The Long-Lasting Luxury American Motorcycle That Rarely Needs Repairs

Indian Motorcycle is technically America’s oldest bike-building marque. It’s even a few years older than Harley-Davidson, even though it hasn’t been in continuous operation over the last century. It is enjoying success in current times with new technology paired with old-school naming conventions that pay appropriate homage to the classic Indian bike and engine models.

Part of this success is based on the powerful Thunderstroke engine, which proves reliable and suitable for long-distance trips, even those that take you far from any factory-authorized mechanical support. The rest is the hang-on gear, upholstery, and fit-and-finish that holds up to the miles with aplomb. Collectively, this makes the Roadmaster a desirable luxury bike for tourers and commuters alike.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Indian Motorcycle. The information provided is current as of the time of this writing.

Indian Roadmaster: The Return Of Reliable American Luxury Touring

A historic name reborn into modern, long-haul luxury

George Hendee started building bikes in 1901 under the Hendee Manufacturing Company monicker before changing the name to the Indian Motorcycle Company in 1923. The between-the-wars years were marked by racing success, which translated directly into commercial success during that period of rapid technological advancement.

Unfortunately, Indian wouldn’t survive the Second World War, leaving Harley-Davidson as the only major American manufacturer to survive for much of the latter half of the 20th century. After several abortive attempts to resurrect the brand, Polaris Industries stepped in and bought it lock, stock, and barrel. Polaris’ deep pockets fueled a robust research and development program, and the result is that, at this point, its products are showing up in articles about reliability.

To even be considered is an honor, but the Roadmaster meets all the criteria and has since its release in its current iteration in 2014. Since then, it has seen further development and improvement, and is still available today in a plurality of engine sizes/ types. We’ll focus on the Thunderstroke model family here today as opposed to the somewhat more modern, liquid-cooled, PowerPlus versions.

The Thunderstroke Engine Offers Classic Style And Modern Reliability

A fun fact about the engine: the original Roadmaster ran with a flathead/ sidevalve engine, and the new Thunderstroke engine sort of emulates the look of a flattie with faux cooling fins cast into the rocker box covers. The Thunderstroke 111 kicked things off in 2014 and was replaced by the punched-out 116 cubic-inch version by MY2020. Like any long stroke V-twin, both are torque-rich with power throughout the range and solid roll-ons for decisive passes on the superslab.

They quickly established a decent track record and are widely regarded by their owners as reliable machines ready for long road trips at the drop of a hat. While it’s true that repairs and even routine maintenance can be on the pricey side, at least you aren’t likely to have to add a towing fee to the tally with the Roadmaster, no matter which of the Thunderstroke engines it carries.

The Selectable Ride Modes let you change the engine’s personality at will so you can dial in for changing conditions, and the Rear Cylinder Deactivation system keeps heat down in stop-and-go conditions by shutting off the rear cylinder at idle. Neither system has proven particularly prone to malfunction or failure thus far.

Roadmaster Engine And Performance Specifications

The Roadmaster Has A Solid Touring Foundation

Like any bike, durability and reliability are linked to proper maintenance, but in general, the Indian Roadmaster is regarded as reliable when properly cared for, maintained, and at least covered, if not parked indoors. The fit and finish is evident at a glance, and honestly, is one of the things this brand does very well, even if the colors are, I don’t know, a tad Disney at times.

An Aluminum Chassis Underpins The Heavyweight

The cast-aluminum frame eliminates much of the welding work, and it’s stronger for it at the end of the day. Plus, it’s less vulnerable to oxidation than the steel tubing that supports domestic foe Harley-Davidson’s products, so it’s infinitely less likely to fail structurally and leave you stranded far from home.

As for equipment such as the brakes and suspension, they are without any inherent weakness or faults, and likewise are to be trusted if you’re going to be far from your favorite mechanic. Dual front brakes with large brake discs and four-piston calipers provide most of the braking power, and the stock ABS feature ensures you can safely get the most out of your anchors.

Classic Touring Style That Holds Up Over Time

Prevention is key to preserving your Roadmaster’s natural good looks. Keep it washed, waxed, and preferably indoors in a climate-controlled space. Anything less than that, and no matter how good of shape it’s in, it won’t last in pristine condition. Covers are suitable for the short term, but moisture still collects on the machine beneath, and the wind can cause the cover to shift around, leaving a patina of scratches. Plus, covers are usually good for a year, two at most, and need to be replaced to maintain the meager protection they provide.

The finish of the Indian Roadmaster seems to be as good as the King of Paint, with similar resistance to wear and damage. Ultimately, it comes down to how and where you ride, and how well you take care of your machine. The bodywork is sturdy and not prone to cracking and failure, even though that uncommonly full fender on the front wheel holds its shape through a compound stiffening structure. As for the luggage, the same holds true, and both locking mechanisms and hinges are top-shelf stuff.

Why the Roadmaster Stands Apart

Luxury touring with durability and reliability built in

The Roadmaster stands out in the luxury touring segment because it delivers comfort and refinement without saddling its owner with constant upkeep. Many premium touring bikes achieve their plush feel through added complexity, but the Roadmaster manages it with thoughtful engineering and proven systems that hold up over time.

It feels substantial without being fragile, premium without being temperamental. For riders who want a motorcycle that can cover real miles — year after year — without turning every trip into a shop appointment, the Roadmaster represents a rare balance of heritage, craftsmanship, and reliability. It is not just a luxury bike to admire in the garage; it is a luxury bike meant to be ridden.