The 2020 Indian Roadmaster Elite Gets More Power, Better Audio, And Custom Paint

It's also limited to 225 units

For the 2020 model year, Indian is giving its ultimate touring bike, the Roadmaster Elite, a few significant updates – a bigger engine, more powerful audio system, and custom paint sure to stun. Here’s the catch: Indian is only making 225 units. However, if you’re one of the lucky 225 who shell out the $38,999 retail price in time, what you’ll get is the cream of the crop in the Indian Touring lineup. Let’s highlight the major changes.

Style

If you’re going to travel far on a touring bike, then you better look good too. Indian has done well to leave the Roadmaster Elite’s classic lines alone, but for 2020 its paint job gets a boost. Here’s how Indian says it: “Each and every Roadmaster Elite undergoes a meticulous paint process that takes more than 30 hours to complete and is finished by hand. The new Thunder Black Vivid Crystal over Gunmetal Flake paint with off-set red pinstripes and exclusive red elite badging with matching push-rod tubes delivers a new, meaner and sportier look. The 19-inch precision machined wheel under the valanced front fender adds to this look, while still maintaining a classic aesthetic.” Granted, I’m not the typical buyer of a motorcycle like this, but judging from these pictures anyway, the new Elite looks striking.

Audio

Tunes and touring go hand in hand, and with the Roadmaster Elite the PowerBand Audio Plus system delivers 50% more power than the stock audio system, with speakers mounted in the fairing, trunk, and saddlebags. The nine-band equalizer auto-adjusts specific frequencies to compensate for road, wind, and engine noise, to give you the best sound possible while riding.

Power

For 2020, the entire Roadmaster lineup (Roadmaster, Roadmaster Dark Horse, and Roadmaster Elite) is getting the Thunder Stroke 116 cubic-inch engine, replacing the 111 cubic-inch V-Twin seen before. Indian’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the larger displacement combined with a redesigned, higher flowing cylinder head, give it a claimed 126 lb-ft of torque, seven more pound-feet than the 111ci engine it’s replacing. Three ride modes – Tour, Standard, and Sport – are also available.

Infotainment

The Indian Motorcycle Ride Command system isn’t new, per se, but does get a couple upgrades. To quote Indian: “The seven-inch, glove-compatible touchscreen features turn-by-turn navigation, customizable rider information screens, Bluetooth compatibility, and pairs with the Indian Motorcycle Ride Command mobile app for remote accessibility to key vehicle information. New 2020 connected features include traffic and weather overlays, so riders can plan their ride to avoid traffic and poor weather conditions. Riders can also plan a ride route with up to 100 points on the Ride Command website and wirelessly transfer it to the bike via Bluetooth.”

Standard Equipment

As standard equipment, the 2020 Roadmaster Elite includes tank-mounted analog fuel and volt meters, rear cylinder deactivation, and full Pathfinder LED lighting with driving lights. Rider and passenger amenities include a genuine leather two-up touring seat with individual heating for both the rider and passenger, passenger armrests, heated handgrips, backlit switch cubes, and a power-adjustable flare windscreen. Also included are, ABS, keyless ignition, weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags, a spacious trunk that fits two full face helmets, and over 37 gallons of storage space.

Pricing for the ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite starts at $38,999 in the U.S. and $46,999 in Canada. Available at Indian Motorcycle dealers today.

For more information on the 2020 Roadmaster Elite, or to find the nearest dealer, visit IndianMotorcycle.com.