2020 Indian Thunder Stroke Lineup Announced
Select models now come standard with 1890cc engine
A week after announcing its 2020 Scout lineup, Indian announces its updated air-cooled cruiser and touring model lineup, including an upgrade to a larger Thunder Stroke 116 engine for select models, a new Ride Command infotainment system, a redesigned Springfield Dark Horse. a new Roadmaster Dark Horse and the return of the Chieftain Elite.
While we await the official word on its new liquid-cooled Challenger – perhaps the industry’s worst-kept secret – Indian reminds us that its air-cooled Thunder Stroke engine isn’t going anywhere. The 2020 Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited and Chieftain Elite will all come standard with the 1890cc Thunder Stroke 116. The 2020 Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Springfield and Chieftain Classic will stay with the TS 111, while the Chieftain will be offered with a choice of either engine option.
The larger displacement was previously available as an optional big bore upgrade to the 1811cc Thunder Stroke 111 engine. The added 79cc comes from increasing the bore by 2.2 mm to 103.2 mm and keeping the stroke at 113 mm. Indian claims the larger engine churns out 126 lb-ft. of torque compared to 119 lb-ft. from the Thunder Stroke 111.
The latest iteration of Indian’s Ride Command system uses a new quad-core processor, with Indian claiming the fastest infotainment experience on the market. New features include traffic and weather overlays to help riders plan their routes. Indian also claims more intuitive search capabilities and improved customizable ride screens.
2020 Indian Roadmaster Dark Horse
The Roadmaster is the latest Indian to receive the Dark Horse treatment. Along with blacked-out finishes, the Roadmaster Dark Horse features a streamlined fairing, “slammed” saddlebags, an extended reach rogue gunfighter seat and matte paint schemes. The Roadmaster Dark Horse also gets a larger 19-inch front wheel (the regular Roadmaster makes do with a 16-inch wheel) and a smaller, open fender.
The 2020 Roadmaster Dark Horse will be available in Thunder Black Smoke for $28,999, but for $29,749, you get a choice of White Smoke or Ruby Smoke.
2020 Indian Springfield Dark Horse
The updated 2020 Springfield Dark Horse shares several design cues from the limited edition Jack Daniel’s version introduced at Daytona Bike Week. Features include slammed saddlebags, rogue seat, 12-inch mini-ape handlebar and blacked-out finishes.
The 2020 Indian Springfield Dark Horse is priced at $22,499 in Thunder Black Smoke or $22,999 for the White Smoke or Sagebrush Smoke color options.
2020 Indian Chieftain Elite
The Chieftain Elite returns for 2020 after a one-year absence. It offers Indian’s PowerBand audio system with integrated saddlebag speakers, premium badging, and a new two-tone Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Wildfire Candy paint scheme with matching red engine highlights. Other features include premium wheels, mirrors, floorboards and windshield.
The 2020 Indian Chieftain Elite is priced at $34,999.
Rest of the 2020 Indian Thunder Stroke lineup
For 2020, the Chief Dark Horse and Chief Vintage (pictured above) receive the same chassis as the Springfield. The result, according to Indian, is improved handling and adjustable rear suspension. The Springfield and Chief Dark Horse will also now come standard with a 17-inch wheel. The 2020 Roadmaster also receives a new, lighter trunk rack.
Pricing and color options for the rest of the 2020 Thunder Stroke model lineup 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
- 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
- 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
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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The Thunder Stroke is a beautiful motor. I'd argue it's the best looking cruiser motor out there. This bump is displacement is awesome and it saves the buyer literally thousands of dollars that it would cost to have done at an Indian dealer if you wanted to retain your warranty. Nice one, Indian.
On top of this the bikes are beautiful. The red Roadmaster Dark Horse is especially good looking. The wheels on the Chieftain Elite look pure custom. That's also a beautiful bike.
Indian is doing it right now and they are doing it well. Sadly, they are letting their prices explode just like Harley. You'd think they would have learned something from Harley and their continual overpricing of old bikes using ancient technology which has lead to over 2 years straight decline in sales. Come on, Indian, don't be Harley. We don't want to see Indian go out of business yet again.
*impatiently waiting for the Challenger