbikes since the age of two, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg became one of the most decorated Freestyle Motocross (FMX) riders the sport had ever seen. Having spent his whole life riding FMX, Twitch is now donning a new hat and stepping into the world of V-Twin custom bike builder, appropriately following in the footsteps of his friend and fellow FMX rider, Carey Hart.
Indian Motorcycle’s FORGED custom build series is a six-part video series highlighting three unique interpretations of the all-new 2025 Chieftain PowerPlus. Each design and development video will roll out in the coming weeks, while final reveals will take place later this summer.
With the all-new Chieftain PowerPlus, Indian Motorcycle has redefined the American V-Twin bagger market. Designed with distinctive American style, the Chieftain PowerPlus features rider-assist technologies never before offered in an American V-Twin motorcycle and is powered by Indian Motorcycle’s championship-winning PowerPlus 112 engine.
Continuing the Harley-Davidson Icons Motorcycle Collection is the 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Gray Ghost. This motorcycle, like others in the Icons collection, is a limited-production model, and each unit is serialized with its unique model number.
The Fat Boy Gray Ghost is immediately recognizable by its Reflection finish that makes the fuel tank and fenders appear as if they were dipped in chrome but holds up against corrosion better than chrome. The finish is created using the physical vapor deposition process, also known as thin film coating, and then painted over with a standard clear coat. This model includes the first large parts to use this process on a production H-D motorcycle, although it has been used before for small details.
Completing the shiny look are chrome side covers and a frame finished in bright silver powdercoating. Adding a pop of color are yellow accents on the lower rocker covers, powertrain covers, and tank console insert, and the round air cleaner harkens back to the original 1990 Fat Boy. Other details include a leather seat with lacing and tassels, a black leather tank strap with laced edging, fuel-tank medallions with winged graphics, a commemorative tank console insert, and Icons Collection medallion on the rear fender.
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Gray Ghost is an homage to the original 1990 Fat Boy that was inspired by a custom Softail created in 1987 at Harley-Davidson Montreal. An example was sent to Milwaukee, where a styling team led by Willie G. Davidson and Louie Netz created a production version, calling it the Fat Boy.
“On the 1990 Fat Boy model, the wheels are the defining characteristic,” wrote Davidson in his book 100 Years of Harley-Davidson. “The idea was to create a distinctive look using solid-cast disc wheels. We pushed this distinction further with a silver monochromatic paint job and silver powder-coated frame. Since the entire bike was silver, we needed something bright to set it off. I added yellow trim to the rocker boxes, the derby cover, the timer cover, and the ignition switch. We built a Fat Boy prototype, and I took it to Daytona so we would get one-on-one feedback from the riders.”
The Fat Boy was cemented in popularity with its appearance in Terminator 2: Judgement Day in 1991, in which Arnold Schwarzenegger rides a Fat Boy through Los Angeles in a chase scene. In its 35-year history, the Fat Boy has been updated and improved a few times but still retains its original appeal as a bike that takes styling cues from the 1949 Hydra-Glide but with a modernized twist.
Like other 2025 Fat Boys, the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Gray Ghost is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 117 Custom engine that delivers a claimed 101 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. It features three ride modes, cornering antilock braking, cornering traction control, cornering drag torque slip control, tire-pressure monitoring, all-LED lighting, a USB-C power port, and a 5-inch LCD screen below the analog speedometer. It also features Lakester cast-aluminum wheels that are exclusive to the Fat Boy and Michelin Scorcher 11 tires.
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Gray Ghost is limited to 1,990 units globally and has an MSRP of $25,399.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (Photo by Brian J. Nelson and Kevin Wing)
Harley-Davidson has made significant updates to its Softail cruiser lineup, even though they look almost identical to the previous versions. They’ve got more power, more tech, and fresh colorways. The six Softails in the current lineup are the Heritage Classic, Street Bob, Fat Boy, Breakout, Low Rider S, and Low Rider ST. They’re powered by three variants of updated 117ci Milwaukee-Eight V-Twins: Classic, Custom, and High Output.
We took them for spins around Austin, Texas, diving into the myriad changes to find out which Softail we like most. Each model has its purpose and its own character, but a couple stood out from the rest.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST (Photos by Brian J. Nelson and Kevin Wing)
Harley-Davidson has made significant updates to its Softail cruiser lineup, even though they look almost identical to the previous versions. They’ve got more power, more tech, and fresh colorways. We took them for spins around Austin, Texas, diving into the myriad changes to find out which Softail we like most.
There are now six Softails – the Fat Bob was pruned from the lineup – and what remains are the Heritage Classic, Street Bob, Fat Boy, Breakout, Low Rider S, and Low Rider ST. They’re powered by three variants of updated 117ci Milwaukee-Eight V-Twins: Classic, Custom, and High Output.
Softail prices range from $17,199 to $24,199. Seen in this lineup are (left to right) the Low Rider ST, Fat Boy, Low Rider S, Street Bob, Breakout, and Heritage Classic.
Cylinder heads borrowed from the recent 117/121 CVO and Grand American Touring bikes are the main reason for the increase in power across the Softail line. Designed for improved performance and efficiency, they also use the updated oil-routing passages for the oil-cooled heads, which is purported to reduce heat during low-speed operation.
Also new is a contoured aluminum intake manifold that creates a smoother transition from the round throttle body to the oval intake ports. Exhaust systems were redesigned to minimize high frequencies so that the bass volume from a pair of 961.5cc cylinders could be emphasized.
All Softails are now fitted with a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit that tracks lean angles, g-forces, and speeds to enable cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control. The Softails also now include selectable ride modes that affect throttle response, power delivery, and the parameters for cornering ABS and traction control.
To test the efficacy of the Softails’ new IMU-based traction control, Harley sent us out on an outrigger-equipped Street Bob to ride through a gravel-laced corner on a test course. It was interesting to feel the early TC intervention in Rain mode, then feel it loosen up in Road and Sport modes.
Also new to the standard-equipment list across all Softails are cruise control, tire-pressure monitoring, and USB-C charging points. New gauges feature analog speedometers above multifunction LCD panels that display ride modes and other information. New switchgear on the handlebars offers higher-quality tactile responses, and the front brake lever is now adjustable for reach.
Suspension has straight-rate springs replacing progressive coils for “a better balance between the springs and damping,” says H-D, adding that the straight-rate fork springs provide more predictable performance and feel.
Getting the opportunity to ride six bikes over two days was an unusual situation, allowing us to hone in on which Softail is our favorite. We’ll save the best for the last.
2025 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
All Softail lighting is now LED, including the turnsignal lamps that formerly were incandescent.
The combination of wide tires on disc-style wheels gives the Fat Boy (starting at $22,599) a commanding presence, and its appearance in 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgement Day earned it a place in pop-culture history. The Fat Boy and its steamroller stance remains one of Harley’s most iconic models, but it’s my least favorite Softail.
The Fat Boy is powered by the Custom variant of the new 117 M-8s, which boasts 11% more horsepower and 6% more torque than the 114ci powerplant in the previous Fat Boy. Harley says it cranks out 104 hp and 126 lb-ft.
2025 Harley-Davidson Fatboy in Blue Burst
You can identify the Custom engine by its Touring-style airbox (claimed to offer 50% more volume than the Ventilator used on the previous Fat Boy) and 2-into-2 exhaust – the only Softail motor not fitted with a 2-into-1.
This Boy hits the road with 6.3 inches of rubber up front and 9.4 at the rear: 160/60-18, 240/40-18 Michelin Scorcher radials. Lakester cast-aluminum wheels feature a machined inner section that mimics the solid discs of the original Fat Boy. The wide theme continues with the “beer can” covers over the 49mm Showa fork held by aluminum triple clamps.
To me, fat tires are like platform shoes – what is gained by a badass appearance is lost from its dynamic performance. Wider tires make any motorcycle feel less agile and heavier, simple as that. And with 25.6 degrees of lean angle before its footboards scuff the road, it digs in sooner than all the other Softails.
2025 Harley-Davidson Breakout
2025 Harley-Davidson Breakout
The Breakout (starting at $23,099) is essentially a Fat Boy with a skinnier front end. The 240mm rear tire remains, but up front is a narrower and taller 130/60-21 Scorcher to give it a raked-out chopper stance. The lighter wheels and tires help trim 13 lb from the Fat Boy’s 694-lb curb weight. It shares the Custom engine with its Boy brother, which feels and sounds burly and has smooth but reactive throttle responses.
2025 Harley-Davidson Breakout in Brilliant Red
While the Fat Boy uses a console-mounted 5-inch gauge, the Breakout has a 4-inch display mounted to its handlebar. The forward-canted position of the handgrips makes a rider feel engaged, and the forward-mount footpegs are able to accommodate longer legs.
2025 Harley-Davidson Breakout
The Breakout’s narrower front tire sends clearer messages through the bars than the duller feedback from the Fat Boy’s chunky rubber, and it steers more neutrally too. Still, the 240mm rear tire isn’t ideal for unwinding twisty roads, and a rider can feel the bike want to run wide when accelerating out of corners.
The Breakout’s meaty 240mm rear tire adds style but affects handling.
Brakes are shared with the Fat Boy, a 4-piston front caliper paired with a 300mm disc and a 2-piston rear caliper with a 292mm disc. They’re plenty adequate, but they pale in comparison to the dual-disc front end on the Low Riders.
2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob
Wire-spoke wheels add timeless appeal to the Street Bob, now in a tubeless design.
For a bar-hopping scoot, the Street Bob (starting at $17,199) could be the best Softail of them all. Its narrower and lighter wheels/tires offer better suspension compliance than its fat-tired brethren, helping the 646-lb Bob feel 100 lb lighter than the Boy, even if the difference is only 48 lb.
2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob in Centerline
The Street Bob shares the Classic engine tuning with the Heritage Classic, which can be identified by their round air cleaners. Rated at 98 hp and 120 lb-ft, the Classic variant is the least powerful 117 of the group, but it offers 4% more hp and 1% more torque than the Bob’s previous 114ci M-8, which was anything but sluggish.
2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob
As the most stripped-down Softail, the Street Bob has elemental beauty and a raw bobber attitude, with chopped fenders and the smallest fuel tank in the lineup: 3.5 gallons compared to the 5-gallon tanks on the other Softails. It’s also the least expensive of the bunch.
The Street Bob has the Classic variant of the Milwaukee-Eight 117.
Straddling the low 26.8-inch seat (H-D prefers stating seat heights with riders aboard, i.e. “laden,” which is listed at 25.8 inches), a rider’s hands have a long reach up to the handlebar. The mini-apes made it difficult for me to keep my hands on the grips when the steering sweep was at full lock, and the tall handlebar adds leverage that a rider can feel flexing in its rubber mounts when shoving the grips at a standstill or when hard on the brakes.
Agility is the greatest asset of the Street Bob, feeling nearly as nimble as the old Sportsters (R.I.P.) but with a massive dose of extra power. And with 28.5 degrees of available lean angle, it’s behind only the Low Riders for maximum tilt when leaned over in corners.
2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob
The Street Bob’s most contentious aspect is its mid-mount footpegs. They are positioned fine for my body size, but long-legged riders complain they feel cramped. Adding a set of forward controls might be a simple solution for tall riders.
For some, the mid pegs and the small fuel tank might be dealbreakers. For an American-made bar-hopper, it doesn’t get better than this.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
If you’ve got a sportbiker attitude, the Low Rider S (starting at $20,499) is the best Softail for you. It’s spritely and engaging, ready to romp at a moment’s notice with its performance-oriented components and the most powerful Softail motor.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S in Brilliant Red
The Low Riders are fitted with the High Output version of the 117s, with 11% more horses than last year’s 117. Key to the newfound grunt are the cams used in the CVO Road Glide ST that shift the powerband higher. Torque hits hardest all the way up at 4,000 rpm with 128 lb-ft, while power peaks at 5,000 rpm with 114 hp.
Braking power from the Low Riders is in a different league than the single front discs on other Softails.
Low Rider ergonomics put riders in a sporty crouch, with forward-mount handlebars and mid-mount footpegs. The 4-inch gauge sitting front and center is minimalistic but functional.
As befitting a West Coast-style performance cruiser, the Low Riders have the best front ends of the bunch. A 43mm inverted fork offers well-damped suspension action, and dual 4-piston calipers bite firmly on 300mm discs. A longer rear shock yields an extra inch of rear-wheel travel, a relatively generous 4.4 inches, along with 5.1 inches up front.
The Heavy Breather intake is found only on the Low Riders.
A curvy road without traffic is the Low Riders’ preferred playground, able to be leaned over 31.3 degrees before scuffing footpegs. The High Output motor doesn’t feel deficient at lower revs, but it really comes alive when ridden at the other end of the tachometer. Happily, H-D extended the Low Riders’ rev limit from 5,600 rpm to 5,900 rpm, providing a few extra furious revs to play with.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
The Low Rider S is the sportiest Softail, but it’s not my favorite.
2025 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
This Softail (starting at $22,999) is perfectly named, as it provides classic styling that leans on H-D’s heritage with similar bikes that stretch back to the 1950s. Nostalgia is the play here. What surprised me was how well this retro machine performs in contemporary terms.
The Heritage Classic is fitted with cast-aluminum wheels as standard equipment, while the tubeless laced wheels on our test bikes are optional.
Brad Richards, H-D’s VP of design, told us that customers now want bolder colors and designs, adding that chrome finishes are making a comeback. On the Heritage, a mix of black and chrome finishes is used throughout, and new colorways are slightly more daring.
Like the Fat Boy, the Heritage uses a 5-inch instrument panel mounted on the tank console. Riders enjoy a cushy seat with the largest pillion perch in this lineup, and hands have a natural reach to the grips. Footboards offer a variety of leg positions to alleviate cramping.
2025 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic in White Onyx Pearl
The Classic tuning of its M-8 has the lope-for-days cadence that makes a rider feel like going farther than whatever destination is on your itinerary. Like all M-8s, the gearbox is a bit clunky but has positive engagement, feeling more appropriate on the Heritage than the Low Riders.
The Heritage Classic is the most lovable Harley. Change my mind…
The quick-release windshield provides excellent protection and allows riders to cruise with helmet faceshields open, and the new 2-into-1 exhaust enables symmetrical saddlebags that marginally increase storage capacity.
The Heritage Classic and the Fat Boy both the Heritage have a 5-inch instrument panel on the tank console.
For its versatility and easy-going nature, the Heritage Classic nearly nabbed my top spot in Softails, but the next bike speaks to me most directly.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
I’m a fan of H-D’s baggers, and I appreciate how the Pan America has expanded the definition of the MoCo, but the Low Rider ST (starting at $24,199) might be my favorite current Harley. It combines a hot-rodded air-cooled V-Twin with performance-oriented brakes and suspension, topping it off with a reasonable amount of wind protection and the road-trip ability of locking saddlebags.
2025 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST in Blue Burst
The stylish Low Rider ST tips confidently into corners.
Pretty much everything said about the Low Rider S applies to the LRST. The differences are only the addition of that cool FXRT-inspired fairing and color-matched hardshell saddlebags. The new 2-into-1 exhaust allows the right saddlebag to be symmetrical with the left and increase storage volume.
The sculpted shape of the Low Rider ST’s saddlebags follows the line of the rear fender.
The West Coast club-style appearance isn’t for everyone, but the versatility provided by the fairing and bags – along with the natural beauty of an air-cooled engine – hits a sweet spot in my heart. Harley describes the LRST as “a weekend escape machine,” a PR claim I can’t refute.
There are two downsides to choosing the Low Rider ST over the S version: Weight is bumped from 670 lb to 712 lb, and MSRPs jump by $3,700.
The updated Softails break no new ground, but they do advance the cruiser ball forward by incorporating the latest technology along with a welcome boost of power. The formula of an air-cooled motor in a low-slung chassis has enduring appeal.
The Softail lineup ranges from classic to kinda modern, all powered by new 117ci Milwaukee-Eights. From left to right: the Low Rider ST, Street Bob, Low Rider S, Breakout, Heritage Classic, and Fat Boy.
2025 Indian Pursuit Elite (left) an Challenger Elite (right)
Designed for those desiring a premium experience, the 2025 Indian Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite are exclusive limited-edition models loaded with special features and unique details, as well as high-spec components. These models are limited to only 350 units of the Challenger Elite and 250 units of the Pursuit Elite, and they arrive in dealerships this month.
2025 Indian Challenger Elite
Both models can be distinguished as Elite machines by their multilayered paint schemes that take 24 hours to complete. The Indian Challenger Elite’s design is inspired by Gene “Alabama Flash” Walker who set a land-speed record on an Indian PowerPlus in 1920. It includes a tri-tone paint scheme with Black Candy and Red Candy finishes and Crystal White Pearl Satin paint. Shattered glass particles in the paint add depth. It also includes a headdress logo and black Dark Horse finishes. The center console is individually numbered and includes an image of Gene Walker’s PowerPlus racebike.
The Indian Pursuit Elite was inspired by the 20,000 PowerPlus motorcycles produced for the U.S. Army in 1916. It also features a tri-tone paint scheme, with Black Candy and Black Forest Candy finishes and hand-painted Championship Gold accents. Like the Challenger Elite, the Pursuit Elite includes PowerPlus 112 engine covers, exclusive Elite badging, black Dark Horse finishes, and an individually numbered console.
Powering these two models is the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112 motor that debuted this year in the Chieftain PowerPlus. It’s the same engine used in Indian’s King Of The Baggers racebikes and makes a claimed 126 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque, offering three ride modes. The bikes include inverted forks, dual radial-mounted Brembo calipers, Metzeler Cruisetec tires, headdress footboards for rider and passenger, and more premium components.
The Indian Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite come with Indian’s Rider Assist package. In addition to the previously offered SmartLean technology, Rider Assist includes bike hold control, electronic combined brakes, blind spot warning, tailgate warning, and rear collision warning. Lighting includes Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight, driving lights, and saddlebag lights. The windscreen is adjustable via a handlebar-mounted button, and the bikes include cylinder deactivation when stopped at idle, keyless ignition, remote locking storage, cruise control, and USB charging.
The Elite models also come equipped with premium PowerBand audio, including Bass Boost and four 100-watt speakers on the Challenger and six 100-watt speakers on the Pursuit. The 7-inch display features Ride Command functionality for smartphone connectivity and offers Apple CarPlay. Riders can also manage the standard Electronically Adjustable Rear Suspension Preload through the Ride Command system.
2025 Indian Pursuit Elite
The 2025 Indian Challenger Elite is priced at $39,999, and the 2025 Indian Pursuit Elite is priced at $49,999. Visit the Indian Motorcycle website for more information.
The Chieftain PowerPlus was an amiable companion on Nevada’s barren roads.
Indian’s liquid-cooled and overhead-cammed engine in its Challenger changed the game among American V-Twin baggers when it was introduced in 2020. The 108ci Indian Chieftain PowerPlus motor cranked out more ponies than the air-cooled Milwaukee-Eights from Harley-Davidson.
Indian’s PowerPlus family of baggers expands to a quartet for 2025, with the batwinged Roadmaster and Chieftain joining the Challenger and Pursuit.
The Challenger was aptly named, as it was intended to confront the venerable Harley Road Glide for supremacy in the battle of American baggers with frame-mounted fairings. Meanwhile, Indian’s Chieftain and its air-cooled Thunderstroke V-Twin served as combatant for the massively popular Street Glide and its handlebar-mounted fairing.
The Chieftain PowerPlus takes Indian’s bagger lineup to a higher level.
The 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus takes all the good bits of the Challenger and strips away the boxy fairing, replacing it with a chiseled batwing-style fairing. After testing the new Chieftain and its Roadmaster stablemate in Nevada, we believe Indian has built one of the best baggers in America.
Vegas, Baby! | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Indian flew us into Las Vegas to attend the media launch of the new Chieftain and Roadmaster. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but there’s no similar slogan for Lake Las Vegas, the resort community that served as the hub for the launch.
Indian’s PowerPlus baggers lined up in Lake Las Vegas.
Events like these are always preceded by a rah-rah presentation with newsy successes trumpeted by company officials. The introduction of the 1,250cc Scout platform last year has given Indian the market-share lead in the midsize cruiser segment for the first time. On a related note, the 999cc Scout Sixty is Indian’s best-selling motorcycle, with prices starting at $9,999.
But we were in Nevada to get seat time on the new Chieftain PowerPlus and its trunk-equipped Roadmaster sibling. Fans of air-cooled motors will be happy to hear that the Thunderstroke-powered Chieftain remains in Indian’s U.S. lineup, with prices starting at $23,999. The Chieftain PowerPlus’ MSRPs begin at $26,499, identically priced to the Challenger. Prices for the Roadmaster PowerPlus start at $31,999.
The air-cooled Thunderstroke engine soldiers on in the non-PowerPlus Chieftain and in this new Sport Chief RT.
The added cost to get a PowerPlus Chieftain is offset by upscale equipment, like its more powerful engine, an aluminum frame, and premium Brembo brakes. The 108ci (1,768cc) PowerPlus churns out 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. The Thunderstrokes hit their torque peaks earlier, with the 116ci iteration twisting to 126 lb-ft at 2,900 rpm. Indian doesn’t state horsepower numbers for Thunderstrokes, but it’s somewhere in the 80s.
The Roadmaster (left) shares the same bones with the Chieftain PowerPlus (right) but is better equipped for long-haul touring.
Go Big! | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
When more is more, Indian is offering its PowerPlus in a new 112ci (1,835cc) version, the same displacement as used in the King Of The Baggers racebikes to win the 2024 title. While the 112’s peak numbers are only marginally increased (126 hp, 133 lb-ft), the torque band of the bigger motor is filled in everywhere.
The 112ci PowerPlus motor spits out more power than any other production bagger, aside from H-D’s $110K Road Glide RR.
If you wanna run with the big dogs, there’s a $3,000 price to pay. The 112 is only available in the higher-end Limited and Dark Horse variants, which start at $30,499. The bigger motor will also be available in the Challenger platform.
In a year-over-year MSRP comparison, the Challenger gains the more powerful engine and new rider-safety systems with the 112ci upgrade for a modest $500 increase in price. The 108ci Challenger Dark Horse and Limited models receive $2,500 price cuts.
Indian’s electrically adjustable windscreen is a desirable feature for a bagger, one that isn’t available on Harley’s Street Glide.
Complicating the value equation is that all PowerPlus 112 models include SmartLean Technology with a 6-axis IMU to provide lean-sensitive traction control and ABS, plus hill-hold control, electronically linked brakes, and remote locking saddlebags.
The upscale versions of the Chieftain and Challenger also include a radar-based Rider Assist Package with blind-spot and tailgate warnings, plus rear-collision warning lights that flash taillights when a vehicle behind is approaching quickly. It’s the first system of its kind on an American-made motorcycle.
The only remaining option in Indian’s catalog is the more powerful Powerband audio system with rear speakers integrated into the saddlebag lids, which vaults the Chieftain’s fully loaded price to $31,749. A top-trim Roadmaster retails for $36,499.
First Impressions | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Seeing the new Chieftains parked next to Challengers clearly illustrates their dramatically different appearances. Although basically the same under the skin, the bar-mounted fairing of the Chieftain makes it look much lighter than the Challenger, even though the 842-lb Chieftain weighs only about 10 lb less. The Chieftain PowerPlus scales in about 20 lb heavier than the Thunderstroke version.
The aluminum-framed chassis of the Chieftain PowerPlus is solid and confidence-inspiring.
Throwing over a leg reveals a 26.5-inch seat height shared with the Challenger and the Chieftain Thunderstroke. Steering geometry is also identical, with a 25-degree rake angle, 5.9 inches of trail, and a 65.7-inch wheelbase. It feels big, naturally, but not unwieldy, similar to a Street Glide.
Blind-spot warnings are delivered via lights in the inner edges of the mirrors and on the 7-inch TFT touchscreen. The screen can be customized to display the widgets you prefer to see, such as temperature and tire-pressure monitoring.
The Chieftain’s cockpit is centered by the familiar 7-inch TFT touchscreen Indian has employed for several years, and it’s flanked by twin analog gauges for speed and rpm, with LCD info screens at the bottom. This instrumentation was class-leading a few years ago, but it looks dated in comparison to the brilliant 12.3-inch full-color TFT display Harley has been using on its recent baggers.
The Chieftain PowerPlus can be upgraded to 112ci on higher trim levels. Nice features include dual-disc Brembo front brakes, roomy footboards, and remote-locking saddlebags.
Silver State | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Nevada is a strange place. Vegas is dramatically overbuilt and glitzy, while most of the rest of the state is barren and desolate. Lake Las Vegas is east of the city, and our ride followed a northbound route that roughly paralleled Lake Mead on State Route 167.
The Chieftain felt at home on these roads, cruising serenely with a V-Twin soundtrack rumbling below. The electrically adjustable windshield accommodates differing rider sizes and preferences, a feature unavailable on Harley’s Glides.
The Chieftain PowerPlus carving corners in the Valley of Fire.
The controls are easy enough to decipher, a combination of handlebar buttons and the intuitive touchscreen TFT display, which includes Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, plus integrated navigation with real-time traffic updates. At the base of the windscreen is a cubby for a phone with a USB-C plug for on-the-go charging.
The PowerPlus is sweet, as we learned a couple of years ago when comparing a Road Glide to Indian’s 108ci Challenger. Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight spits out more grunt just above idle speeds, but the PowerPlus dominates its rival once past 3,000 rpm and revs out with vigor the Harley can’t match. This advantage is even clearer with the 112ci PowerPlus between your legs. And if you’re a rider who demands smooth-shifting transmissions, the Indian’s short and positive throws will please while the Harley’s clunkier gearbox frustrates in relative terms.
The feature-laden Chieftain PowerPlus has comfy ergonomics, crisp styling, and the most powerful engine in a standard-production bagger.
The blind-spot lamps are neatly integrated in the mirrors and illuminate when the bike’s radar senses a vehicle in a potential blind spot. The radar unit is located atop the taillight bracket, and it can also warn about tailgaters with a notification on the TFT screen. Conveniently, Indian allows riders to set the distance parameters of each or switch them off if desired. Same for the system that will automatically flash taillights to vehicles traveling too closely behind. Cruise control can be adjusted in 1-mph increments.
The footboards scuffing the pavement indicate a 31-degree lean angle, the max lean for the Chieftain and Challenger.
Valley of Fire Crucible | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
A westward turn brought us into the stunning Valley of Fire State Park and an opportunity to find out how the Chieftain performs on twistier pavement. The bar-mounted fairing doesn’t have much of an effect on steering quickness, but the weight of the fairing and its electronics and speakers makes the Chieftain more ponderous than the Challenger at very low speeds and on uneven surfaces.
The rock formations in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park are otherworldly.
The Chieftain PowerPlus impresses when ridden at a sporting pace, offering excellent chassis composure from its stiff aluminum frame and inverted fork. Toggling to the Sport ride mode delivers sharper throttle response and looser electronic intervention than Standard or Rain modes. Metzeler Cruisetec rubber provides plenty of grip up to the footboards dragging at 31 degrees of lean angle.
Braking performance from the Brembo binders is excellent for a big bagger, offering a firm lever and decent feedback. No worries about the electronically linked brakes, as that system only operates above 13 mph, so their actions are imperceptible.
Indian’s interpretation of a modernistic batwing fairing is used on the Chieftain PowerPlus.
Suspension performance is a step up from the Street Glide, with a half inch more front travel (5.1 in.) and a significant 1.5 inches extra rear travel (4.5 in.) from its shock, which offers hydraulic preload adjustment. The Roadmaster has electric preload adjustment for the shock.
The Roadmaster | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
The fully dressed Roadmaster PowerPlus would be a desirable upgrade over the Chieftain for touring over long distances, and especially if carrying a passenger. Its key asset is the trunk providing an additional 18 gallons of storage on top of the saddlebags’ 32 combined gallons. Pillions are treated to a cushy backrest, footboards rather than pegs, and a broader seat with a heating element and a cooling feature.
The Roadmaster’s topcase adds 18 gallons to the Chieftain’s luggage capacity, and it includes a rack for strapping on various items that would exceed the bike’s 54 gallons of combined storage capacity.
Pilots also are treated to a plusher and heated/cooled seat, heated grips, and more expansive protection from the elements. The fairing lowers shelter legs, and the windscreen is much taller, able to ensconce riders in calm air. Cruising along a deserted Nevada highway at 100 mph proved to be surprisingly relaxing behind the Roadmaster’s screen. Vents in the fairing lowers provide appreciable airflow with a kick of a foot.
While it’s a super comfortable perch on which to inhale countless miles, the Roadmaster feels significantly heavier than its Chieftain counterpart. Fully loaded with Powerband audio, it scales in at 937 lb. With the high-mounted trunk combined with the audio componentry in the fairing, the Roadmaster’s top-heavy weight is a lot to contend with, feeling especially unsteady at low speed on gravel turnouts.
The Roadmaster PowerPlus provides full-coverage protection from the elements.
Fork-Mount vs Frame-Mount | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Proponents of frame-mounted fairings like the Challenger and Road Glide endlessly gush about how they isolate weight and aerodynamic forces from the handlebar and steering axis.
Indian now offers fully dressed tourers in your choice of frame-mount (Pursuit) or fork-mount (Roadmaster) fairings.
And they’re not wrong. There were a couple of times in blustery crosswinds when I felt the handlebar faintly waggle as aero forces meandered around the fairing. Also, low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces requires some extra muscle to balance the weight of the speakers, instrumentation, and headlight that wants to rotate around the bike’s steering head.
The weight of the bar-mounted fairing isn’t an impediment on twisty roads like these.
On the other hand, the Chieftain and its modern yet classic fairing look far prettier to my eyes than the blockier Challenger, and the majority of respondents in an informal poll of journalists shared the same opinion. As we’ve all learned over the years, attraction can override simple logic. “The heart wants what it wants,” wrote Emily Dickinson, “or else it does not care.”
Final Analysis | 2025 Indian Chieftain PowerPlus
Indian’s Challenger stirred up the bagger broth and emerged as the class leader among American baggers with frame-mount fairings, and the PowerPlus motor in the new Chieftain elevates its status in the pantheon of baggers.
The 117ci Milwaukee-Eight in the new Street Glide Ultra (starting at $30,749) has similar torque to the PowerPlus, but it comes up about 20 horses short of a full corral. Indian’s motor is eager to rev to its 6,500-rpm redline, while the M-8 runs out of breath on the way to 5,500 rpm.
Large footboards allow a variety of leg positions, shown here in a mid-set position best for sporty riding.
Not all is perfect in Indian-land. The Chieftain’s instrument panel looks like yesterday’s news compared to the Harley’s, and for a $30K bike, we’d expect niceties like backlit switchgear.
But for a touring motorcycle, the Chieftain’s electrically adjustable windscreen is a significant advantage over the fixed screen on Street Glides, and the extra compliance of the rear suspension translates into greater comfort anytime roads turn bumpy. And the PowerPlus 112 surges with power unavailable from Harley-Davidson.
Perched atop the taillights is the radar unit that detects vehicles in blind spots and warns of tailgaters. The horizontal taillights at the saddlebag seams blend seamlessly at eye level but look ill-fitting from lower angles.
So here are four questions that only you can answer: Do you want a simpler air-cooled V-Twin or a more powerful liquid-cooled motor? Do you want a frame-mount or a fork-mount fairing? Do you want a basic bagger like the Chieftain or a luxury-touring rig like a Roadmaster?
And, finally, do you think a Street Glide is more attractive than a Chieftain? If so, Emily Dickinson can’t fault you for considering one. It’s a great era for bagger shopping.
A Dark Horse version of the Chieftain PowerPlus with the 112ci engine in its Ghost White Metallic Smoke colorway.
Honda has announced the introduction of three bikes being brought into the U.S. market for model-year 2025 that had previously been sold overseas. New to our market are the NT1100 sport-tourer and the Honda CB750 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP naked bikes. Also included in this announcement are updates to the Rebel 300 and 500. Eleven other models return unchanged.
2025 Honda NT1100 DCT
2025 Honda NT1100 DCT in Pearl Hawkeye Blue
New to U.S. soil this year is the NT1100 DCT sport-tourer based on the Africa Twin. It was introduced in Europe in 2022 and has since sold 12,000 units.
The NT11000 DCT shares the liquid-cooled 1,084cc parallel-Twin of the Africa Twin. Its Dual Clutch Transmission offers three modes: Drive for daily city and highway riding, Sport for sportier riding, and Manual to give the rider full control of gear shifts via handlebar triggers. The DCT also includes incline detection to adapt gear shifts depending on the grade of a hill.
The NT1100 DCT is powered by the 1,084cc parallel-Twin of the Africa Twin.
Other technologies included are Honda Selectable Torque Control with an integrated wheelie mitigation system, cornering ABS, Rear Lift Control, and cruise control. Ride modes include Urban, Rain, Tour, and two User modes, and the bike includes heated grips as standard.
The bike also borrows the Africa Twin’s steel semi-double-cradle frame. Wheelbase is 60.4 inches, ground clearance is 6.8 inches, curb weight is 547 lb, and seat height is 32.3 inches. Suspension is provided by Showa with a 43mm inverted fork and a Showa shock, both offering adjustable preload and 5.9 inches of travel. Brakes include two 310mm front rotors squeezed by 4-piston radial-mount calipers. In the rear is a 256mm rotor and a 1-piston caliper.
This windscreen is adjustable to five positions.
This sport-tourer comes loaded with additional features as standard. It includes self-canceling turnsignals, 12V and USB auxiliary sockets, a centerstand, a manually adjustable windscreen with 6.5 inches of adjustment, an extended fender, and dual LED headlights. The seat is wide and thick, and the standard upper and lower wind deflectors help protect rider and passenger from the elements. The 6.5-inch TFT screen offers three display options, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2025 Honda NT1100 DCT will be available in Pearl Hawkeye Blue with an MSRP of $11,899.
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet in Pearl White
The CB750 Hornet, which was first offered in Europe in 2023, comes to the U.S. with a few updates for the 2025 model year. Honda is targeting this naked bike at younger riders who are looking for a step up from a beginner bike, “riders seeking everyday practicality and thrilling performance.”
The bike is powered by a 755cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft, a bore and stroke of 87.0mm x 63.5mm, and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Also included are three ride modes that adjust the level of engine power, engine brake, and torque control, a slip/assist clutch, and an up/down quickshifter that can be set to Soft, Medium, or Hard. Wheelie control is also included.
The CB750’s steel diamond frame weighs 36.6 lb, and suspension consists of a Showa 41mm SFF-BP inverted fork and a Pro-Link seven-stage preload-adjustable fork, each offering 5.1 inches of travel. Brakes are provided by Nissin, with two 296mm petal front discs gripped by radial-mount, 4-piston calipers. Wheels are 17 inches, wheelbase is 55.9 inches, curb weight is 422 lb, and seat height is 31.3 inches.
The CB750 Hornet has a 5-inch TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.
Updates for 2025 include a new dual LED headlight unit, revised suspension settings, and a new 5-inch TFT screen. The screen offers smartphone connection via the Honda RoadSync app to allow turn-by-turn navigation, phone calls, and music.
The 2025 Honda CB750 Hornet will be available in Matte Black Metallic or Matte Pearl White with MSRP starting at $7,999.
2025 Honda CB750 Hornet in Matte Black Metallic
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP
2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP in Matte Black Metallic
The Honda CB1000 Hornet SP streetfighter also makes its entrance to the U.S. market this year. It features an aggressive design, a CBR1000RR-derived 4-cylinder engine, and premium suspension and brake components.
The bike’s styling includes a dual LED headlight, a fuel tank that mimics folded wings, and a minimal seat to give it a narrow waist. The 5-inch TFT screen is customizable between Bar, Circle, or Simple design patterns and connects to a smartphone via the Honda RoadSync app.
Powering the CB1000 Hornet SP is a 1,000cc 4-cylinder engine with DOHC, a slip/assist clutch, and an up/down quickshifter (adjustable to three levels). Bore and stroke are 76.0mm x 55.1mm, and the compression ratio is 11.7:1. The bike also has a 4-2-1 exhaust design and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank. Ride modes include Sport, Standard, Rain, and two User modes, and each adjusts power, engine brake, and torque control.
The CB1000 Hornet SP’s fuel tank is meant to resemble folded wings.
The bike’s steel twin-spar frame positions weight forward for optimized handling and agility. Rake and rail are set to 25 degrees and 3.9 inches, and wheelbase is 57.3 inches. It has a seat height of 31.9 inches and a curb weight of 465 lb. Up front, suspension is provided via a fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, and the rear has a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock with Pro-Link. Slowing things down are dual 310mm floating front discs pinched by radial-mount Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers.
The 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $10,999.
2025 Honda Rebel 300 and 500
2025 Honda Rebel 300 in Matte Black Metallic
These two beginner-friendly cruisers return for 2025 with a few shared updates. Both models feature a revised handlebar position, a more comfortable seat, and a front paint-matched fender. Everything else remains the same.
The 2025 Honda Rebel 300 will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $4,849.
2025 Honda Rebel 500 ABS in Pearl Beige
The 2025 Honda Rebel 500 will be available in three trim levels: standard, ABS, and ABS SE. The standard model will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $6,499. The ABS version will come in Matte Black Metallic or Pearl Beige starting at $6,799. The ABS SE option comes in Pearl Blue starting at $6,999.
2025 Returning Models
The following models are returning for model year 2025. Included in the announcement are colors and prices for each model.
2025 Honda SCL500 in Matte Black Metallic
The scrambler-styled 2025 Honda SCL500 will be available in Matte Black Metallic for $6,799.
2025 Honda CB650R in Pearl Smoky Gray
The 2025 Honda CB650R naked bike with Honda’s E-Clutch technology will be available in Pearl Smoky Gray for $9,399.
2025 Honda CBR650R in Grand Prix Red
The 2025 Honda CBR650R sportbike with E-Clutch will be available in Grand Prix Red for $9,899.
2025 Honda CRF300L in Red
The 2025 Honda CRF300L dual-sport will be available in Red for the base model or Swift Gray for the CRF300LS (low seat) version, staring at $5,749.
2025 Honda CRF300L Rally in Red
The 2025 Honda CRF300L Rally dual-sport will be available in Red for $6,499.
2025 Honda PCX in Pearl Gray
The 2025 Hoda PCX, a 157cc urban scooter, will come in Pearl Gray for $4,249.
2026 Returning Models
Honda has also announced colors and prices for five 2026 models.
2026 Honda CBR600RR in Deep Pearl Gray
The 2026 Honda CBR600RR sportbike comes in Deep Pearl Gray. The base model will be available for $12,199, and the ABS version will be priced at $13,199.
2026 Honda CBR1000RR in Pearl White
The 2026 Honda CBR1000RR superbike will comes in Pearl White for $16,999 for the base model or $17,299 with ABS.
2026 Honda Grom ABS n Pearl White
The 2026 Honda Grom minimoto will come with Candy Blue, Pearl White, or Cherry Red for $3,599. The ABS version will be available in Pearl White for $3,799. The SP version will come in Matte Black Metallic for $3,699.
2026 Honda ADV160 in Pearl Smoky Gray
The 2026 Honda ADV160 scooter will come in Pearl Smoky Gray for $4,499.
2026 Honda Metropolitan in Red
Finally, the 2026 Honda Metropolitan compact scooter will come in Denim Blue Metallic or Red with an MSRP of $2,649.
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