Indian announce new tech in 2019 Chief, Roadmaster, Springfield
Indian has announced its 2019 Chief, Springfield and Roadmaster models will feature new technology designed to enhance their riding experience.
Dark Horse models also get darker with premium gloss black finishes and expanded color options on Springfield Dark Horse.
Developed in direct response to rider feedback, the new technology features focus on improving performance, comfort, and more versatile for customising. The new features include:
Selectable Ride Modes
Riders can now choose between three Ride Modes on the fly – Tour, Standard or Sport – for a ride experience that’s customised to their riding style. The throttle map for each Ride Mode was designed with a specific application in mind, resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct personalities. “Tour” mode features a smooth throttle response for relaxed cruising.
“Standard” mode features a crisp throttle response and well-balanced power delivery for responsive passing power and predictable, slow-speed handling. And finally, “Sport” mode features an instant throttle response and aggressive power delivery for head-snapping acceleration.
Rear Cylinder Deactivation
To increase rider comfort, all Thunder Stroke 111 models are now equipped with Rear Cylinder Deactivation. When the engine reaches operating temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds 15C, the rear cylinder will automatically deactivate when the bike is at a standstill, resulting in less engine heat for improved comfort in slow-moving or stopped traffic. The rear cylinder instantly reactivates when throttle is applied for a seamless transition to full power.
Improved Airflow on Roadmaster Lowers
The lowers on the 2019 Roadmaster have been redesigned and optimised to provide significantly more airflow to the rider. This greatly improves comfort while cruising down the road.
The redesigned airflow vent can be adjusted from all the way open for maximum airflow to fully closed for total weather protection. The new lowers can be retrofit to bikes from past model years with the addition of new highway bars.
Enhanced Audio System
Several enhancements have been made to Indian Motorcycle’s stock audio system to significantly improve sound quality. First, the tweeters have been separated from the mid-range speakers to optimise sound output and clarity.
Second, a dynamic equaliser that’s fully customisable now adjusts specific frequencies at different vehicle speeds to provide peak system performance at all times. As speed increases, the equaliser automatically adjusts each frequency to the optimal level to compensate for road, wind and engine noise. The result is crystal clear, 100-watt premium audio at all speeds.
“These enhancements for 2019 showcase our commitment to listening to riders and continuously improving their experience with our products,” said Steve Menneto, President, Indian Motorcycle. “We are laser-focused on delivering a best-in-class riding experience, and these new technologies represent a focus on quality that will continue long into the future of Indian Motorcycle.”
Also for 2019, Chief Dark Horse and Springfield Dark Horse receive several style updates that further accentuate their mean, custom styling. These models now boast premium gloss black finishes on the engine including the primary, valve, and cam covers, push-rod tubes, and saddlebag hinges. The exhaust has also been fully-blacked out to complete the dark look.
Springfield Dark Horse is now offered in two colors –Thunder Black Smoke and a new White Smoke option. Also, notable for the 2019 Springfield Dark Horse is the addition of the iconic Indian headdress on the front fender and a 19in contrast-cut wheel. The front highway bars and windshield were also removed to punctuate its sleek, streamlined stance.
Indian Motorcycle offers a wide range of authentic accessories for riders to customise their bike’s performance, style, comfort and storage. Exciting additions to the accessory line will be announced shortly. MY19 Motorcycles will be available in Australia and New Zealand later this year. See the Indian Motorcycle website for more information.
Thunder Stroke 111 Specifications
- Engine: Air-cooled, 49˚ V-Twin, EFI, 101 x 113mm bore x stroke, 9.5:1 compression, 1811cc
- Clutch: Wet multiplate
- Final Drive: Belt
- Torque: 151Nm@3000rpm
2019 Indian Chief Dark Horse & Vintage
The 2019 Chief Dark Horse is defined by its matte-finish paint and contrasting gloss black details. New features include Ride Modes and Rear Cylinder Deactivation. Other features include ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition and performance from the Thunder Stroke 11 V-twin engine.
The classically-styled Indian Chief Vintage with genuine leather saddlebags and seats, whitewall tyres and wire wheels comes standard with a quick release windshield, ABS, cruise control and keyless ignition. In 2019, the Indian Chief Vintage also includes Ride Modes and Rear Cylinder Deactivation.
Indian Chief Dark Horse (Vintage) Specifications
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 46mm diameter, 119 mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Single shock 94mm travel, adjustable
- Dry Weight: 332kg (365kg)
- Ground Clearance: 140 mm
- Length: 2630mm
- Rake/Trail: 29° / 155mm
- Seat Height: 660mm
- Wheelbase: 1730mm
- Brakes: Individual front and rear control with ABS, dual 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers, single 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
- Wheels & Tyres: Cast 16in x 3.50, 16in x 5.00, Dunlop Elite 3 130/90 B16, Dunlop American Elite 180/65 B16
- Colours: Thunder Black Smoke (Thunder Black, Sky Blue over Pearl White, Willow Green over Ivory Cream)
2019 Indian Springfield & Springfield Dark Horse
Pure and classic styling define the Indian Springfield. In addition to getting Ride Modes and Rear Cylinder Deactivation, Indian Springfield maintains rider-favourite features such as the quick release windshield, genuine leather seats, remote-locking saddlebags and adjustable passenger floorboards. ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition and tyre pressure monitoring also come standard.
The Indian Springfield Dark Horse family has expanded to include a White Smoke option in addition to the original Thunder Black Smoke option. Both options boast premium gloss black finishes on the engine’s primary, valve, and cam covers, push-rod tubes, as well as on the exhaust and saddlebag hinges. Standard features include Ride Modes, Rear Cylinder Deactivation, remote-locking saddlebags, ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition and tyre pressure monitoring.
Indian Springfield (Dark Horse) Specifications
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 46mm diameter, 119mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Single shock 94mm travel, adjustable
- Dry Weight: 364kg (349kg)
- Ground Clearance: 142mm
- Length: 2583mm(2522mm)
- Rake/Trail: 25°/133mm
- Seat Height: 660mm
- Wheelbase: 1730mm
- Brakes: Individual front and rear control with ABS, dual 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers, single 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
- Wheels & Tyres: Cast 16in x 3.50, 16in x 5.00, Dunlop Elite 3 130/90 B16, Dunlop American Elite 180/65 B16
- Colours: Thunder Black, Metallic Jade over Thunder Black, Steel Grey over Burgundy Metallic, (Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke)
2019 Indian Roadmaster
For the ultimate ride, Indian offer the 2019 Roadmaster. Featuring all-new Ride Modes for performance customisation plus redesigned lower fairings with adjustable airflow vents and Rear Cylinder Deactivation for enhanced comfort. The following touring amenities round out the package: LED lighting, multi-setting heated seats and grips, remote-locking saddlebags and trunk, adjustable passenger floorboards. ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition and tyre pressure monitoring also come standard.
Indian Roadmaster Specifications
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 46mm diameter, 119mm travel
- Rear Suspension: Single shock 94mm travel, adjustable
- Dry Weight: 403kg
- Ground Clearance: 140mm
- Length: 2656mm
- Rake/Trail: 25°/150mm
- Seat Height: 673mm
- Wheelbase: 1668mm
- Brakes: Individual front and rear control with ABS, dual 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers, single 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
- Wheels & Tyres: Cast 16in x 3.50, 16in x 5.00, Dunlop Elite 3 130/90 B16, Dunlop American Elite 180/65 B16
- Colours: Thunder Black, Burgundy Metallic, Polished Bronze over Thunder Black, Pearl White over Star Silver Steel, Grey Smoke over Thunder Black Smoke
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Ride Command Infotainment System: 17in screen, 10 seconds response time from key-on; Premium Audio System – 100-Watt with AM/FM, Bluetooth and USB input; Customisable Split-Screen Information Displays with eight screen options; GPS Navigation – Turn-by-turn directions, built-in points of interest; Customisable Route Builder – Add up to 100 way points